A United Methodist minister who told her bishop she is a lesbian will face a church trial that could lead to her removal from the pulpit.
A church committee voted 5-2 on Monday to pursue a complaint against the Rev. Karen Dammann, pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Ellensburg.
"In terms of the core issues, we have an uphill battle," Dammann's lawyer Lindsay Thompson said. "But I think — and Karen has said this as well — whatever happens will be good for the denomination because it's going to force a broad airing of these issues," which have been subject of an active debate within the church "for many years."
Dammann was out of town and could not be reached for comment Thursday. A news release from the denomination's Seattle office quoted her as saying that "trying someone for being gay is bound to shake the tree — I hope in the direction of inclusiveness."
Church officials have said the trial would be the first against a homosexual pastor since 1987, when the credentials of the Rev. Rose Mary Denman of New Hampshire were revoked.
In February 2001, Dammann wrote to Bishop Elias Galvan, head of the Methodist Pacific Northwest Conference in Seattle, that she was in a "partnered, covenanted, homosexual relationship." She and her partner, Meredith Savage, have a son. Galvan then filed a complaint.
In October, the church's Judicial Council, its highest court, reversed the rulings of two regional panels, deciding the denomination's Book of Discipline — which bars "self-avowed, practicing homosexuals" from being ordained or serving as pastors — must be upheld.
The time and location of the trial will be decided after Galvan names a presiding officer — probably not before the end of the month, said Seattle church spokeswoman Elaine Stanovsky. Galvan and other church officials will select a pool of 35 ministers from which 12 jurors will be chosen.
While it would appear a decision against his client is likely, Thompson said Thursday, "God moves in mysterious ways sometimes."
"I'm sure the committee struggled with it, since two members voted no anyway," he said.