Citing procedural inconsistencies, a Methodist court has reinstated a gay minister who had been defrocked for declaring to her congregation that she was in a relationship with another woman, the Associated Press reported.
The United Methodist Church appeals panel voted 8-1 to set aside the December decision by another church court to oust Irene ‘Beth” Stroud for violating the denomination’s ban on ‘self-avowed, practicing homosexual’ clergy. In a 14-page decision, the panel said the ban was ‘null and void’ because church procedures were not followed. However, Jim Allen, general counsel for the church’s finance and administration agency, said the opinion must be endorsed by the top Methodist court, the Judicial Council, before it becomes church law.
The ruling was sure to inflame traditional Methodists, who have been outraged that church leaders have not done more to enforce the ban on actively gay clergy. The church is expected to appeal the decision to the Judicial Council. As for Stroud, she reportedly will not resume ministerial duties until the appeals process is completed.