A Methodist congregation in Indiana rallied behind a local choir director who left his position and was not allowed to return, presumably because he is gay.
Adam Fraley took a job as the choir director for the United Methodist Church in Alexandria, Ind., six years ago, area news outlet The Herald Bulletin reported. He was not openly gay while working at the church, but his partner attended services. Earlier this year, a new minister was hired and said he was "uncomfortable" with Fraley in the position. Fraley eventually resigned because of a heavy workload and his own personal discomfort with the new leadership, per the Bulletin. Six months later, the church got yet another new minister, and the congregants hoped Fraley would be allowed back, but he was not.
“The pastor that’s currently at the church, doesn’t want to work, or doesn’t feel like he can work with somebody, that is like me,” Fraley told local news station WISH. “I do wonder, if the fact that I am gay, had something to do with the amount of workload I was given, because I did resign from the position."
A central point in the issue is apparently a United Methodist Church law stating gay people are allowed to attend services, but are not allowed to serve in positions of leadership. The official guidelines on the topic state: "The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church."
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