NEWARK — The highest court in the United Methodist Church considered Tuesday whether to invalidate the election of the denomination’s first openly gay bishop, amid a struggle to avoid schism over the Bible and same-sex relationships.

The challenge was filed to the election of Bishop Karen Oliveto, who is married to another woman. Church law bars clergy appointments of ‘‘self-avowed practicing homosexuals,’’ a stand that has come under increasing pressure from LGBT Methodists and their supporters as gay rights have made dramatic gains.

The 12.8 million-member denomination, the third-largest faith group in the United States, came close to fracturing last year at its legislative meeting, or General Conference. A commission is seeking ways to stay united. On the eve of Tuesday’s hearing, Methodist bishops announced a special assembly for February 2019 in St. Louis, dedicated to differences over church law related to LGBT people.

The denomination has seen its greatest growth in recent years in Africa and other parts of the world where theologically conservative views prevail on marriage. Overseas, many Methodists have been standing with US evangelicals to insist the church uphold the ban and discipline those who violate the policy.

A ruling from the council is expected within a few days.

Associated Press