Methodists to Reinstate Defrocked Minister, ...a lesbian minister

LINTHICUM, Md. - The United Methodist Church reversed itself Friday, deciding to reinstate a lesbian minister who was defrocked after revealing her relationship with another woman.

A church panel voted 8 to 1 to set aside an earlier decision to defrock Irene "Beth" Stroud for violating the church's ban on openly gay clergy.

The Philadelphia minister said she was relieved by the ruling and hopes the church will become more inclusive to people regardless of sexual orientation.

After Stroud disclosed the relationship to her congregation two years ago, the church defrocked her, meaning that she could no longer serve communion or baptize anyone. She kept the title of associate minister and worked in a lay capacity at the First United Methodist Church of Germantown in Philadelphia.

"The church is not free to disregard the standards of justice and inclusiveness that are preached by Jesus Christ ... and are a part of church law," Stroud said after church authorities read their decision at a hotel.

"The ruling gives us hope that the United Methodist Church has the resources to do justice," she said.


Its amazing how people who are "teachers of the Word of God" can change Gods word in the name of inclusivness.

I agree. Its pathetic and sad.

Kind Regards,
Digital Grl

One aspect of the falling away of 2 Thessalonians can be seen in this event.

1 Timothy 4:1 is also a reality.

And going back to the Old Testament and Judges, "Everyone did what was right in their own eyes".

Why does she want to be a Methodist or Protestant?? You would think she would want to be a Universalist or something that believes the Word of God is bendable.

I believe she is trying to tear Methodist down not build it up. Her message is simply, the Bible is not important.

Unbelieveable!