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Hoosier United Methodist News Archives
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February 2006 |
Appeals ask Judicial Council to reconsider two decisions
A UMNS Report
United Methodist leaders in Virginia have filed requests for reconsideration of two Judicial Council decisions that have stirred debate within the church on the issues of homosexuality and pastoral authority.
Bishop Charlene P. Kammerer, who leads the Richmond (Va.) Area, and the Virginia Annual (regional) Conference Board of Ordained Ministry have separately filed motions for reconsideration of Decisions 1031 and 1032. Both rulings relate to the Rev. Ed Johnson, senior pastor at South Hill (Va.) United Methodist Church, who was placed on involuntary leave last summer by the clergy executive session of the Virginia Conference for refusing to admit a practicing gay man into membership at the church.
At its Oct. 26-29 meeting in Houston, the Judicial Council ruled in favor of Johnson, reinstating him with all salary and benefits. As a result, Kammerer reappointed Johnson to South Hill Church.
Council President James Holsinger has placed the motions for reconsideration on the non-docket agenda for the court's spring session, set for April 26-28 in Kansas City, Mo. That means that at least five members must agree to reconsider the decisions.
The Rev. Keith Boyette, secretary of the council, has instructed the other parties in these two matters, including Johnson, to file any written response to the motions within 30 days. The motions and briefs will be delivered to the council's nine members for consideration once the 30-day period has expired.
Under Judicial Council rules, only parties directly involved in rulings may file appeals.
"After very careful and prayerful review of the Judicial Council Decisions 1031 and 1032, I made the decision to ask for reconsideration, which is within the rules and procedures of the Judicial Council," Kammerer said in a statement issued Jan 27.
"As a matter of integrity and keeping faith with my understanding of the Virginia case, it is crucial for the Judicial Council to review its own rulings, which have brought harm to the Body of Christ represented in the United Methodist Church," she said.
Last updated on 25 Apr 2008