The West Virginia annual conference of the United Methodist Church is considering resolutions opposing the Iraq war and stripping pastors’ of their authority to decide who can join a congregation. The first resolution would urge Methodist churches to distribute and study a statement opposing the Iraq war. The statement, which was signed by more than half of the United Methodist bishops, denounces what it calls an “unjust and immoral invasion and occupation of Iraq.” The second resolution, calling for open membership, is in response to a Virginia pastor’s refusal to let an unrepentant homosexual man become a member of his congregation. A church court ruled that the pastor was acting within his proper authority.

- AP