Openly Gay Pastor Accused Of Violating Church Laws

The popular head pastor of a Northeast Atlanta church will soon know whether he can remain at the pulpit. Hearings get underway Friday for Pastor Brad Schmeling who is openly gay.

Pastor Brad Schmeling has preached behind the big red doors of St. John’s Lutheran Church for the past 6 years. When it comes to his personal life, he proudly says the only thing that has changed is that he’s now in a committed relationship. Because of that, he knows he could be de-frocked.

“Because I am in a lifelong committed relationship, the Bishop has filed charges,” explained Pastor Brad.

VIDEO: Openly Gay Pastor Accused Of Violating Church Laws

Pastor Bradley Schmeling is accused of violating the laws of the Lutheran Church. He’s been a pastor at St. John’s on Ponce de Leon for the past 6 years – and says he’s never hidden the fact that he’s gay.

“When I came to the church, I was single so it wasn’t an issue. At the time, I told the Bishop that if that ever changed, I would come and tell him and so I did,” said Pastor Brad.

And so Pastor Brad – as he’s known to his congregation of 350 – is fighting for his frock. He says when he told the Bishop he’s now in a committed relationship, the Bishop asked him to resign and Pastor Brad refused – so hearings on the fate of his future get underway Friday.

Higher ups within the church-wide assembly would not go on camera nor talk specifically about the case, only referring to the church policy which says, “Pastors who are single, whether heterosexual or homosexual are expected to refrain from any sexual relationships outside of marriage, which we define as between a man and a woman.”

“It highlights the craziness of the church’s policy, which focuses on sexual orientation rather than on gifts and qualifications for ministry.

The church hearings that get underway Friday are much like a jury trial. They consist of 12 members of the church assembly and will last about 4 days. A decision is then expected within 2 weeks. Pastor Brad tells Channel 2 he as the full support of his congregation.