'To defrock a committed pastor dedicated to both her congregation and her family is a step in the wrong direction,' said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese.

WASHINGTON - The nine-member Judicial Council of the United Methodist Church issued a ruling today defrocking the Rev. Irene "Beth" Stroud for violating the denomination's ban on practicing homosexual clergy.

"As the United Methodist Church continues to debate full inclusion for gays and lesbians, defrocking a committed pastor dedicated to both her congregation and her family is a step in the wrong direction," said Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese. "Unfortunately, today's ruling is a stumble along the long road towards equality within the denomination."

Today's 6-2 ruling reverses an appeal committee's ruling earlier. Today's decision stated that the committee "erred in reversing and setting aside the verdict and penalty from Reverend Stroud's trial."

The Human Rights Campaign is the largest national lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender political organization with members throughout the country. It effectively lobbies Congress, provides campaign support and educates the public to ensure that LGBT Americans can be open, honest and safe at home, at work and in the community.