CHARLOTTE, N.C. – A United Methodist Church pastor in Charlotte, North Carolina, will keep her job after performing a same-sex wedding at her church earlier this year.
The Charlotte Observer reported (http://bit.ly/2c5o1Qz ) that the Rev. Val Rosenquist won't face a church trial for performing the ceremony, either.
Rosenquist married John Romano and Jim Wilborne in April. United Methodist Church rules forbid pastors from performing same-sex marriages. Clergy who violate the policy can lose their jobs, face a church trial and even lose their clergy credentials.
The Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church said Tuesday that what is known as a "just resolution" had been reached in the case involving Rosenquist.
Details of the resolution haven't been released. Neither Rosenquist nor those who filed a complaint against her are allowed to discuss the resolution, which has been sealed until at least 2018.
Days after the April 23 wedding, complaints were filed against Rosenquist with Bishop Larry Goodpaster, who was leader of the regional conference at the time.
Amy Coles, assistant to the bishop, said there were "multiple complaints." The bishop met with Rosenquist and those who filed complaints in looking for the "just resolution."
Coles confirmed that Rosenquist will continue as pastor of the First United Methodist Church of Charlotte.
The denomination could convene a special conference in 2018 to consider future recommendations relating to same-sex marriage and the ordination of gay and lesbian clergy.
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Information from: The Charlotte Observer, http://www.charlotteobserver.com
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