Some Methodist clergy defy gay-marriage ban

The opinions expressed by columnists are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Townhall.com.

MILWAUKEE (AP) — A growing number of pastors in the United Methodist Church say they’re no longer willing to obey a church rule that prohibits them from officiating at same-sex marriages, despite the potential threat of being disciplined or dismissed from the church.

In some parts of the United States, Methodist pastors have been marrying same-sex couples or conducting blessing ceremonies for same-sex unions for years with little fanfare and no backlash from the denomination. Calls to overturn the rule have become increasingly vocal in recent weeks, ratcheting up the pressure for the United Methodist Church to join other mainline Protestant denominations that have become more accepting of openly gay leaders.