KAUKAUNA, Wis. — A gay Methodist pastor has been found guilty of marrying a lesbian couple during a church trial held at a time Methodist pastors across the country are increasingly defying the church ban on marrying gays.
The Rev. Amy DeLong of Osceola was convicted Wednesday on a 13-0 vote of her clergy peers in Kaukauna.
DeLong was found not guilty of a second charge of being a "self-avowed practicing homosexual." That vote was 12-1.
Church officials are now hearing a second round of testimony to help jurors recommend a penalty that could range from suspension to defrocking. At least five DeLong supporters are scheduled to testify.
DeLong has said she's speaking out to oppose the church's "unjust laws." Church officials say their longstanding rules are clear.
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