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."