Response to Verdict of Washington State UMC Trial

“Personally I regret using a church trial to address the issue of homosexuality. The official position of the United Methodist Church is that all persons are of sacred worth. At the same time the United Methodist Church prohibits practicing homosexuals to be in ordained ministry.

“I do not know all the facts about this case nor the verdict that was rendered. I do not know that basis on which the jurors made their decision, but I do know that church trials, like civic trials, are often conflicted and complex. I encourage patience and prayer as this case plays itself out. Judgment should be withheld until all the facts are in.

“Since our prayers should always be for truth telling and healing, my plea is for all to be in prayer for the persons who will get hurt, misunderstood, and misrepresented in a case like this.”

Bishop Ray W. Chamberlain Jr.
Holston Annual Conference
March 24, 2004