Hearty congratulations to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for taking another step closer to a world in which there is no Jew or Greek, free or slave, male or female, gay or straight. The 2009 General Assembly of the ELCA has given approval to allowing lesbian and gay pastors in relationships to be called to serve in the church. This is a significant change in church policy in that, prior to today's vote, if someone gay were to enter the ordained ministry, they would have to be celibate. In other words, single... and preferably asexual.
The vote was 559-451. You can read more about it HERE.
Just as with the Episcopal Church, there's evidence that this change is not going to come without some heartache on the part of those who voted no. And because the vote was actually closer than the ones in the Episcopal Church, I wouldn't be surprised if the outcry from those in the minority on this vote will be quite loud. I am hoping, for the sake of all involved, that the Lutherans don't go through the same level of pain that the Episcopal Church has been put through by those who believe God only loves some, and not all of creation.
For now, however, let us all rejoice with our Lutheran brothers and sisters as they experience the liberating love of God for their true selves.
3 comments:
I am so pleased that the Christian churches are getting with it. God's love is showing up with all faiths.
Peggins
This is just appalling. If Luther, the late German Christian protester, would still be here…where the denomination “Lutherans” derived from, he would be stunned and completely disappointed in this horrible abomination to the Word of God and the Gospel. I totally am against this election. When God created “man” he created Adam and Eve, NOT Adam and STEVE!!! Hello people. This is a direct form of disobedience to God. And this is happening in a Church, a denomination that professes to know the Word of God???? Please, God will have to deal with you guys…and it won’t be pretty.
jasonbradyut: Obviously, you and I do not agree on this matter. What did I say about those who think that God loves some, and not others? Clearly, given that you have pulled out the very tired "Adam and Steve" line, you have not discovered a God of bountiful love. That's too bad. I think you may be surprised to find who will be sitting next to you at God's table now and in the next life! Remember, God is the final judge of all things known and unknown to us. And God is the one who knows me, and all LGBT people fully and completely. For that I have, and will always, say, "Thanks be to God!"
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