Frank Schaefer

Frank (aka Franklyn) Schaefer is a minister, singer-songwriter, activist and author ("Defrocked" 2014). He is featured in the 2015 documentary "An Act of Love" which tells his highly nationally publicized story of being put on trial by the United Methodist Church after he officiated his son's marriage to another man. He was defrocked on December 19th, 2013 when he refused to uphold the Church's "Book of Discipline," which would have meant to denounce gay marriage rights. With the stripping of his credentials, he lost his parish, career and security. Subsequently, Frank became a nation-wide speaker and activist. Though his credentials were reinstated by the Church's highest court in the fall of 2014, Pastor Frank continues to advocate for human rights while also working in a new United Methodist parish in Isla Vista California.