WHAT	The United Methodist Church, the third largest denomination in the country, puts the Rev. Irene Elizabeth Stroud of the First United Methodist Church of Germantown on trial for living in a committed relationship with another woman. She stands formally charged with “practices declared by the United Methodist Church to be incompatible with Christian teachings.”
WHEN	The trial, open to the public at Stroud’s request, starts at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2004. Presentation of evidence could take three days. The sessions will end by 7 p.m. each evening. A jury of 13 ordained United Methodists will decide the case.
WHERE	Camp Innabah, a United Methodist camp and retreat center at 712 Pughtown Road, Spring City, Pa.
BACKGROUND	Stroud is the third United Methodist minister to face a trial for homosexuality, an issue that has deeply divided the church for more than three decades; the first case ended in a conviction and the second, in March, ended in an acquittal.