Support UM News on World Press Freedom Day: Give to help sustain and expand the storytelling capacity of UM News. Your donation today will transform information into inspiration and ensure we can continue sharing stories of God’s work in the world through The UMC. Help us reach our $10,000 goal and keep this vital ministry fair, faithful, trusted and free for all!

6 p.m. EDT June 23: Jury votes to suspend Wisconsin pastor

A jury of 13 United Methodist clergy in the church trial of the Rev. Amy DeLongvoted 9-4 to suspend the pastor for a period of 20 days, beginning in July. The jury convicted DeLong on a charge of performing a same-sex union in violation of church law. Details were to be announced soon after the decision became known at 6 p.m. EST Thursday.

The same jury Wednesday found DeLong not guilty in a unanimous decision of the charge of being a “self-avowed practicing homosexual.” Her conviction on the same-sex union violation came on a 12-1vote.DeLong has been a clergy member in Wisconsin for 14 years and is director of an advocacy group. In 2009, she agreed to officiate at a service for a lesbian couple, and she and her longtime partner registered under Wisconsin’s Domestic Partnership Law.

United Methodist News Service reporter Heather Hahn and photographer Mike DuBose are covering the trial and will post coverage here as well as on the UMNS Facebook page and Flickr.


Like what you're reading? Support the ministry of UM News! Your support ensures the latest denominational news, dynamic stories and informative articles will continue to connect our global community. Make a tax-deductible donation at ResourceUMC.org/GiveUMCom.

Sign up for our newsletter!

Subscribe Now
General Conference
The Rev. Gabriel Banga Mususwa. Photo courtesy of the author.

An appeal to hold General Conference outside US

The United Methodist Church’s top assembly has never met in the central conferences; the decision to hold the 2028 gathering in Minneapolis should be rescinded.
Church Leadership
Caralyn Ware. Photo courtesy of the author.

When the shepherd strays: Addiction and clergy wellness

The United Methodist Church must act at every level to help pastors in crisis and create space for wellness.
Social Concerns
Bishop Julius C. Trimble. Photo by Tessa Tillett for the Indiana Conference.

Love demands compassionate response, prophetic witness

United Methodists have a long history of advocating for the needs of others. Today, that call continues.

United Methodist Communications is an agency of The United Methodist Church

©2025 United Methodist Communications. All Rights Reserved