From the Worldwide Faith News archives www.wfn.org


UMNS# 04550-Rev. Beth Stroud church trial: questions and


From "NewsDesk" <NewsDesk@UMCOM.ORG>
Date Tue, 23 Nov 2004 18:16:06 -0600

Rev. Beth Stroud church trial: questions and answers 

Nov. 23, 2004	 News media contact:   Linda  Bloom * (646) 3693759*  New
York {04550}

NOTE: Related resources are available at http://umns.umc.org.

By United Methodist News Service

On Dec. 1, the Rev. Irene Elizabeth "Beth" Stroud of Philadelphia will
undergo a United Methodist clergy trial to respond to a charge that she has
violated church law by being a "self-avowed practicing homosexual."

UMNS will cover the trial and will post updates, stories and photos online at
http://umns.umc.org. Details on coverage and media contacts are included at
the bottom of this article.

What is a church trial?

In a United Methodist church trial, an individual responds to a charge or
charges of having violated denominational law, as set forth in the church's
Book of Discipline.

A trial is described as a "last resort" in the Book of Discipline. When a
complaint is filed against someone, the matter is first addressed in a
supervisory process and usually resolved. If resolution doesn't occur, the
complaint may be forwarded to the conference committee on investigation,
which conducts hearings and decides whether grounds exist for converting the
complaint to a charge for trial.

The conference bishop designates another bishop to preside over the trial,
and a jury or "trial court" of 13 clergy members from the respondent's annual
conference - in this case, the Eastern Pennsylvania Annual (regional)
Conference - hears the case. Nine votes are necessary to convict.

Why is Stroud on trial?

She is charged with engaging in "practices incompatible with Christian
teachings," a violation of Paragraph 2702 (1) (b) of the 2000 Book of
Discipline. In an April 2003 sermon, Stroud talked about being a lesbian and
said she and her partner "have lived in a covenant relationship for two and a
half years." United Methodist law forbids the appointment of "self-avowed
practicing homosexuals."

Stroud, 34, has served as associate pastor of First United Methodist Church
of Germantown in Philadelphia since 1999. The Rev. Fred Day, the church's
senior pastor, said the 1,000-member congregation supports her ministry
there.

What is the denomination's official policy on homosexuality?

The United Methodist Church, in its Book of Discipline, states that
homosexuals are people of sacred worth. However, it regards the practice of
homosexuality as incompatible with Christian teachings. The church forbids
the ordination and appointment of "self-avowed practicing homosexuals." It
also forbids the celebration of same-sex unions by its clergy and in its
sanctuaries. 

More information on the church's policy, along with a history of its struggle
over issues related to homosexuality, is available at umns.umc.org. Click on
"Resources for Editors," then "Backgrounders."

Who made the complaint against Stroud?

Bishop Peter Weaver, then leader of the denomination's Philadelphia Area,
filed the initial complaint.

When and where will the trial be held?

The trial will begin Dec. 1. It will take place at Camp Innabah, a church
camp outside Philadelphia near Pottstown, Pa. Directions can be found at
www.epaumc.org, the conference Web site.

Jury selection will begin at 9 a.m. The trial, open to the public and press,
will start after the trial court has been chosen, probably around 10 a.m. The
trial may continue into the evening, until 8, the first day.

The conference has set aside three days for the trial, but it could end
earlier. The tentative schedule for the second and third days is 8 a.m. to 8
p.m.

Who will preside over the trial?

Bishop Joseph H. Yeakel of Smithsburg, Md., will preside. Yeakel served the
denomination's Washington Area before retiring in 1996.

How are members of the trial court - jurors - chosen?

The 13 members and two alternates will be chosen from a pool of Eastern
Pennsylvania clergy. The Book of Discipline specifies that at least 35
pastors must be named to the jury pool. The bishop's cabinet - the district
superintendents - chooses the names for the pool. Special consideration is
given to ensuring that the pool is diverse in terms of race, ethnicity and
gender. The counsel for each side has up to four peremptory challenges, as
well as unlimited challenges for cause. The alternates will sit as observers
and will be prepared to serve if one or two of the original jurors are unable
to sit. 

Will the trial be open to the news media and spectators?

Yes. United Methodist Church law provides for open court proceedings at the
request of the respondent (defendant). However, seating will be limited. No
cameras or audio or video recording equipment will be allowed in the
courtroom.

What happens if Stroud is found guilty?

With a guilty verdict, the trial court would have a range of penalties to
consider, including the removal of ministerial orders or a lesser penalty.
While at least nine votes are needed to convict, seven votes by the trial
court are necessary to set the penalty. 

When did the last such trial occur?

The last public church trial occurred in March, when the Rev. Karen Dammann,
a United Methodist clergywoman from Seattle, was found not guilty by a
Pacific Northwest Annual Conference trial court of the charge of engaging in
"practices incompatible with Christian teaching." The court did find that she
openly admitted to being a practicing homosexual.

In early May, the denomination's top court, the Judicial Council, ruled that
it did not have the authority to review the findings of the Dammann trial
court. But the council did reaffirm that a bishop may not appoint a pastor
who has been found by a trial court to be a "self-avowed practicing
homosexual."

How can I get press credentials to the Stroud trial?

For credentials, contact Suzy Keenan, coordinator of communications for the
Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, at suzy.keenan@epaumc.org. Her office
telephone number is (610) 666-9090, Ext. 227, and her cell phone is (610)
620-5100. Stephen Drachler, executive director of public information, United
Methodist Communications, will be on site to assist the news media. He can be
reached at (615) 456-4710 (cell) or (615) 742-5411 (office).

Who are the principal spokespeople?

For the annual conference: Suzy Keenan, at (610) 666-9090, Ext. 227, or cell
(610) 620-5100. Her e-mail address is suzy.keenan@epaumc.org. Information
about the trial is posted at www.epaumc.org, the conference Web site.

For Stroud: The Rev. Fred Day, senior pastor at First United Methodist Church
of Germantown, at (215) 438-3677; or Jana Moore, at (215) 545-7322 or
jm@janamoore.com.

How will United Methodist News Service cover the trial?

Covering the trial for UMNS will be staff writers Linda Green and Linda Bloom
and UMCOM photographer Mike DuBose. Updates will be posted during the
proceedings at umns.umc.org, and a wrap-up story or stories will be posted
when the trial ends.

News media contact: Linda Bloom, New York, (646) 369-3759 or
newsdesk@umcom.org.

********************

United Methodist News Service


Browse month . . . Browse month (sort by Source) . . . Advanced Search & Browse . . . WFN Home