Watch An Act of Love

An Act of Love is a powerful and moving documentary that follows the journey of Reverend Frank Schaefer, an ordained United Methodist minister who was put on trial by his own church after officiating at the wedding of his gay son. The film explores Schaefer's personal and professional journey as he fights for love and equality within the church, and his eventual defrocking after refusing to pledge to never officiate same-sex weddings again.

The film begins with Schaefer's initial reluctance to officiate at his son's wedding, due to his strict adherence to church doctrine. However, Schaefer's love for his son ultimately prevails and he decides to go ahead with the ceremony. This act of love and support sets off a series of events that would ultimately put Schaefer in the crosshairs of his own church and threaten to tear his family apart.

As Schaefer fights to keep his position within the church and continue to preach a message of love and inclusion, the film also delves into the broader debate around LGBTQ rights within the United Methodist Church. We hear from a range of voices, including former Methodist ministers and activists such as Jimmy Creech and Bishop Melvin G. Talbert, who have long been advocating for full inclusion of LGBTQ members in the church.

The filmmakers do an excellent job of balancing the personal and the political, weaving together Schaefer's story with interviews and footage of other LGBTQ activists and religious leaders who are working to effect change within their own faith communities. The result is a rich and nuanced exploration of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights within the church and beyond.

Throughout the film, we see Schaefer's unwavering commitment to his own beliefs and to his son, even in the face of intense opposition and personal sacrifice. We witness the toll that this fight takes on Schaefer and his family, as he is forced to defend his actions and stand up for what he knows to be right, even when it means going against the institution he has dedicated his life to serving.

An Act of Love is an emotional and thought-provoking film that tackles complex issues with both heart and intellectual rigor. It paints a vivid portrait of one man's struggle to reconcile his faith with his beliefs, and his ultimate decision to follow his conscience and stand up for what is right. It also speaks to the broader debate around LGBTQ rights and inclusion within the church, and the ongoing efforts of activists and advocates to effect change from within.

Ultimately, the film is a testament to the enduring power of love and the strength of those who are willing to fight for what they believe in, even in the face of overwhelming odds. It is a moving and inspiring documentary that will leave viewers both deeply moved and profoundly hopeful for the future.

An Act of Love is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9.