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

Translate Page

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!

UMNEWS-SUBSCRIPTION
Poverty
Urs Schweizer.  Photo courtesy of author.

When the poor share what they have

An agricultural program initiated by the United Methodist Church in Albania to help those struggling economically led to an inspiring act of charity.
General Church
Dr. David W. Scott. Photo © Hector Amador.

The many meanings of connectionalism

Church divisions have raised a host of questions about what it means to be connected, prompting a new look at this basic characteristic of Methodist community.
Mission and Ministry
The Rev. Mel West. Photo courtesy of the Rev. Mel West.

Youth group outreach changed Mr. X’s views of church

Pastor recalls how young people accomplished amazing results through a program that addressed housing needs.