The trial of the Rev. Amy DeLong, a lesbian clergywoman in Wisconsin, was held June 21-23 at Peace United Methodist Church in Kaukauna, Wis.

DeLong, a clergy member of the Wisconsin Annual (regional) Conference for 14 years who currently serves as director of an advocacy group, initiated the case in 2009 when she agreed to officiate at the union of a lesbian couple. That same year, she registered with her partner of nearly 16 years under Wisconsin's Domestic Partnership Law. She reported both actions to the annual conference.

DeLong was charged with violating The United Methodist Church’s ban on non-celibate, gay clergy and the prohibition against clergy officiating at same-sex unions.

The trial court acquitted her of being a "self-avowed practicing homosexual" by a vote of 12-1. The same panel unanimously found her guilty of violating the prohibition against conducting ceremonies celebrating same-gender unions. The jury voted 9-4 to suspend DeLong from her ministerial functions for 20 days beginning July 1, 2011.

Trial updates

News Stories

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Few clergy lose credentials in public
Trial preview
DeLong Church Trial: Questions and Answers
Lesbian elder faces church trial

Trial Statements

Pretrial statement from DeLong counsel

Opening trial arguments:
Church counsel | DeLong counsel

Closing trial arguments:
Church counsel | DeLong counsel (Coming)

Closing penalty phase arguments:
Church counsel | DeLong counsel

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Resources

Denominational position on homosexuality
Bill of Charges and Specifications in the matter of the Rev. Amy DeLong

Related Sites

Wisconsin Annual (regional) Conference
The Rev. Amy DeLong’s website