UMC Trial Enters the Second Day- Bishop Galvan Speaks for the Church

On 18 March, the UMC Trial has entered the second day. Two witnesses of the defendant, the Rev. Karen Dammann spoke their testimony yesterday, now it comes to the turn of the UMC church.

In the morning, the Rev. James Finkheimer, counsel for the church called his first witness -- Bishop Elias Galvan, who presides over the Pacific Northwest Conference and filed the charges against Dammann.

Introducing a key piece of evidence, Bishop Galvan read portions of a letter Dammann wrote the bishop in which she asked to be appointed to a church as an openly gay pastor. She was pastor of First United Methodist Church, Ellensburg, Washington, until placed on family leave by Galvan as of March 1.

Finkheimer's asked the bishop why he brought the charges against Dammann. Galvan answered that he felt obligated to follow the Book of Discipline (church law).

"Karen has testified [at previous hearings] that she wasn't afraid" to be open about who she is, he noted, despite the fact that church law prohibits appointment of "self-avowed, practicing homosexuals."

The church case will focus on whether or not the letter of church law has been violated, regardless of any "conscientious objection" jurors might have to that law, as demanded by the Bishop Grove yesterday.

During cross examination, the Rev. Robert Ward, defense counsel, cited decisions rendered by other church bodies along with a conference clergy vote of affirmation last year as support of her ministry.

As he began to ask Galvan about another local openly gay clergyman still serving a church, Finkheimer objected twice on grounds of confidentiality. Presiding Bishop Boyd sustained his objections.

Ward asked Glavan if being gay had an effect on the quality of Dammann's ministry. The bishop testified that she has done a good work.

Court was declared in session at around 9:15 am after lighting a candle symbolizing the presence of the Holy Spirit. Altogether there are approximately 200 trial principals, jurists and observers present in the opening prayer.

Bishop William Boyd expressed his gratitude for the concern of fellow brothers and sisters on the issue at the beginning of the day. He said it was comforting that the whole church was praying for the trial and it has drawn the attention of the whole world.