Partnered Gay Lutherans Can Be Pastors

Timothy Kincaid

August 21st, 2009

Capping a week in which the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America took strongly affirmative stances in welcoming and supporting gay Christians, the Lutherans have now voted to allow gay and lesbian ministers in lifelong monogamous same-gender relationships to serve.

First the assembly voted to keep today’s controversial vote a simple majority, rather than a 2/3 supermajority. Then they affirmed, by a 2/3 vote, a new statement on sexuality.

Today the denomination addressed the four step process outlined by their task-force, though the ordering has shifted to 3, 1, 2, 4:

Step three asks this church whether, in the future implementation of these commitments, it will make decisions so that all in this church bear the burdens of the other, and respect the bound consciences of all.

This step was confirmed 771 – 230.

Step one asks the assembly whether, in principle, this church is committed to finding ways to allow congregations that choose to do so to recognize, support and hold publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships.

This step was confirmed 619 – 402.

Step two asks the assembly whether, in principle, this church is committed to finding a way for people in such publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships to serve as professional leaders of this church.

This step was confirmed 559 – 451. It is official. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in American will accept as ministers – for those churches who so desire – gays and lesbians with partners.

Step four proposes the specifics of how this church can move toward change in a way that respects the bound consciences of all.

The details of this step are yet to be announced.

Zeke

August 21st, 2009

Boldly stepping into the 20th century.

No, really, kudos to them. I’ll take progress over stagnation or regression any day.

I’m just spoiled in the 21st century UCC.

tavdy79

August 21st, 2009

That’s two denominations in less than month that have made major steps forward, after the British Quakers’ recent decision.

Norm!

August 22nd, 2009

“Gay Luterans”? :)

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