United Methodism's ecclesiastical supreme court, meeting in Nashville, has reaffirmed the church's ban on appointing openly gay ministers to congregations.
In a decision released yesterday, the denomination's Judicial Council aimed to clarify existing church law on the long-standing, divisive issue.
The council pointed out that the denomination's Book of Discipline forbids the appointment of ''self-avowed, practicing homosexuals'' as pastors of local churches, according to a United Methodist News Service report.
But the council also reminded leaders that ministers have a right to due process on such matters at the local conference level.
A minister in good standing who later declares himself or herself to be openly gay has the right to a hearing or review by the annual (regional) conference, the council said. A bishop cannot take unilateral action to deny a minister's church appointment.
''The annual conference must be informed of the declaration, and the annual conference and/or the resident bishop or district superintendent must initiate proceeding to subject her membership in her ministerial office to review,'' the council said.
''… At all times, the (church) constitutional right of the clergy person to trial by a committee and an appeal shall be preserved ... and fair and due process shall be observed.''
The ruling was made after church leaders in the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference asked for clarification on the status of two clergy who were denied appointment to church positions because they revealed they are practicing homosexuals.
The nine-member council meets twice a year to deliberate over disputes or questions about church regulations and procedures. The president of the council is the Rev. John Corry, chaplain at Meharry Medical College.
Ray Waddle covers religion for The Tennessean. Contact him at 259-8077 or rwaddle@tennessean.com.