Yet there many pro-life members of ELCA congregations. I am not able to explain why they continue in such “fellowship,” but it is true. And I know also that some in my own LCMS (Missouri Synod) congregation, and in others congregations of this denomination, do not share my pro-life convictions. I once asked one how he could vote for pro-abort Bill Clinton; he responded that Clinton’s economic policies would be better for his investments. Go figure. We’re all fallen creatures, and inconsistent in one or more ways.
It is all too common to have laity ignore the teachings of their own denomination. Cafeteria style Christianity is rampant throughout all denominations. Dr. Tiller, for instance, was excommunicated from the LCMS because he would not repent and stop the killing of unborn children. I am sure that there are some laity in the LCMS that are pro-abortion, just as there are those cohabitating without being married.. It is a very different matter when a denomination endorses such things as abortion and homosexuality. Anyone that is a member of the ELCA, even if he is personally opposed to abortion and homosexuality, is supporting abortion and homosexuality.