Love On Trial Part Four

Over the course of this week I am going to be blogging about something very personal and near to my heart: The trial of my sister’s life partner who is a lesbian pastor in the Methodist Church. I am going to open myself up and dish out my heart to my readers in an effort of raising awareness about what is happening in our country, especially in light of the gay marriage ban that the Minnesota Senate is currently trying to pass on our upcoming election ballots.

Rev. Amy Delong is on trial with the Methodist Church for being an openly-gay pastor in a committed relationship; and also for officiating the marriage of other gay couples.   My sister, Val, and her partner,   Amy,   reside in Wisconsin and have been legally granted Domestic Partnership since November 2009 when it first became legalized in the state.   For more information on Amy and her trial visit www.loveontrial.org and also become a fan on facebook.

Please check back  frequently for photos and updates as the trial progresses, and remember to read previous posts as well!

Part Four
This afternoon a large group of supporters rallied outside in the drizzle to show their support for Rev. Amy DeLong. The courtroom was full (the whole 80 seats or so they have available for us) and people waited outside for someone to leave so that they could enter. I personally can not sit in that courtroom one more minute. There is SO much evil in Rev. Tom Lambrecht (who is the prosecutor). I got the heebie geebies the second he walked in the courtroom. I am here for Amy and Val, but can’t stand to listen to the hate and evil. Jury selection took most of the afternoon, and then there was about an hour and a half spent on the first two witnesses from the prosecution. From what I understand, the Defense Counsel is quite happy with the jury selection, although over half the jury pool was dismissed because they stated they couldn’t agree with the laws or find Amy guilty!! (right on!)

After court was out for the day, everyone congregated at the park up the road where they have rented out the pavilion for the duration of the trial. Workship was lead by Rev. Jimmy Creech , who was one of the first pastor’s to perform a gay-union (he himself is not gay). He was tried by the church and suspended for several weeks. Afterwards he again perrformed a gay-union and was stripped of his credentials. He has written a book called ” Adam’s Gift ” and he read several excerpts from it this evening. It was a very powerful and moving ceremony, and as he said, he hopes this story has a different ending.

Court will resume again in the morning at 9a.m. Amy is scheduled to give her testimony tomorrow. Here are some images from this afternoon and evening!!