A PASTORAL LETTER OF DISCLOSURE
August 8, 2006
Dear Rostered Colleagues of the Southeastern Synod,
After a lengthy process of prayerful discernment, today I filed charges against The Rev. Bradley E. Schmeling, presently serving as pastor of St. John's Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA. Pastor Schmeling has admitted to me that he is in violation of ELCA "Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline..." for ordained ministers. Specifically, Pastor Schmeling disclosed to me that he is in a sexual relationship with an adult male. He has declined my requests for his resignations from his call to St. John's Lutheran Church and the ELCA clergy roster.
When a synod bishop files charges against a pastor, the action begins the church's formal process which leads to a hearing by a Discipline Hearing Committee (DHC). The DHC receives evidence, listens to witnesses and eventually determines what actions should be taken. For example, if a DHC finds that a pastor is not in compliance with ELCA "Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline...," the committee has the authority to remove a pastor from the ELCA roster for ordained ministers.
For more detailed information, see Chapter 20 of the ELCA Constitution (http://www.elca.org/secretary/constitutions/index.html).
An ELCA bishop does not have the authority to unilaterally remove any ELCA pastor from the ELCA roster. For this reason, it is necessary to submit this matter to the ELCA disciplinary process. This is an internal church proceeding and does not involve the civil courts.
With the filing of charges, I do not intend to make any further comments about the case until the DHC renders its verdict and course of action. Please remember in intercessory prayer Pastor Bradley Schmeling, his loved ones, St. John's Lutheran Church, and those of us who will be involved in the discipline hearing process.
Sincerely in Christ,
Ronald B. Warren
Bishop
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From what I understand, Pastor Schmeling made it clear to the bishop when he accepted the call that he did not agree with Visions and Expectations and would not commit to abiding by the rules. It should be no surprise, then, that he has entered into this relationship and expects to remain in his position. Also, from what I understand, he has the full support of his congregation.
I think it will be interesting to see if the synod will enforce what was decided in 2005 at CWA or if they will look the other way.
---Katie
3 comments:
I am not so much concerned about what he will do as how the process will go. I am not sure the ELCA has the will to enforce what the CWA passed. I feel bad for everyone involved, frankly.
Katie,
Your concern is well placed. Face it, the New Jersey Synod decided to disregard the CWA (although again, Resolution 1 is being tauted as allowing for rebellion. They don't call it rebellion, they call it "learning to live with each other." A rose by any other name...); this is also true of the New England Synod and Sierra Pacific. There is already open repudiation of CWA. Where is the discipline? None forthcoming.
I agree with Trouble that Ron Warren is a stand-up guy. I applaud his courage. This will be a test to see if that synod will stand with him.
However, the ELCA hierarchy has shown no such courage. I wouldn't expect much from them.
Peace in the Lord!
Rob Buechler
when orthodoxy is optional, it ceases to exist.
Former Lutheran, now Catholic
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