INDIANAPOLIS (ELCA) -- Protestors from two Baptist congregations raised signs denouncing inclusion of gay, lesbian and divorced persons in the Lutheran church as several buses of assembly voting members rode to a celebration for Presiding Bishop H. George Anderson's ministry at the Indianapolis Zoo Aug. 10. Protests began again about 8 a.m. on Saturday morning, Aug. 11.
The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 8-14 at the Indiana Convention Center. There are more than 2,000 people participating, including 1,040 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is "Making Christ Known: Sharing Faith in a New Century."
A group that grew to nearly 60 men, women and youth presented signs, and responded to comments of pedestrian and vehicle passersby. Protestors identified themselves as members of Westboro Baptist Church in Topeka, Kan., and 20 congregation members led by the Rev. John Lewis of a Baptist congregation in Campbellsburg, Ind.
Most people walking or driving by chose not to engage the protestors in conversation. Parents enroute to a baseball game discussed "nasty terms" and reassured children about "God not hating people." The Rev. James C. Bouzard, Northwestern Texas Synod, and the Rev. Chip Bouzard, Waverly, Ia., commended the reading of John 3:17 to the protestors before boarding the buses to the zoo.
"We are just encouraging people not to interact with them," said the Rev. Jane Kunzie Brunner, a visitor and volunteer from the ELCA Metro Chicago Synod. Convention Center security personnel remained present and local law enforcement arrived in response. Indianapolis police shift supervisor Sgt. Duell noted that as long as protestors were not impeding the flow of pedestrian traffic, stepping into the street, or causing a disturbance, law enforcement people would take no action.
Anita Hill, voting member from the ELCA Saint Paul Area Synod, crossed the intersection wearing a colorful clerical stole as she and associates walked to a meeting. Little conversation ensued. Duell had been informed that most of the protestors were present in response to Hill's presence at the assembly
The Rev. Joseph M. Wagner, executive director of the ELCA Division for Ministry released the following statement on behalf of the church on Aug. 11:
"The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America strongly denounces acts of bigotry, hatred, harassment and violence directed toward any people, including gay and lesbian people. The ELCA is committed to welcoming gay and lesbian people into the life and ministry of our congregations. This welcoming spirit has been consistently affirmed by the ELCA Conference of Bishops, the ELCA Church Council and ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
As Lutherans we believe that all people are children of God's creation and can be saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Acts of hatred and bigotry are not consistent with this faith." -- -- --
Information about assembly actions is at http://www.elca.org/assembly/01 on the ELCA's Web Site. Recorded updates during the assembly are available by calling 773/380-2477.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
