The highest level court in the United Methodist Church has defrocked a lesbian minister for violating the denomination's ban on "self-avowed, practicing homosexual" clergy. A church panel decided in December the Rev. Irene "Beth" Stroud, 35, engaged in practices the church has declared incompatible with Christian teachings. The decision was based on her being in a lesbian partnership.

A pastor was electrocuted inside his church Sunday morning while performing a baptism. He was reportedly adjusting a nearby microphone while standing in water. University Baptist Church community pastor Ben Dudley says Reverand Kyle Lake, 33, was stepping into the baptistery as he reached out for the microphone, producing an electric shock.

A Roman Catholic priest is taking a new approach to expanding his congregation, by booking four talks at a local bar in a bid to reach out to 20-and 30-somethings who do not go to church. Yes, alcohol will be served. The St. Marie Parish's first presentation, "Naked and Without Shame," took place Thursday and dealt with the Catholic views on sexuality, contraception and sex and marriage.

Pastor David Noel reported a disturbance at the Bethanie Seventh-day Adventist Church to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office when the choir would not allow the Saturday morning service to continue. All 16 church members were issued trespass warnings and left the property without incident, according to a sheriff's report.

Pastor David Noel reported a disturbance at the Bethanie Seventh-day Adventist Church to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office when the choir would not allow the Saturday morning service to continue. All 16 church members were issued trespass warnings and left the property without incident, according to a sheriff's report.