The Rev. Amy DeLong, 44, of Polk County, Wisc., was convicted today on a charge of performing a September 2009 same-sex wedding for a lesbian couple in Menominee despite a United Methodist Church ban on the practice.

The 13-member jury’s decision was unanimous.

In a 12-1 vote, the jury of Wisconsin Methodist ministers, called a trial court, acquitted DeLong on a second charge of being a “self-avowed practicing homosexual.” The United Methodist Church permits gay and lesbian ministers to serve as long as they remain celibate.

DeLong’s counsel argued during the trial that the church had no evidence she ever engaged in prohibited sexual activity, but did not dispute facts surrounding the wedding she performed or DeLong’s November 2009 domestic partnership registration.

The proceeding now moves to a penalty phase, which includes additional testimony from witnesses, and could result in DeLong being defrocked.

The three-day trial, which began Tuesday, has drawn national attention as congregations across the U.S. wrestle with similar issues amid growing acceptance of same-sex relationships in secular culture.

In his closing argument, the Rev. Tom Lambrecht of Greenville, counsel for the church, told the jurors they have a simple question to answer: Did DeLong violate church law?

“We are called here today to put aside our own personal opinions on homosexuality,” Lambrecht said in a soft but clear voice. “This trial is not about homosexuality per se. Instead, it is about the integrity of our church covenant.”

Lambrecht argued clergy cannot be permitted to “unilaterally disobey” church rules, saying it could lead to “chaos,” “schism,” “anarchy” or “disintegration.” It puts the individual above the covenant,” Lambrecht said.

DeLong’s counsel, the Rev. Scott Campbell of Cambridge, Mass., asked the jury to consider a wider context in his closing statement.

“You have come to one of those watershed moments life,” Campbell intoned. “The eyes of the church are upon you today … the world is watching as well. There are thousands beyond these walls who will form their impression of the United Methodist Church by what they read of your decision.”

On the charge related to DeLong’s sexual orientation, Campbell rejected the church’s position that DeLong told church leaders she is a “practicing” lesbian, without disputing that she is in a committed relationship with another woman.

Campbell said the church’s definition of “practicing” refers to engaging in prohibited “genital sexual acts” with a person of the same gender.

“That is the test of the word ‘practicing’ that has been set up by the highest court in United Methodism,” Campbell said. “The church (has not) produced a single shred of evidence that she has so acknowledged.”