Lutheran Lesbian and Gay People React to Assembly Action

DENVER (ELCA) - "Today's actions by the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA in Denver represents a missed opportunity to end discrimination against gay and lesbian pastors in committed relationships," said the Rev. Cynthia Witt, president of the Network for Inclusive Vision, San Diego, one of five national organizations affirming lesbian and gay Lutherans. The 1999 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) declined to change the standards for rostered ministry. That vote continues a policy that requires ordained gay and lesbian clergy to abstain from homosexual sexual relationships.
The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, met Aug. 16-22 here at the Colorado Convention Center. There were more than 2,500 people participating, including 1,038 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly was "Making Christ Known: Hope for a New Century."
"Even though a majority of the voting members did not see fit to change ELCA policies at this time, we are encouraged that this discussion and vote occurred," said Jan Bailey, co-chair of Lutherans Concerned/North America from Richfield, Minn. "No previous churchwide assembly has voted on the issue of gay and lesbian clergy."
"We're sad, a bit discouraged but undaunted," said Emily Eastwood, Richfield, Minn. " In our congregation, with 25 percent gay and lesbian people, it is imperative that one of the pastors be one of their own. We want to follow a normal candidacy call process."
"We want to encourage use of the two ELCA resources offered at the assembly, particularly that from the ELCA Division for Outreach," said Bob Gibeling, Lutherans Concerned/North America, Atlanta. "Grassroots discussion is very important. The discussion at assembly was civil, respectful, not divisive at all. That was hopeful."
"For us, our work is 'now'. The church will move at its own speed," emphasized Dr. Mari Irwin, co-chair of Lutheran Lesbian and Gay Ministries. "We are making ministry happen now."
"We continue to grieve for gay and lesbian clergy and their families, friends and congregations. We promise to continue to work toward the day the ELCA will officially and finally welcome the full inclusion of gay and lesbians in the congregational life and ordained ministry of the ELCA," said Witt.
Eastwood said that voting members needed language that would regulate sexuality for gay and lesbian people. "At the same time, how many seminaries allow non-consecrated relationships between heterosexual students in their own dorms?"
"We are sad," said Bailey. "The Churchwide Assembly had an opportunity to stop the bleeding of our people. I'm grateful for the 170 Reconciled in Christ congregations and the 14 Reconciled in Christ synods who will at least welcome me as a person, but they need to welcome my pastor."
Reconciled in Christ congregations or synods officially have approved an "Affirmation of Welcome" to make clearer that all people are welcome as full members, regardless of their sexual orientation or their children's. Those congregations and synods are listed on a roster maintained by Lutherans Concerned.
"Called to Witness," a documentary that features openly gay and lesbian Lutheran clergy, was previewed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Denver on Aug. 21. "Called to Witness" examines the lives and trials of three Midwestern pastors, each removed from the official ELCA clergy roster. Organizers "hope this documentary, which is aimed at a national television broadcast, will help Protestantism toward that change," said a news release from Pam Walton, documentary producer.

For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html