ELCA Convention Focuses on Homosexual and Lesbian Clergy
By Rev. Jack Cascione

 

The primary focus and debate at the 2001 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Convention in Indianapolis August 8-14, was the ordination of homosexual and lesbian clergy who are in "committed relationships." The ELCA already ordains clergy who consider themselves gay if they promise to remain celibate.

The following article appeared in the Sunday Detroit News & Free Press from RNS about the convention electing the most "pro-gay" candidate as its Presiding Bishop.

"An Evangelical Lutheran Church in America assembly Saturday narrowly elected as national leader Bishop Mark S. Hanson, who has coped with divisions over homosexuality and relations with the Episcopal Church as bishop of St. Paul, Minn. Hanson, 54, defeated the more conservative Bishop Donald J. McCoid of Pittsburgh. Hanson has been in the forefront of controversy since his synod petitioned this assembly to allow ordination of actively gay and lesbian clergy."

During the Convention, it was stated that it would not be wise to "out" the gay staff and officials of the ELCA. The ELCA is making a nationwide effort to attract millions of homosexual and lesbians to its membership and clergy roster.

Those in the LCMS who are seeking a "closer relationship" with the ELCA must necessarily be seeking a "gay agenda" for the LCMS. Those in the LCMS who desire open Communion with the ELCA would be advised not to use the common cup.

The dynamics of ELCA clergy who have oral and anal desires for other men must necessarily impact youth programs, retreats, and counseling. Sodomite theology was promoted throughout the ELCA Convention.

The following are just five of the many news releases about gay clergy issued by the ELCA Convention news service. We have also included a few quotations from these releases. For the full text log on to:

http://listserv.elca.org/cgi-bin/wa.exe?A1=ind0108&L=elcanews


Wed, 8 Aug 2001 19:18:15
"ELCA Assembly Agenda to Include Same-Sex Union Discussion"

"INDIANAPOLIS (ELCA) -- This may be the first time voting members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will discuss same-sex unions at a churchwide assembly, said the Rev. H. George Anderson, ELCA presiding bishop."

"The ELCA does not have a policy affirming or prohibiting its clergy from blessing same-sex unions."


Fri, 10 Aug 2001 09:20
"ELCA Assembly Prompts Gay and Lesbian Meetings"

"The worship preceded the first national gathering of Lutheran Family and Friends of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered People, scheduled Aug. 9-10. Thursday evening the conference was to open with the national premier of a new video 'What do you say when some you love says 'I'm Gay?' which features former ELCA synodical bishop Paul W. Egertson.'"

"The Rev. Paul W. Egertson, 66, is a longtime proponent of ordaining gay and lesbian people who are in committed relationships."

"'I have seen considerable progress in the ability of synods and congregations to deal openly with a formerly taboo subject -- and to do it in a civil manner,' Anderson [Presiding Bishop] said Thursday morning."

"'What worries me is that there are still people on various sides of the question who refuse to respect the views of people on the other side,' Anderson said in his report to the assembly. 'Some of those who believe the present policy is correct accuse the other side of rejecting clear biblical teaching. Some of those who want to change our present policy accuse the other side of failing to be as loving as Jesus is. We do not agree on how to interpret Scripture on this issue, nor do we agree on the causes of homosexuality. Until we do find greater agreement, we need to listen carefully to one another.'"


Fri, 10 Aug 2001 12:30:30
"ELCA Assembly Discusses Homosexuality in Well-Attended Hearings"

"In one exchange, the Rev. Janet M. Corpus addressed the questions that had been raised in both hearings as to whether gay and lesbian people were actually part of the discussion. She then asked, 'Are there gay and lesbian people listening? What percentage of staff and Conference of Bishops are gay and lesbian? Could you give that information?'"


Fri, 10 Aug 2001 16:55:14
"ELCA Leaders Meet with Homosexual Rights Leaders"

"The Rev. Joseph M. Wagner, executive director of the ELCA Division for Ministry, reviewed with the group the ordination policies of the church, their history and how to seek change through the church's legislative process. Wagner emphasized that the church must engage issues related to gay and lesbian people, and members must have honest and full discussions."


Mon, 13 Aug 2001 17:05:56
"ELCA Assembly Orders Study on Homosexuality"

"The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will begin study on homosexuality following a 899-115 vote at the 2001 Churchwide Assembly Aug. 13. The assembly action calls for a churchwide study on homosexuality and an action plan for implementation that will come before the 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly."

"'This will end 30 years of discussion on the matter,' said Craig Schwartau, ELCA Saint Paul Area Synod. 'And then we can vote on it and take action at that time.'"

"'This is a good, clear request from the church for some in-depth study of what we believe about homosexuality and how that belief is formed by theological, scriptural, scientific, and practical material on homosexuality,' said the Rev. Joseph M. Wagner, director of the ELCA Division for Ministry.'"

"It is very encouraging to see our church in assembly struggle with an issue that is sensitive to everyone, be nervous about that but not be afraid to take action."


Tue, 14 Aug 2001 12:03:15
"ELCA Leaders Address Homosexuality Actions from Assembly"

"Voting members requested a four-year, comprehensive study on homosexuality and asked for a plan to decide by 2005 on ordaining homosexual persons in committed relationships."

"'I think it's possible for people to think that all we talk about in the ELCA is sexuality and homosexuality,' Wagner said. 'It's of more importance how we teach the Gospel to a rapidly changing secular world; how we deal with ambiguous questions of ethics and morality in the world. This is not our obsession -- [it's] simply a piece of business we need to take care of.' "

"During debate, voting members discussed the implications of having a churchwide study and a limited process for a plan regarding the ordination of non-celibate homosexual persons in place at the same time. Others were concerned that a request for a change in ordination policy would pre-empt the homosexuality study."


Rev. Jack Cascione is pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church (LCMS - MI) in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. He has written numerous articles for Christian News and is the author of Reclaiming the Gospel in the LCMS: How to Keep Your Congregation Lutheran. He has also written a study on the Book of Revelation called In Search of the Biblical Order.
He can be reached by email at pastorcascione@juno.com.

August 14, 2001