Religious News Service: In an 8-1 ruling, the nine-member regional appeals court of The United Methodist Church rejected a Dec. 2 jury verdict that Irene Elizabeth Stroud was in violation of a church prohibition of "self avowed practicing homosexuals" in the ordained ministry.
The regional appeals court, which met in Baltimore, covers an Eastern region of the church from West Virginia up to New England.
It maintained "the evidence in support of the charge was overwhelming and would be sustained in the absence of legal error." But the ruling went on to say that because church doctrine does not clearly define a "practicing homosexual" or what is meant by homosexual "status" it is "legal error to try, convict and deprive a member in full connection of her right to an appointment" based on these words.
Critics of the ruling said Stroud won on a technicality, and predicted an appeal to the church's highest court.
At a news conference, Stroud said she felt relieved, even though the latest decision could also be overturned.
