'It Was The Love Of My Life': Pastor Who Quadrupled Membership Fired For Having A Same-Sex Partner

Senior Pastor Benjamin Hutchison was forced to resign – or be fired – from the United Methodist Church in Cassopolis, Michigan after the District Bishop asked him if he had a same-sex partner. Hutchinson's parishioners were well aware that he is gay and in a committed same-sex relationship. They are also aware that he quadrupled his church's membership and took it from being in the red to being in the black. No small feat in a time when many churches are losing members and going bankrupt.

“It wasn’t only my place of employment; it was the love of my life,” Hutchinson told WSBT.

Reverend Hutchinson says he's always been open about who he is.

“I’ve never been shy about it, and I won’t hide from it. Monty Hutchison is my life partner and that’s who he is to me. I consider him my partner, Lord willing, someday to be my husband.”

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