Another update on this story I’ve been following, a jury in a church trial has convicted Rev. Irene Elizabeth Stroud of violating United Methodist Church policy on avowed homosexuals in the ordained ministry.
AP makes the same mistake that the Washington Post so often makes, incorrectly referring to pastors (ordained ministers) as ‘ministers.’
As I’ve said in previous posts, I believe the jury made the right decision. Even if you disagree with church policy on homosexuality (which I do not), pastors who voluntarily become ordained ministers in the United Methodist Church agree to follow its rules. Thus, if somebody breaks the rules they should be held accountable.
The penalty phase comes next.
- Methodist Jury Convicts Lesbian Minister (Associated Press via MyWay.com).