A STATEMENT OF CONCERN FROM BISHOP JOEL N. MARTINEZ

A female pastor in the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference voluntarily informed her Bishop that she was a self-avowed practicing homosexual. She also acknowledged being in a long-term relationship with another female.

Bishop Elías G. Galvan, resident Bishop of the Pacific Northwest Conference, followed the process called for in The Book of Discipline and brought a complaint against the Reverend Karen Dammann. Reverend Dammann was accorded fair process through the investigation and trial phase of the judicial process of the church. Finally, a jury of her clergy colleagues rendered their verdict.

Questions have been raised with me and other Bishops about the verdict and its consequences. First, I disagree with the verdict based on the clear statement in The Book of Discipline, Paragraph 304.3, which states: “Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers, or appointed to serve in The United Methodist Church.”

Second, I believe the General Conference will need to address the confusion arising out of this verdict with more clarity and guidance to all of us who must administer the provisions of The Book of Discipline in the future.

Third, a jury verdict in one annual conference trial sets no precedent for any other annual conference in The United Methodist Church.

Finally, I urge all United Methodists in the San Antonio Episcopal Area and throughout the world to speak and act with utmost respect and appreciation for one another in this difficult moment. This is a time for prayer: for the church, for the General Conference, for the Council of Bishops, and for our common mission as servants of Jesus Christ.

I am called to be the Bishop with and for all our membership even as I have vowed to uphold the United Methodist teaching and stance on homosexuality. I need your continuing prayer to do my ministry even as you can count on my continuing prayers for all of you.

JOEL N. MARTINEZ
Bishop
San Antonio Episcopal Area