A Massapequa Park minister is one of more than a hundred United Methodists, who signed a pledge Monday to perform same sex marriages, despite a church ban against them.
Rev. Jeffrey Wells, joined163 clergy members from New York and Connecticut and more than 700 lay people in pledging to " commit to marrying all people, both gay and straight, who seek the blessing of the church, without bias or discrimination."
Wells told The Long Island Press, that he feels a personal connection to the same sex marriage issue, because his brother is gay.
Despite the taunting he endured as a child, the pastor's sibling grew up to be a prominent gay rights advocate in Milwaukee.
“I have always been very proud of my brother’s activism around this issue and have tried to do what I have been able to do, both before I became a pastor and since, to advocate for full equality in society for gays and lesbians and also for full inclusion in the life of the church,” Wells told the Press.
Wells also said he has received mixed reaction from his congregation.
Wells could face disciplinary action from the church and even have his clergy orders taken away if he performs a same sex union.
