IRD Press Release:
A retired United Methodist minister and past dean of Yale Divinity School will face no punishment for conducting a 2012 same-sex wedding in violation of the policies of the United Methodist Church.
The Rev. Dr. Thomas W. Ogletree’s refusal to commit to following church policies in the future led to a formal complaint filed against him within the denomination’s conference for the New York City area.
Ogletree and New York Bishop Martin McLee announced a settlement at a press conference today. Rather than Ogletree facing penalties, McLee will convene a public forum to give Ogletree further opportunity to promote his vision for the church. When asked at the press conference if he would do another same-gender wedding, Ogletree replied, “Sure!”
McLee further announced that he would cease all trials for New York-area United Methodist clergy who perform same-sex rites. In the press conference, the Rev. Scott Campbell, who served as Ogletree’s counsel, essentially admitted that this constituted an open invitation for area clergy to perform same-sex rites.