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KCCI has learned a formal complaint has been filed against a well-known Methodist minister in Des Moines for performing a same-sex marriage.View videoThe United Methodist Iowa Conference said it's an issue that's dividing the church.For 27 years, if Methodist ministers or staff needed advice, they went to Reverend Dr. Larry Sonner. He is the founder of Pastoral Care and Counseling.Now, he is charged with violating the sacred trust of the church."It's an equal rights issue. Why shouldn't everyone have the same that I have and one of those rights is marriage," Sonner said in an exclusive interview with KCCI.Sonner said he knew he would face consequences when he married a lesbian couple last month outside a church in West Des Moines. In the Methodist Book of Discipline that is incompatible with Christian teachings."I think when you do have any king of civil disobedience, you are saying, 'I will take the consequences,'" said Sonner.The Bishop of the Iowa Conference released a statement saying the appointive cabinet entered into a time of prayer and commitment to promote and engage in Holy Conversation around the ways in which our church is in distress and disagreement."It is causing a great deal of division in the United State and Iowa. We are definitely not in the like mind on this issue," said Rev. Bill Poland, assistant to the bishop.One Iowa, which advocates for LGBT issues, said the Methodist Church as a great history of human and civil rights."It really brings to the surface the need to have this conversation that they understand love is love and open their doors to the same-sex couples," said Donna Red Wing, executive director of One Iowa.Sonner could be defrocked, lose part of his pension, his housing allowance and his health care. He said that is something he is willing to give up to stand up for what he believes in."We're the only major denomination besides Baptists and Roman Catholics, we have to move ahead on this," said Sonner.Sonner will meet with the Bishop on Dec. 1. Both sides said they hope they can come to a resolution that will lead to healing and unity in the church.