DeLong on Trial

So this woman DeLong is on trial for her activities involving homosexuality.  Rather, the trial is over, verdicts reached, and sentences handed down.  I have to say, shame on the United Methodist Church on nearly all accounts.  First of all, I will say that though I agree with the basic teaching that homosexual behavior is incompatible with Biblical morality, I think nearly all aspects of this trial were ridiculous.
1.) Apparently the UMC feels itself bound to the point of ridiculousness to proceed in internal legal matters with the same legal incompetence as the American legal system.  Perhaps I misunderstand the facts of the trial, but it seems that to come to the verdict that she was not a self-avowed practicing homosexual is absurd.  I understand the rationale for self-avowed being the criteria since it defuses witch-hunts.  But to be legalistic in this matter to the point of saying, "She didn't actually say the relationship was sexual within the scope of the trial" is, again, absurd.  It would seem from this logic that a person could be flamboyantly outspoken about their homosexual activities outside of the courtroom, but upon entering the courtroom becoming silent would thus acquit them of all wrongdoing. 
2.) They did find her guilty of performing same-sex marriages.  duh.  Did we really even need a trial for this?
3.) The sentence handed down was 20 days of suspension during which time she needs to write a paper.  This is commonly referred to as a sabbatical. 

The Methodist Church, unfortunately, is not in the business of preaching the Gospel, it is not in the business of following God at all costs.  The Methodist Church is in the business of not offending anyone so that it may prop up a dying, antiquated, bloated hierarchy.  Now to be clear, the Gospel is not about homosexuality.  I cannot be clear enough on that.  It isn't, at least not directly.  But what are we telling the world about our beliefs?  We hold fast to our beliefs, unless someone has a different opinion, and then we'll compromise.  Compromise is terrific, except when we are so willing to compromise that our own beliefs hold very little weight in our actions.
When it comes down to it, I believe that this sentence has more to do with avoidance of the issue than anything else.  Both sides can claim a victory.  Sure she's guilty, but it's not really that big of a deal.  Either way this goes, it is a big deal.  For the UMC to hold its own views so lightly seems to indicate that pretty much all of its views are up for grabs.  I have to say that this doesn't surprise me though.  For the UMC to make a tough decision and then truly stand by it would mean that some people would be offended enough to leave the church.  And therein lies the greatest horror: a drop in apportionment monies.