Affirmation Co-spokesperson Urges Continued Prayers for Beth Stroud and All Affected By Her TrialAffirmation Co-spokesperson Urges Continued Prayers for Beth Stroud and All Affected By Her TrialFor Immediate Release, November 28, 2004, Corrected 11/30/04
The Rev. Irene Elizabeth "Beth" Stroud (left) spoke at a press conference at Camp Innabah in Pughtown, Pa., where her church trial got under way Dec. 1. A UMNS photo by Mike DuBose, 12/1/04
"Beth Stroud has acknowledged the prayers for her and her partner, and tonight especially asked for prayers for her defense counsel and the clergy and administrative staff of FUMCOG, her church. I would add that I believe we need to focus prayer on all who will be affected by this trial," urged Peggy R. Gaylord, Co-Spokesperson of National Affirmation, following the Nov. 28th Sunday evening worship service at First United Methodist Church of Germantown, PA.
The service was held to support the Rev. Irene Elizabeth "Beth" Stroud as she prepares for the December 1st United Methodist clergy trial to respond to a charge that she has violated church law by being a "self-avowed practicing homosexual." Two members of the National Affirmation Council attended the worship along with many members of FUMCOG, family, friends, supporters, and representatives of other organizations.
Gaylord described some highlights of the service in addition to the musical performers and the confirmation class sharing their love of Beth. "As the service progressed, Beth shared a few thoughts with us. One thing she admitted was that it is difficult to believe that she will come out of the trial with her credentials intact, though she would never rule out the miraculous power of the Holy Spirit. Neither should we! She concluded by sharing that, for the last eighteen months, she has been what she never believed she could be: an openly lesbian, fully-credentialed pastor in the United Methodist Church. The congregation stood to applaud her for several minutes."
"As the communion service started, I'm sure many of us were solemnly aware that this might be the last time that Beth would preside over this ritual. A few minutes later she stumbled over the words, caught herself, and paused--in a moment she spoke: 'This could potentially be the last time and I do it wrong....(the congregation laughed, and she continued)...Rejoice!' We will continue to rejoice in the gifts and graces for ministry of Beth Stroud regardless of the Church's determination in this week's trial."
Three members of the National Affirmation Council will be present at the trial beginning Dec. 1, 2004, joining in the vigil for Beth Stroud: Jim Palmquist, Rev. Vivian R. Waltz, and Rev. Peggy R. Gaylord. Updates (and related information) will be available through http://www.umaffirm.org.