Creech has been suspended from pastoral responsibilities since Nov. 10. A Nebraska Committee on Investigation recommended on Jan. 23 that he face a church trial. The primary issue Creech wants the trial to resolve is whether the church's Social Principles are enforceable law or simply guidance for conduct and decision-making. He said he also hopes the verdict will provide greater openness, justice and acceptance for homosexuals in the United Methodist Church. A 13-member jury and two alternates will be selected from among the clergy members of the Nebraska Conference, with consideration given to racial, ethnic and gender diversity.
Trials are closed unless the defendant requests that they be open.
Creech is calling for an open trial. Nine or more votes are required for a conviction and fewer than nine votes are the basis for an acquittal. If found guilty, Creech said he will appeal to the eight-state South Central Jurisdictional Committee on Appeals and then possibly to the denomination's supreme court. For general questions about The United Methodist Church, please call InfoServ at 1.800.251.8140.