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Methodist court ruling a blow for openly lesbian bishop

This Wednesday, April 19, 2017 photo shows Bishop Karen Oliveto in the sanctuary of a United Methodist Church near her office in Highlands Ranch, Colo. On Tuesday, the highest court in the United Methodist Church considered whether to invalidate the election of the denomination’s first openly gay bishop, Oliveto, amid a struggle to avoid schism over the Bible and same-sex relationships. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) This Wednesday, April 19, 2017 photo shows Bishop Karen Oliveto in the sanctuary of a United Methodist Church near her office in Highlands Ranch, Colo. On Tuesday, the highest court in the United Methodist Church considered whether to invalidate the election of the denomination’s first openly gay bishop, Oliveto, amid a struggle to avoid schism over the Bible and same-sex relationships. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

By Associated Press April 28, 2017 1 min read

NEW YORK (AP) – The top court for the United Methodist Church has left an openly gay bishop on the job for now. But the decision means she may not be able to stay in the post for long.

The Methodist Judicial Council issued the ruling late Friday in the case of Bishop Karen Oliveto, who leads a church region based in Colorado and is married to a woman.

The court said Oliveto’s marriage violates church law that bars clergy who are in same-sex relationships. The court said she’s now subject to a disciplinary review that could end with her being ousted from the job.

Oliveto was elected last year as the first openly gay bishop in the 12.8 million-member church. The denomination is fracturing because of differences over the Bible and LGBT acceptance.