Does the Beth Stroud Legal Defense Fund have sufficient funds to cover appeal expenses?
03 May 2005
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As we begin preparations for the case to go to the Judicial Council of The United Methodist Church, the legal fund is depleted from previous appeal expenses. Beth's clergy counsel and all of the attorneys working on the case are donating their time and expertise. However, at each stage of the judicial process there are expenses related to printing, mailing, research, and travel. We have also had to hire a media relations consultant to prevent the church office from being completely overwhelmed.
How to contact the Beth Stroud Legal Defense Fund |
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Appeal to Judicial Council
03 May 2005
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Dear friends and family,
I met with Bishop Marcus Matthews today. In light of last week's appeals committee ruling, he returned my ordination credentials to me, and offered me an appointment: as associate pastor at First United Methodist Church of Germantown, with full rights and responsibilities of an ordained minister. I declined to be appointed, which I will explain a bit more below.
Bishop Matthews also told me today that he will be appealing last week's ruling to the Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church.
I expected that my case would go to the Judicial Council. It is a case that could have implications for the entire church, and so it is only right for the church's highest judicial body to review it. I trust that Bishop Matthews will continue to see that the case is pursued in the most civil manner possible.
Here is why I declined Bishop Matthews' offer to appoint me to First United Methodist Church of Germantown: Accepting an appointment would mean taking up the ministry and authority of an active, ordained elder in the church while my case is still in process and the outcome is uncertain. I do not want my ordination to be a symbol of who is "winning" or "losing" in a controversy at any given moment. When I do put my robes back on, whether that is at the conclusion of my case or in a number of years when the General Conference changes its unjust legislation, I want that to be simply a symbol of the sacred trust among me, God and the larger church.
I will continue serving in my role as a lay minister at First United Methodist Church of Germantown until my case is concluded. Officially, I will be on voluntary leave of absence, but it is a "leave of absence" from my duties as an ordained minister of the Annual Conference -- not a leave of absence from First United Methodist Church of Germantown.
We will keep you posted with more information as we go along. Thanks, as always, for all of your love and prayers.
In Christ,
Beth Stroud |
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Interview with Wesley Blog
03 May 2005
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Through this entire process, Beth has been working hard to avoid divisive politics and, when possible, to engage in thoughtful dialogue with those who hold different opinions on homosexuality. Often this happens in quiet one-on-one conversations away from the media spotlight.
We offer the following link to Shane Raynor's interview with Beth on the "Wesley Blog" as an example of people with different points of view working to find common ground. Both Shane and some of his readers sometimes articulate perspectives that make us uncomfortable, but we respect his blog as a place where genuine dialogue can take place.
Beth Stroud Interview with the Wesley Blog |
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Jurisdictional Appeal Decision
30 Apr 2005
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At 10:30am on Friday, April 29, the Northeast Jurisdictional Committee on Appeals announced that it had set aside the decision and penalty from Beth's December 2, 2004 trial due to concerns about due process. The vote of the Committee on Appeals was 8-1 for the reversal, with one dissenting opinion. |
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Prayer Vigils Planned
15 Apr 2005
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Since Beth has asked for folks to show their support during the appeal hearing (April 28, 2005) by being in prayer for the church, within your own community, we've created a page listing the vigils that we are aware of at this time... Prayers and liturgical resources may also be included (pending your submissions!) that may be of particular use to individuals who are not able to attend a collective vigil. |
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About the Appeal
22 Feb 2005
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I learned last week that the Northeastern Jurisdictional Committee on Appeals will hear my case on Thursday, April 28 (from 9 a.m. to noon at the Sheraton International Hotel, on the grounds of Baltimore Washington International Airport). |
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Moving Forward
27 Dec 2004
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Public note about the decision to appeal |
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Appeal decision
27 Dec 2004
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A letter from Beth to her congregation |
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