UMC Painfully Divides in Homosexual Minister' s Trial

Methodist trial on the gay minister has now reached a final verdict. Throughout the case, controversial ethic problem of homosexual ministry workers are being discussed widely among the Christian communities. As the church and some church members are holding opposite ideas, the United Methodist Church was spiritually divided painfully.

Bishop William Boyd Grove, a retired West Virginia bishop who is serving as trial judge commented, "We are together as the gathered church ... the same church that worships ... the same church that is so bitterly and painfully divided."

According to the UMC's Book of Discipline, it forbids "self-avowed practicing homosexuals" from being ordained or appointed to United Methodist ministry.

Rev. James Finkbeiner, counsel for the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference, arguing the church's case, presented jurors with arguments for what should be a simple case: Dammann has twice acknowledged that she is in a committed homosexual relationship, thus violating church law. Her statements alone are enough to convict her and there is no need for other evidence, under a ruling from the church's highest court.

However, there are different opinions from the defense witnesses for homosexuality. A member of the church's Study Committee on Homosexuality, established by General Conference in 1988, Rev. Rebecca Parker, testifying for the defense. She serves as president and professor of theology at Starr King School for Ministry in Berkeley, California.

She spoke at length from a theological perspective about the issue of homosexuality and church law.

She said it seemed that the biblical teaching are at odds with the new understanding of holy truth, such as the rights of women and minorities as fully participating members.

Bishop Grove reminded trial observers to refrain from demonstrations of disappointment or approval throughout the trial, especially when a verdict is announced later on.