| United Methodists at their annual conference in Buckhannon this past week voted against a resolution opposing the Iraqi war.
The proposed resolution was signed by more than half of the church's episcopal leaders, saying they did not do enough to oppose "the unjust and immoral invasion and occupation of Iraq."
Among the signers of the statement is the current bishop of the W.Va. Conference, Ernest S. Lyght.
In rejecting the resolution, members said it would dishonor US forces fighting in Iraq.
Also rejected was a resolution allowing open membership to the church.
The resolution was prompted by a United Methodist Judicial Council ruling that upheld a decision denying membership to a gay man.
The issue arose after a Virginia pastor denied membership to an openly gay man.
About 1,200 churches in West Virginia and Garrett County, Maryland, are members of the West Virginia Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. The conference does not include churches in the Eastern Panhandle.
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