From The Lead via USA Today:
The nation's largest Lutheran denomination will consider lifting its ban on gay and lesbian clergy who are in lifelong, monogamous relationships as it gathers this month for a churchwide meeting.
More than 1,000 delegates will debate church policy Aug. 17-23 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's (ELCA) biennial General Assembly in Minneapolis.
....
The question is not whether openly gay and lesbian clergy can be ordained. They already are — as long as they remain celibate. The question is whether they can have committed relationships and still be called to ELCA pulpits. Partnered gay clergy are technically prohibited, though some congregations break the rule without punishment.
Prayer for those gathered at the ECLA General Assembly:
O God, you open the hearts of your faithful people by sending into us the light of the Holy Spirit.
Direct the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by the light of that Spirit,
as this church prepares to gather in assembly,
that we might have a right judgment in all things
and rejoice at all times in your peace;
Lord, in your mercy,
hear our prayer.
Go, Lutherans!
ReplyDeletethanks for keeping us in your prayers next week. "we'll" be meeting in my town, too!
ReplyDeleteDiane, will you be there?
ReplyDelete