| Bishop Payne OK's Same Sex Blessings | |
At the New England Synod Bishop's Convocation held in Nashua, N.H. on November 7-9, 2005, Bishop Margaret Payne in her bishop's address announced to those in attendance that she interprets Resolution 2 of the three resolutions regarding sexuality adopted in Orlando at the ELCA 2005 Church-wide Assembly to allow for the blessings of unions of same gender couples in committed relationships. These may take place in the churches [that is, the church buildings] provided that pastors, couples, congregations, etc. understand that there is not an official rite of the Church for such blessings. The bishop requested, however, that pastors who intend to perform such blessings should first:
1. inform Bishop Payne
2. discuss the matter with congregation councils
3. not allow same-gender union blessings to become media events.
Bishop Payne said that at present she did not feel called to "ecclesiastical disobedience," but she believes that Resolution 3 deprives the New England Synod and the ELCA of good and faithful pastors who are otherwise qualified to serve the Church. She also stated that she sees no convincing theological arguments for excluding gay and lesbian persons in life-long committed relationships from serving as pastors.
Furthermore, Bishop Payne said that she would respect those pastors, who for reasons of conscience, could not accept or perform same-gender union blessings.
Although Bishop Payne felt she needed to resign from the ELCA Sexuality Task Force, she believes her role on the Task Force was a call from God. She stated that she intends to spend more time among the people and congregations of the New England Synod, and that she will stand for re-election as bishop, "but that's up to the Holy Spirit," she said.
--The Rev. Jack R. Whritenour, Trinity Lutheran Church, Shelton, CT
Thanks to Pastor Rob for the tip!
---Katie
3 comments:
Glad to be of service. If there is no discipline over this, and I don't imagine there will be any, we had all better prepare to find a different denomination with which to affiliate. Notice how the orthodox pastors are the ones who will be tolerated, as if they are the exceptions to the norm...as if they are the ones who are out of step with the Lord but simply have to be brought along slowly.
Just got done reading Ezra. Perhaps it is time for us to get down to some serious prayer and fasting for this church. Some of our leaders are pulling folks down to their destruction.
Peace in the Lord!
Rob Buechler, Pastor ELCA (for the moment)
Starkweather, ND
With the way the "liberals" are infesting the ELCA, I'm sure Martin Luther would turn over in his grave. If this STUFF comes to pass, I WILL BE LEAVING THE ELCA. My background comes from the Augustana Synod. I believe in accepting homosexuals into our worship, but blessing same sex unions is heresy!!!!
I believe worship is open to anyone, but anyone who joins a congregation is submitting himself or herself to the authority of the Church. Anyone living in unrepented sin -- sex outside the covenant of marriage between one woman and one man, for instance -- is subject to correction.
We are so concerned about being self-righteous and judgmental -- with good reason -- that we have forsaken our call to be righteous and to use good judgment.
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