Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor

Grand Forks Herald

August 15, 2007


In the newspaper of Sunday, August 12, you may have read the article, “Evangelical Lutherans assembly asks to keep gay clergy.” It stated that at the 2007 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, voting members decided by a margin of 538 to 431 to “urge and encourage” the bishops of the denomination either to “refrain from or demonstrate restraint in disciplining” gay and lesbian clergy who choose to violate the ministry standards of the church.

While this decision is only advisory and not legislative, we still find it discouraging. Members of our denomination are wandering away from the firm foundation of Scripture and confessions. The tradition in which we have been raised and in which we teach has lost its moorings and appears to be adrift in the contemporary currents of affirmation and acceptance.

It is troubling that at 21 of the 65 synod assemblies held this spring and summer, church members passed resolutions that point toward the legitimization of sexual behavior that is prohibited by the clear witness of our Holy Scriptures. This direction comes not only from several condemnations of homoerotic expression in the Bible, but also from many passages that give shape to the context and purpose of human sexuality.

Regardless of what a church assembly decides, Christians are to follow the witness of Scripture. Martin Luther stated that, “We let bishops and councils decide and establish whatever they please. But if we have God’s Word before us, we, and not they, are to decide whether it is right or wrong.” Assemblies are to yield to scripture, not to find ways to bend its guidance to their own will.

The head of our church, Jesus Christ, has commanded us to preach a message of repentance and forgiveness. Rather than condoning sin, we are to call people to turn away from their sins and to receive the forgiveness of Jesus Christ. The good news of eternal life in His Name is given to all who believe, regardless of background or status. Such an announcement of forgiveness is much different than the setting aside of discipline.

In the end, one may ask a classic Lutheran question -- “What does this mean?” Do our own bishops, pastors, and church councils continue on a path where destructive behaviors are neither acknowledged nor confronted, but rather allowed to continue? Do we set aside standards and policies because they no longer fit with the times? Do we find ways where each one of us can plead for “restraint in discipline” simply because we no longer care to be part of the new life in Jesus Christ?

We ask for the prayers of each Christian who reads this letter: prayers for the members of the denomination in which we serve, that all of us may be called back to our scriptures. For those who are members of the ELCA, we also ask that you take up prayer and action. Ask your pastor what he or she believes and teaches on this matter. Write to your bishop and ask for a response. Take up your own responsibility to preach and teach when those in your midst are failing. Keep up the good fight for the faith. Though institutions and buildings fall away, our Lord and his promises endure forever.

Pastor Daniel Ostercamp, Badger, MN

Pastor Paul Koch, Wannaska, MN

Hat tip to Pietist.

---Katie