From Deseret News archives:
Acquittal of gay pastor draws cheers and jeers
Saturday's acquittal of the Rev. Karen Dammann was celebrated Sunday at the church where she used to preach in Ellensburg, a small town in central Washington.
"I'm very pleased," said Dodie Haight, a member of the congregation who sat through Dammann's trial about 95 miles away in the Seattle suburb of Bothell. "I don't think the jury had an easy task, but I think they gave it long, thoughtful, prayerful consideration."
A 13-pastor jury acquitted Dammann, 47, of violating a church ban on ordaining "self-avowed, practicing homosexuals." If nine jurors had voted to convict, Dammann could have lost her ministry.
At one point during Sunday's service, during the sharing of joys and concerns, choir member Charlie McKinney said Dammann had taught the congregation about the power of truth.
"She did a courageous thing and a difficult thing," McKinney said. "She did this as a way to pull bricks from the age-old wall of prejudice, fear and exclusion."
Comments
- Bloggernacle Back Bench 12:07 a.m.
- Today in the Bloggernacle 12:07 a.m.
- Massasoit and the small band of Pilgrims 12:06 a.m.
- LDS Church shares gift of lights, music 12:06 a.m.
- Water reaches "end of the row" in Congo 12:06 a.m.
- Education moments: Chain conversions 12:05 a.m.
- 'First Christmas' in Idaho Dec. 3, 5 12:04 a.m.
- Sports on the air 12:00 a.m.
- Talich quarter delivers expressiveness 11:39 p.m.
- War declared on Utah Lake weeds 11:27 p.m.
- Real Champions
- Bronco, Kyle rubber match
- Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
- RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
- BYU's Lamb, Jorgensen reprimanded
- Plenty on line for rivalry game
- Time for big matchups in WAC, MWC
- BCS at-large bids up for grabs
- Hall, Johnson matchup key
- Is talking about religion taboo?
- Glenn Beck to enter politics?
212 - RSL wins MLS Cup on penalty kicks
195 - Palin plans tour stop in Utah
178 - Palin's book shows she's unqualified
132 - BYU records with win
132 - Bronco, Kyle rubber match
130 - Protests against Phoenix LDS temple
109 - Officer cleared in Cardall Taser case
103 - BYU cuts Women's Research Inst.
103 - Jazz finally win in San Antonio
99
I hope Donny wins. His humility, courage and humor are very refreshing....
but it is Provo's Craig Drury polishing his 8 rings as head coach.
Like the newspaper said, "...the first time since '84 national...
I think Mya did not deserve the nine's from the 3 judges on her free dance -...
College football will NEVER revert to the old bowl system. It has gone too...
We don't need another layer of government, which obviously represents more...
And this surprises someone? It's too easy in Utah to deceive the masses....
We cannot afford this monstrosity! Any claims that it will save money are...
I grew up in SLC and have always been a huge BYU fan. Honestly I can say most...
These are not essential government programs needed to ensure our national...



You can be the first to comment on this story.