West Virginia Methodists have rejected a resolution that would have required a discussion of their bishops’ opposition to the Iraq war during Sunday school classes. On the final day of West Virginia United Methodists’ annual meeting, members said they rejected the resolution because it would dishonor U.S. forces fighting in Iraq. More than half the denomination’s bishops had called the war an “unjust and immoral invasion and occupation of Iraq.” West Virginia Methodists also rejected a resolution calling for open membership in the church. The vote was prompted by a church court decision that pastors can decide whether someone seeking membership is worthy. The ruling upheld the authority of a Virginia pastor who denied membership to an unrepentant homosexual man.
- AP