Kalamazoo Superintendent, the Rev. John Boley (right) speaks with members from the Cassopolis United Methodist Church following a meeting July 13. (Leader photo/SCOTT NOVAK)

Cassopolis United Methodist Church members looking to West Michigan Conference Kalamazoo Superintendent, the Rev. John Boley, for answers at a meeting July 14, walked away just as confused and hurt as they were when ordeal started.

Boley did the best he could to answer questions, but many members were still unhappy when he was unable to give them further specifics on the removal of the Rev. Benjamin David Hutchison July 13.

Hutchison, who is openly gay, resigned as pastor when it was brought to the attention of Bishop Deborah Lieder Kiesey that he had a partner.

According to the United Methodist Church’s Book of Disciplines, “self-avowed practicing” gay clergy are prohibited from serving and bans pastors from officiating same-sex marriages.

“I am committed to upholding the Book of Discipline,” Kiesey said in a statement. “And, although there are many ways of interpreting that discipline, I believe these guidelines offer a way to live together in ministry with all people.”

When Boley asked Hutchison about his relationship, he said, “I would never deny Monty to anybody.” With that, Hutchison was given the choice to resign or be fired.

Hutchison and Monty were married on the steps of the historic Cass County Courthouse later that week in front of more than 30 United Methodist pastors.

Nine of those pastors now face discipline for participating in the wedding.

Boley told the members of the Cassopolis United Methodist Church that he was aware of the fact that Hutchison was gay when he became the superintendent more than a year ago. Boley said when it was brought to the attention of the Bishop that Hutchison had a partner, he was asked to discuss the topic with the reverend.

Boley would not disclose what was discussed with Hutchison and when asked who informed the bishop, he would only say that it did not come from within the church.

“The information I received came from somebody I knew and I trusted,” he said. “I then passed it along as I was obligated to do. I can tell you this, it did not come from anyone in this congregation.”

Boley also told those in attendance that he does not agree with the Methodist Church’s current position on the topic.

“I am with you,” he said. “The United Methodist Church has got to catch up with society. We are following society on this and that grieves me, but that is where we are.”

Hutchison was paid through July 13 and was given six weeks to move from the parsonage. A severance package was still being negotiated. The Cassopolis United Methodist Church will also pay part of his moving expenses.

Hutchison said last week that he will be looking for a position in social work in the Ann Arbor area.

Hutchison will be part of the worship service Sunday in the Camp Baber AME sanctuary beginning at 10 a.m.