Comments | desdemona03: FELC and changes (and the lack thereof)

desdemona03

FELC and changes (and the lack thereof)

Sep 08, 2009 13:00

Well last night I had a mini explosion when I talked with my Dad on the phone. He told me the family had a dinner together, including the in-law Slosses whose company I never really miss, and I was filled in on the happenings... one tidbit of which was Church stuff. Evidently the ELCA (Evangelican Lutheran Church of America)'s decision to ordain ( Read more... )

Comments 6

thehamoftruth September 8 2009, 13:16:49 UTC

Gomolka. She left for St. Martin's in Marine City and became one of the most important people of my adolescent years. Last I heard she was in Flushing, doing the same for their youth.

Care to share that email? I'd be honored to put my name on it as well. I'm sure I know a few other members who would endorse the very same sentiment.

desdemona03 September 8 2009, 23:49:22 UTC

It's still in the editing phase, but hopefully I'll finish it today. I'm also waiting to get a full copy of the letter from my folks to varify information, unless I can get someone to send it faster. But you are most welcome to edit and add your name to it... you're a much more elequent and powerful writer than I am, and the more people the better :-)

doulosxristou September 10 2009, 20:06:14 UTC

I'm praying for you, Sarah. I couldn't agree more with what you've said here. I was so happy when the decision in August finally happened. It was a really long and painful process, but I think it was the right one ( ... )

desdemona03 September 10 2009, 23:40:07 UTC

That, Tim, is exactly what I said, though in a more condenced form. Is this kind of demonstration, the with-holding of money, common within the ELCA? It's like a child holding their breath to force a parent's hand, but far more damaging.

Though at the same time, aren't pastors suppost to stand up for Biblical principles? I don't think the Bible takes either side in this decision, but if he believes it does (misguided as *that* may be) isn't he responsible for "leading" his congregation?

doulosxristou September 11 2009, 14:17:06 UTC

Framed on my wall in my office is a letter of call from my congregation. It's the exact same text as the letter of call that any ELCA pastor gets from any congregation. Part of it reads something to the effect of, "to endeavor to increase support for the larger church". Increase, not decrease and certainly not unilaterally cut off. That's part of my job. When I was installed as pastor here, among other things, I took a vow to do that.

But it is all too common for that to be the first promise to their congregations and the larger Church that pastors break. Several congregations in our synod down here are planning similar action. Yes, we do also promise "to preach and teach in accordance with God's Word." But the ELCA was sooooo careful...some would even say too careful...to make sure everybody knows they are "finding ways to respect the bound consciences of those who disagree" with this decision. He can still preach and teach what he feels is Biblical, and do it with the full support of his bishop and of the ELCA as a whole. But when ( ... )

fudpuck September 21 2009, 17:47:53 UTC

Ugh, my and Adam's family church is leaning towards actually leaving ELCA over this particular issue. The bit in previous comments discussing who is actually hurt/affected by cutting off funds definitely should help put the decision into perspective for those thinking that this is a good way to go about reacting to the same gender couple issues at hand.