Book of Discipline
Church trial shines spotlight on denomination’s ambivalence
By Renée K. Gadoua — November 20, 2013
(RNS) The United Methodist Church’s ambivalence over homosexuality was written all over the penalty given a Pennsylvania pastor Tuesday night at a trial conducted to determine his guilt for officiating at a same-sex wedding.
BREAKING: Methodist Church gives pastor 30 days to desist or give up credentials
By Renée K. Gadoua — November 19, 2013
(RNS) A United Methodist jury Tuesday night gave the Rev. Frank Schaefer 30 days to agree not to break church law again by presiding at same-sex weddings or give up his clergy credentials.
Jurors weigh revoking clergy credentials for Methodist pastor
By Renée K. Gadoua — November 19, 2013
(RNS) A jury of United Methodist pastors began hearing testimony Tuesday (Nov. 19) that will help determine if the Rev. Frank Schaefer will lose his clergy credentials for breaking church law by officiating at the same-sex marriage of his son in 2007. Testimony in the penalty phase of the trial may continue Wednesday.
Methodist pastor found guilty of officiating at gay son’s wedding
By Renée K. Gadoua — November 18, 2013
(RNS) Rev. Frank Schaefer was found guilty of two charges: performing a same-sex wedding and disobeying church law. The United Methodist Church considers homosexuality “incompatible with Christian teachings.” The jury will consider his punishment on Tuesday, which could include the loss if his clergy credentials.
Methodist court sidesteps changes to gay policies
By Renée K. Gadoua — October 28, 2013
(RNS) The United Methodist Church’s highest court issued three rulings this weekend that do not change church policy toward gays and lesbians but allow bishops to accept resolutions expressing dissent from church teachings.
Methodist court to consider growing opposition to gay ban
By Renée K. Gadoua — October 22, 2013
(RNS) As the United Methodist Church’s highest court gathers for its semiannual meeting in Baltimore on Wednesday, it will confront a growing movement of defiant clergy members opposed to church doctrine on gays and unwilling to back down.
United Methodist high court to consider challenges to gay teachings
By Katherine Burgess — September 24, 2013
(RNS) The Judicial Council hearings come as at least four United Methodist ministers -- including the former dean of Yale Divinity School -- are facing trial for officiating at same-sex weddings, and more than 1,500 clergy have signed a statement offering to marry gay couples.
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