FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Ocean, NJ) – On Friday, December 20, Bishop John Schol of the Greater New Jersey United Methodist Conference responded to the United Methodist Church’s decision to remove the credentials of Reverend Frank Schaefer for conducting the marriage ceremony of his gay son.

In an emotional video statement, Bishop Schol first addresses gay and lesbian people as children of God of sacred worth.  He goes further to state that there are “United Methodist Churches that will open their doors wide to you, are ready to be in ministry with you and will treat you just like any other member of their church.”

Bishop Schol then addresses the issue of trials within the church.  In a statement of institutional courage, Bishop Schol expresses his love for the United Methodist Church and his disagreement with the church’s use of trials to decide decisions of faith.  He asserts there is room within the church to honor different views and he pledges to be a leader of all peoples.

The video which was released Friday on social media and the GNJUMC web site was quickly picked up and reposted on United Methodist news sites, the Washington Post and other local media.

You are encouraged to use this video statement in all media outlets.  Bishop Schol is also available for interviews on this matter.

Bishop’s Schol Statement on Vimeo:   https://vimeo.com/82421976

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