Wisconsin: Gay Minister suspended 20 days

[Scuba]

http://www.jsonline.com/features/religion/124460524.html


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A United Methodist minister acquitted Wednesday on a church charge of being a "self-avowed practicing homosexual" was sentenced Thursday to a 20-day suspension for presiding at a holy union ceremony for a lesbian couple in 2009.

As part of the penalty, the Rev. Amy DeLong must work with Wisconsin church officials to craft a document that will help resolve future disputes in a more collaborative way in an effort to avoid future trials.

Both sides heralded the penalty and split verdict as just.

"I feel good about what the church has done. I think we've sent a message that the United Methodist Church will not throw out its gay and lesbian people, and that it has opened the doors for a more inclusive church," said DeLong, who has long acknowledged to church officials that she is a lesbian in a committed relationship with another woman.

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great blog comment...

She is serving her time and making a new plan to prevent future issues with her behavior regarding homosexuality. She is not a bad person, just made a choice that she firmly believed in and knew the consequences of her actions. God forgave her and I think it is time to move on.

Rights for minorities are not earned by sitting back and being judged, they are earned by peacefully standing up for what you believe in. After viewing so many judgemental posts about her, I hope that homosexual rights are granted ASAP in all churches - it seems like the bigotry that exists in some of these churches is the same bigotry that would have blacks and whites drinking from separate fountains. These 1950s ideals have got to go.

It is embarassing to call myself a Christian sometimes because then I am lumped in a group with judgemental, racist people. Call me a Christian who accepts all people, helps others, and saves the judgement for the Lord. Reverend Delong, myself and many other compassionate Christians out there should always feel secure that we are blessed and looked after by the Lord. For the Christians who judge, I will pray that you learn tolerance and acceptance sometime in your life.

[LiberalAndProud]

1. This is wonked.

I'm glad that Rev. Delong is happy with this, and I can understand why. Still, this is wonked.