Priest defrocked over Muslim beliefs

SEATTLE, April 2 (UPI) -- An Episcopal priest in Seattle who has said she is both Christian and Muslim has been defrocked, church officials said.

The Seattle Times reported Thursday that Ann Holmes Redding was defrocked over her 2007 announcement. She was informed of the decision Thursday by Bishop Geralyn Wolf of Rhode Island, who has disciplinary authority over her.

Wolf said she found Redding to be "a woman of utmost integrity and their conversations over the past two years have been open, honest and respectful," the newspaper reported.

"However, Bishop Wolf believes that a priest of the Church cannot be both a Christian and a Muslim," a statement said.

Redding has said she was sad that the church has rejected her beliefs.

The Times noted that Redding's defrocking came nearly two years after Wolf asked her to take a year and reflect on her beliefs.

At that time, Redding was barred from functioning as a priest, and was told that unless she resigned her priesthood or denied being a Muslim, she would be defrocked.