Gay UP Man Sent to Vestibule During Catholic Mass

A gay Upper Peninsula man says he will worship elsewhere after he was barred from his Catholic church's sanctuary during Mass.

Bobby G. Brown tells WLUC-TV (http://bit.ly/1yfFf4x ) that he was told he could listen to Sunday's service from the vestibule at St. Michael Catholic Church in Marquette.

On Saturday, Brown and partner Don Roberts held a backyard commitment ceremony after 31 years together.

Brown began attending Mass at St. Michael eight years ago, became a member five years later and was baptized in the church. He's served on the pastoral council, as a cantor, lector and choir member.

Marquette Bishop John Doerfler says in a statement that qualifications for public ministry in the Catholic Church include observing church teachings.

The church opposes gay marriage and considers homosexual acts sinful.