November (Web-only) 2004

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Methodist jury finds Beth Stroud guilty of violating church law on sexuality
It shouldn't be a big shocker that a church jury defrocked United Methodist minister Beth Stroud. She told her congregation that she's a practicing lesbian (her partner was the publisher of The Other Side until it folded in October), and the Methodist Book of Order clearly bans "self-avowed, practicing homosexuals … as ministers." The church's rule on this was strengthened at the denomination's May meeting.

But it is a big deal because Methodist ministers are violating the church's teachings on sexual ethics, but other juries and denominational leaders have thwarted any disciplinary measures. Just two months ago, a complaint was dismissed against Karen Oliveto, who had performed the marriage of a gay couple in San Francisco.

In fact, the last time the denomination actually defrocked one of its ministers over homosexual behavior was in the 1987 Rose Mary Denman case. In 1999, Jimmy Creech was defrocked for performing same-sex union ceremonies.

Stroud plans to keep ministering without her credentials. Under Methodist polity, she can continue preaching as a lay member, but can't administer Communion elements or conduct baptisms. She says she hasn't decided whether to appeal the ruling, the announcement of which was followed by her supporters gathering in the courtroom, singing, "We are gay and straight together, singing, singing for our lives."

For our lives?

More on homosexuality & churches:

• Return of Lutheran group's status sought | Central City mission was removed as a congregation over its call to a lesbian minister (The Press-Enterprise, Riverside, Ca.)
• Christianity doesn't invalidate same-sex relationships - SACC | Caution urged over appeal court ruling (Cape Times, Cape Town, South Africa)