Three of five charges against the Reverend Janet Edwards have been dropped.  A trial on the two remaining charges, brought for performing a marriage ceremony for a local lesbian couple, will proceed in October 2008. 

More than 30 observers attended. Most, if not all, were supporters of the Rev. Edwards. During a recess they gathered in a nearby home, where they sang and prayed for her. Among them were Nancy McConn and Brenda Cole of Triadelphia, W.Va., the couple she was on trial for marrying.

The trial "is very hurtful, not just for us but for all gay and lesbian couples. But what the church is doing does not in any way diminish the sacredness of our marriage," Ms. Cole said.

"They do not have that kind of power," said Ms. McConn, who is Presbyterian.