Opposition, Support for ELCA Task Force Recommendation, Social Statement
09-048-MRC
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Feb. 19 release of two documents from the Task Force for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Studies on Sexuality generated support and opposition from such organizations as Lutherans Concerned/North America (LC/NA), Lutheran CORE, WordAlone and Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS).
The task force released a "Report and Recommendation on Ministry Policies," which primarily focuses on changing the policy that "ordained ministers who are homosexual in their self-understanding are expected to abstain from homosexual sexual relationships" -- as stated in the ELCA's Vision and Expectations" for ordained ministries. The same expectation is expressed in policies for professional lay leaders in the church.
The task force also released "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust," a proposed social statement that addresses a spectrum of topics relevant to human sexuality from a Lutheran perspective.
Emily Eastwood, LC/NA executive director, agreed and disagreed with elements of both documents. LC/NA is an independent Lutheran organization that relates to the ELCA through its Evangelical Outreach and Congregational Mission program unit.
Eastwood said LC/NA is "gratified" that the documents create "room for the recognition of same-gender relationships" and that a "provision is being made for ministers in committed same-gender relationships to serve in ministry."
But she called the mechanism in which the ELCA task force offered to implement the recommendation "unacceptable."
"The mechanism proffered states that congregations, candidacy committees, synods and bishops, bound by their consciences to oppose the ordination or service of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender ministers may do so. Such allowance may create institutionalized discrimination at the synod level, resulting in pockets where the existing prohibitions may remain in full force," she said.
Goodsoil, a group of organizations working for the "full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families in the full ministerial and sacramental life of the ELCA," featured LC/NA's communication on its Web site.
The WordAlone Network stated it will work to defeat the task force recommendation. WordAlone is a non-profit, Minnesota-based Lutheran organization.
"Local option is, ironically, the negation of their entire desire to reach consensus. With individual, congregational and synodical option, there is no standard at all, just the celebration of self over against the Christian understanding of community and true freedom," said the Rev. Jaynan Clark Egland, WordAlone president.
In a media advisory, Lutheran CORE (Coalition for Reform) announced that it will work to defeat the ELCA task force recommendation. Lutheran CORE is an independent Lutheran organization that relates to the ELCA through its Vocation and Education program unit.
"The proposal for change in standards for clergy departs from the clear teaching of Scripture," said the Rev. Paull (correct) Spring, State College, Pa., chair of the Lutheran CORE steering committee.
"The task force (recommendation) will disconnect the ELCA from God's Word in the Bible, which clearly says that all sex outside of marriage is sin, and disconnect it from all who uphold the biblical norm -- most ELCA members and most of the Christian church on earth," said the Rev. Mark C. Chavez, Landisville, Pa., director of Lutheran CORE.
The Rev. Matthew C. Harrison, executive director for LCMS World Relief and Human Care, issued a statement in response to the ELCA task force documents.
"To say that we are disappointed in the task force proposals would be a vast understatement. But we are not surprised," he said. "The LCMS position on homosexuality is that of the Bible and the church catholic from the very beginning."
Harrison noted that there's a "great deal of interaction and partnership" between the LCMS and ELCA, but he said the task of maintaining that relationship was "becoming even more complex."
The ELCA task force's report and recommendation and proposed social statement will be considered at the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly -- the church's chief legislative body -- Aug. 17-23 in Minneapolis.
LCMS, LC/NA, Lutheran CORE and WordAlone do not have voice or vote at ELCA churchwide assemblies, but members of LC/NA, Lutheran CORE and WordAlone may have been elected to serve as voting members.
- - -
The task force's "Report and Recommendation on Ministry Policies" and "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" are available at http://www.elca.org/faithfuljourney on the ELCA Web site.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog
Sunday, February 22, 2009
ELCA News Release on Gay Ministry Policy Recommendation
ELCA Task Force Makes Recommendation on Ministry Policies
09-045-MRC
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The 15-member Task Force for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Studies on Sexuality released Feb. 19 a "Report and Recommendation on Ministry Policies" for the professional leadership of the church.
On the basis of study and "listening to this church," members of the task force developed a report and recommendation for the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly -- the church's chief legislative body -- to consider as regards the church's current policy.
For Lutheran pastors and other professional leaders in the ELCA, the church requires that sexual intimacy "be within the context of marriage." The church understands marriage as between a man and a woman. Gay and lesbian Lutherans serve as ordained ministers in the ELCA but are expected to abstain from engaging in same-gender sexual intimacy.
The report focuses on changing the policy that "ordained ministers who are homosexual in their self-understanding are expected to abstain from homosexual sexual relationships" -- as stated in the ELCA's "Vision and Expectations" for ordained ministers. The same expectation is expressed in policies for professional lay leaders of the church.
The task force's report also highlights areas of disagreement and agreement among ELCA members regarding current policy. Some members of the ELCA support continuation of the policy, and some members advocate for change. Lutherans have asserted "their positions with varying degrees of certainty," the report said.
The task force acknowledged that there is neither "a consensus -- a general agreement -- nor any emerging consensus" either within the ELCA or within other faith communities in North America, according to its report. The task force stated that ELCA members "must seek a common way to live and serve in the midst of disagreements."
"Through careful listening to this church and to one another other, task force members share a sober appreciation for the depth of disagreement on this matter. We also share a longing for church unity," said the Rev. Peter Strommen, Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, Prior Lake, Minn., and task force chair. "Our hope is that a way can be found to live in the unity of the gospel amidst our differences."
The task force recommended that a process begin with the churchwide assembly, "declaring its intention about what it wants to do," according to the report. It proposed four steps to be taken consecutively. If the assembly agrees to the first, then the second, third and fourth would be considered only if the preceding steps have been approved.
The first step asks the assembly whether it is committed "to finding ways to allow congregations and synods that choose to do so to recognize, support, and hold publicly accountable lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships," said the report.
The second step asks the assembly whether it is committed to finding a way for Lutherans in committed, same-gender relationships to serve as ELCA professional leaders -- clergy, associates in ministry, diaconal ministers and deaconesses.
If steps one and two are accepted, step three asks the assembly to commit to implementing steps one and two "in such a way that all this church bear the burdens of the other, love the neighbor, and respect the bound conscience of any with whom they disagree." According to the report, "decisions about policy that serve only the interests of one or another group will not be acceptable."
Step four presents a proposal for how the ELCA could move toward change "in a way that respects the bound conscience of all," said the report. The fourth step is different from the previous steps in that it is "not simply a commitment in principle, but makes a specific recommendation for flexibility within existing structures and practices of this church to allow for people in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships to be approved" for professional service in the ELCA, stated the report.
The task force's report and recommendation on ministry policies completes a directive from the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly to address and make recommendations on changes to policies that preclude Lutherans in committed, same-gender unions from the ELCA's professional rosters.
The 2001 assembly directed the church to study homosexuality with reference to two topics -- the blessing of same-sex unions and the "ordination, consecration and commissioning of people in committed, same sex unions." It also asked the church to develop a social statement on human sexuality.
"Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" -- the proposed social statement developed by the task force -- was also released Feb. 19. The proposed social statement and the report and recommendation on ministry policies are two separate documents.
The documents are open to review by the ELCA Church Council -- the church's board of directors -- when it meets here March 27-30, and they will be considered by the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, Aug. 17-23, in Minneapolis.
- - -
The task force's "Report and Recommendations on Ministry Policies" is available at http://www.ELCA.org/faithfuljourney on the ELCA Web site.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog
09-045-MRC
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The 15-member Task Force for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Studies on Sexuality released Feb. 19 a "Report and Recommendation on Ministry Policies" for the professional leadership of the church.
On the basis of study and "listening to this church," members of the task force developed a report and recommendation for the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly -- the church's chief legislative body -- to consider as regards the church's current policy.
For Lutheran pastors and other professional leaders in the ELCA, the church requires that sexual intimacy "be within the context of marriage." The church understands marriage as between a man and a woman. Gay and lesbian Lutherans serve as ordained ministers in the ELCA but are expected to abstain from engaging in same-gender sexual intimacy.
The report focuses on changing the policy that "ordained ministers who are homosexual in their self-understanding are expected to abstain from homosexual sexual relationships" -- as stated in the ELCA's "Vision and Expectations" for ordained ministers. The same expectation is expressed in policies for professional lay leaders of the church.
The task force's report also highlights areas of disagreement and agreement among ELCA members regarding current policy. Some members of the ELCA support continuation of the policy, and some members advocate for change. Lutherans have asserted "their positions with varying degrees of certainty," the report said.
The task force acknowledged that there is neither "a consensus -- a general agreement -- nor any emerging consensus" either within the ELCA or within other faith communities in North America, according to its report. The task force stated that ELCA members "must seek a common way to live and serve in the midst of disagreements."
"Through careful listening to this church and to one another other, task force members share a sober appreciation for the depth of disagreement on this matter. We also share a longing for church unity," said the Rev. Peter Strommen, Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, Prior Lake, Minn., and task force chair. "Our hope is that a way can be found to live in the unity of the gospel amidst our differences."
The task force recommended that a process begin with the churchwide assembly, "declaring its intention about what it wants to do," according to the report. It proposed four steps to be taken consecutively. If the assembly agrees to the first, then the second, third and fourth would be considered only if the preceding steps have been approved.
The first step asks the assembly whether it is committed "to finding ways to allow congregations and synods that choose to do so to recognize, support, and hold publicly accountable lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships," said the report.
The second step asks the assembly whether it is committed to finding a way for Lutherans in committed, same-gender relationships to serve as ELCA professional leaders -- clergy, associates in ministry, diaconal ministers and deaconesses.
If steps one and two are accepted, step three asks the assembly to commit to implementing steps one and two "in such a way that all this church bear the burdens of the other, love the neighbor, and respect the bound conscience of any with whom they disagree." According to the report, "decisions about policy that serve only the interests of one or another group will not be acceptable."
Step four presents a proposal for how the ELCA could move toward change "in a way that respects the bound conscience of all," said the report. The fourth step is different from the previous steps in that it is "not simply a commitment in principle, but makes a specific recommendation for flexibility within existing structures and practices of this church to allow for people in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships to be approved" for professional service in the ELCA, stated the report.
The task force's report and recommendation on ministry policies completes a directive from the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly to address and make recommendations on changes to policies that preclude Lutherans in committed, same-gender unions from the ELCA's professional rosters.
The 2001 assembly directed the church to study homosexuality with reference to two topics -- the blessing of same-sex unions and the "ordination, consecration and commissioning of people in committed, same sex unions." It also asked the church to develop a social statement on human sexuality.
"Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" -- the proposed social statement developed by the task force -- was also released Feb. 19. The proposed social statement and the report and recommendation on ministry policies are two separate documents.
The documents are open to review by the ELCA Church Council -- the church's board of directors -- when it meets here March 27-30, and they will be considered by the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, Aug. 17-23, in Minneapolis.
- - -
The task force's "Report and Recommendations on Ministry Policies" is available at http://www.ELCA.org/faithfuljourney on the ELCA Web site.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog
Saturday, February 21, 2009
The Tennessean: Lutherans propose allowing gay pastors in committed relationships
From where there are lots of Lutherans to where few have heard of them, the Tennessean reports:
Lutherans propose allowing gay pastors in committed relationships
Plan would let local churches decide on non-celibate pastors
By Bob Smietana
One of the nation's largest Protestant denominations would allow gay clergy in committed relationships to pastor local churches, under a new proposal from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Officially, all unmarried clergy in the 4.9 million-member denomination must remain celibate. But since 2007, Lutheran bishops have agreed not to discipline gay clergy who are sexually active.
On Thursday, a Lutheran task force on human sexuality recommended that local churches and synods — the Lutheran version of a diocese — decide the issue for themselves. If their idea is approved at this summer's Churchwide Assembly, the denomination would become the largest in the U.S. to allow non-celibate gay clergy.
Lutheran leaders hope the new proposal, which would let churches hire gay pastors involved in lifelong, monogamous relationships, can avoid the bitter conflicts that have plagued other denominations, like the Episcopal Church.
Church spokesman John Brooks said Lutherans, like many Christians, are divided over homosexuality. The new proposal allows them to agree to disagree. "It doesn't require a church to call a pastor who is in a committed same-sex relationship if they don't want to do that," he said.
The Rev. Rick Roberts, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church in Donelson, said members of his church are split on the issue. He believes the new proposal provides a workable solution. "It's time for us to make a decision and move on," Roberts said.
Roberts points out that while Jesus described marriage as being between a man and a woman, he never addressed homosexuality.
"I wish Jesus had said something about this, but he didn't," Roberts said.
The task force's proposal hinges on the Lutheran concept of what's called a bound conscience. The idea holds that Christians can disagree on what the Bible says on a wide range of social issues and still worship together. Click here to read the news release from Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Two Hurdles In The Path
The new proposal faces two hurdles before becoming reality. First, it must pass the denomination's board of directors at the end of March. Then the Churchwide Assembly, a mixture of clergy and lay people, will vote during its August meeting in Minneapolis.
The Rev. Kevin Martin, pastor of Celebration Lutheran Church in Mt. Juliet, said his congregation has avoided disputes over sexuality. He doesn't think the new proposal will affect his congregation. "We'll just keep going about our business," he said.
The new proposal could resolve a conflict in the Southeastern Synod, which includes Middle Tennessee. Click here to read the anti-homosexuals ordained blog.
In 2007, the Rev. Bradley Schmeling, a gay Lutheran pastor in Atlanta, was removed from the denomination's clergy rolls. He's been allowed to remain at the church, for now.
Southeastern Bishop H. Julian Gordy, a Franklin resident, said giving churches a local option is a new idea for Lutherans. Though some Lutherans believe that women should not be ordained, for example, synods are not allowed to bar women as pastors.
Still, he believes that the compromise could work.
"But it's going to be hard."
See the whole story for several related web links of interest.
Lutherans propose allowing gay pastors in committed relationships
Plan would let local churches decide on non-celibate pastors
By Bob Smietana
One of the nation's largest Protestant denominations would allow gay clergy in committed relationships to pastor local churches, under a new proposal from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Officially, all unmarried clergy in the 4.9 million-member denomination must remain celibate. But since 2007, Lutheran bishops have agreed not to discipline gay clergy who are sexually active.
On Thursday, a Lutheran task force on human sexuality recommended that local churches and synods — the Lutheran version of a diocese — decide the issue for themselves. If their idea is approved at this summer's Churchwide Assembly, the denomination would become the largest in the U.S. to allow non-celibate gay clergy.
Lutheran leaders hope the new proposal, which would let churches hire gay pastors involved in lifelong, monogamous relationships, can avoid the bitter conflicts that have plagued other denominations, like the Episcopal Church.
Church spokesman John Brooks said Lutherans, like many Christians, are divided over homosexuality. The new proposal allows them to agree to disagree. "It doesn't require a church to call a pastor who is in a committed same-sex relationship if they don't want to do that," he said.
The Rev. Rick Roberts, pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church in Donelson, said members of his church are split on the issue. He believes the new proposal provides a workable solution. "It's time for us to make a decision and move on," Roberts said.
Roberts points out that while Jesus described marriage as being between a man and a woman, he never addressed homosexuality.
"I wish Jesus had said something about this, but he didn't," Roberts said.
The task force's proposal hinges on the Lutheran concept of what's called a bound conscience. The idea holds that Christians can disagree on what the Bible says on a wide range of social issues and still worship together. Click here to read the news release from Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Two Hurdles In The Path
The new proposal faces two hurdles before becoming reality. First, it must pass the denomination's board of directors at the end of March. Then the Churchwide Assembly, a mixture of clergy and lay people, will vote during its August meeting in Minneapolis.
The Rev. Kevin Martin, pastor of Celebration Lutheran Church in Mt. Juliet, said his congregation has avoided disputes over sexuality. He doesn't think the new proposal will affect his congregation. "We'll just keep going about our business," he said.
The new proposal could resolve a conflict in the Southeastern Synod, which includes Middle Tennessee. Click here to read the anti-homosexuals ordained blog.
In 2007, the Rev. Bradley Schmeling, a gay Lutheran pastor in Atlanta, was removed from the denomination's clergy rolls. He's been allowed to remain at the church, for now.
Southeastern Bishop H. Julian Gordy, a Franklin resident, said giving churches a local option is a new idea for Lutherans. Though some Lutherans believe that women should not be ordained, for example, synods are not allowed to bar women as pastors.
Still, he believes that the compromise could work.
"But it's going to be hard."
See the whole story for several related web links of interest.
Duluth News Tribune: Out of no consensus, a compromise on gay clergy
Candace Renalls of the Duluth News Tribune offers a local angle based on the AP report:
Out of no consensus, a compromise on gay clergy
Call it a compromise.
Call it a compromise.
The largest Lutheran denomination in the country may leave it to individual congregations to decide whether to employ clergy who are gays or lesbians in committed relationships.
Currently, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has gay and lesbian clergy who are celibate. A recommendation announced Thursday by an ELCA task force would open the door for congregations to employ gay and lesbian clergy who are in relationships.
“It is a step in the right direction,” the Rev. David Carlson of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Duluth said of the policy change. “Because there is a lack of consensus in ELCA, it may not be possible to have a blanket [policy] for every church.”
The policy was recommended Thursday in a long-awaited report on ministry standards. But before overhauling the church’s gay clergy policy, aspects still need clarifying, the panel said.
The report, issued at the same time as a broader church social statement on human sexuality, seeks balance on the gay-clergy issue that has divided some in the church. Action on both reports is expected at the ELCA’s national assembly — representing its 4.7 million members — to be held in Minneapolis in August.
The clergy recommendation is a compromise to avoid the kind of infighting that has threatened to tear other churches apart.
Because people interpret the Bible in different ways, some believe homosexuality is a sin while others don’t. And changing minds is unlikely.
“People on either end would hope for a firm recommendation,” said the Rev. David Mesner, lead pastor of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Duluth. “In fact, the [recommendation] acknowledges no consensus exists and will not exist. So it outlines a process for the conversation to continue.”
While some churches have made welcoming statements for gays and lesbians, Gloria Dei is the only Reconciling in Christ congregation in the ELCA’s Northeastern Minnesota synod. As such, the congregation welcomes and affirms gays and lesbians.
“In a way, it’s not the solution we may want to see,” Carlson said. “Our church and many churches in ELCA would like to see one standard for every congregation.”
Bishop Thomas Aiken of the Northeastern Minnesota ELCA Synod said he is glad the church tackled the issue rather than avoiding it.
“This has been a long process started a long time ago,” he said. “For years, I have heard moral deliberations about the placement of gay persons in roster positions. There’s been a lot of good and sometimes difficult discussions that have at times been heated. We’ve been able to accept the fact that we’ve had differences.”
At first blush, Sue Anderson, a member of Gloria Dei, was pleased by the announcement.
“Congregations within the Lutheran Church are always the entity that calls its pastor,” said Anderson, who is lesbian. “So by saying this would rest with individual congregations is very Lutheran.”
But on closer reading, she noticed the decision wouldn’t rest entirely on the congregation. The bishop, regional synod and candidacy committees must approve the congregation’s choice.
“So if you have a bishop that’s supportive, you’re OK,” she said. “But if the bishop is not supportive, you probably won’t be able to call a gay or lesbian clergy. So the decision doesn’t just rest with the congregation and that’s a problem. It’s bad policy to proceed in this way.”
Out of no consensus, a compromise on gay clergy
Call it a compromise.
Call it a compromise.
The largest Lutheran denomination in the country may leave it to individual congregations to decide whether to employ clergy who are gays or lesbians in committed relationships.
Currently, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has gay and lesbian clergy who are celibate. A recommendation announced Thursday by an ELCA task force would open the door for congregations to employ gay and lesbian clergy who are in relationships.
“It is a step in the right direction,” the Rev. David Carlson of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Duluth said of the policy change. “Because there is a lack of consensus in ELCA, it may not be possible to have a blanket [policy] for every church.”
The policy was recommended Thursday in a long-awaited report on ministry standards. But before overhauling the church’s gay clergy policy, aspects still need clarifying, the panel said.
The report, issued at the same time as a broader church social statement on human sexuality, seeks balance on the gay-clergy issue that has divided some in the church. Action on both reports is expected at the ELCA’s national assembly — representing its 4.7 million members — to be held in Minneapolis in August.
The clergy recommendation is a compromise to avoid the kind of infighting that has threatened to tear other churches apart.
Because people interpret the Bible in different ways, some believe homosexuality is a sin while others don’t. And changing minds is unlikely.
“People on either end would hope for a firm recommendation,” said the Rev. David Mesner, lead pastor of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd in Duluth. “In fact, the [recommendation] acknowledges no consensus exists and will not exist. So it outlines a process for the conversation to continue.”
While some churches have made welcoming statements for gays and lesbians, Gloria Dei is the only Reconciling in Christ congregation in the ELCA’s Northeastern Minnesota synod. As such, the congregation welcomes and affirms gays and lesbians.
“In a way, it’s not the solution we may want to see,” Carlson said. “Our church and many churches in ELCA would like to see one standard for every congregation.”
Bishop Thomas Aiken of the Northeastern Minnesota ELCA Synod said he is glad the church tackled the issue rather than avoiding it.
“This has been a long process started a long time ago,” he said. “For years, I have heard moral deliberations about the placement of gay persons in roster positions. There’s been a lot of good and sometimes difficult discussions that have at times been heated. We’ve been able to accept the fact that we’ve had differences.”
At first blush, Sue Anderson, a member of Gloria Dei, was pleased by the announcement.
“Congregations within the Lutheran Church are always the entity that calls its pastor,” said Anderson, who is lesbian. “So by saying this would rest with individual congregations is very Lutheran.”
But on closer reading, she noticed the decision wouldn’t rest entirely on the congregation. The bishop, regional synod and candidacy committees must approve the congregation’s choice.
“So if you have a bishop that’s supportive, you’re OK,” she said. “But if the bishop is not supportive, you probably won’t be able to call a gay or lesbian clergy. So the decision doesn’t just rest with the congregation and that’s a problem. It’s bad policy to proceed in this way.”
Reuters: Gay clergy move advances among some U.S. Lutherans
Reuters reports:
Gay clergy move advances among some U.S. Lutherans
By Michael Conlon, Religion Writer
The largest U.S. Lutheran church group should consider steps that might enable people in same-sex relationships to become clergy, a task force recommended on Thursday.
The study group also approved of congregations finding ways to recognize gay unions by prayer and other means but did not suggest a formal marriage rite or blessing be established for them.
The matters covered in two reports released by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, or ELCA, are subject to review by church bishops and possible revisions by its Church Council before going to the membership convention for a vote in August.
The church, which has 5 million members in the United States and the Caribbean, has spent years studying the issue, which has become divisive in other Protestant faiths as well....
While gays may serve in the ELCA ministry, no pastor under the church's current policy may engage in sexual relations outside of marriage, and the church considers marriage as being between a man and a woman.
The task force set out four resolutions for possible approval, and said a "strong majority" of the 15-member clergy-lay group recommended them....
The report said most task force members "believe that it is undesirable and unrealistic to continue with existing policy.
"They feel this approach would fail to honor the conscience-bound lack of consensus in this church" and would shut out people in same-gender relationships who may be "best suited" for certain clerical posts.
Emily Eastwood, executive director of Lutherans Concerned/North America, a Lutheran gay and lesbian group, said her organization had "substantial agreement" with the proposals on some points.
But she said they "fall short rather dramatically" by not offering marriage or a rite of blessing for same-sex unions.
If passed as written, she said, it would be a "net gain" for gay rights because the prohibition against gay-partnered clergy would be lifted.
But allowing congregations, candidacy committees, synods and bishops who disagree to prohibit such clergy "may create institutionalized discrimination at the synod level, resulting in pockets where the existing prohibitions may remain in full force," she said.
Read it all here.
Gay clergy move advances among some U.S. Lutherans
By Michael Conlon, Religion Writer
The largest U.S. Lutheran church group should consider steps that might enable people in same-sex relationships to become clergy, a task force recommended on Thursday.
The study group also approved of congregations finding ways to recognize gay unions by prayer and other means but did not suggest a formal marriage rite or blessing be established for them.
The matters covered in two reports released by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, or ELCA, are subject to review by church bishops and possible revisions by its Church Council before going to the membership convention for a vote in August.
The church, which has 5 million members in the United States and the Caribbean, has spent years studying the issue, which has become divisive in other Protestant faiths as well....
While gays may serve in the ELCA ministry, no pastor under the church's current policy may engage in sexual relations outside of marriage, and the church considers marriage as being between a man and a woman.
The task force set out four resolutions for possible approval, and said a "strong majority" of the 15-member clergy-lay group recommended them....
The report said most task force members "believe that it is undesirable and unrealistic to continue with existing policy.
"They feel this approach would fail to honor the conscience-bound lack of consensus in this church" and would shut out people in same-gender relationships who may be "best suited" for certain clerical posts.
Emily Eastwood, executive director of Lutherans Concerned/North America, a Lutheran gay and lesbian group, said her organization had "substantial agreement" with the proposals on some points.
But she said they "fall short rather dramatically" by not offering marriage or a rite of blessing for same-sex unions.
If passed as written, she said, it would be a "net gain" for gay rights because the prohibition against gay-partnered clergy would be lifted.
But allowing congregations, candidacy committees, synods and bishops who disagree to prohibit such clergy "may create institutionalized discrimination at the synod level, resulting in pockets where the existing prohibitions may remain in full force," she said.
Read it all here.
McClatchy: US Lutheran task force suggests 'structured flexibility' on gay pastors
The McClatchy Newspapers, via the Guardian in the United Kingdom, report:
US Lutheran task force suggests 'structured flexibility' on gay pastors
Group endorses ordination of gay pastors but will leave final decision up to individual congregations or synods
The long-awaited position on ordaining gay clergy in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America isn't a clear yes or no.
An ELCA task force admitted yesterday that it could not reach a consensus on the issue that has polarised its members for years.
But with the matter expected to dominate this summer's national convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota its position paper offers this suggested solution: The ELCA will allow the ordination of gay pastors but will leave it up to individual congregations and synods whether to ordain or appoint pastors. The term used to describe this compromise is "structured flexibility".
While acknowledging that such an intentionally vague policy likely won't play well with "the bumper sticker crowd," the bishop of the St Paul Area Synod, the Rev Peter Rogness, said it reflects the ELCA's practice of trying to match ministers to congregations. He compared it to a rural congregation feeling that it would rather call a minister with a rural background, for instance.
"The Lutheran church has never imposed anything on anyone," he said. "We never have, and we never will." Leaders of Lutheran Core (Coalition for Reform), a group that describes its mission as seeking "to preserve the authority of the Bible in the ELCA," quickly announced that it will work to defeat the proposal at the convention.
The Rev Scott Grorud, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, Minnesota, and a member of the organisation's steering committee, said the focus on trying to reach a consensus was misdirected.
"The history of Christianity is not based on trying to reach a consensus, it's based on distinguishing right from wrong," he said. Consensus-building is used for deciding things like "what color carpet to get. This is a recipe for disaster".
He pointed to a similar rift that threatens to split the Episcopal church into two factions. "They went to a local option, and look where it got them," he said. "That should not be the path that we want to follow."
On the other end of the political spectrum, St Paul, Minnesota-based Lutherans Concerned saluted the recommendations as a positive step but said the task force didn't go far enough.
"It's a vast improvement," spokesman Phil Soucy said. "But we still have profound differences with it overall."
In particular, the group would have liked to have seen a provision for a rite blessing same-sex relationships. "The paper is full of options," he said. "How about an optional rite? You don't have to use it, but it would be there."
The ELCA has 4.8 million members. One-third of the 1,000 delegates who will gather in Minneapolis 17-23 August will be clergy, and the rest will be lay people. The delegates were chosen last summer, so there will be no jockeying to pick those who support a particular stance on this issue.
US Lutheran task force suggests 'structured flexibility' on gay pastors
Group endorses ordination of gay pastors but will leave final decision up to individual congregations or synods
The long-awaited position on ordaining gay clergy in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America isn't a clear yes or no.
An ELCA task force admitted yesterday that it could not reach a consensus on the issue that has polarised its members for years.
But with the matter expected to dominate this summer's national convention in Minneapolis, Minnesota its position paper offers this suggested solution: The ELCA will allow the ordination of gay pastors but will leave it up to individual congregations and synods whether to ordain or appoint pastors. The term used to describe this compromise is "structured flexibility".
While acknowledging that such an intentionally vague policy likely won't play well with "the bumper sticker crowd," the bishop of the St Paul Area Synod, the Rev Peter Rogness, said it reflects the ELCA's practice of trying to match ministers to congregations. He compared it to a rural congregation feeling that it would rather call a minister with a rural background, for instance.
"The Lutheran church has never imposed anything on anyone," he said. "We never have, and we never will." Leaders of Lutheran Core (Coalition for Reform), a group that describes its mission as seeking "to preserve the authority of the Bible in the ELCA," quickly announced that it will work to defeat the proposal at the convention.
The Rev Scott Grorud, pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, Minnesota, and a member of the organisation's steering committee, said the focus on trying to reach a consensus was misdirected.
"The history of Christianity is not based on trying to reach a consensus, it's based on distinguishing right from wrong," he said. Consensus-building is used for deciding things like "what color carpet to get. This is a recipe for disaster".
He pointed to a similar rift that threatens to split the Episcopal church into two factions. "They went to a local option, and look where it got them," he said. "That should not be the path that we want to follow."
On the other end of the political spectrum, St Paul, Minnesota-based Lutherans Concerned saluted the recommendations as a positive step but said the task force didn't go far enough.
"It's a vast improvement," spokesman Phil Soucy said. "But we still have profound differences with it overall."
In particular, the group would have liked to have seen a provision for a rite blessing same-sex relationships. "The paper is full of options," he said. "How about an optional rite? You don't have to use it, but it would be there."
The ELCA has 4.8 million members. One-third of the 1,000 delegates who will gather in Minneapolis 17-23 August will be clergy, and the rest will be lay people. The delegates were chosen last summer, so there will be no jockeying to pick those who support a particular stance on this issue.
RNS: Lutherans Move to Allow Gay Clergy -- Sort of
Daniel Burke of the Religion News Service writes:
Lutherans Move to Allow Gay Clergy -- Sort of
A blue-ribbon panel recommended on Thursday (Feb. 19) that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America lift its ban on partnered gay and lesbian clergy, but only after the church agrees in principle on gay relationships and respecting the consciences of those who dissent.
A majority of the 15-member Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality believes that "it is possible to devise guidelines and policies that would allow ... some flexibility" in its ordination standards.
The 4.8 million-member ELCA currently allows gay or lesbian clergy who pledge to be celibate; partnered or sexually active homosexual clergy are technically not allowed in ELCA pulpits, though some buck the rules without punishment.
The task force also released a 30-page statement outlining the church's thinking on homosexuality, but, citing a lack of consensus, did not offer a recommendation on whether to adopt rites for blessing same-sex couples.
If adopted by the ELCA's Churchwide Assembly in August, the proposals would remove the blanket ban on non-celibate gay and lesbian clergy, empowering local congregations and governing bodies to make their own decisions on whether to allow them.
"As on most matters, we trust people locally to make good decisions," said the Rev. Stan Olson, an advisor to the task force and head of the ELCA's unit on vocations.
While permitting non-celibate gay clergy would be a watershed decision for the ELCA, numerous obstacles could waylay the four-step process when it is considered by more than 1,000 delegates Aug. 17-23 in Minneapolis.
Emily Eastwood, executive director of the pro-gay group Lutherans Concerned/North America, called the recommendations a "net gain."
But, Eastwood said, "we are distraught by the complexity of this system and the bureaucracy needed to maintain it if it passes."...
Read it all here.
Lutherans Move to Allow Gay Clergy -- Sort of
A blue-ribbon panel recommended on Thursday (Feb. 19) that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America lift its ban on partnered gay and lesbian clergy, but only after the church agrees in principle on gay relationships and respecting the consciences of those who dissent.
A majority of the 15-member Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality believes that "it is possible to devise guidelines and policies that would allow ... some flexibility" in its ordination standards.
The 4.8 million-member ELCA currently allows gay or lesbian clergy who pledge to be celibate; partnered or sexually active homosexual clergy are technically not allowed in ELCA pulpits, though some buck the rules without punishment.
The task force also released a 30-page statement outlining the church's thinking on homosexuality, but, citing a lack of consensus, did not offer a recommendation on whether to adopt rites for blessing same-sex couples.
If adopted by the ELCA's Churchwide Assembly in August, the proposals would remove the blanket ban on non-celibate gay and lesbian clergy, empowering local congregations and governing bodies to make their own decisions on whether to allow them.
"As on most matters, we trust people locally to make good decisions," said the Rev. Stan Olson, an advisor to the task force and head of the ELCA's unit on vocations.
While permitting non-celibate gay clergy would be a watershed decision for the ELCA, numerous obstacles could waylay the four-step process when it is considered by more than 1,000 delegates Aug. 17-23 in Minneapolis.
Emily Eastwood, executive director of the pro-gay group Lutherans Concerned/North America, called the recommendations a "net gain."
But, Eastwood said, "we are distraught by the complexity of this system and the bureaucracy needed to maintain it if it passes."...
Read it all here.
Denver Post: Lutherans to weigh recognition for gays
From the Denver Post:
Lutherans to weigh recognition for gays
By Electa Draper
The 4.7 million-member Evangelical Lutheran Church of America said Thursday that it will consider whether individual congregations can choose to recognize same-sex unions and hire gay or lesbian pastors who are in committed, monogamous relationships.
The Chicago-based church, the country's single largest Lutheran denomination, currently requires that sexual intimacy occur only within the context of marriage between a man and a woman.
Gay and lesbian Lutherans may now serve as ordained ministers but are expected to remain celibate. Nevertheless, some liberal congregations defy this.
A 15-member church task force has spent more than two years studying the issue and has held more than 100 hearings across the country.
Thursday, the task force recommended that the Churchwide Assembly, the church's chief legislative body, take up the issue of whether it is committed to finding ways to allow congregations or groups of congregations called synods to choose to "recognize, support and hold publicly accountable lifelong, monogamous same-gender relationships."
And if the assembly accepts this commitment, the task force asked, will it then find a way for Lutherans in committed same-sex relationships to serve as clergy and other church leaders?
The assembly, made up of roughly 1,000 church leaders and members, will vote on the issue in Minneapolis in August.
Task force members acknowledged that there is no general agreement within the church on same-sex unions, an issue that has polarized every mainline Protestant denomination in the country.
"Task force members share a sober appreciation for the depth of disagreement on this matter," said the Rev. Peter Strommen, task force chairman and pastor of Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake, Minn.
"We also share a longing for church unity," Strommen said in a statement released Thursday afternoon. "Our hope is that a way can be found to live in the unity of the gospel amidst our differences."
If the assembly chooses to allow recognition of gay unions and clergy, the task force asks that the church "respect the bound conscience" of those who disagree.
If the recommendations are adopted, they allow a degree of local control, said Bishop Allan Bjornberg, leader of the denomination's Denver-based Rocky Mountain Synod. The synod encompasses 120 congregations with about 85,000 members across Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas.
"We have liberals and conservatives and a great middle ground. I think the great middle has become very comfortable with gay and lesbian people in their congregations," Bjornberg said. "I don't know how comfortable the middle is with rostering gay and lesbian people in committed same-sex relationships as their pastors. But I know the great middle is exhausted by the conversation."
The task force also released a proposed social statement on human sexuality that recognizes marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman, but also acknowledges the complexity of human sexuality and the reality of same-sex unions.
A group called the Lutheran Coalition for Reform released a statement saying it will work to defeat the task force proposals because they "seek to change Christian teaching on homosexuality."
The group, known as Lutheran CORE, said the task-force recommendations run contrary to the views of what they believe is a significant majority of the denomination.
"When any church finds itself accommodating its teachings to the ways of the culture, that church is in trouble," said the Rev. Erma Wolf of Brandon, S.D., vice chair of Lutheran CORE.
"No church has the authority to overturn the word of God."
Lutherans to weigh recognition for gays
By Electa Draper
The 4.7 million-member Evangelical Lutheran Church of America said Thursday that it will consider whether individual congregations can choose to recognize same-sex unions and hire gay or lesbian pastors who are in committed, monogamous relationships.
The Chicago-based church, the country's single largest Lutheran denomination, currently requires that sexual intimacy occur only within the context of marriage between a man and a woman.
Gay and lesbian Lutherans may now serve as ordained ministers but are expected to remain celibate. Nevertheless, some liberal congregations defy this.
A 15-member church task force has spent more than two years studying the issue and has held more than 100 hearings across the country.
Thursday, the task force recommended that the Churchwide Assembly, the church's chief legislative body, take up the issue of whether it is committed to finding ways to allow congregations or groups of congregations called synods to choose to "recognize, support and hold publicly accountable lifelong, monogamous same-gender relationships."
And if the assembly accepts this commitment, the task force asked, will it then find a way for Lutherans in committed same-sex relationships to serve as clergy and other church leaders?
The assembly, made up of roughly 1,000 church leaders and members, will vote on the issue in Minneapolis in August.
Task force members acknowledged that there is no general agreement within the church on same-sex unions, an issue that has polarized every mainline Protestant denomination in the country.
"Task force members share a sober appreciation for the depth of disagreement on this matter," said the Rev. Peter Strommen, task force chairman and pastor of Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake, Minn.
"We also share a longing for church unity," Strommen said in a statement released Thursday afternoon. "Our hope is that a way can be found to live in the unity of the gospel amidst our differences."
If the assembly chooses to allow recognition of gay unions and clergy, the task force asks that the church "respect the bound conscience" of those who disagree.
If the recommendations are adopted, they allow a degree of local control, said Bishop Allan Bjornberg, leader of the denomination's Denver-based Rocky Mountain Synod. The synod encompasses 120 congregations with about 85,000 members across Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas.
"We have liberals and conservatives and a great middle ground. I think the great middle has become very comfortable with gay and lesbian people in their congregations," Bjornberg said. "I don't know how comfortable the middle is with rostering gay and lesbian people in committed same-sex relationships as their pastors. But I know the great middle is exhausted by the conversation."
The task force also released a proposed social statement on human sexuality that recognizes marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman, but also acknowledges the complexity of human sexuality and the reality of same-sex unions.
A group called the Lutheran Coalition for Reform released a statement saying it will work to defeat the task force proposals because they "seek to change Christian teaching on homosexuality."
The group, known as Lutheran CORE, said the task-force recommendations run contrary to the views of what they believe is a significant majority of the denomination.
"When any church finds itself accommodating its teachings to the ways of the culture, that church is in trouble," said the Rev. Erma Wolf of Brandon, S.D., vice chair of Lutheran CORE.
"No church has the authority to overturn the word of God."
AP: Lutherans weigh making gay clergy a local decision
From the Associated Press:
Lutherans weigh making gay clergy a local decision
By Eric Gorski
The nation's largest Lutheran denomination will consider allowing individual congregations to choose whether to allow gays and lesbians in committed relationships to serve as clergy, an attempt to avoid the sort of infighting that has threatened to tear other churches apart.
A task force of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America recommended that course Thursday in a long-awaited report on ministry standards. The panel, however, said the church needs to clarify a number of questions before overhauling its gay clergy policy.
The report, issued at the same time as a broader church social statement on human sexuality, seeks balance on an issue dividing many Protestant churches. Both documents will be considered in August in Minneapolis at the biannual convention of the 4.7-million member denomination.
"At this point, there is no consensus in the church," said the Rev. Peter Strommen of Prior Lake, Minn., chairman of the 15-member task force on sexuality. "The question ends up being, 'How are we going to live together in that absence of consensus?'
"This ought not to be church-dividing, even if there are strong differences."
Church members on both sides of the issue, however, were dissatisfied with the proposal. Conservatives called it a rejection of Scripture and an advocate for gay clergy said some of the elements take "a step backward."
Gays and lesbians can now serve as clergy in the ELCA if they remain celibate, although some congregations have challenged the system and hired pastors in gay relationships. Heterosexual clergy and professional lay workers are to abstain from sex outside marriage.
The proposed change would cover those in "lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships."
The task force recommended a deliberate four-step process toward a new policy — starting with asking the church whether it is committed in principle "to finding ways to allow congregations and synods that choose to do so to recognize, support, and hold publicly accountable" those relationships.
The task force is not urging a liturgical rite for same-sex couples, said the Rev. Stanley Olson, executive director of vocation and education for the Chicago-based denomination.
The desire is to hold gay people accountable to their relationships much like heterosexual couples are bound by marriage, he said. The report doesn't propose ways to accomplish that.
Next, the church would consider whether it wants to find a way to allow gay clergy while agreeing to "respect the bound consciences of all." If the assembly can agree on those things, then it would weigh the recommendation essentially granting a local option on gay clergy in committed relationships.
The proposal is an effort to avoid the sort of splintering that the 77 million-member Anglican Communion has suffered since 2003, when the Episcopal Church — the Anglican body in the U.S. — consecrated the first openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire. His election intensified a long-running debate over what Anglicans should believe about salvation, sexuality and other issues.
The ELCA report calls for "structured flexibility" giving congregations, regional church bodies called synods and candidacy committees freedom to "act according to their convictions."
"The task force believes the church will be better at respecting the consciences of people who disagree if we allow room for different practice," Olson said. "That goes hand in hand with our conviction that our Christian unity doesn't depend on agreement about ethical questions."...
Read it all here.
Lutherans weigh making gay clergy a local decision
By Eric Gorski
The nation's largest Lutheran denomination will consider allowing individual congregations to choose whether to allow gays and lesbians in committed relationships to serve as clergy, an attempt to avoid the sort of infighting that has threatened to tear other churches apart.
A task force of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America recommended that course Thursday in a long-awaited report on ministry standards. The panel, however, said the church needs to clarify a number of questions before overhauling its gay clergy policy.
The report, issued at the same time as a broader church social statement on human sexuality, seeks balance on an issue dividing many Protestant churches. Both documents will be considered in August in Minneapolis at the biannual convention of the 4.7-million member denomination.
"At this point, there is no consensus in the church," said the Rev. Peter Strommen of Prior Lake, Minn., chairman of the 15-member task force on sexuality. "The question ends up being, 'How are we going to live together in that absence of consensus?'
"This ought not to be church-dividing, even if there are strong differences."
Church members on both sides of the issue, however, were dissatisfied with the proposal. Conservatives called it a rejection of Scripture and an advocate for gay clergy said some of the elements take "a step backward."
Gays and lesbians can now serve as clergy in the ELCA if they remain celibate, although some congregations have challenged the system and hired pastors in gay relationships. Heterosexual clergy and professional lay workers are to abstain from sex outside marriage.
The proposed change would cover those in "lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships."
The task force recommended a deliberate four-step process toward a new policy — starting with asking the church whether it is committed in principle "to finding ways to allow congregations and synods that choose to do so to recognize, support, and hold publicly accountable" those relationships.
The task force is not urging a liturgical rite for same-sex couples, said the Rev. Stanley Olson, executive director of vocation and education for the Chicago-based denomination.
The desire is to hold gay people accountable to their relationships much like heterosexual couples are bound by marriage, he said. The report doesn't propose ways to accomplish that.
Next, the church would consider whether it wants to find a way to allow gay clergy while agreeing to "respect the bound consciences of all." If the assembly can agree on those things, then it would weigh the recommendation essentially granting a local option on gay clergy in committed relationships.
The proposal is an effort to avoid the sort of splintering that the 77 million-member Anglican Communion has suffered since 2003, when the Episcopal Church — the Anglican body in the U.S. — consecrated the first openly gay bishop, V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire. His election intensified a long-running debate over what Anglicans should believe about salvation, sexuality and other issues.
The ELCA report calls for "structured flexibility" giving congregations, regional church bodies called synods and candidacy committees freedom to "act according to their convictions."
"The task force believes the church will be better at respecting the consciences of people who disagree if we allow room for different practice," Olson said. "That goes hand in hand with our conviction that our Christian unity doesn't depend on agreement about ethical questions."...
Read it all here.
Friday, February 20, 2009
A Missouri Synod Statement
Pastor Matthew Harrison is the Executive Director of for the LCMS World Relief and Human Care. The following statement not only expresses a Lutheran Church&mdash'Missouri Synod perspective on yesterday's news, it explains why he might comment on what might seem to be an internal ELCA matter. (Yup, it's not.)
Statement of Rev. Matthew Harrison on ELCA’s Task Force on Sexuality Study
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Yesterday the church commemorated the 463rd anniversary of the death of Martin Luther. His last written words, found on a note in his pocket, were "We are beggars: This is true." Hermann Sasse regarded these final words as a summation of Luther’s great legacy to Christianity. In all matters of faith and life, Christians are beggars who receive what the Lord gives, and as the Lord gives. Salvation is all by grace, all by Christ’s doing. All that we are to believe and practice in the church is very clearly given in the Bible, God’s own infallible Word.
Today the ELCA’s Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality released its "Report and Recommendation on Ministry Policies" (http://www.elca.org/faithfuljourney). The report recommends a path for the ELCA’s 2009 church-wide assembly to recognize and accept publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same gender relationships of clergy in those synods (ELCA regional divisions) and congregations, which desire to approve of such relationships.
The LCMS position on homosexuality is that of the Bible and the church catholic from the very beginning. Revisionist readings of the Bible that assert otherwise are deeply dependent upon views of the Bible that are at odds with its self-definition as God’s very Word.
We at LCMS World Relief and Human Care (LCMS Board for Human Care) have many tasks mandated by the Missouri Synod, which involve a great deal of interaction and partnership with ELCA offices, entities, affiliated agencies, and individuals. We have sought to carry out these mandated tasks with complete and uncompromising fidelity with charity, faithful to the LCMS’s clearly stated positions, including those on human sexuality. This task is becoming ever more complex, and the proposals of the ELCA task force promise to increase this complexity greatly. We will continue to the best of our ability to ensure that service organizations recognized by the LCMS "respect and do not act contrary to" (6.2.1 LCMS 2007 Handbook: Constitution, Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, page 200) the biblical position of the LCMS on this issue.
To say that we are disappointed in the Task Force proposals would be a vast understatement. But we are not surprised. We are deeply concerned about many ELCA friends (on both sides of the issue) and especially about those who find themselves holding the orthodox position while their beloved church body slips into heterodoxy. But we do not write in order to self-righteously castigate the ELCA. Rather in deep humility and repentance, we think of our own many and deep sins: our own failure to hear the word of God; our failure to bear convincing witness on this issue; our own deep sins and our lack of love for one another, which have often rendered our witness of no effect; our lack of love and failure to reach out "with might and main" to those who struggle with the issue of homosexuality.
Today, Feb. 19, 2009, is a day of deep repentance. Join me in praying for the future of the Lutheran church, in America and throughout the world. Please join me too, in praying for the hundreds of Lutheran agencies, which faithfully struggle to serve those in need. We are beggars: This is true.
Rev. Matthew Harrison
Executive Director
LCMS World Relief and Human Care
(For a further discussion on this topic from a biblical and Lutheran Confessional viewpoint please see Armin Wenz’s The Contemporary Debate on Homosexual Clergy published by LCMS World Relief and Human Care.)
Statement of Rev. Matthew Harrison on ELCA’s Task Force on Sexuality Study
ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Yesterday the church commemorated the 463rd anniversary of the death of Martin Luther. His last written words, found on a note in his pocket, were "We are beggars: This is true." Hermann Sasse regarded these final words as a summation of Luther’s great legacy to Christianity. In all matters of faith and life, Christians are beggars who receive what the Lord gives, and as the Lord gives. Salvation is all by grace, all by Christ’s doing. All that we are to believe and practice in the church is very clearly given in the Bible, God’s own infallible Word.
Today the ELCA’s Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality released its "Report and Recommendation on Ministry Policies" (http://www.elca.org/faithfuljourney). The report recommends a path for the ELCA’s 2009 church-wide assembly to recognize and accept publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same gender relationships of clergy in those synods (ELCA regional divisions) and congregations, which desire to approve of such relationships.
The LCMS position on homosexuality is that of the Bible and the church catholic from the very beginning. Revisionist readings of the Bible that assert otherwise are deeply dependent upon views of the Bible that are at odds with its self-definition as God’s very Word.
We at LCMS World Relief and Human Care (LCMS Board for Human Care) have many tasks mandated by the Missouri Synod, which involve a great deal of interaction and partnership with ELCA offices, entities, affiliated agencies, and individuals. We have sought to carry out these mandated tasks with complete and uncompromising fidelity with charity, faithful to the LCMS’s clearly stated positions, including those on human sexuality. This task is becoming ever more complex, and the proposals of the ELCA task force promise to increase this complexity greatly. We will continue to the best of our ability to ensure that service organizations recognized by the LCMS "respect and do not act contrary to" (6.2.1 LCMS 2007 Handbook: Constitution, Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, page 200) the biblical position of the LCMS on this issue.
To say that we are disappointed in the Task Force proposals would be a vast understatement. But we are not surprised. We are deeply concerned about many ELCA friends (on both sides of the issue) and especially about those who find themselves holding the orthodox position while their beloved church body slips into heterodoxy. But we do not write in order to self-righteously castigate the ELCA. Rather in deep humility and repentance, we think of our own many and deep sins: our own failure to hear the word of God; our failure to bear convincing witness on this issue; our own deep sins and our lack of love for one another, which have often rendered our witness of no effect; our lack of love and failure to reach out "with might and main" to those who struggle with the issue of homosexuality.
Today, Feb. 19, 2009, is a day of deep repentance. Join me in praying for the future of the Lutheran church, in America and throughout the world. Please join me too, in praying for the hundreds of Lutheran agencies, which faithfully struggle to serve those in need. We are beggars: This is true.
Rev. Matthew Harrison
Executive Director
LCMS World Relief and Human Care
(For a further discussion on this topic from a biblical and Lutheran Confessional viewpoint please see Armin Wenz’s The Contemporary Debate on Homosexual Clergy published by LCMS World Relief and Human Care.)
WordAlone Responds to Proposals
And the WordAlone Network has this to say:
WordAlone Network responds to ELCA human sexuality proposals
February 19, 2009
For Immediate Release:
WordAlone Network New Brighton, MN 55112
Contact: President, Pr. Jaynan Clark Egland 509 540-0889
Vice president, Pr. Mark Chavez 717 898-0801
Email: wordalone@popp.net
Download this document in PDF format.
Calling the report and recommendations on human sexuality proposed by a task force of the largest Lutheran denomination in the United States too lengthy and confusing, leaders of the WordAlone Network, the faithful opposition, compared its recommendations to smoke and mirrors.
President of the grassroots network, Pastor Jaynan Clark Egland commented Thursday, “When voters in many states uphold traditional marriage better than church leaders and the mainline denominations as a whole, then you know something is really out of whack.”
The WordAlone Network will work to defeat all the recommendations of the task force, she said.
The task force report says the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America should consider date rape “an egregious violation of friendship,” should discourage “co-habitation arrangements outside of marriage” and should learn to live with its disagreements over homosexual behavior.
As for same-sex relationships and allowing persons in same-sex relationships to serve as ordained or lay ministers in the ELCA, the task force recommends that the delegates at this August’s churchwide assembly in Minneapolis vote on four resolutions in a certain order.
If the assembly defeats one of the resolutions, or questions, the task force says the voting would stop on any remaining question.
The first two ask the assembly to accept “in principle” same-sex, monogamous, lifelong relationships and to allow persons in such relationships to serve as ministers. The third question admits the church does not have consensus on the issues and asks the ELCA to respect members’ differing opinions on same-sex questions, which it says are based on individuals’ consciences.
The fourth question, in fact, asks the denomination to be flexible and allow persons in same-sex relationships to serve as ministers in some congregations, synods and ministries. This opens the door to local option.
“The first three questions are just smoke and mirrors for the last one. If we accept something ‘in principle,’ haven’t we accepted it indeed,” asked Pastor Mark Chavez, vice president of WordAlone.
Clark Egland asked, “Is consensus our new ‘way’ for finding ‘truth’? I thought Jesus was the Way and the Truth. That doesn’t change whether we agree or not.
“Local option is, ironically, the negation of their entire desire to reach consensus. With individual, congregational and synodical option, there is no standard at all, just the celebration of self over against the Christian understanding of community and true freedom.”
The ELCA task force’s report is available at www.elca.org/faithfuljourney.
February 19, 2009
For Immediate Release:
WordAlone Network New Brighton, MN 55112
Contact: President, Pr. Jaynan Clark Egland 509 540-0889
Vice president, Pr. Mark Chavez 717 898-0801
Email: wordalone@popp.net
Calling the report and recommendations on human sexuality proposed by a task force of the largest Lutheran denomination in the United States too lengthy and confusing, leaders of the WordAlone Network, the faithful opposition, compared its recommendations to smoke and mirrors.
President of the grassroots network, Pastor Jaynan Clark Egland commented Thursday, “When voters in many states uphold traditional marriage better than church leaders and the mainline denominations as a whole, then you know something is really out of whack.”
The WordAlone Network will work to defeat all the recommendations of the task force, she said.
The task force report says the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America should consider date rape “an egregious violation of friendship,” should discourage “co-habitation arrangements outside of marriage” and should learn to live with its disagreements over homosexual behavior.
As for same-sex relationships and allowing persons in same-sex relationships to serve as ordained or lay ministers in the ELCA, the task force recommends that the delegates at this August’s churchwide assembly in Minneapolis vote on four resolutions in a certain order.
If the assembly defeats one of the resolutions, or questions, the task force says the voting would stop on any remaining question.
The first two ask the assembly to accept “in principle” same-sex, monogamous, lifelong relationships and to allow persons in such relationships to serve as ministers. The third question admits the church does not have consensus on the issues and asks the ELCA to respect members’ differing opinions on same-sex questions, which it says are based on individuals’ consciences.
The fourth question, in fact, asks the denomination to be flexible and allow persons in same-sex relationships to serve as ministers in some congregations, synods and ministries. This opens the door to local option.
“The first three questions are just smoke and mirrors for the last one. If we accept something ‘in principle,’ haven’t we accepted it indeed,” asked Pastor Mark Chavez, vice president of WordAlone.
Clark Egland asked, “Is consensus our new ‘way’ for finding ‘truth’? I thought Jesus was the Way and the Truth. That doesn’t change whether we agree or not.
“Local option is, ironically, the negation of their entire desire to reach consensus. With individual, congregational and synodical option, there is no standard at all, just the celebration of self over against the Christian understanding of community and true freedom.”
The ELCA task force’s report is available at www.elca.org/faithfuljourney.
Partnered Gay Pastor Leaves Call
Shrimp here, with a bit of something different. Sort of.
Lionel Ketola, extraordinarily ordained the first ELM rostered pastor in Canada last May and last featured on Shellfish in November when the congregation that called and ordained him was suspended by the ELCIC's Eastern Synod, is no longer serving his call.
Currently appearing on the front web page for Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Haymarket, Ontario, is this notice:
Lionel Ketola, extraordinarily ordained the first ELM rostered pastor in Canada last May and last featured on Shellfish in November when the congregation that called and ordained him was suspended by the ELCIC's Eastern Synod, is no longer serving his call.
Currently appearing on the front web page for Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Haymarket, Ontario, is this notice:
Announcement - February 14, 2009Hat tip to Lutheran (True!) Confessions. Shrimp out.
It is with deep sadness that Holy Cross Lutheran Church announces the departure of Pastor Lionel Ketola from the position of Associate Pastor of our congregation and as our Ambassador of Reconciliation to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada.
We are grateful to Pastor Lionel for this ministry which embodied the inclusive vision of so many and offered hope to all those who are working to make the ELCIC a church where all God’s children are free to respond to God’s call to ordained ministry. We give thanks to Pastor Lionel for his willingness to share his considerable talents in this important ministry.
We pray that God will continue to bless Pastor Lionel in whatever ministry he undertakes in the future.
We trust that the model of inclusiveness that this ministry of reconciliation bore witness to will continue to inspire hope in those who work for justice in both the church and the world.
We wish to thank all those who supported this vital ministry with their prayers, their presence, their gifts, their talents and their treasure. We give thanks to God for each and everyone of you! We also offer our thanks to our partners in this ministry, for without the support and guidance of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries and Lutherans Concerned North America our vision of inclusive ministry could not have become a reality.
Holy Cross will continue to heed God’s call to be ambassadors of reconciliation. We trust that God has great things in store for our congregation as we seek opportunities to work with our sisters and brothers in the ELCIC to make our church a place where it can truly be said, “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians.3.27-28)
Lutherans Concerned: "Agrees and Profoundly Disagrees"
From Lutherans Concerned/North America (and also at goodsoil.org):
Lutherans Concerned agrees and profoundly disagrees with ELCA sexuality statements
Lutherans Concerned / North America has both considerable agreement and substantial disagreement with the Proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality and accompanying Rostering Recommendations, released publically by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) on February 19, 2009.
The Proposed Social Statement extols the place of family, right relationships, love, Christian values, sexuality, mutuality, commitment, the benefits to society and the church of committed relationships, and the diversity of successful families within church and society. The Proposed Social Statement clearly places same-gender committed relationships among those. With all of that Lutherans Concerned is in agreement.
Emily Eastwood, Executive Director, Lutherans Concerned, said, "This Social Statement is a vast improvement over its previous draft. We are also gratified that the Social Statement continues to acknowledge, 'with regret,' that the church's teachings have on occasion been used to harm people, deepening their suffering and tearing families apart. Mindful of the divisions within the church the document creates room for the recognition of same-gender relationships. It calls for comprehensive sex education in church and in schools.
"But that is not enough. Singularly, the Proposed Social Statement, having extolled the unique benefits to couples, church and society of committed relationships, fails to proffer a means of public recognition of same-gender relationships, no rite of blessing or marriage. Unacceptable, but correctable inconsistency."
As to the separate Rostering Recommendations, required in response to the 2007 Churchwide Assembly, Lutherans Concerned is gratified to see acknowledgement that the previous consensus on the definition of right relationships being solely male-female is gone and unlikely to recover as a new discernment takes hold. Also gratifying is that provision is being made for ministers in committed same-gender relationships to serve in ministry. But, unacceptable is the mechanism the recommendations seek to accomplish this.
The mechanism proffered states that congregations, candidacy committees, synods and bishops, bound by their conscience to oppose the ordination or service of LGBT ministers, may do so. Such allowance may create institutionalized discrimination at the synod level, resulting in pockets where the existing prohibitions may remain in full force.
Emily Eastwood continued, "Clearly, the Lutheran church has ample room for conscience-bound opposition, but that ought to lie at the congregational level. The recommendations call for the elimination of the prohibition against service in ministry by ministers in a same-gender relationship. At the same time, recognizing the conscience-bound division within the church over this very issue, the recommendations provide for a framework in which congregations, synods, candidacy committees and bishops may discriminate at will against ministers and candidates in a same-gender relationship. In the ELCA, congregations retain the right to call the minister of their choosing from approved rosters of the whole church. The recommendations could restrict a congregation's ability to call a well-suited minister in a same-gender relationship. Candidates in locations with unsupportive leadership could be denied candidacy. Congregations who don't wish to call ministers in a committed same-gender rel ationship could exercise their conscience no matter where they are, but congregations who do wish to call such ministers would not have the same freedom. Completely unacceptable, and dangerous. Whatever divisions there are in the church are widened not reduced by this recommendation."
The Proposed Social Statement and Rostering Recommendations released today are but a step in the process. The ELCA Church Council will deliberate and take action on them, revising them or not, at their March 27–30 meeting. Prior to that, the Conference of Bishops and Church in Society board will review and make such comments as they wish to the church council."
What comes out of the church council's meeting will then be the Recommended Proposed Social Statement and Rostering Recommendations that are submitted for deliberation and action to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis, August 17–23. Synod assemblies held during April–June are very likely to produce comments and advice to the churchwide assembly concerning the documents as well.
Phil Soucy
Director Communications LC/NA
communications@lcna.org
Lutherans Concerned / North America has both considerable agreement and substantial disagreement with the Proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality and accompanying Rostering Recommendations, released publically by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) on February 19, 2009.
The Proposed Social Statement extols the place of family, right relationships, love, Christian values, sexuality, mutuality, commitment, the benefits to society and the church of committed relationships, and the diversity of successful families within church and society. The Proposed Social Statement clearly places same-gender committed relationships among those. With all of that Lutherans Concerned is in agreement.
Emily Eastwood, Executive Director, Lutherans Concerned, said, "This Social Statement is a vast improvement over its previous draft. We are also gratified that the Social Statement continues to acknowledge, 'with regret,' that the church's teachings have on occasion been used to harm people, deepening their suffering and tearing families apart. Mindful of the divisions within the church the document creates room for the recognition of same-gender relationships. It calls for comprehensive sex education in church and in schools.
"But that is not enough. Singularly, the Proposed Social Statement, having extolled the unique benefits to couples, church and society of committed relationships, fails to proffer a means of public recognition of same-gender relationships, no rite of blessing or marriage. Unacceptable, but correctable inconsistency."
As to the separate Rostering Recommendations, required in response to the 2007 Churchwide Assembly, Lutherans Concerned is gratified to see acknowledgement that the previous consensus on the definition of right relationships being solely male-female is gone and unlikely to recover as a new discernment takes hold. Also gratifying is that provision is being made for ministers in committed same-gender relationships to serve in ministry. But, unacceptable is the mechanism the recommendations seek to accomplish this.
The mechanism proffered states that congregations, candidacy committees, synods and bishops, bound by their conscience to oppose the ordination or service of LGBT ministers, may do so. Such allowance may create institutionalized discrimination at the synod level, resulting in pockets where the existing prohibitions may remain in full force.
Emily Eastwood continued, "Clearly, the Lutheran church has ample room for conscience-bound opposition, but that ought to lie at the congregational level. The recommendations call for the elimination of the prohibition against service in ministry by ministers in a same-gender relationship. At the same time, recognizing the conscience-bound division within the church over this very issue, the recommendations provide for a framework in which congregations, synods, candidacy committees and bishops may discriminate at will against ministers and candidates in a same-gender relationship. In the ELCA, congregations retain the right to call the minister of their choosing from approved rosters of the whole church. The recommendations could restrict a congregation's ability to call a well-suited minister in a same-gender relationship. Candidates in locations with unsupportive leadership could be denied candidacy. Congregations who don't wish to call ministers in a committed same-gender rel ationship could exercise their conscience no matter where they are, but congregations who do wish to call such ministers would not have the same freedom. Completely unacceptable, and dangerous. Whatever divisions there are in the church are widened not reduced by this recommendation."
The Proposed Social Statement and Rostering Recommendations released today are but a step in the process. The ELCA Church Council will deliberate and take action on them, revising them or not, at their March 27–30 meeting. Prior to that, the Conference of Bishops and Church in Society board will review and make such comments as they wish to the church council."
What comes out of the church council's meeting will then be the Recommended Proposed Social Statement and Rostering Recommendations that are submitted for deliberation and action to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis, August 17–23. Synod assemblies held during April–June are very likely to produce comments and advice to the churchwide assembly concerning the documents as well.
Phil Soucy
Director Communications LC/NA
communications@lcna.org
Lutheran CORE's Longer News release
Lutheran CORE has issued 2 versions of a press release, one short, one long. This is the long one.
Lutheran task force proposals affirming same-sex relationships reject Bible’s teaching and views of majority of members
Lutheran CORE leaders urge rejection of ELCA task force recommendations
Download this release in PDF format
February 19, 2009 — The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America released proposals Thursday, Feb. 19, that seek to change Christian teaching on homosexuality and would permit pastors to be in same-sex sexual relationships. The proposals from the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality also go against the views of a significant majority of the members of the 4.7-million member denomination.
In response, leaders of Lutheran CORE (Coalition for Reform) announced Thursday that they will work to defeat the proposals that ask the ELCA to depart from biblical teaching on sexuality and to change its standards to allow pastors to be in same-sex sexual relationships.
Lutheran CORE is a coalition of pastors, lay people, congregations and reforming groups that seeks to preserve the authority of the Bible in the ELCA. Lutheran CORE seeks to be a voice for the solid, faithful core that is the majority of ELCA members, pastors, and congregations.
“These recommendations mark a significant departure from the church’s commitment to Scripture as the source and norm of its faith and life,” said the Rev. Paull Spring of State College, Pa., chair of the Lutheran CORE Steering Committee. “The proposals make reference to Lutheran themes and Lutheran theology but forget one of its cornerstones: ‘Sola Scriptura’ (Scripture alone).”
“The proposal for change in standards for clergy departs from the clear teaching of Scripture,” said Spring, the retired bishop of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod. “There are some good things in the social statement, but at significant points the statement needs to be revised and amended. We intend to work together with faithful Lutherans throughout the ELCA to amend the statement. We also intend to work for the defeat of the proposals for blessing and ordaining practicing gay and lesbian persons.”
“When any church finds itself accommodating its teachings to the ways of the culture, that church is in trouble,” said the Rev. Erma Wolf of Brandon, S.D., vice chair of the Lutheran CORE Steering Committee. “In these documents the ELCA would accommodate itself to the demands of our culture that the desires and needs of individuals trump everything else. The exceptions become the rule, until finally there are no rules. That movement is happening in a number of areas, including human sexual relations. But no church has the authority to overturn the Word of God that protects sexual relations by placing them properly in the structure of marriage, and establishes marriage as being between male and female.”
The proposal neglects to offer any biblical and normative teaching on several areas of sexuality including homosexuality because it says there is no consensus in the ELCA.
“Since when is consensus the norm for deciding what’s right and wrong?” asked Wolf. “The social statement says there shouldn’t be cohabitation, but then winks at it,” she added.
“The task force recommendations will disconnect the ELCA from God’s Word in the Bible, which clearly says that all sex outside of marriage is sin, and disconnect it from all who uphold the biblical norm — most ELCA members, and most of the Christian churches on earth,” said the Rev. Mark C. Chavez of Landisville, Pa., director of Lutheran CORE .
“The task force wants the ELCA to take the same tragic missteps as other Protestant denominations in North America that have said same-sex sexual relationships are OK for some,” Chavez added. “The membership losses in those denominations range from 30 to 50 percent. If the task force’s recommendations are approved, the ELCA’s membership losses, now more than 10 percent, will also climb.”
“I am disappointed that the proposed actions lead us down the same road which is creating turmoil and dissension in so many of our sister churches,” said the Rev. W. Stevens Shipman, pastor of United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lock Haven, Pa. “Every study indicates that a large majority in our churches and in our society do not endorse and cannot accept the blessing of same-sex sexual relationships. Even in California, the people have spoken, but a determined minority keeps thwarting their will.”
“God loves all people, and I oppose every form of discrimination. But I cannot ask God’s blessing on behaviors which God does not bless, and I cannot accept a position that abandons the clear teaching of Holy Scripture,” said Shipman, secretary of the Lutheran CORE Steering Committee.
The proposals make much of the idea of conscience-bound positions making reference to Martin Luther’s famous statement before the Diet of Worms in 1521: “Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason . . . I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not retract anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. I cannot do otherwise. Here I stand, may God help me.”
“In its emphasis on conscience, the task force forgot that Luther was not talking about his right to his own opinion. He was declaring his commitment and allegiance to the Word of God,” Spring said. “It is exactly the opposite of the task force’s idea of conscience as one’s personal beliefs. They are encouraging the strange notion of a bound conscience as nothing more than individualism.”
“What these documents miss in talking about the bound conscience is that the conscience of a Christian is bound by the Word of God. This is especially true when that Word is hard to hear, when God speaks against what we think is a really good idea. No matter how much we want to think otherwise, the Bible clearly says that sex outside of marriage is not a good idea,” said Wolf.
“What the task force is saying with its notion of the bound conscience is that there are no moral absolutes. They’re saying that what’s right or wrong is basically up to each individual to decide,” said Ryan Schwarz of Washington, D.C., a Lutheran CORE Steering Committee member. “If this is to be the teaching of the church, then how can I raise my daughters in the church and teach them what’s right and what’s wrong?”
The task force recommends “structured flexibility” be incorporated into the ELCA’s structure so that individual synods and congregations would “be free to act according to their convictions” in setting their own standards for clergy.
“The notion of respecting the bound consciences of ELCA members, congregations and synods is an impossible balancing act,” said the Rev. Scott Grorud, pastor of the 2,400-member Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, Minn., and a member of the Lutheran CORE Steering Committee.
“These are proposals for organized chaos,” said the Rev. Paul Ulring, pastor of the 5,700-member Upper Arlington Lutheran Church in Columbus, Ohio., and a member of the Lutheran CORE Steering Commitee.
“In the end the task force proposals are synodical option by another name. As Lutheran CORE has already said, synodical option will gravely damage the ELCA,” said Spring.
Lutheran CORE leaders wrote an Open Letter in December on synodical option which notes that “Synodical option is not a real compromise at all. Its adoption would force synods and congregations to agree that there are multiple biblical teachings on these matters. Synodical option would represent a real change in the teaching of our church. Even those synods and congregations that might not agree with this change would be forced by synodical option implicitly to accept the notion that Scripture is not clear on this subject.”
“If the ELCA is to continue as one church, it must have one Office of Ministry, one roster of pastors, and one set of expectations for pastors and other rostered leaders throughout the ELCA. Without a common roster of pastors and common expectations for pastors and other rostered leaders, it would be very difficult for pastors to move from one synod to another. Such an approach would effectively divide the ELCA into 65 separate church bodies — each with its own standards for clergy and its own clergy roster. The interdependent relationship between the churchwide, synod, and congregational expressions of the ELCA requires one standard for clergy throughout the ELCA,” the Open Letter states.
Responses to a 2004 study on homosexuality showed that a significant majority of ELCA members (57 percent) opposed change to accepted Christian teaching on homosexual behavior. Only 22 percent of ELCA members favored change in church teaching to allow for the blessing of same-sex unions or the ordination of individuals in committed same-sex unions.
The 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly (Aug. 17-23, 2009, in Minneapolis) will decide whether to adopt the proposed changes in church teaching and practice. Adoption of the proposed social statement requires a two-thirds majority. However, the ELCA Church Council is recommending that a simple majority be enough to change standards to allow pastors to be in same-sex relationships.
A proposal to allow bishops to grant individual exceptions to church policy to allow pastors to be in same-sex relationships was rejected by the 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
For more information on Lutheran CORE go to www.lutherancore.org. The official documents and other information about the ELCA are available at www.elca.org.
Lutheran CORE leaders urge rejection of ELCA task force recommendations
Download this release in PDF format
February 19, 2009 — The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America released proposals Thursday, Feb. 19, that seek to change Christian teaching on homosexuality and would permit pastors to be in same-sex sexual relationships. The proposals from the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality also go against the views of a significant majority of the members of the 4.7-million member denomination.
In response, leaders of Lutheran CORE (Coalition for Reform) announced Thursday that they will work to defeat the proposals that ask the ELCA to depart from biblical teaching on sexuality and to change its standards to allow pastors to be in same-sex sexual relationships.
Lutheran CORE is a coalition of pastors, lay people, congregations and reforming groups that seeks to preserve the authority of the Bible in the ELCA. Lutheran CORE seeks to be a voice for the solid, faithful core that is the majority of ELCA members, pastors, and congregations.
“These recommendations mark a significant departure from the church’s commitment to Scripture as the source and norm of its faith and life,” said the Rev. Paull Spring of State College, Pa., chair of the Lutheran CORE Steering Committee. “The proposals make reference to Lutheran themes and Lutheran theology but forget one of its cornerstones: ‘Sola Scriptura’ (Scripture alone).”
“The proposal for change in standards for clergy departs from the clear teaching of Scripture,” said Spring, the retired bishop of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod. “There are some good things in the social statement, but at significant points the statement needs to be revised and amended. We intend to work together with faithful Lutherans throughout the ELCA to amend the statement. We also intend to work for the defeat of the proposals for blessing and ordaining practicing gay and lesbian persons.”
“When any church finds itself accommodating its teachings to the ways of the culture, that church is in trouble,” said the Rev. Erma Wolf of Brandon, S.D., vice chair of the Lutheran CORE Steering Committee. “In these documents the ELCA would accommodate itself to the demands of our culture that the desires and needs of individuals trump everything else. The exceptions become the rule, until finally there are no rules. That movement is happening in a number of areas, including human sexual relations. But no church has the authority to overturn the Word of God that protects sexual relations by placing them properly in the structure of marriage, and establishes marriage as being between male and female.”
The proposal neglects to offer any biblical and normative teaching on several areas of sexuality including homosexuality because it says there is no consensus in the ELCA.
“Since when is consensus the norm for deciding what’s right and wrong?” asked Wolf. “The social statement says there shouldn’t be cohabitation, but then winks at it,” she added.
“The task force recommendations will disconnect the ELCA from God’s Word in the Bible, which clearly says that all sex outside of marriage is sin, and disconnect it from all who uphold the biblical norm — most ELCA members, and most of the Christian churches on earth,” said the Rev. Mark C. Chavez of Landisville, Pa., director of Lutheran CORE .
“The task force wants the ELCA to take the same tragic missteps as other Protestant denominations in North America that have said same-sex sexual relationships are OK for some,” Chavez added. “The membership losses in those denominations range from 30 to 50 percent. If the task force’s recommendations are approved, the ELCA’s membership losses, now more than 10 percent, will also climb.”
“I am disappointed that the proposed actions lead us down the same road which is creating turmoil and dissension in so many of our sister churches,” said the Rev. W. Stevens Shipman, pastor of United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lock Haven, Pa. “Every study indicates that a large majority in our churches and in our society do not endorse and cannot accept the blessing of same-sex sexual relationships. Even in California, the people have spoken, but a determined minority keeps thwarting their will.”
“God loves all people, and I oppose every form of discrimination. But I cannot ask God’s blessing on behaviors which God does not bless, and I cannot accept a position that abandons the clear teaching of Holy Scripture,” said Shipman, secretary of the Lutheran CORE Steering Committee.
The proposals make much of the idea of conscience-bound positions making reference to Martin Luther’s famous statement before the Diet of Worms in 1521: “Unless I am convinced by the testimony of the Scriptures or by clear reason . . . I am bound by the Scriptures I have quoted and my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will not retract anything, since it is neither safe nor right to go against conscience. I cannot do otherwise. Here I stand, may God help me.”
“In its emphasis on conscience, the task force forgot that Luther was not talking about his right to his own opinion. He was declaring his commitment and allegiance to the Word of God,” Spring said. “It is exactly the opposite of the task force’s idea of conscience as one’s personal beliefs. They are encouraging the strange notion of a bound conscience as nothing more than individualism.”
“What these documents miss in talking about the bound conscience is that the conscience of a Christian is bound by the Word of God. This is especially true when that Word is hard to hear, when God speaks against what we think is a really good idea. No matter how much we want to think otherwise, the Bible clearly says that sex outside of marriage is not a good idea,” said Wolf.
“What the task force is saying with its notion of the bound conscience is that there are no moral absolutes. They’re saying that what’s right or wrong is basically up to each individual to decide,” said Ryan Schwarz of Washington, D.C., a Lutheran CORE Steering Committee member. “If this is to be the teaching of the church, then how can I raise my daughters in the church and teach them what’s right and what’s wrong?”
The task force recommends “structured flexibility” be incorporated into the ELCA’s structure so that individual synods and congregations would “be free to act according to their convictions” in setting their own standards for clergy.
“The notion of respecting the bound consciences of ELCA members, congregations and synods is an impossible balancing act,” said the Rev. Scott Grorud, pastor of the 2,400-member Faith Lutheran Church in Hutchinson, Minn., and a member of the Lutheran CORE Steering Committee.
“These are proposals for organized chaos,” said the Rev. Paul Ulring, pastor of the 5,700-member Upper Arlington Lutheran Church in Columbus, Ohio., and a member of the Lutheran CORE Steering Commitee.
“In the end the task force proposals are synodical option by another name. As Lutheran CORE has already said, synodical option will gravely damage the ELCA,” said Spring.
Lutheran CORE leaders wrote an Open Letter in December on synodical option which notes that “Synodical option is not a real compromise at all. Its adoption would force synods and congregations to agree that there are multiple biblical teachings on these matters. Synodical option would represent a real change in the teaching of our church. Even those synods and congregations that might not agree with this change would be forced by synodical option implicitly to accept the notion that Scripture is not clear on this subject.”
“If the ELCA is to continue as one church, it must have one Office of Ministry, one roster of pastors, and one set of expectations for pastors and other rostered leaders throughout the ELCA. Without a common roster of pastors and common expectations for pastors and other rostered leaders, it would be very difficult for pastors to move from one synod to another. Such an approach would effectively divide the ELCA into 65 separate church bodies — each with its own standards for clergy and its own clergy roster. The interdependent relationship between the churchwide, synod, and congregational expressions of the ELCA requires one standard for clergy throughout the ELCA,” the Open Letter states.
Responses to a 2004 study on homosexuality showed that a significant majority of ELCA members (57 percent) opposed change to accepted Christian teaching on homosexual behavior. Only 22 percent of ELCA members favored change in church teaching to allow for the blessing of same-sex unions or the ordination of individuals in committed same-sex unions.
The 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly (Aug. 17-23, 2009, in Minneapolis) will decide whether to adopt the proposed changes in church teaching and practice. Adoption of the proposed social statement requires a two-thirds majority. However, the ELCA Church Council is recommending that a simple majority be enough to change standards to allow pastors to be in same-sex relationships.
A proposal to allow bishops to grant individual exceptions to church policy to allow pastors to be in same-sex relationships was rejected by the 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
For more information on Lutheran CORE go to www.lutherancore.org. The official documents and other information about the ELCA are available at www.elca.org.
Lutheran CORE's Short News release
Lutheran CORE has issued 2 versions of a press release, one short, one long. First the short one.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Mark Chavez 717-898-0801 info@lutherancore.org
Paull Spring 814-235-9769 pastorspring@pennswoods.net
Download this release in PDF format
Lutheran task force proposals affirming same-sex relationships reject Bible’s teaching and views of majority of members
Lutheran CORE leaders urge rejection of ELCA task force recommendations
February 19, 2009 — The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America released proposals Thursday, Feb. 19, that seek to change Christian teaching on homosexuality and would permit pastors to be in same-sex sexual relationships. The proposals from the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality also go against the views of a significant majority of the members of the 4.7-million member denomination.
In response, leaders of Lutheran CORE (Coalition for Reform) announced Thursday that they will work to defeat the proposals that ask the ELCA to depart from biblical teaching on sexuality and to change its standards to allow pastors to be in same-sex sexual relationships.
Lutheran CORE is a coalition of pastors, lay people, congregations and reforming groups that seeks to preserve the authority of the Bible in the ELCA.
“These recommendations mark a significant departure from the church’s commitment to Scripture as the source and norm of its faith and life,” said the Rev. Paull Spring of State College, Pa., chair of the Lutheran CORE Steering Committee. “The proposals make reference to Lutheran themes and Lutheran theology but forget one of its cornerstones: ‘Sola Scriptura’ (Scripture alone).”
“The proposal for change in standards for clergy departs from the clear teaching of Scripture,” said Spring, the retired bishop of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod.
“The task force recommendations will disconnect the ELCA from God’s Word in the Bible, which clearly says that all sex outside of marriage is sin, and disconnect it from all who uphold the biblical norm — most ELCA members, and most of the Christian churches on earth,” said the Rev. Mark C. Chavez of Landisville, Pa., director of Lutheran CORE.
“When any church finds itself accommodating its teachings to the ways of the culture, that church is in trouble,” said the Rev. Erma Wolf of Brandon, S.D., vice chair of the Lutheran CORE Steering Committee. “No church has the authority to overturn the Word of God.”
Responses to a 2004 study on homosexuality showed that a significant majority of ELCA members (57 percent) opposed change to accepted Christian teaching on homosexual behavior. Only 22 percent of ELCA members favored change in church teaching to allow for the blessing of same-sex unions or the ordination of practicing homosexuals.
For more information on Lutheran CORE go to www.lutherancore.org. A longer news release is available at the website.
For Immediate Release
Contact: Mark Chavez 717-898-0801 info@lutherancore.org
Paull Spring 814-235-9769 pastorspring@pennswoods.net
Lutheran task force proposals affirming same-sex relationships reject Bible’s teaching and views of majority of members
Lutheran CORE leaders urge rejection of ELCA task force recommendations
February 19, 2009 — The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America released proposals Thursday, Feb. 19, that seek to change Christian teaching on homosexuality and would permit pastors to be in same-sex sexual relationships. The proposals from the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality also go against the views of a significant majority of the members of the 4.7-million member denomination.
In response, leaders of Lutheran CORE (Coalition for Reform) announced Thursday that they will work to defeat the proposals that ask the ELCA to depart from biblical teaching on sexuality and to change its standards to allow pastors to be in same-sex sexual relationships.
Lutheran CORE is a coalition of pastors, lay people, congregations and reforming groups that seeks to preserve the authority of the Bible in the ELCA.
“These recommendations mark a significant departure from the church’s commitment to Scripture as the source and norm of its faith and life,” said the Rev. Paull Spring of State College, Pa., chair of the Lutheran CORE Steering Committee. “The proposals make reference to Lutheran themes and Lutheran theology but forget one of its cornerstones: ‘Sola Scriptura’ (Scripture alone).”
“The proposal for change in standards for clergy departs from the clear teaching of Scripture,” said Spring, the retired bishop of the Northwestern Pennsylvania Synod.
“The task force recommendations will disconnect the ELCA from God’s Word in the Bible, which clearly says that all sex outside of marriage is sin, and disconnect it from all who uphold the biblical norm — most ELCA members, and most of the Christian churches on earth,” said the Rev. Mark C. Chavez of Landisville, Pa., director of Lutheran CORE.
“When any church finds itself accommodating its teachings to the ways of the culture, that church is in trouble,” said the Rev. Erma Wolf of Brandon, S.D., vice chair of the Lutheran CORE Steering Committee. “No church has the authority to overturn the Word of God.”
Responses to a 2004 study on homosexuality showed that a significant majority of ELCA members (57 percent) opposed change to accepted Christian teaching on homosexual behavior. Only 22 percent of ELCA members favored change in church teaching to allow for the blessing of same-sex unions or the ordination of practicing homosexuals.
For more information on Lutheran CORE go to www.lutherancore.org. A longer news release is available at the website.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead
From the Forum of Fargo-Moorhead:
ELCA proposal could pave way for clergy to lead active homosexual lifestyles
A report released at noon today by a task force for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America contains a proposal that, if adopted by the church-wide Assembly in August, would clear the way for individuals in "publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships" to serve as clergy.
A report released at noon today by a task force for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America contains a proposal that, if adopted by the church-wide Assembly in August, would clear the way for individuals in "publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships" to serve as clergy.
However, the resolution also allows for individual synods, congregations, committes and others to follow their own conscsiences when it comes to approving or disapproving practicing homosexuals for office or roster.
The report will go to the ELCA Church Council, which meets at the end of March and has the authority to alter the resolutions. Assuming the council goes forward with the resolutions, local synod assemblies could also propose changes to the resolutions, affirm them or propose competing resolutions.
The church currently prohibits the rostering of individuals who engage in same-gender sexual activity. Policy does permit individuals who identify themselves as homosexual but are not involved in same-gender sexual activity to serve in the clergy.
Read more about this in Friday's Forum.
ELCA proposal could pave way for clergy to lead active homosexual lifestyles
A report released at noon today by a task force for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America contains a proposal that, if adopted by the church-wide Assembly in August, would clear the way for individuals in "publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships" to serve as clergy.
A report released at noon today by a task force for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America contains a proposal that, if adopted by the church-wide Assembly in August, would clear the way for individuals in "publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships" to serve as clergy.
However, the resolution also allows for individual synods, congregations, committes and others to follow their own conscsiences when it comes to approving or disapproving practicing homosexuals for office or roster.
The report will go to the ELCA Church Council, which meets at the end of March and has the authority to alter the resolutions. Assuming the council goes forward with the resolutions, local synod assemblies could also propose changes to the resolutions, affirm them or propose competing resolutions.
The church currently prohibits the rostering of individuals who engage in same-gender sexual activity. Policy does permit individuals who identify themselves as homosexual but are not involved in same-gender sexual activity to serve in the clergy.
Read more about this in Friday's Forum.
Chicago Tribune: Lutheran task force recommends recognition of gay unions
From the Chicago Tribune:
Lutheran task force recommends recognition of gay unions
by Manya Brachear and Margaret Ramirez | Tribune staff reporters
A task force of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America recommended Thursday that its leaders officially recognize same-sex unions and allow gays in committed relationships to serve as clergy.
At the same time, the task force also asked members of the church to respect congregations and synods that disagree because they believe such actions would violate Scripture.
If approved, the measures would change current church policy that allows ordination of gay clergy, but requires them to be celibate. In the report, the task force proposed a four-step process that outlines a possible path for change, starting with recognition of same-sex relationships.
"The task force agreed that this church cannot responsibly consider any changes to its policies unless this church is able and willing in some way to recognize lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships," the report said.
The recommendation will be voted on at the Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis in August. Reaction to the recommendation was expected to range from elation to disapproval.
The task force stopped short of recommending a liturgical rite for gay unions or using the word marriage to describe them. But, the report said "most of the task force members believe that ways can be found within local congregations to surround the commitments of such couples with prayer."
Rev. Peter Strommen, the Minnesota pastor who served as chair of the 15-member task force, said a context for public promises would help the church better define those relationships.
"Given we have no clarity or structure, we feel it's important for there to be an equivalent of public accountability," Strommen said.
In addition to the recommendations on ministry policies, the special church task force released a proposed social statement on human sexuality for the ECLA. Drawing from Martin Luther's spoken words that spawned the 16th Century Protestant Reformation, the task force called on its members to respect each other's views about same-gender relationships as grounded in conscience.
The statement entitled "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust," recognized marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman, but also acknowledged same sex couples.
"It is only within the last decades that this church has begun to understand in new ways the need of same-gender oriented individuals to seek relationships of lifelong companionship and commitment," the statement said.
That view laid the foundation for recommendations on possibly recognizing gay unions....
Read it all here.
Lutheran task force recommends recognition of gay unions
by Manya Brachear and Margaret Ramirez | Tribune staff reporters
A task force of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America recommended Thursday that its leaders officially recognize same-sex unions and allow gays in committed relationships to serve as clergy.
At the same time, the task force also asked members of the church to respect congregations and synods that disagree because they believe such actions would violate Scripture.
If approved, the measures would change current church policy that allows ordination of gay clergy, but requires them to be celibate. In the report, the task force proposed a four-step process that outlines a possible path for change, starting with recognition of same-sex relationships.
"The task force agreed that this church cannot responsibly consider any changes to its policies unless this church is able and willing in some way to recognize lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships," the report said.
The recommendation will be voted on at the Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis in August. Reaction to the recommendation was expected to range from elation to disapproval.
The task force stopped short of recommending a liturgical rite for gay unions or using the word marriage to describe them. But, the report said "most of the task force members believe that ways can be found within local congregations to surround the commitments of such couples with prayer."
Rev. Peter Strommen, the Minnesota pastor who served as chair of the 15-member task force, said a context for public promises would help the church better define those relationships.
"Given we have no clarity or structure, we feel it's important for there to be an equivalent of public accountability," Strommen said.
In addition to the recommendations on ministry policies, the special church task force released a proposed social statement on human sexuality for the ECLA. Drawing from Martin Luther's spoken words that spawned the 16th Century Protestant Reformation, the task force called on its members to respect each other's views about same-gender relationships as grounded in conscience.
The statement entitled "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust," recognized marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman, but also acknowledged same sex couples.
"It is only within the last decades that this church has begun to understand in new ways the need of same-gender oriented individuals to seek relationships of lifelong companionship and commitment," the statement said.
That view laid the foundation for recommendations on possibly recognizing gay unions....
Read it all here.
Star Tribune: ELCA offers compromise on gay clergy issue
From the Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune:
ELCA offers compromise on gay clergy issue
By Jeff Strickler, Star Tribune
February 19, 2009
The long-awaited position on ordaining gay clergy in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America isn't a clear yes or no.
An ELCA task force today admitted it could not reach a consensus on the issue that has polarized its members for years. But with the matter expected to dominate this summer's national convention in Minneapolis, its position paper offers this suggested solution:
The ELCA will allow the ordination of gay pastors but will leave it up to individual congregations and synods whether to ordain or hire gay pastors. The term used to describe this compromise s "structured flexibility."
While acknowledging that such an intentionally vague policy likely won't play well with "the bumper sticker crowd," the bishop of the St. Paul Area Synod, the Rev. Peter Rogness, said it's in keeping with the ELCA's practice of trying to match ministers to congregations. He compared it to a rural congregation feeling that it would relate better to a minister with a rural background, for instance.
"The Lutheran Church has never imposed anything on anyone," he said. "We never have, and we never will."
No one is predicting yet how the proposal will fare at the convention, where one-third of the voters are clergy and rest are lay people. The feedback the bishops get from their congregations likely will give some sort of indication of how the vote will go, although even that will vary by location, with metropolitan-area synods generally expected to endorse the change with rural synods being more reluctant. (There are six synods in Minnesota, one for each of the Twin Cities and four outstate.)
The position paper on gay ordination was accompanied by the release of a final version of a social statement on marriage that also will be submitted to the convention and contains a potential landmine of its own.
The statement affirms the ELCA's longtime definition of marriage as "a covenant between a man and a woman" but goes on to acknowledge the validity of "lifelong, monogamous same-gender relationships." No one is using the term "gay marriage," noting that marriage is a legal designation determined by the state, but the implication is clear.
"We feel it is very important that we ask homosexual ministers to be publicly accountable for their relationships the same way we ask heterosexual ministers to be publicly accountable," said the Rev. Peter Strommen, the chairman of the task force and pastor at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake....
Read it all here.
ELCA offers compromise on gay clergy issue
By Jeff Strickler, Star Tribune
February 19, 2009
The long-awaited position on ordaining gay clergy in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America isn't a clear yes or no.
An ELCA task force today admitted it could not reach a consensus on the issue that has polarized its members for years. But with the matter expected to dominate this summer's national convention in Minneapolis, its position paper offers this suggested solution:
The ELCA will allow the ordination of gay pastors but will leave it up to individual congregations and synods whether to ordain or hire gay pastors. The term used to describe this compromise s "structured flexibility."
While acknowledging that such an intentionally vague policy likely won't play well with "the bumper sticker crowd," the bishop of the St. Paul Area Synod, the Rev. Peter Rogness, said it's in keeping with the ELCA's practice of trying to match ministers to congregations. He compared it to a rural congregation feeling that it would relate better to a minister with a rural background, for instance.
"The Lutheran Church has never imposed anything on anyone," he said. "We never have, and we never will."
No one is predicting yet how the proposal will fare at the convention, where one-third of the voters are clergy and rest are lay people. The feedback the bishops get from their congregations likely will give some sort of indication of how the vote will go, although even that will vary by location, with metropolitan-area synods generally expected to endorse the change with rural synods being more reluctant. (There are six synods in Minnesota, one for each of the Twin Cities and four outstate.)
The position paper on gay ordination was accompanied by the release of a final version of a social statement on marriage that also will be submitted to the convention and contains a potential landmine of its own.
The statement affirms the ELCA's longtime definition of marriage as "a covenant between a man and a woman" but goes on to acknowledge the validity of "lifelong, monogamous same-gender relationships." No one is using the term "gay marriage," noting that marriage is a legal designation determined by the state, but the implication is clear.
"We feel it is very important that we ask homosexual ministers to be publicly accountable for their relationships the same way we ask heterosexual ministers to be publicly accountable," said the Rev. Peter Strommen, the chairman of the task force and pastor at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church in Prior Lake....
Read it all here.
ELCA News Release on Proposed Social Statement
ELCA Task Force Releases 'Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust'
09-046-MRC
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The 15-member Task Force for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Studies on Sexuality released Feb. 19 "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" -- a proposed social statement on human sexuality.
The 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly -- the chief legislative body of the church -- is expected to consider the social statement for adoption as an official statement Aug. 17-23 in Minneapolis.
The proposed statement addresses a spectrum of concerns relevant to human sexuality from a Lutheran perspective. It responds to the question: "How do we understand human sexuality within the context of Jesus' invitation to love God and love our neighbor?" If adopted by the assembly, the social statement will assist the ELCA in its moral deliberation, govern its institutional policies and guide the church's public advocacy work.
While the document does not offer once-and-for-all answers to contemporary questions about sexuality, it "seeks to tap the deep roots of Scripture and the Lutheran theological tradition" for Lutherans to discern what is "responsible and faithful action," according to the proposed statement.
The document contains sections on key Lutheran principles, trust and human sexuality, social structures that enhance trust, sexuality and trust in relationships, sexuality and social responsibility, and a series of resolutions to incorporate the statement into the mission and ministry of the ELCA.
"Sexuality has to do with relationships, and God has made us relational beings," said the Rev. Rebecca S. Larson, executive director, ELCA Church in Society.
"The underlying question of this social statement, therefore, is what makes right relationship. Our model is God's unfailingly, trustworthy relationship with people and creation. No human relationship can thrive without trust. The social statement therefore considers all human relationships and social structures in light of what fosters trust, commitment and protection for those who are vulnerable," she said.
The call for trust is woven into the proposed statement's discourse about riage, same-gender relationships, family and children, commitment in relationships, adult cohabitation, society, public ministry and more.
On the topic of marriage the document states that the historic Christian tradition and the Lutheran Confessions recognize marriage as a covenant between a woman and a man. In recent decades the church has begun to understand "in new ways" the need of same-gender couples who seek relationships of "lifelong companionship and commitment as well as public accountability and legal support for those commitments," said the statement.
The proposed statement acknowledges that "consensus does not exist" among ELCA members on how to "honor" committed same-sex relationships. The statement reflects differing conclusions on the basis of biblical and theological interpretation. Some members believe homosexuality is a sin in their understanding of biblical teaching and natural law, and some members believe homosexuality "reflects a broken world in which some relationships do not pattern themselves after the creation God intended."
Some Lutherans believe same-gender relationships are to be "honored and held to high standards and public accountability" but do not equate these relationships with marriage, and some believe that same-gender relationships are to be held to the same "rigorous standards, sexual ethics and status as heterosexual marriage," said the statement.
Despite the varying viewpoints, the church encourages all people to live out their faith with "profound respect for the conscience-bound belief of the neighbor," said the proposed statement.
The document calls on congregations to be safe places for children and youth, and it calls for education on human sexuality for children and youth.
"Degrees of physical intimacy should be carefully matched to degrees of growing affection and commitment," stated the document. For this reason, the document calls the church to oppose "non-monogamous, promiscuous or casual sexual relationships."
The statement addresses the topic of the value of friendship, adult cohabitation, and Lutheran opposition of sexual exploitation within and outside the church. It also asks that justice for women in church and society continue to be an important dimension of Lutheran response.
"When approved, Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust will be the 10th social statement of the ELCA," said Larson. "All social statements are developed through at least a five-year process in a broadly participatory way."
"Human sexuality infuses all of life from the time we are born until the time we die. It is also social. Economics, business and advertising, social roles, medicine and science are all relevant to human sexuality and the ways we act in relationship to others. How to use this gift in a way that honors God and serves the neighbor is a critical issue, particularly in this culture," Larson said.
A draft of the social statement was given to ELCA members in March 2008 for study, review and feedback.
Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust "reflects what the task force heard from this church in response to the draft social statement," said Larson.
"The theological section has been both focused and expanded. The role of God in creation and the role of law in our lives has been made more prominent. There is more material on how Lutherans approach social ethics from a perspective of faith. The order of the sections has been changed to deal with the intersection between the individual and social aspects of human sexuality," she said. "Also, it is 1 thousand words shorter."
Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust completes a directive from the 2001 ELCA Churchwide Assembly to develop a social statement on human sexuality.
The task force also released a "Report and Recommendation on Ministry Policies" to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly regarding the professional leadership of the church on Feb. 19. This document completes a directive from the 2007 assembly to address and make recommendations on changes to policies that preclude Lutherans in committed, same-gender relationships from the ELCA's professional rosters.
The proposed social statement and the report and recommendation on ministry policies are two separate documents. They are open to review by the ELCA Church Council -- the church's board of directors -- and will be considered by the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
- - -
"Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" is available at http://www.elca.org/faithfuljourney on the ELCA Web site.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog
09-046-MRC
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The 15-member Task Force for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Studies on Sexuality released Feb. 19 "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" -- a proposed social statement on human sexuality.
The 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly -- the chief legislative body of the church -- is expected to consider the social statement for adoption as an official statement Aug. 17-23 in Minneapolis.
The proposed statement addresses a spectrum of concerns relevant to human sexuality from a Lutheran perspective. It responds to the question: "How do we understand human sexuality within the context of Jesus' invitation to love God and love our neighbor?" If adopted by the assembly, the social statement will assist the ELCA in its moral deliberation, govern its institutional policies and guide the church's public advocacy work.
While the document does not offer once-and-for-all answers to contemporary questions about sexuality, it "seeks to tap the deep roots of Scripture and the Lutheran theological tradition" for Lutherans to discern what is "responsible and faithful action," according to the proposed statement.
The document contains sections on key Lutheran principles, trust and human sexuality, social structures that enhance trust, sexuality and trust in relationships, sexuality and social responsibility, and a series of resolutions to incorporate the statement into the mission and ministry of the ELCA.
"Sexuality has to do with relationships, and God has made us relational beings," said the Rev. Rebecca S. Larson, executive director, ELCA Church in Society.
"The underlying question of this social statement, therefore, is what makes right relationship. Our model is God's unfailingly, trustworthy relationship with people and creation. No human relationship can thrive without trust. The social statement therefore considers all human relationships and social structures in light of what fosters trust, commitment and protection for those who are vulnerable," she said.
The call for trust is woven into the proposed statement's discourse about riage, same-gender relationships, family and children, commitment in relationships, adult cohabitation, society, public ministry and more.
On the topic of marriage the document states that the historic Christian tradition and the Lutheran Confessions recognize marriage as a covenant between a woman and a man. In recent decades the church has begun to understand "in new ways" the need of same-gender couples who seek relationships of "lifelong companionship and commitment as well as public accountability and legal support for those commitments," said the statement.
The proposed statement acknowledges that "consensus does not exist" among ELCA members on how to "honor" committed same-sex relationships. The statement reflects differing conclusions on the basis of biblical and theological interpretation. Some members believe homosexuality is a sin in their understanding of biblical teaching and natural law, and some members believe homosexuality "reflects a broken world in which some relationships do not pattern themselves after the creation God intended."
Some Lutherans believe same-gender relationships are to be "honored and held to high standards and public accountability" but do not equate these relationships with marriage, and some believe that same-gender relationships are to be held to the same "rigorous standards, sexual ethics and status as heterosexual marriage," said the statement.
Despite the varying viewpoints, the church encourages all people to live out their faith with "profound respect for the conscience-bound belief of the neighbor," said the proposed statement.
The document calls on congregations to be safe places for children and youth, and it calls for education on human sexuality for children and youth.
"Degrees of physical intimacy should be carefully matched to degrees of growing affection and commitment," stated the document. For this reason, the document calls the church to oppose "non-monogamous, promiscuous or casual sexual relationships."
The statement addresses the topic of the value of friendship, adult cohabitation, and Lutheran opposition of sexual exploitation within and outside the church. It also asks that justice for women in church and society continue to be an important dimension of Lutheran response.
"When approved, Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust will be the 10th social statement of the ELCA," said Larson. "All social statements are developed through at least a five-year process in a broadly participatory way."
"Human sexuality infuses all of life from the time we are born until the time we die. It is also social. Economics, business and advertising, social roles, medicine and science are all relevant to human sexuality and the ways we act in relationship to others. How to use this gift in a way that honors God and serves the neighbor is a critical issue, particularly in this culture," Larson said.
A draft of the social statement was given to ELCA members in March 2008 for study, review and feedback.
Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust "reflects what the task force heard from this church in response to the draft social statement," said Larson.
"The theological section has been both focused and expanded. The role of God in creation and the role of law in our lives has been made more prominent. There is more material on how Lutherans approach social ethics from a perspective of faith. The order of the sections has been changed to deal with the intersection between the individual and social aspects of human sexuality," she said. "Also, it is 1 thousand words shorter."
Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust completes a directive from the 2001 ELCA Churchwide Assembly to develop a social statement on human sexuality.
The task force also released a "Report and Recommendation on Ministry Policies" to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly regarding the professional leadership of the church on Feb. 19. This document completes a directive from the 2007 assembly to address and make recommendations on changes to policies that preclude Lutherans in committed, same-gender relationships from the ELCA's professional rosters.
The proposed social statement and the report and recommendation on ministry policies are two separate documents. They are open to review by the ELCA Church Council -- the church's board of directors -- and will be considered by the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
- - -
"Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" is available at http://www.elca.org/faithfuljourney on the ELCA Web site.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org
http://www.elca.org/news
ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog
It's Here!!!
It's here.
On Feb. 19, 2009, the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality released the proposed social statement on human sexuality, Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust, and the Report and Recommendation on Ministry Policies. The work of the task force is now complete.
Both documents will be reviewed by the Church Council at its meeting in Chicago, March 27-30, 2009. At this time the Church Council may amend the proposed social statement, the ministry policy recommendation or both.
The Church Council is expected to transmit its recommendations to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly, August 17-23, 2009, in Minneapolis. The assembly will consider both the recommended proposed social statement with impending resolutions and the ministry policy recommendation.
Please visit the frequently asked questions pages for the proposed social statement and for the Report and Recommendation on Ministry Policies.
On this Web site you will find resources and up-to-date information about the process for the development of the social statement as well as historical documents related to the issue of sexuality.
Thank you for joining us in this journey of discernment.
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