Leaders in the United Methodist Church are facing criticism for not upholding the standards of Scripture after a North Carolina pastor was allowed to keep her job – even though she violated the denomination’s Book of Discipline.

The Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church stated that what is known as a “just resolution” had been reached in the case involving Rev. Val Rosenquist – a pastor in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The female pastor from the Tar Heel State married a same-gender couple in April – despite church rules that prohibit pastors from performing same sex “marriages.” Details of the resolution have not yet been released.

American Family Association Senior Vice President Buddy Smith, who is also a retired elder in the United Methodist Church, blames church leaders for not doing their job.

“Unfortunately they have an agenda that is not anchored to historic Christianity in this matter and it is unhinged from the teachings of the Word of God, the authority of Scripture, and they’re failure to uphold the Book of Discipline,” Smith argues.

Smith calls for high-ranking members in the church to step up and stand for the biblical principles upon which it was established.

“It’s time to call on our leadership to really lead according to the standards of God’s Holy Scripture,” the pro-family advocate added.

Smith laments over the current situation, insisting that the bishops’ failure of leadership is both heartbreaking and tragic.