Methodist council to hear gay minister's case [View All]

A Methodist minister who was defrocked after telling her Pennsylvania congregation she's gay has her credentials back, but her ordination could again be revoked this week after she goes before the church's highest judicial panel.

The Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church will hear Irene "Beth" Stroud's case in Houston on Thursday. Decisions by the council are final.

Stroud, 35, was convicted in December of violating the denomination's ban on "self-avowed, practicing homosexual" clergy. An appeals panel overturned that conviction in April, but the church has appealed that ruling.

"Whether I win or lose, I am grateful that at least this phase of my journey will be ending," said Stroud, who says her sexual orientation shouldn't qualify or disqualify her for the ministry she says she was called to do. "If the Judicial Council understands this is a question of basic fairness, they will rule in my favor."

http://www.dfw.com/mld/startelegram/news/state/13002114.htm