This site is maintained by Chris
Paige / Ready Set Go! 
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The story of a lesbian United Methodist clergywoman in Philadelphia |
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| For IMMEDIATE release
Contact:
First United Methodist Church of Germantown 6023 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia PA 19144 Voice: 215-438-3677; Fax: 215-438-3077 office@fumcog.org QUOTES IN SUPPORT
The Rev. Irene Elizabeth (Beth) Stroud has received virtually universal support from congregants and colleagues. Hundreds included statements in Stroud’s written response to the church’s charges. I have known Beth Stroud while serving in a range of roles for the First United Methodist Church of Germantown: as church member, parent, education chairperson, co-lay leader, vice chairperson of the staff-parish relations committee. In all our interactions, I have experienced Beth Stroud as an energetic, lively and intelligent woman of great integrity, a talented professional and a caring pastor who brings great gifts to the ministry. — Fay Ross, co-lay leader, First United Methodist Church
of Germantown
For many of us, Beth’s ministry has been a window that has allowed us to better feel God’s presence in our lives. I have watched Beth masterfully involve a group of resistant teens — many skeptical about their faith and about the value of scripture in their lives — in dynamic conversations about biblical passages. I have witnessed these same youth be touched by God’s loving spirit. — Gretel DeRuiter, congregant
Based on her pastoral presence with us, the congregation has voiced united support for Beth to continue to be fully ordained as a United Methodist clergy person. We have further pledged to continue her employment at First United Methodist Church of Germantown even if she loses her ordination credentials. We want Beth Stroud to continue to be one of our pastors. — Howard Scott, chairperson, First United Methodist Church
of Germantown
Staff-Parish Committee Her contributions to my life and lives of my husband and young son have nurtured miracles in our home that have altered the courses of our lives. Beth is a learned spiritual adviser and trusted friend, compassionate comforter, teacher, mentor and living example of unconditional love. — Marion Mitchell, congregant
She is the most genuinely pious person I know. … Beth “gets” the nuances
of some of the most profound things people struggle with. Hears ALL of
it. And responds with a seasoned wisdom.
— Teresa McNamara, congregant
We are both saddened and appalled that the United Methodist Church hierarchy is asking Beth to justify and defend her lifestyle choice. One of the major reasons we chose … to leave (another denomination) for the United Methodist Church is because Methodist doctrine was more tolerant of all peoples. We felt we wanted to be a part of a church that had a true social conscience. … Now we both have serious concerns and doubts that the United Methodist Church is truly committed to these ideals we have valued. — Susan and Thomas Woods, members of West Chester United
Methodist Church
Beth faces punishment for being the gifted, committed, honest person God grew her to be. I am grateful for who she is and honor the relationship she has with her partner. I cannot look at this situation and ask what is wrong with Beth but rather what is wrong with our denomination that it would threaten her ministry? —Celeste Zappala, congregant
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See also:
Resources
for the Media
More updates on Beth Stroud's case
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This site is maintained by Chris
Paige / Ready Set Go! |