Trial continued this morning at 9 am with the penalty phase. The Church asked for suspension until Amy signed agreement to never again perform a holy union as long as its prohibited by the Book of Discipline. It was later ruled that an indeterminate suspension would not be allowed.
The respondent (Amy) suggested a penalty commensurate with the offense. Perhaps to follow the northern Illinois annual conferences recent resolution of no more than 24 hours suspension. Or perhaps require Amy to lead listening/dialog circles throughout the UMC to seek healing aroung the issue and the trial.
Its been nearly three hours since delliberations began…so, now we wait.
- Bill Carpenter
