Rev. Jane Spahr of the Presbyterian Church violated denomination rules by officiating at actual same-sex marriages in Calif. during the window when they were legal. She would have been within the rules if she had only blessed the union rather than be the presiding pastor.
Her church trial just concluded. The presiding commission, a mix of clergy and laity, ruled by essentially saying, "We're really sorry about all this. Since you did break the rules, we'll have to convict you of the charges. However, we really like the witness you offer to the rest of the denomination and wish we didn't have to punish you for it."
The response was as expected. Those on the right were happy unity and purity were upheld. The pro-gay side was annoyed with the mixed message.
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