WATCH: Methodist Pastor Says He Was Fired for Having a Partner

A Methodist pastor in Michigan tells WSBT that he's suddenly lost his job for being gay, even though the congregation has long known.

Reverend Benjamin Hutchison had been pastoring the church in Cassopolis for three years but the bishop of the district hadn't asked Hutchison directly about his partner until July 13. When he didn't hide it, Hutchison was let go.

Although the two aren't married, with Hutchison out of the job and in need of benefits, it looks like that will soon change, reports WSBT.

According to its rules, the United Methodist Church still says, "The practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching. Therefore self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be certified as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church."