c. 1999 Religion News Service

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill. _ The Rev. Gregory Dell, the Chicago pastor suspended from ministry late Friday (March 26) by a United Methodist Church court for performing a same-sex wedding ceremony says the decision was a victory of legalism over compassion. “Part of the church made a statement, but it’s not the final word”about the legitimacy of such”holy union”ceremonies, said Dell, pastor of Broadway United Methodist Church in Chicago and a minister for almost 30 years. The ruling, he added,”part of an ongoing process throughout this denomination.” Dell was found guilty of disobeying church law by a 10-3 vote of a jury, or”trial court,”of 13 clergy of the denomination’s Northern Illinois Conference.

Late Friday, after several more hours of deliberation, the court imposed the indefinite suspension penalty, which will take place July 5 unless Dell promises in writing to perform no more such ceremonies or the denomination changes its law in the matter.”I will never sign such a pledge,”said Dell, saying that would be”a violation of the dignity”of his parishioners, of whom 30 percent are gay or lesbian. To them, he said, he would”continue to offer a whole range of ministry.” Dell has said he has performed 33 same-sex union services in the last 18 years.

Asked if he would leave the church because of his suspension, Dell said,”Maybe some time, but it’s not in my plans at this time.” The first chance for a change in church law would be at the next United Methodist General Conference _ the denomination’s top legislative body _ in May, 2000. It was at the last General Conference in 1996, that delegates adopted the resolution barring pastors from performing or participating in same-sex union ceremonies.

This ruling was upheld by the church’s Judicial Council, or supreme court, last August.

Dell performed the ceremony in question, which he said had been a year in the planning, in September. Northern Illinois Conference Bishop C. Joseph Sprague charged Dell with the violation in October.”I framed the charge so it would be a teachable moment for the whole church, and my wish was fulfilled,”Sprague said after the penalty against Dell was imposed.

Sprague again praised Dell as”an exemplary pastor,”as he had in the charge itself, which Sprague said he brought as a matter of duty. The bishop also bemoaned what he called the”greater tragedy _ what (United Methodist) divisions are doing to the world”as church members deal with the homosexuality issue.

Sprague said he would not choose between the contending sides. Dell, he said,”made the decision he had to make.”So did others, he added.

Asked if more cases would be brought to trial in this matter, he cited the high cost of the trial _ up to $100,000 _ as a deterrent.”We spent $100,000 to argue with each other,”he said.”I have an idea that God isn’t smiling tonight.”

DEA END BOWMAN