Melvin E. Wheatley dies at 93; Methodist bishop caused a stir by appointing gay pastor

Bishop Melvin E. Wheatley, who risked censure in the United Methodist Church for appointing his denomination's first openly gay pastor in 1982, died March 1 in Mission Viejo after a lengthy illness, a church spokesman said. He was 93.

By Elaine Woo

March 15, 2009