This Seems Odd...Where's the Truth? Only the Bishop & Those Involved Know

Church trial of Jeffersonville pastor cancelled

May 18, 2005

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana United Methodist Bishop Michael J. Coyner announced this morning that the church trial of a Jeffersonville, Ind. pastor, the Rev. Larry Martin has been cancelled. The unique church trial charging Martin with sexual harassment was set to begin Thursday morning, May 19 at the Trinity United Methodist Church in New Albany, Ind.

In his announcement to trial participants, Coyner said, “By mutual agreement of the parties involved, the charge of sexual harassment against the Rev. Larry Martin has been withdrawn by The South Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church. No church trial will be held. There are no charges or complaints against Rev. Martin.”

Coyner also said, “Part of our agreement is, as usual in these cases, not to disclose the terms of the mutual agreement.”

The trial was part of a lengthy judicial process which began months ago when complaints were first considered by the Rev. Michael Biggs, New Albany District Superintendent of the church. Without resolution, the complaints were heard next by then-Bishop Woodie W. White.

Without resolution, the complaints went to the United Methodist South Indiana Conference Board of Ordained Ministry. One of those complaints was considered a chargeable offense for United Methodist Ordained Ministers under the church’s law book know as The Book of Discipline.

Martin was charged on March 6 and suspended from all pastoral duties. Coyner then called upon retired Bishop Joseph E. Pennel Jr. of Franklin, Tenn. to be the Presiding Officer (judge) of the case against Martin and May 19 was set as the trial date. Ministers facing church trial are presumed innocent. If convicted, the most severe judgment a minister can received is loss of his or her credentials or being defrocked and no longer a minister of the church.

At any point in the process resolution can be made. All parties in this judicial process continued to talk as the trial approached. On Tuesday, May 17 a mutual agreement was finally reached averting the trial which was scheduled for tomorrow, May 19.