Pa. pastor defrocked after performing gay wedding

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (AP) — United Methodist church officials defrocked a pastor from central Pennsylvania today who violated religious doctrine by officiating his son's gay wedding and then, after being suspended, defiantly refused to resign.

The Rev. Frank Schaefer met briefly with the Board of Ordained Ministry at church offices in suburban Philadelphia. Schaefer apparently made good on an earlier vow that he wouldn't voluntarily surrender his credentials as ordered by a religious jury.

Officials had no choice but to terminate his ministerial office, church spokesman John Coleman said afterward.

"When asked to surrender his credentials as required by the verdict, he refused to do so," Coleman said. "Therefore, because of his decision, the board was compelled by the jury's decision to deem his credentials surrendered."

Schaefer left the building without commenting. .