United Methodist preacher gets suspension for performing lesbian wedding

Amy DeLong, a United Methodist minister, has been sentenced to a 20 day suspension for performing a same-sex wedding in 2009. She was acquitted of a second charge of being a “self-avowed practicing homosexual”, also known as out, and spared burning at the stake. She will instead be required to retreat to prayer and rumination on her offense. From Post Crescent.com: KAUKAUNA — After nearly six hours of deliberation, a 13-member jury of Wisconsin Methodist clergy suspended the Rev. Amy DeLong from ministerial duties for 20 days, starting July 1, and noted the time is to be used for “spiritual discernment.” DeLong, 44, of Polk County, was convicted Wednesday of performing a 2009 same-sex wedding in Menomonie in violation of United Methodist Church rules. She was acquitted on a 12-1 vote of a second charge of being a “self-avowed practicing homosexual.” [SNIP] “We’ve said all along that we have already been successful,” DeLong said. “We had a 100 percent chance of winning because our goal was to be faithful and to tell the truth. We have done that and we’ve broken the silence. We’ve opened the door a little bit so (gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender) people can hear a good message from the church.”]]>