What will you do when the ELCA makes their decision?

[Phoebe]

Threin lies my dilemna. Overall, I like the congregation, don't trust the pastor. I need church, but I don't want to suffer spiritual harm. Do I trust God to protect me, or is this His way of telling me to leave that particular congregation?

 

[D.W.Washburn]

It's interesting that this thread started in 2005 and is still going on.

The Sexuality Task Force has finished its Social Statement which will be presented to the Churchwide Assembly this August. As I understand their work, they are recommending a local option. If the recommendations are adopted, individual congregations will be able call ordained pastors living in committed same sex relationships. I think that synods may also have some say in the matter.

It has never been the polity or practice of the ELCA to force a pastor on a congregation. (Realistically, I think bishops sometimes exert a bit of influence, but...) under these recommendations, no congregation will have to call an openly gay pastor.

However, if the recommendations are adopted the ELCA will be a church body that ordains gay pastors in committed same-sex relationships. Individuals and congregations may need to ask themselves if they want to be part of such a larger body.

 

[Edial]

Threin lies my dilemna. Overall, I like the congregation, don't trust the pastor. I need church, but I don't want to suffer spiritual harm. Do I trust God to protect me, or is this His way of telling me to leave that particular congregation?

If one is not trusting the Pastor it is like the sheep not trusting their shepherd.
If the pastor of a congregation is not being trusted by the sheep of Christ, it is (in my opinion) pastor's problem.

JN 10: 26 but you do not believe because you are not my sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

In my opinion, if the distrust towards the pastor is there and it is there for some time. If the sheep of Christ constantly feel this distrust, I personally would start looking elsewhere ...

Thanks,
Ed

 

[Edial]

It's interesting that this thread started in 2005 and is still going on.

The Sexuality Task Force has finished its Social Statement which will be presented to the Churchwide Assembly this August. As I understand their work, they are recommending a local option. If the recommendations are adopted, individual congregations will be able call ordained pastors living in committed same sex relationships. I think that synods may also have some say in the matter.

It has never been the polity or practice of the ELCA to force a pastor on a congregation. (Realistically, I think bishops sometimes exert a bit of influence, but...) under these recommendations, no congregation will have to call an openly gay pastor.

However, if the recommendations are adopted the ELCA will be a church body that ordains gay pastors in committed same-sex relationships. Individuals and congregations may need to ask themselves if they want to be part of such a larger body.

If this happens I would probably be really embarassed to be known as a member of ELCA.

Thanks,
Ed

 

[Korah]

If this happens I would probably be really embarassed to be known as a member of ELCA.
Thanks,
Ed

Same here.
On the other hand, I would be embarrassed not to be known as a member of ELCA.
Korah

 

[lux et lex]

I'll stay and try to get them to treat homosexuals as the equals they are.

 

[Edial]

I'll stay and try to get them to treat homosexuals as the equals they are.

OK. And what would a homosexual behavior among the leadership be equal to in the Bible?

Thanks,
Ed

 

[Willy]

I'll stay and try to get them to treat homosexuals as the equals they are.

Wow! What a concept! Thanks for the perspective.