UMNS will cover the trial of Rev. Beth Stroud and will post updates
online at http://umns.umc.org

Rev. Beth Stroud Church Trial: Questions and Answers
November 23, 2004
By United Methodist News Service

On Dec. 1, the Rev. Irene Elizabeth "Beth" Stroud of Philadelphia
will undergo a United Methodist clergy trial to respond to a charge
that she has violated church law by being a "self-avowed practicing
homosexual."

UMNS will cover the trial and will post updates, stories and photos
online at http://umns.umc.org . Details on coverage and media
contacts are included at the bottom of this article.

What is a church trial?

In a United Methodist church trial, an individual responds to a
charge or charges of having violated denominational law, as set forth
in the church's Book of Discipline.

A trial is described as a "last resort" in the Book of Discipline.
When a complaint is filed against someone, the matter is first
addressed in a supervisory process and usually resolved. If
resolution doesn't occur, the complaint may be forwarded to the
conference committee on investigation, which conducts hearings and
decides whether grounds exist for converting the complaint to a
charge for trial.

The conference bishop designates another bishop to preside over the
trial, and a jury or "trial court" of 13 clergy members from the
respondent's annual conference - in this case, the Eastern
Pennsylvania Annual (regional) Conference - hears the case. Nine
votes are necessary to convict.

Why is Stroud on trial?

She is charged with engaging in "practices incompatible with
Christian teachings," a violation of Paragraph 2702 (1) (b) of the
2000 Book of Discipline. In an April 2003 sermon, Stroud talked about
being a lesbian and said she and her partner "have lived in a
covenant relationship for two and a half years." United Methodist law
forbids the appointment of "self-avowed practicing homosexuals."

Stroud, 34, has served as associate pastor of First United Methodist
Church of Germantown in Philadelphia since 1999. The Rev. Fred Day,
the church's senior pastor, said the 1,000-member congregation
supports her ministry there.

What is the denomination's official policy on homosexuality?

The United Methodist Church, in its Book of Discipline, states that
homosexuals are people of sacred worth. However, it regards the
practice of homosexuality as incompatible with Christian teachings.
The church forbids the ordination and appointment of "self-avowed
practicing homosexuals." It also forbids the celebration of same-sex
unions by its clergy and in its sanctuaries.

More information on the church's policy, along with a history of its
struggle over issues related to homosexuality, is available at
umns.umc.org. Click on "Resources for Editors," then "Backgrounders."

Who made the complaint against Stroud?

Bishop Peter Weaver, then leader of the denomination's Philadelphia
Area, filed the initial complaint.

When and where will the trial be held?

The trial will begin Dec. 1. It will take place at Camp Innabah, a
church camp outside Philadelphia near Pottstown, Pa. Directions can
be found at www.epaumc.org, the conference Web site.

Jury selection will begin at 9 a.m. The trial, open to the public and
press, will start after the trial court has been chosen, probably
around 10 a.m. The trial may continue into the evening, until 8, the
first day.

The conference has set aside three days for the trial, but it could
end earlier. The tentative schedule for the second and third days is
8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Who will preside over the trial?

Bishop Joseph H. Yeakel of Smithsburg, Md., will preside. Yeakel
served the denomination's Washington Area before retiring in 1996.

How are members of the trial court - jurors - chosen?

The 13 members and two alternates will be chosen from a pool of
Eastern Pennsylvania clergy. The Book of Discipline specifies that at
least 35 pastors must be named to the jury pool. The bishop's
cabinet - the district superintendents - chooses the names for the
pool. Special consideration is given to ensuring that the pool is
diverse in terms of race, ethnicity and gender. The counsel for each
side has up to four peremptory challenges, as well as unlimited
challenges for cause. The alternates will sit as observers and will
be prepared to serve if one or two of the original jurors are unable
to sit.

Will the trial be open to the news media and spectators?

Yes. United Methodist Church law provides for open court proceedings
at the request of the respondent (defendant). However, seating will
be limited. No cameras or audio or video recording equipment will be
allowed in the courtroom.

What happens if Stroud is found guilty?

With a guilty verdict, the trial court would have a range of
penalties to consider, including the removal of ministerial orders or
a lesser penalty. While at least nine votes are needed to convict,
seven votes by the trial court are necessary to set the penalty.

When did the last such trial occur?

The last public church trial occurred in March, when the Rev. Karen
Dammann, a United Methodist clergywoman from Seattle, was found not
guilty by a Pacific Northwest Annual Conference trial court of the
charge of engaging in "practices incompatible with Christian
teaching." The court did find that she openly admitted to being a
practicing homosexual.

In early May, the denomination's top court, the Judicial Council,
ruled that it did not have the authority to review the findings of
the Dammann trial court. But the council did reaffirm that a bishop
may not appoint a pastor who has been found by a trial court to be
a "self-avowed practicing homosexual."

How can I get press credentials to the Stroud trial?

For credentials, contact Suzy Keenan, coordinator of communications
for the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, at suzy.keenan@....
Her office telephone number is (610) 666-9090, Ext. 227, and her cell
phone is (610) 620-5100. Stephen Drachler, executive director of
public information, United Methodist Communications, will be on site
to assist the news media. He can be reached at (615) 456-4710 (cell)
or (615) 742-5411 (office).

Who are the principal spokespeople?

For the annual conference: Suzy Keenan, at (610) 666-9090, Ext. 227,
or cell (610) 620-5100. Her e-mail address is suzy.keenan@....
Information about the trial is posted at www.epaumc.org, the
conference Web site.

For Stroud: The Rev. Fred Day, senior pastor at First United
Methodist Church of Germantown, at (215) 438-3677; or Jana Moore, at
(215) 545-7322 or jm@....

How will United Methodist News Service cover the trial?

Covering the trial for UMNS will be staff writers Linda Green and
Linda Bloom and UMCOM photographer Mike DuBose. Updates will be
posted during the proceedings at umns.umc.org, and a wrap-up story or
stories will be posted when the trial ends.