Church Trial Starts for Minister in Gay ‘Wedding’

A Methodist minister who presided at the “wedding” of two gay men went on trial Thursday before a jury of 13 pastors in the first test of a church law banning same-sex ceremonies.

The Rev. Gregory Dell of Chicago, a pastor for 30 years, could be defrocked if found guilty. A verdict is expected Saturday.

In opening statements, a minister acting as a church prosecutor said the ceremony Dell performed in September made “a mockery of church law.”

If Methodists don’t obey the laws, “then strike the word ‘united’ from United Methodist,” the Rev. Stephen C. Williams argued.

Dell’s attorney chose to delay his opening statement until after the prosecution rests its case.

Dell, 53, performed the ceremony for two Chicago men about a month after the Methodist church banned same-sex marriages.

More such trials are expected. A bishop in California filed a complaint Tuesday against 69 Methodist ministers who gathered at a Sacramento church in January to bless the union of a lesbian couple.

In Downers Grove, Ill., protesters on both sides of the issue gathered outside the First United Methodist Church, where the trial is being held.

“It’s scary. It’s invigorating. It’s draining,” said Keith Eccarius, one of the two men “married” by Dell. “It’s probably the most important issue our church has to deal with.”

“There are already people who’ve left the church or are planning to because of the advertisement of this trial,” said the Rev. Kent Svendsen, a pastor from rural Ashton.