Some time ago, I wrote a piece about Beth Stroud, a Philadelphia area minister who was defrocked by the United Methodist Church for being a lesbian. [Read it.]
Sadly, yesterday she lost a high court appeal.
From Philadelphia's KYW news radio:
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The highest court in the United Methodist Church has ruled against an openly gay minister from Germantown.
The church's highest court has overturned a previous church decision and defrocked the Rev. Beth Stroud for violating the denomination's ban on "self-avowed, practicing homosexual" clergy.
Stroud reacted to the judicial council’s decision to strip her of her credentials by calling it "a sad day" for her, for her family, and for the church."
But the 35-year-old minister says she plans to stay at the First United Methodist Church of Germantown because there’s more work to do:
"God will find a way for me to be in ministry, no matter what happens -- if not the ordained ministry, then I know there are other ways that I can serve. And I’m going to continue to work for change in the church."
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[Read more.]
Hang in there, Beth. I truly believe that Jesus, who taught love, acceptance, and tolerance, would be on your side.
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