Posted on 02/25/2009 10:34:31 AM PST by Alex Murphy
Yesterday we received a note in our story suggestion box from a pastor of the Lutheran Church — Missouri Synod:
Titles like this drive me crazy!
The title — or headline, rather — at the Argus Leader reads:
Lutherans consider gay clergy
Now, it’s true that the nation’s largest Lutheran branch, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, is considering expanding the clergy roster to non-celibate homosexuals.
It’s also true that reporters frequently fail to note that nearly all of the other Lutheran branches in America aren’t.
The two largest Lutheran churches in America are the ELCA with about 4.7 million members and the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod with about 2.4 million members. Other Lutheran churches include the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod, the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations and the Evangelical Lutheran Synod. And judging from the mail we get, we have readers in every Lutheran church body — including the Laestadians! Most of the non-ELCA synods and associations are more theologically conservative — or less likely to change doctrine or teaching on various matters — than the ELCA. The other church bodies are more likely to believe the Bible is the actual Word of God and treat the Scripture as the final standard by which everything must be believed and taught. The ELCA, on the other hand, encourages methods of interpretation that allow for the possibility that Scripture contains error or is unclear about various doctrinal matters. These different approaches to Scripture explain some of the more newsworthy differences over, say, abortion, homosexuality and the ordination of women.
So while the ELCA and more confessional Lutheran church bodies share the name Lutheran, they have many significant and substantive differences (we didn’t even get into confessional subscription or ecumenical fellowships!). And yet most mainstream media stories fail to put the ELCA decisions on homosexuality, abortion or other hot-button social issues in the context of all Lutherans in America. It’s very frustrating for pastors and laypeople in other Lutheran church bodies who are frequently confused with the ELCA. Particularly since the ELCA only seems to receive news coverage when embroiled in fights over hot-button political topics.
That Argus Leader story, by the way, is not much better than the headline. It’s lengthy and includes tons of quotes but manages to say almost nothing about what’s going on in the ELCA.
A much better story about what the ELCA is doing with regard to gay clergy was sent out by the Associated Press. Here’s how it begins:
America’s largest Lutheran denomination will consider allowing individual congregations to choose whether to allow gays and lesbians in committed relationships to serve as clergy, an attempt to avoid the sort of infighting that has threatened to tear other churches apart.
A task force of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America recommended that course Thursday in a long-awaited report on ministry standards. The panel, however, said the church needs to clarify a number of questions before overhauling its gay clergy policy.
The story does a great job of explaining the four-part process suggested by the task force. We get perspective from people who think the suggestions reject Scripture as well as an advocate of gay clergy who says some elements of the proposal take a step backward because they provide some local autonomy.
But while the lede stipulated that the ELCA was the largest Lutheran denomination, it didn’t really explain how the church fits into the larger Lutheran community. To that end, check out how Manya Brachear and Margaret Ramirez handled it with their report, which was published in the Chicago Tribune and the Los Angeles Times:
The nearly 5-million-member Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which is based in Chicago, is the nation’s largest Lutheran denomination.
The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod are separate denominations that accept a more literal interpretation of the Bible and do not ordain gays.
I don’t know if “more literal” is how I’d describe the difference in Biblical interpretation but I so appreciate the specific mention. No pastor who believes that the Bible should be taken literally word-for-word would be ordained in my church body, the LCMS. In seminary they are trained extensively in hermeneutics and taught to understand that different parts of Scripture are written as history, poetry, direct prophecy, or illustrative vision. And they should be taken in the context of what they are. On the other hand, we do believe that the literal meaning of a word is to be assumed unless we are given sufficient reason to believe that it should be taken figuratively. That hermeneutical approach is probably “more literal” than the one taken by the ELCA. Anyway, notice that it doesn’t take that many words to put the ELCA in context.
The Brachear/Ramirez story is also very thorough and does a great job of explaining what’s going on in the ELCA, the process of the task force, but it doesn’t get any reaction from the ELCA community. It also has this sentence that I found somewhat odd:
Drawing from Martin Luther’s spoken words that spawned the 16th Century Protestant Reformation, the task force called on its members to respect each other’s views about same-gender relationships as grounded in conscience.
We’re not told which words that spawned the Reformation were used with regard to same-sex relationships. There are many statements and reports, there were a few mentions of Luther’s words. One citation is from “The Freedom of the Christian,” but that’s written rather than spoken. Fans — and non-fans — of Luther would be interested in which words we’re talking about. Seems silly not to mention which ones.
What passage from Luther’s works justifies homosexuality?
And they leave out the Apostolic Lutherans, who are a whole ‘nuther kettle of lutefisk completely...
YOPIOS again?
There was, I think, a two fingered, arm's length, face turned away tolerence for nancy boys, (sort of like holding an exceptionally full diaper), but he covered the 'Hate The Sin' half, without actually getting to the 'Love The Sinner' part...
Fans — and non-fans — of Luther would be interested in which words we’re talking about. Seems silly not to mention which ones.
How about “If you are going to sin, sin boldly.”
What’s bolder than a man kissing his boyfriend in front of the alter?
Martin was more interested in arguing against the Church hierarchy's existing relationship with the people, rather than fencing about what angels could, or would, or whatever.
Keep a Good Lent!
What is the position of Lutherans in other parts of the world?
Have they already played this scenario out and the ELCA is the last one to fold, or is ELCA in the echelon on this?
The elca is not evangelical (it is shrinking, and has been doing so since its inception in 1988), it is not Lutheran (it adopted ccm in 1999), it is not the church (that would be the members of individual congregation around the world and across time).
It can be found in America, however.
I saw this in the Argus a few days back. I’m an ex-ELCA member and now belong to a church affiliated with the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations. Our congregation of Lutherans most assuredly aren’t welcoming gay pastors to speak anytime soon. Thankfully.
I’m Roman Catholic, but my children attend a private Lutheran school and we’re very happy there with the Biblically-based teaching and the genuinely Christian environment.
What is confusing to me the lack of uniformity within Evangelical denominations.
I would suspect that “communions” in other parts of the world might be more liberal (Europe) or more conservative (Africa) based on geography.
Actually, it is that way with other Christian denominations, including Catholics; I expect more socially conservative Cardinals from Africa and Asia and more wing nuts from the US and Europe.
Though JPII and Pope Benedict are closing the gap on “liberation theology”.
Best of luck and prayers for my brothers and sisters in the Lutheran Church. They have been fine friends and neighbors. I hate to see the cultural left and the media trying get their hooks into your church!
I think you meant this post for someone else — I didn’t ask the question you quoted back to me...
I think I have heard that the Lutherans in Africa are doing missionary work in Europe. Also, a pastor in Scandinavia is looking at jail time for sticking to his beliefs.
The ELCA associated churches are not even true Christian churches IMHO. Check out their pro-abortion policy at ELCA.org
I was raised in a conservative Lutheran church. As an adult, I innocently joined the local “Lutheran” church here when we moved here 15 years ago. It wasn’t too long before the ELCA meeting reports in the bulletin tipped me off that there was something wrong. The ELCA was “dialoging about gay unions”.
So I checked out the ELCA.org website and was even more appalled at the pro-abortion stance. I discussed it with the “pastor” who said not to worry, such a small amount of offerings goes to the ELCA. I said even one red cent to pro-abortionists is a grave sin. He said OH we can’t judge....etc.
I was good and gone within days of seeing the clue in the bulletin. Thing is, nothing was preached from the pulpit about these immoral things the ELCA does. All the old folks I used to sit with, probably have no idea they are supporting abortion. Sad. They are in a false church.
The Bukoba Statement of the Bishops of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Tanzania includes these strong words:
3. HUMAN SEXUALITY
3.1. The ELCT Position (Conviction)
The Conference of Bishops of the ELCT believes that the Holy Scripture is the foundation of Church teaching. By reading the Bible in its original languages, foreign languages, and our mother tongues, we have come to believe that God uses his word to show the way to salvation. Thus we strongly affirm that:
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for the proof, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living. So that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed”. (2Tim 3:16 -17).
Through this foundation we acknowledge and believe that;
“…no one can explain by himself a prophecy in the Scriptures. For no prophetic message ever came just from the will of man, but men were under the control of the Holy Spirit as they spoke the message that came from God”. (2 Pet 1:20-21).
Thus, the Conference of Bishops of the ELCT firmly attests that the word of God as it is recorded in the Holy Scripture (Bible) is the solid foundation for the faith and life of every Christian.
3.2. Homosexuals and their Actions
3.2.1. We acknowledge that homosexual people, with their differences and special problems, are present within our society and our church. At the same time, it is true also that homosexual acts and sodomy are condemned by Holy Scripture because they go against God’s plan (1Cor 6:9-10; Romans 1:26-27). We thus, are obliged to stand with Holy Scripture which is the sole guidance for decency and ethical human behavior.
3.2.2. We believe that people with homosexual inclinations/orientations and other related problems need teaching, counseling and pastoral care that leads to repentance and restoration. Furthermore, we also clearly see that homosexual acts such as sodomy are against natural order and thus against law of God’s creation. These acts are not good and are rebellious.
3.2.3. We believe that the creation of a human being is completed in and by the relationship between a woman and a man. A woman and a man are created in order that each one of them shall complete one another for the purpose of also continued creation.
3.3. Foundation of Creation
We firmly see Genesis 2:24 as being in harmony with life in an African context. It demonstrates that the union between a man and a woman is the blessed tradition upon which human sexual life and behavior is based. We thus strongly reject the act of a male taking on a female sexual role or vice versa. We therefore believe in and value the beauty and completeness of a man as a man and a woman as a woman.
3.4 Legalization of Homosexuality, Its Acts, Sodomy and Same Sex Marriages
3.4.1. We object to legalization of same sex marriage, which in essence is not a marriage but a complacent act of giving in to human desires. The only marriage act that we can bless is the union between two different sexes. This understanding of marriage is derived from God’s order of Creation of man and woman. The entire order of creation, including other animals and plants, was then declared by God to be “very good” (Gen. 1:31). We thus find any attempt to change God’s intentions “for the sake of a few individuals with divergent sexual views and acts is in itself sinful and evil.
3.4.2. We are objecting to this legalization because it is also against human dignity and Tanzanian culture. We are convinced that this is not a natural constitution of a human person anywhere. We believe that the cultural decency that we are protecting and defending is not against God’s will. ELCT is objecting to lifestyle because it deviates from fundamental biblical teaching.
3.4.2.1. We believe and affirm that legalizing homosexual acts, sodomy and same sex marriage rebels against God and misguides society.
3.4.2.2. Thus, legalizing, authorizing or accepting same sex relationships is to undermine the institution of marriage and its sanctity. This institution is the foundation of community welfare. To sabotage it is to sabotage God’s command that establishes this important institution.
3.4.2.3. We admonish all human communities in the world that to endorse, legalize or encourage homosexual acts in any form is to reject natural ethical codes that humanize society. It is thus to violate God’s Creation.
3.5. The Church’s Responsibility
3.5.1. The true church of Christ would fail in its responsibility if it were to concede to the pressure from homosexuals and sodomites. The Church has a duty to help homosexuals and sodomites to accept their condition as a spiritual and physical problem.
3.5.2. Homosexual acts and sodomy are traditionally understood as an extreme sexual desire, and if a person under this possession is not helped, it can lead to bestiality. We affirm that sexual act must be confined to the marriage union of a man and a woman.
3.5.2.1. We deplore distorted explanations by several people who use the term “human rights” to justify homosexuality and sodomy. We find this as a deliberate misuse of a good term “human rights”. It should be remembered that those forced to accept these deviated lifestyles also have their rights, which need to be protected.
3.5.2.2. Marriage is the only institution which God ordained through His Word to be the foundation of reproduction, growth and civilize society. We thus ask: is it not also a human rights issue that children be raised in community with father and mother?
3.6 Misusing Biblical Texts
3.6.1. Although we are aware that Holy Scripture forbids homosexuality and sodomy, there are theologians who interpret, exegete, and misuse Holy Scripture to support and endorse homosexuality and in its many forms.
3.6.2. The Conference of Bishops rejects biblical expositions done by some theologians and scholars with intent to affirm and legalize homosexuality. The Bible is the foundation of Christian faith and thus the church has an indisputable authority to rightly and scripturally explain faith based on God’s word. The church’s expositions do not necessarily have to agree with those of the scholars.
3.7 Homosexuality and Priesthood (Ordination)
We do not agree with those seeking to ordain homosexuals into the ministry of Word and Sacrament. We even do not accept evangelists, elders and other church rostered servants who are homosexuals. Instead we call upon the church of Christ worldwide to sympathize with them, pray for them and counsel them how to be transformed in their thoughts and intentions.
You have it pegged exactly. You are to be congratulated in leaving so soon. Sadly, you are in the minority. By far, most stick around, even knowing about the position of the ELCA on abortion and homosexuality. Those who know it's going on, hate it and they want the ELCA to change but there is no mass exodus. There is only a small trickle of those leaving.
I was raised in what eventually became the ELCA. Before it became the ELCA it was a Bible-believing church.
The wheels fell off in 1988. We left about 1992 for the LCMS.
We recently lost one family in our LCMS to the ELCA because they wanted their unchurched children to be able to commune with them.
The LCMS cares enough about their children's souls to educate them to the seriousness of communing without proper preparation.
To many, the LCMS position is unwelcoming and exclusionary. I have come to look at it as being the compassionate attitude. The LCMS cares about people's souls.
My neighbors are Laestadian Lutherans, great people. In our Western community most folks would look at their large conservative family and peg them as either Mormoms or homeschooled evangelicals. When I lived in Scottsdale, we sent our kids to a Lutheran school (Missouri Synod) which was terrific and had a great staff and congregation. I feel for the good half of Lutheranism that will tagged by the ELCA heresy.
The statement is particularly important to me because my Synod has a Companion Synod relationship with Tanzania.
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