Philadelphia Rights Celebration Hailed As Unqualified Success

http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/05/050205ministry.htm

A Methodist minister who had been defrocked for being in a lesbian relationship, then was reinstated, called for an end to discrimination against gays in a speech to hundreds of supporters at celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of the nation's first gay rights protest.

"Other faith traditions out there have tried to shut us down and tell us we're not worthy," said the Rev. Irene Elizabeth Stroud, who spoke at an interfaith service Sunday. "I pray for a day when no one will experience discrimination."

Stroud, who was defrocked after she told her Philadelphia congregation that she was in a relationship with another woman, was reinstated by a Methodist court last week. (story) The decision could be overturned if leaders with the United Methodist Church decide to appeal.