Reverend Being
Reviewed for Officiating at Lesbian Weddings

The case of the Reverend Jane Spahr, who was found guilty last year for officiating at the weddings of two lesbian couples, was reviewed by the top Presbyterian Church (USA) court on April 25, reported TheFresno Bee.

Spahr, who is now retired, had received a rebuke, the lightest punishment possible, by a regional judicial committee. But she decided to appeal the case to the church's top court. Spahr's attorney, Sara Taylor, was quoted by the Bee as saying at the hearing, "This is a community of faith that knows well that all of its members are equal in God's eyes." The two lesbian couples wed by Spahr were present during the hearing.

Taylor told the Bee that a ruling in Spahr's favor would be a major turning point: "This can be the first time that the Presbyterian Church stands for the full inclusion of all of its members."

The court is expected to issue its ruling later this week. (The Advocate)