BROKEN ARROW, Okla. -- The Council of Bishops for the United Methodist faith is now recommending each church or pastor make their own decision as to whether they will conduct gay weddings.
At Abiding Harvest, Pastor Chris Buskirk said many of his parishioners are homosexual while following current church law.
"They're choosing to live not practicing that lifestyle. For us to now reverse that would really mean to betray those people we've been alongside for years," Buskirk said.
At University United Methodist Church, Reverend Nathan Mattox said he's been approached to officiate gay weddings before.
"They had no clue that someone could bring charges against me and I could be dismissed from the ministry for doing something like that," Mattox said.
On one occasion the reverend attended the wedding, blessing the food instead.
"I can bless food, I can bless animals, I can bless pianos, I can bless houses and church buildings but for some reason our church believes that I can't bless two people who clearly love each other," Mattox said.
The official decision will be made at an international conference next February. At that point, some pastors will re-evaluate their place within the church.
"A lot is on the line. But in the end what I'll feel called to do is whatever considers me faithful before God," Buskirk said.
At the end of the day both sides agree they want to maintain mutual respect, and follow what they believe is best for the church.
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