As one who is familiar with both disciplinary procedures, I write to affirm the editorial's recommendation for a church disciplinary process that achieves reconciliation rather than punishment.
Litigation starts with an accusation.
Then it seeks to establish facts to confirm or deny the accusation, i.e., what happened-who did what to whom, was it intentional or accidental, did it violate the law, who is responsible. Say for instance that Rev. Jones admits that he performed a ceremony blessing a homosexual union between X and Y on a certain date and time, attended by their family and friends. He admits doing it intentionally as a matter of conscience with full knowledge of church law on the subject. Discipline agrees If the objective is reconciliation, restoration and the conservation of resources, then litigation is not the answer. The Book of Discipline agrees.