NIC VOICE
News Update 05-02-2005:
Stroud Appeal Verdict - Bishops' Statement, Dissent Statement, Press
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View previously released
NIC
VOICE
news updates on the Beth
Stroud Case here:
http://www.faithfulchristianlaity.org/discussion/viewtopic.php?t=191.
NIC VOICE
news updates published
during the trial week and after have been posted on the
NIC VOICE
web site:
http://www.nicvoice.org/beth_stroud_trial_updates.htm
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UMNS News Releases:
Reinstatement does not reverse church’s standards, bishops say
(click link for pictures)
May 2, 2005
WASHINGTON (UMNS) — A decision to reinstate a United Methodist pastor
who lost her clergy credentials in December under church law concerning
the practice of homosexuality "does not in any way reverse the standards
in our Book of Discipline," according to the denomination’s Council
of Bishops.
In a statement issued
May 1 as the bishops gathered for their spring meeting in Washington,
the council’s executive committee said the April 29 decision of the
Northeastern Jurisdictional Committee on Appeals was based on legal
error, not lack of evidence. "This means that the reasons for the guilty
verdict were not questioned, but the case was reversed on two questions
of legal process," the statement said.
Irene Elizabeth "Beth" Stroud of Philadelphia appealed her case after a
trial court of the United Methodist Church’s Eastern Pennsylvania Annual
(regional) Conference found her guilty on Dec. 2 of violating church
law, which forbids the ordination and appointment of "self-avowed
practicing homosexuals."
Stroud continued to work at First United Methodist Church of Germantown
in Philadelphia as a lay person when the court stripped her of her
clergy credentials. She had informed her congregation in April 2003 that
she was living in a committed relationship with another woman,
In its ruling, the appeals committee set aside both the verdict and
penalty, which automatically reinstated Stroud to clergy status. It
upheld part of the trial court’s finding but overturned the verdict in
an 8-1 vote, citing legal errors in the trial.
The Eastern Pennsylvania Conference has 30 days to file an appeal of the
committee’s decision to the Judicial Council, the denomination’s supreme
court.
In an April 29 statement Bishop Marcus Matthews, who presides over the
conference, said, "We will now take time to thoroughly and thoughtfully
digest the Committee on Appeals decision and will take into
consideration United Methodist Church law and Judicial Council rulings
as we consider our options and make a decision on how to proceed."
The Council of Bishops encouraged church members "to be patient with the
important legal processes involved" and pointed out that the appeal
process "is an important part of our Book of Discipline."
The full statement follows:
As the Council of Bishops gathers today in Washington, DC for our spring
meeting, we will continue to focus on "Making disciples of Jesus Christ
for the transformation of the world." Most of our meeting will center
upon sharpening this focus, including sharing reports from each bishop's
Area about our progress in making disciples.
However, the announcement of the results of the hearing by the
Northeastern Jurisdictional Committee on Appeals in the Beth Stroud case
has been received, and we as the Executive Committee of the Council of
Bishops want to encourage all United Methodists to be patient with the
important legal processes involved.
The Northeastern Jurisdiction Committee on Appeals has reversed the
Stroud trial decision based upon some technicalities. It also found that
"the evidence in support of the charge was overwhelming and would be
sustained in the absence of a legal error." The committee concluded that
"legal error vitiates the verdict on two independent grounds." This
means that the reasons for the guilty verdict were not questioned, but
the case was reversed on two questions of legal process. The Eastern
Pennsylvania Conference has thirty days to appeal this decision.
The decision of the Northeastern Jurisdiction Committee on Appeals does
not in any way reverse the standards in our Book of Discipline.
In fact, the appeal process is an important part of our Book of
Discipline.
We as the Executive Committee of the Council, affirm our commitment to
uphold all of the provisions of our Book of Discipline, while
inviting everyone to join us in patience and prayer for a just and fair
outcome.
News media contact: Linda Bloom, New York, (646) 369-3759 or
newsdesk@umcom.org.
Dissent of decision of the committee on appeals
By LaGretta J. Bjorn
I
agree with the majority opinion that the Presiding Officer did not err
by excluding testimony proffered by the Trial Court.
I
do not agree with the majority opinion that it was error for the
Presiding Officer not to rule on the merits of the legal arguments
raised by the Appellant. I believe that by virtue of the fact that in
the pre-trial discussion the Presiding Officer decided not to allow the
Trial Court to consider the Appellant’s legal arguments, in so doing, he
ruled on their merits.
I
do not agree with the majority opinion that, while we agree that the
weight of the evidence sustains the charges against the Appellant, it is
also possible for us to vitiate the Trial Court’s verdict. I believe
these conclusions are inconsistent and add to the ambiguity and the
present state of confusion surrounding the relevant Judicial Council
Decisions (702, 920,980,984 and 985).
I
do not agree with the majority opinion that the First Restrictive Rule
of our Constitution is violated by Paragraph 304.3 There are other
provisions in the Discipline which speak to the church’s stance on
homosexuality which the majority does not and should not interpret as
"doctrinal." Paragraph 806.9 bars the distribution of United Methodist
funds "to any gay caucus or group, or otherwise use such funds to
promote the acceptance of homosexuality." Paragraph 332.6 provides
"Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by
our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches." The majority
does not seek to hold either of these provisions of the Discipline as
"doctrinal" statements. Using the majority opinion’s definition of
paragraph 304.3 as "a new standard rule of doctrine," these two
paragraphs would be subject to challenge on the same basis.
Most importantly, in regard to the majority opinion’s characterization
of Paragraph 304.3 as "doctrinal," it is not within the purview of the
appellate body to legislate, which is what it attempts to do by deeming
paragraph 304.3 "a new standard of doctrine." No definition of
"doctrine" is found in the Discipline. For the majority opinion to
presume to define "doctrine" as "establish(ing) a definitive
interpretation of Christian teaching on a particular subject and binds
the church to act in accordance with that interpretation" constitutes an
attempt to create legislation. Paragraph 2715.7 limits the power of the
appellate body to "two questions only: (a) Does the weight of the
evidence sustain the charge or charges? (b) Were there errors of Church
law as to vitiate the verdict and/or penalty?" Paragraph 2715.8
delineates the parameters of the responsibilities of the appellate body;
these duties do not include creation of legislation.
Rev. LaGretta Bjorn, pastor of Spring Valley (N.Y.) United Methodist
Church is a member of the Northeastern Jurisdiction Committee on
Appeals, the committee that cited legal errors in overturning the Dec. 2
verdict against the Rev. Irene "Beth" Stroud. She was the lone dissenter
on the nine-member committee.
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Bishop Coyner Issues
Statement Regarding Decision In Stroud Appeal (e-HUM, 4/30/05)
As posted at
www.laitynicumc.org (Northern Indiana Conference Laity)
"Bishop Michael Coyner has issued the following statement with regard to
the decision of the Committee on Appeals of the Northeast Jurisdiction
for the Stroud trial:
The Northeastern Jurisdictional Committee on Appeals has reversed the
Stroud trial decision based upon some technicalities, while also finding
that "the evidence in support of the charge was overwhelming and would
be sustained in the absence of a legal error." The committee concluded
that "legal error vitiates the verdict on two independent grounds." This
means that the "guilt" of the person was not questioned, but the case
was reversed on two questions of legal process. The Counsel for the
Church (who serves like a prosecuting attorney) will be appealing this
decision to the Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church for a
final ruling. In the meantime, I commend Beth Stroud for her own pledge
that she is "not going to exercise the functions of ordained ministry
... until the whole process is concluded." I would urge all United
Methodists to exercise the same patience as we allow our normal legal
processes to reach a final and fair conclusion in this case."
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Bishop Schol's letter regarding Beth
Stroud decision
April 29, 2005
Dear Sisters and Brothers:
Today, the Rev. Beth Stroud, who was convicted of being a "self-avowed,
practicing homosexual" last December, in violation of our church's Book
of Discipline, and who had her clergy credentials withdrawn as a result,
had that verdict and penalty reversed and set aside as the result of a
hearing by the Committee on Appeals of the Northeast Jurisdictional
Conference.
Like the earlier trial outcome, I know that within the
Baltimore-Washington Conference, we have pastors and members that are
frustrated and hurt by the outcome. Others may agree with the outcome.
Even in the midst of our differing opinions, I hope each of us at this
time will keep the church, our leadership, our pastors and our
congregations in our prayers. The results today are one step in the
continued dialogue about the issue of homosexuality.
The ruling of the trial court was appealed on a number of different
issues. The hearing essentially said that not everything was done to
give Beth a fair trial last December. As United Methodists, we believe
in fair process in trials, particularly when it involves the possibility
of withdrawing someone's clergy credentials.
The appeals court did not say if Beth was guilty or not guilty; that was
not in their purview. What they did ensure is that Beth, like every
other clergy person in the denomination, received a fair trial. For a
variety of reasons, the Committee on Appeals said that that did not
happen.
Many will ask, "What happens next?" The counsel for the Eastern
Pennsylvania Conference has the right to appeal this ruling to the
church's "Supreme Court," the Judicial Council. As of today, that
decision has not been made.
If you are getting questions or comments about the Stroud appeal
decision, you can find more information at
www.umc.org/umns/,
which has a news story, a copy of the decision, and a "Q & A" sheet.
In the wake of the appeal committee's decision, I am more committed than
ever to stay at the table, and I invite you also to stay at the table
and continue to be in this conversation. As I mentioned in my letter to
you last December, I pray and hope that during this time, each of us
will serve as healers and bridge-builders.
As pastoral and lay leaders, we can share and interpret the facts of
this ruling to our congregations and communities that will build
understanding rather than heighten divisiveness.
By demonstrating our love for and commitment to The United Methodist
Church in the midst of differing opinions, we will communicate our
confidence that God will lead us through these challenging times.
I am grateful for your integrity, caring and commitment in this and all
matters of faith and ministry.
In Christ,
John R. Schol
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Methodist Appeals Committee Reinstates Lesbian Pastor
Conservative Activist Chides Committee's Rationale as 'Simply
Silly'
Agape Press
By
Jim Brown and Jody Brown
May 2, 2005
<snip>
"In the short term it'll give some encouragement to the supporters of
the acceptance of homosexual practice and Beth Stroud's supporters and
discourage more orthodox believers," Tooley offers, "but I hope that
those who are on the biblical side of the issue will not be discouraged
because the end result here is that the Judicial Council will have its
first opportunity since last year's General Conference to issue a ruling
on this topic."
The Judicial Council, which is the denomination's top court, ruled last
year that practicing homosexuals are not to be appointed to a United
Methodist pastorate. Tooley says he expects that church body will almost
certainly restore the verdict of the original church trial jury.
"[B]ased
on demographic and political trends in the United Methodism around the
world, there is almost no way that this denomination will reverse course
on the issue of homosexuality and follow the path of the Episcopal
Church," Tooley states. "The end result of the Stroud appeal will be,
ironically, a stronger church stance on the prohibition of extra-marital
sexual behavior by its clergy."
In
fact, the UMC Council of Bishops announced on Sunday (May 1) that the
Stroud reversal "does not in any way reverse the standards" in the UMC's
Book of Discipline.
Stroud told
United Methodist News Service
that she has no plans to resume her ministerial duties until the entire
appeals process is complete. To do so, she said, would "trivialize" the
sacred trust of ordination. But speaking at an interfaith service in
Philadelphia on Sunday, Stroud stated it is a shame that some churches
still consider homosexuality a sin. Also speaking at that service was
openly homosexual Episcopal Bishop V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire.
Read More
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Press Articles on Beth Stroud’s Comments at the Equity Forum in
Philadelphia, PA on May 1st:
"Other faith traditions out there have tried to shut us down and tell us
we're not worthy," said Stroud, speaking along with New Hampshire Bishop
Gene Robinson at an interfaith service in Christ Church. "I pray for a
day when no one will experience discrimination."
*********************
Beth Stroud, a United Methodist minister from Germantown whose
defrocking for her lesbian relationship was overturned by an appeals
panel Friday, told the hundreds gathered there to find strength in God's
love.
"Don't be afraid," said Stroud, who gave the benediction. "Love one
another. You are not alone. You are God's beloved."
Philadelphia Rights Celebration Hailed As Unqualified Success
365Gay.com - USA
(Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) A
Methodist minister who had
... of supporters at
celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of the nation's first
gay rights protest.
...
Philadelphia group marks anniversary of early
gay rights
...
Macleans - Toronto,ON,Canada
...
gay minister Irene Stroud and
the Episcopal Church's first openly
gay bishop call ...
a relationship with another woman, was reinstated by a
Methodist court last
...
Gay-rights activists say their struggle continues
Philadelphia Inquirer - Philadelphia,PA,USA
... was one of 11 people
arrested in October during Outfest, a
gay-pride block
... Beth Stroud, a United
Methodist minister from
Germantown whose defrocking for her
...
Gay-rights activists say their struggle continues
Philadelphia Inquirer - Philadelphia,PA,USA
...
Beth
Stroud, a United
Methodist minister from
Germantown whose defrocking for her lesbian relationship was overturned
by an appeals panel Friday, told the
...
Group marks anniversary of early gay rights demonstration
Centre
Daily Times - Centre County,PA,USA
... Hall to hear gay
minister Irene "Beth"
Stroud and the
...
Stroud, who was defrocked
after she told her Philadelphia ...
woman, was reinstated by a Methodist
court last ...
Philadelphia group marks anniversary of early gay rights
...
Macleans - Toronto,ON,Canada
... decision could be
overturned if leaders with the United
Methodist Church decide to
... worthy," said Stroud,
speaking along with New Hampshire
Bishop Gene Robinson ...
Embattled
Methodist minister speaks at gay rights celebration in
...
KFVS -
Cape Girardeau,MO,USA
... who was defrocked,
only to be reinstated last week by a
Methodist appeals panel
... Church in Philadelphia Sunday along with the openly gay
Episcopal Bishop V. Gene
...
Minister Speaks at Pa. Gay Rights Rally
ABC
News - USA
Bishop Gene Robinson
addresses the congregation at Christ Church in Philadelphia
... PHILADELPHIA May 1, 2005
-- A Methodist minister
who had been defrocked for ...
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For reference: UMNS Coverage
Stroud
Appeal Coverage
The
latest coverage of the April 2005 Beth Stroud appeal as reported by the
United Methodist News Service.
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News Updates Previously Released by
NIC VOICE
Regarding Beth Stroud Trial:
Pre-Trial Updates (posted at the NIC VOICE Forum at Faithful
Christian Laity)
Collection of Trial and Appeal Press Reports at Beth Stroud’s Web Site
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