Pastor in Gay Unions to Defy Church Ban

A Methodist pastor suspended for one year for performing same-sex marriages says he will continue to officiate at the unions in defiance of church law.

“My ordination requires me to be in ministry to all persons without discrimination,” the Rev. Gregory Dell said after a denomination committee upheld the verdict that he violated church law by presiding over the “holy union” of two men last fall.

Dell’s one-year suspension, which began in July, could be lifted early if he would agree to comply with the church law banning same-sex ceremonies, or if the law is changed.

Dell refused, calling the prohibition unjust and “grounded in bigotry.”