The trial of the Rev. Amy DeLong, a
lesbian clergywoman in Wisconsin, was held June 21-23 at Peace
United Methodist Church in Kaukauna, Wis.
DeLong, a clergy member of the Wisconsin Annual (regional) Conference
for 14 years who currently serves as director of an advocacy group,
initiated the case in 2009 when she agreed to officiate at the union of a
lesbian couple. That same year, she registered with her partner of
nearly 16 years under Wisconsin's Domestic Partnership Law. She reported
both actions to the annual conference.
DeLong was charged with violating The United Methodist Church’s ban on
non-celibate, gay clergy and the prohibition against clergy officiating
at same-sex unions.
The trial court acquitted her of being a "self-avowed practicing
homosexual" by a vote of 12-1. The same panel unanimously found her
guilty of violating the prohibition against conducting ceremonies
celebrating same-gender unions. The jury voted 9-4 to suspend
DeLong from her ministerial functions for 20 days beginning July 1,
2011.