CALIFORNIA ? A Presbyterian minister accused of marrying two lesbian couples in violation of the faith’s position on same-sex unions admitted Thursday that she officiated at the weddings, but said she was following both her conscience and the couples’ wishes.

The Rev. Jane Spahr of San Rafael has been charged with official misconduct for conducting the ceremonies in 2004 and 2005 and violating her church’s constitution.

As the first witness in her trial before a church judicial commission, Spahr testified that while she knew the Presbyterian Church (USA) reserves marriage for a man and a woman, she purposely used the language the couples wanted when she presided over the nuptials.

Spahr, 63, a lesbian and longtime activist, directs a group lobbying for greater inclusion of gay Presbyterians in the church. If found guilty by the church’s regional governing body, she could face anything from a rebuke to being forced to leave the ministry after more than 30 years.