Lesbian Pastor Aquitted

Rev. Karen Dammann will be allowed to continue her duties as a pastor of the Methodist Church. Dammann, of Ellensburg, Washington, was on church trial because she admitted that she was in a long-term lesbian relationship. Church law prohibits the ordination of gays and lesbians, but the church's social principles support gay rights. Dammann and her partner were married in Portland, Oregon on March 11th. A Jury of 13 pastors decided she can continue to preach. This decision could have far-reaching effects regarding gays and lesbians in the Methodist Church.