[Previous entry: "Sham trial ends, lesbian pastor acquited"] [Next entry: "Think of the possibilities..."]

03/21/2004: "Karen Dammann for bishop!"

The following was reported by the United Methodist News Service regarding the verdict in the Karen Dammann trial:

The jury chairperson, the Rev. Judy Schultz, delivered the verdict. “While sustaining the specification that Rev. Karen Dammann is a self-avowed practicing homosexual, we, the trial court, do not find the evidence presented...to be clear and convincing that Karen Dammann has engaged in any ‘practices declared by the United Methodist Church to be incompatible with Christian teachings,’” she said. “We cannot sustain the charge.”

Of the 13-member jury, 11 voted not guilty and two were undecided. No jurors voted for a guilty verdict. A majority of nine was necessary to render a verdict, according to the denomination’s Book of Discipline.

That verdict may be the most Orwellian piece of nonsense ever put to paper by a group of clerics. Frank Griswold and his Episcopal colleagues have nothing on these people.

Replies: 1 Comment

on Sunday, March 21st, Phillipa said

Were these pastors jurors in the O.J. Simpson trial? Soon, they too, can be just like the ECUSA. They can have a gay bishop whenever they want and a schism at the same time. Some people will do anything to keep up with the Jones'.