August 24, 2009

Re: ELCA Churchwide Assembly passes Recommendation on Ministry Policies.

Dear Christ the King Members and Friends,

Before discussing the thornier issues of same-gender unions in the ordained ministry, the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) approved a resolution committing the church to respect the differences of opinions on the matter and honor the "bound consciences" of those who disagree.  After much debate, the assembly voted to open the ministry of the church to gay and lesbian pastors and other professional workers living in committed relationships. While delegates on both sides of the issue expressed deeply felt convictions, the debate was respectful and cordial. It is hoped that the church as a whole can offer that respect and cordiality despite differing opinions on this issue. We are united in our faith in the Triune God and in our call to share the Good News of God’s love with all the world. Hopefully, our common faith and common mission will keep us united and not allow our differences over this, or any other issue, to divide us.

The passing of this resolution does not have an immediate impact on Christ the King since we are not currently calling a pastor. When CtK is in a call process in the future the congregation will have the right to call a gay or lesbian pastor in a committed relationship. However, no congregation will be forced or expected to call a gay or lesbian pastor if they don’t want to. Congregations have the ultimate and complete authority to call a rostered pastor of their choosing. In fact, a significant section was added to this resolution making clear a commitment that the policy revisions will provide for those who do not believe ministers in same-gender relationships should be rostered.

Christ the King is a wonderfully diverse congregation. We have members who are Republicans and Democrats; pro-life and pro-choice; supportive of the war in Iraq and opposed to it. We also have those who will support this decision and those who will oppose it. I am hoping all of us are committed enough to the ministry of sharing the love of Jesus Christ that we do not let this issue distract us from that common mission. We are the church, the body of Christ. We are called to do Christ’s work in the world. Let’s not let any differences we may have prevent us from uniting to do what God in Christ has called us to do. Let’s work together, side by side, to accomplish the mission God has given us.

For more detailed information you can go to the ELCA site at http://www.elca.org/ or you can read The Way it Looks from Here by Bishop Peter Rogness at the St. Paul area Synod website at http://spas-elca.org/. If you would like to discuss this issue, or any other matter please feel free to contact me.

Pastor Paul

Pastor, what do you think about this?

Some people have asked me what I think of the action taken by the ELCA churchwide assembly to open the ministry of the church to gay and lesbian pastors and other professional workers living in committed relationships. To be honest, it doesn’t matter much what I think. I am committed to being a pastor to those who are rejoicing over this decision; those who are angry and distressed by this decision; those who are tired of hearing about it; and everyone in between. Without a doubt this is a significant decision in the life of the ELCA. But one overlooked part of the resolution talks about respecting and caring about people who have differing views. That is my goal. I want to minister to people regardless of their perspective on this issue. I want to do my best to encourage them and engage them in the ministry of the church. It is my prayer that we can work together side by side to do God’s work in the world. St. Paul and St. Peter sought to engage both Jews and Gentiles in the work of the Lord. God calls us to be the Body of Christ in the world whether we are in favor of or opposed to the decision of the ELCA in this matter; whether we are Republicans or Democrats; whether we are prolife or pro-choice; whether we interpret the scriptures literally or we take a different view. As the church, the body of Christ, we have a call beyond this or any other social issue. We have a call to do God’s work in the world. It is my intent to lead Christ the King forward in the accomplishment of the mission God has given us. Regardless of your perspective on this vote, please join me in seeking to share the good news of God’s love with all the world.

GUIDED BY THE GOSPEL: GATHERING • GROWING • GIVING