Verdict for Lesbian Minister Looms Over Religious Meeting

M. Preusch

A month before the quadrennial conference of the United Methodist Church, the acquittal of a lesbian minister on a charge of violating Methodist law by engaging in a homosexual relationship has outraged traditionalists, elated reformers and energized both groups. Many in the church had hoped to avoid a confrontation on homosexuality, one of the most contentious issues facing the church since the Methodist split over slavery in 1844. But any chance of that was dashed on Saturday when a jury of 13 Methodist clergy members found that the Rev. Karen T. Dammann had not violated church law by being in a lesbian relationship. According to church leaders, next month's conference, the church's equivalent of a legislature, is likely to test the bounds of civil debate. The 11-day meeting, which will be held in Pittsburgh, will begin April 27. William B. Lawrence, dean of the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, said both sides will push for a clarification of the church's stance on gays in the ministry. Dr. Lawrence said on Sunday that he hoped the church would "find a way to handle this difficult and complex set of issues without feeling the need to fracture or enter into some sort of schism." He added, "But that remains to be seen."