Posted on 02/17/2010 12:15:30 PM PST by Enought
A letter from 150 Iowa pastors was delivered to Iowa lawmakers today stating their support for same-sex marriage.
Because this I run an ELCA focused website I am going to list the ELCA pastors that signed this letter. But you should look at the news article. (http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2010/02/16/150-iowa-clergy-we-support-same-sex-marriage/ )
There are many denominations represented here. This is a another sign of the Christian, church-wide problem with liberal theology and denial of Biblical Authority.
The last paragraph of the letter says, "As clergy, we stand together in support of civil marriage equality for ALL families. We ask for your support of civil marriage equality and ask that you oppose any resolution or attempt to diminish the marriage rights of Iowa’s families."
This is outrageous! There is a big push by Iowans saying they should be allowed to vote on whether same-sex marriage should be allowed in the state. What these pastors are asking is that Iowa lawmakers deny the citizens of Iowa that right. (last year the Iowa Supreme Court decided same-sex marriage was legal in Iowa)
Here are the ELCA signers of the letter -
Rev. Charles Ager; ELCA (retired); Strawberry Point
Rev. Paul S. Bengtson; ELCA (retired); Storm Lake
Rev. Ramona S. Bouzard; St. Paul Lutheran Church; Waverly (ELCA)
Rev. Dr. Walter C. Bouzard; Waverly (ELCA)
The Rev. Dr. Sean D. Burke; Luther College; Decorah (ELCA)
Rev. Dennis Dickman; ELCA (retired); Waverly
The Rev. Travis M. Fisher; St. Mark Lutheran Church; Davenport (ELCA)
The Rev. Andrew G. Gangle; Peace Lutheran Church; Adel (ELCA)
Rev. Randall E. Gehring; Bethesda Lutheran Church, ELCA; Ames
Pastor John Hagberg; St. Mark Lutheran Church; Sioux City (ELCA)
Rev. George Hanusa; ELCA (retired); Windsor Heights
Rev. Gerald Iverson; Associate in Ministry; ELCA (retired); Sioux City
Pastor Steven M. Jacobsen; First Lutheran Church; Decorah (ELCA)
The Rev. Scott A. Johnson; Lutheran Campus Ministry at Iowa State University (ELCA); Ames
Rev. R. Paul Johnston; Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA); Sioux City
The Rev. Dr. Kathryn A. Kleinhans; Wartburg College; Waverly (ELCA)
Pastor Jim Klosterboer; Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church; Elkader (ELCA)
Rev. Mark W. Kukkonen; Intentional Interim Pastor; St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church; Cedar Rapids (ELCA)
Pastor Vernon H. Naffier; Faculty, GrandView University; ELCA; Ankeny
Rev. Peter T. Nash, PhD; Professor of Religion & Liberal Studies; Wartburg College; Waverly (ELCA)
Rev. Delwyn L. Olivier; Augustana Lutheran Church; Sioux City (ELCA)
Rev. Michael J. Schmidt; Christ Lutheran/St. Peter; LeMars (ELCA)
Pastor Victoria Shepherd; Denver (ELCA)
Rev. Diana Jacobs Sickles; ELCA (retired); Des Moines
Pastor Sarah Stadler-Ammon; Denver (ELCA)
The Rev. Rachel Thorson Mithelman; St. John’s Lutheran Church; Des Moines
Rev. Beverly J. Wolff; St. John Lutheran Church; Cushing (ELCA)
I understand from a member, our local ELCA congregation voted in support of same-sex marriages. Sicko!
That member and his wife are looking into transferring their membership...
The logical result
of protestantism,
where each man
validly interprets
the Bible
guided individually
by the Holy Spirit.
YOPIOS.
Its so sad.
ping
http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2010/02/16/150-iowa-clergy-we-support-same-sex-marriage/
“”As clergy representing a broad spectrum of theological beliefs, we join together to state our public support of civil marriage equality for same-gender couples and our opposition to any current or future legislation diminishing the marriage rights rightfully given by Iowa’s Supreme Court. We are compelled by our deepest beliefs to stand for fairness in our common civic life. We oppose the use of sacred texts and religious traditions to deny equal protection and responsibility under the law for gay and lesbian couples.
From a religious perspective, marriage is about a couple entering into a holy covenant with their God and making a long-term commitment to share life’s joys and sorrows. Moreover, as many faith traditions affirm, where there is love, the sacred is in our midst. This belief is the same for couples comprised of a man and a woman, two women, or two men. As such, a marriage based in love and commitment must be honored and supported.
Civilly, marriage is commonly valued in society because it creates stable, committed relationships; provides a means to protect and be responsible for each other; and nurtures the individual, the couple, and children. All families must be supported in building stable, empowering, and respectful relationships. Marriage equality is a means to strengthen families and is especially beneficial to children who are raised by gay and lesbian couples.
We affirm freedom of conscience in this matter. Marriage equality honors the religious convictions of those communities and clergy who officiate at, and bless, same-gender marriages. We recognize the state does not and should not require clergy or religious traditions who disagree with same-gender marriage to officiate at, or bless, the ceremonies of gay and lesbian couples. The state must respect the convictions of all religious groups and individuals, while also allowing the fundamental right of marriage to be granted fairly to all people.
As clergy, we stand together in support of civil marriage equality for ALL families. We ask for your support of civil marriage equality and ask that you oppose any resolution or attempt to diminish the marriage rights of Iowa’s families.
Bishop Alan Scarfe; Bishop; Episcopal Diocese of Iowa
Rev. Dr. Rich Pleva; Iowa Conference Minister; United Church of Christ
Rev. Dr. Richard Guentert; Former Regional Minister of the Upper Midwest Region (retired); Christian
Church (Disciples of Christ)
Rev. Charles Ager; ELCA (retired); Strawberry Point
The Rev. Alexander A. Aiton, Jr.; Rector, St. John’s by the Campus Episcopal Church & Student Center; Ames
The Rev. Dr. James Altenbaumer; United Church of Christ; Cedar Falls
Rev. Nancy L. Anderson; Zion United Church of Christ; Hubbard
Rev. Michael N. Armstrong; Senior Minister; First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Davenport
Rev. Paul S. Bengtson; ELCA (retired); Storm Lake
Rev. Steve Bibb; First United Methodist Church; Fort Dodge
Rev. Anna Blaedel; United Methodist Church; Osage
Rev. Ramona S. Bouzard; St. Paul Lutheran Church; Waverly
Rev. Dr. Walter C. Bouzard; Waverly
Rev. Stephen L. Bowie; Member, Presbytery of Des Moines; Bloomfield
Pastor Brad Braley; First Presbyterian Church; Cedar Falls
Rev. Kenneth E. Briggs, Jr.; Chaplain, Lt. Col, USAF (retired); Altoona Christian Church (DOC); Altoona
The Rev. Jeanette Brodersen; Associate Minister, Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ; Des Moines
Rev. Barbara Bullock; United Church of Christ (retired); Ankeny
The Rev. Dr. Sean D. Burke; Luther College; Decorah
Rev. Christopher C. Burtnett; Schleswig United Church of Christ; Schleswig
Rev. Linda M. Butler; Collegiate United Methodist & Wesley Foundation; Ames
The Rev. Dr. Robert A. Butterfield; Urbandale United Church of Christ; Urbandale
Rev. Eva S. Cameron; Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk County; Cedar Falls
Reverend Tom Capo; Peoples Church Unitarian Universalist; Cedar Rapids
Pastor John Chaplin; Licensed Pastor; Central Association of the Iowa Conference of the United Church
of Christ; Des Moines
Rev. Kathleen Clark; United Methodist Church (retired); Des Moines
Priest Richard Cleaver; Saints Ephrem and Macrina Mission, Orthodox-Catholic Church of America; Grinnell
Rev. Dr. David Cline; Evangelical Church in America; Polk City
Rev. Milton Cole Duvall; Episcopalian; West Des Moines
Rev. Elizabeth Colton; United Church of Christ; Oskaloosa
Dr. Rev. Robert Cook; Presbyterian Church, U.S.A. (retired); Des Moines
Rev. William Cotton; United Methodist Church (retired); Des Moines
Rev. Robert S. Crandall; Executive Director; Bidwell Riverside Center; Des Moines
Pastor Michael Dack; United Church of Christ; Newton
Rev. D. Mark Davis; Pastor, Heartland Presbyterian Church; Clive
Rev. Pamela S. Deeds; Walnut Hills United Methodist Church/ Wesley UMC’s; Des Moines
Rev. Dennis Dickman; ELCA (retired); Waverly
Rev. Dr. Tim Diebel; First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Des Moines
Rev. Elizabeth Dilley; First Congregational United Church of Christ; Red Oak
Rev. Barbara Dinnen; United Methodist Church; Des Moines
The Rev. Maureen Doherty; Cedar Valley Episcopal Campus Ministry; Cedar Falls
Sondra Eddings; Minister; Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Des Moines
Rabbi Steven Edelman-Blank; Tifereth Israel Synagogue; Des Moines
Rev. Dr. Brian Eslinger; Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames; Ames
Rev. Peg Esperenza; Church of the Holy Spirit, MCC; Des Moines
Rev. Faith Ferre’; Minister of Discipleship, Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ; Des Moines
Rev. Jeffrey E. Filkins; Trinity United Church of Christ; Hartley
The Rev. Travis M. Fisher; St. Mark Lutheran Church; Davenport
Rev. Dr. Barbara Gaddis; Collegiate Presbyterian Church; Ames
The Rev. Andrew G. Gangle; Peace Lutheran Church; Adel
Rev. Fred R. Gee; retired, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Des Moines
Reverend Tom Gehlsen; Episcopal Diocese of Iowa; Des Moines
Rev. Randall E. Gehring; Bethesda Lutheran Church, ELCA; Ames
Rev. Jaymee Glenn-Burns; Field Outreach Minister, United Methodist Church; Cedar Falls
Rev. David Glenn-Burns; Wesley Foundation at UNI; Cedar Falls
Rabbi Guy Greene; Congregation Beth Shalom; Sioux City
The Rev. John H. Greve; New Song Episcopal Church; Coralville
Rev. Chet Guinn; Methodist Federation for Social Action; Des Moines
Rev. Elizabeth Gull; Universal Life Church; Nevada
Rev. Susan Guy; United Methodist; Urbandale
Pastor John Hagberg; St. Mark Lutheran Church; Sioux City
The Rev. Jennifer L. Hall; Chaplain, Iowa Health; Metropolitan Community Churches; Des Moines
Rev. Dawn Halstead; Chaplain, Hospice of Central Iowa; Des Moines
Rev. Bob Hamilton; United Church of Christ (retired); Davenport
Rev. George Hanusa; ELCA (retired); Windsor Heights
Rev. Richard W. Harbart; United Church of Christ; Clive
The Rev. John Harper; New Song Episcopal Church; Coralville
Rev. Stephanie Haskins; Associate Minister, Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ; Des Moines
Rev. Nicole Havelka; Iowa Conference United Church of Christ; Des Moines
Rev. Mark Haverland; United Methodist Church; Ankeny
Rev. Dave Heinze; Campus Minister; Graceland University; Lamoni
Rev. Rich Hendricks; Metropolitan Community Church of the Quad Cities; Davenport
Rev. Dan Herndon; United Methodist Church (retired); Waterloo
Dr. Susan E. Hill; Associate Professor of Religion, UNI; Unitarian Universalist Society of Black
Hawk County; Waterloo
The Rev. Holly Horn, PhD; Tiffin
Rev. Margaret Hutchens; First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Charles City
Rev. Gerald Iverson; Associate in Ministry; ELCA (retired); Sioux City
Pastor Steven M. Jacobsen; First Lutheran Church; Decorah
Rev. Carlos Jayne; United Methodist Church (retired); Des Moines
Rev. Eric Johnson; Reformed Church in America; Des Moines
Reverend Patricia Johnson; Episcopal Deacon; Sioux City
Rev. Paul A. Johnson; United Church of Christ – Congregational; Ames
The Rev. Scott A. Johnson; Lutheran Campus Ministry at Iowa State University (ELCA); Ames
Rev. R. Paul Johnston; Trinity Lutheran Church (ELCA); Sioux City
The Rev. Dr. Judith Jones; St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church; Waverly
Rabbi Henry Jay Karp; Temple Emanuel; Davenport
Rabbi David Kaufman; Temple B’Nai Jeshurun; Des Moines
The Rev. Robert Keefer, PhD; Presbyterian; Clarinda
Rev. Naomi Kirstein; Wellspring Community Church; Des Moines
Rev. Bruce Kittle; Faith United Church of Christ; Iowa City
The Rev. Dr. Kathryn A. Kleinhans; Wartburg College; Waverly
Pastor Jim Klosterboer; Bethany Evangelical Lutheran Church; Elkader
Rev. C. Eugene Koth; United Methodist Church (retired); Clive
Rev. Mark W. Kukkonen; Intentional Interim Pastor; St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church; Cedar Rapids
Rev. Carmen Lampe-Zeitler; United Methodist Church; Des Moines
Rev. Martha E. Lang; Deacon; Trinity Episcopal Church; Muscatine
The Rev. Torey Lightcap; Rector, St. Thomas Episcopal Church; Sioux City
Rev. Kathleen Love, D.D.; Interfaith Minister; The Wedding Chapel; Des Moines
Rev. James Love, D.D.; Interfaith Minister; The Wedding Chapel; Des Moines
The Rev. William H. Lovin; Congregational United Church of Christ; Iowa City
Rev. Ted Lyddon Hatten; Wesley Foundation, Drake University; Indianola
Rev. Whit Malone; Collegiate Presbyterian Church; Ames
Rev. Mary Beth Mardis-LeCroy; Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ; Des Moines
Rev. Matthew J. Mardis-LeCroy; Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ; Des Moines
Pastor Sam Massey; First Presbyterian Church; Iowa City
Rev. Gene Matthews; United Methodist Church (retired missionary)
The Reverend Benjamin Maucere; Unitarian Universalist Society of Iowa City; Iowa City
The Rev. Jean McCarthy; Rector; Episcopalian; Des Moines
Rev. Diane McClanahan; Trinity United Methodist Church; Des Moines
Rev. James I. Meadows, Jr.; First Congregational United Church of Christ; Fort Dodge
The Rev. Russell Melby; Iowa Director, Church World Service/CROP; ELCA clergy;
Rev. Fritz Mellberg; United Church of Christ; Hiawatha
John Miller; Commissioned Lay Minister; Unitarian Universalist Society of Black Hawk County; Cedar Falls
Reverend Roger Mohr; Unitarian Universalist Fellowship; Burlington
Rev. Mary Moore; Unitarian Church of Davenport; Davenport
Rev. Allen Mothershed; United Church of Christ; Davenport
Rev. Katherine Mulhern; Edwards Congregational United Church of Christ; Davenport
Rev. Amy E. E. Murray, BCC; Urbandale United Church of Christ; Urbandale
Pastor Vernon H. Naffier; Faculty, GrandView University; ELCA; Ankeny
Rev. Peter T. Nash, PhD; Professor of Religion & Liberal Studies; Wartburg College; Waverly
Rev. Gus Nelson; Presbyterian (retired); Des Moines
Rev. Barbara Nish; Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.; Des Moines
Rev. Patricia Adams Oberbillig; Minister of Pastoral Care (retired), Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ; Des Moines
Rev. Delwyn L. Olivier; Augustana Lutheran Church; Sioux City
Rev. Ronald Osborne; Des Moines
Rev. James R. Pemble; United Methodist Church (retired); Des Moines
The Rev. Doug Peters; Senior Minister, Walnut Hills United Methodist Church; Urbandale
Rev. Oren Peterson; Unitarian Universalist (retired); Des Moines
Rev. Ronald D. Petrak; United Methodist Church (retired); Des Moines
Rev. Julie M. Poore; United Methodist Church; Granger
Rev. Charles M. Pope; Rector; St. Paul’s Episcopal Church; Grinnell
Rabbi Jeff Portman; Agudas Achim Congregation; Iowa City
Rev. Robert Price; retired; Newton
The Rev. Catherine Quehl-Engel; Episcopalian; Mt. Vernon
The Rev. Julia Rendon; Crossroads United Church of Christ; Indianola
The Rev. Charity Rowley; Unitarian Universalist (retired); Iowa City
Rev. Nancy Ruby; Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Clinton; Clinton
The Reverend Dr. David R. Ruhe; Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ; Des Moines
Rev. Janette Scott; Presbyterian; Des Moines
Rev. Michael J. Schmidt; Christ Lutheran/St. Peter; LeMars
Pastor Victoria Shepherd; Denver
Rev. Charlotte Shivvers; Unitarian Universalist (retired); Knoxville
Rev. Deanna Shorb; College Chaplain; Grinnell
Rev. Diana Jacobs Sickles; ELCA (retired); Des Moines
Rev. Gary Sneller; First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ); Ottumwa
Rev. Dr. Larry W. Sonner, D.Min.; United Methodist Church (retired); Urbandale
Rev. Ron Spears; Retired clergy; Waterloo
Pastor Sarah Stadler-Ammon; Denver
Rev. Jerry Stevenson; Welsh Congregational Church UCC; Iowa City
Rev. William Steward; Grace United Methodist Church; Des Moines
Rev. Jane Stewart; New Song Episcopal Church; Coralville
Rev. Gayle V. Strickler, Jr.; Adjunct Minister for Community Concerns, Urbandale United Church
of Christ; Urbandale
Rev. Mark Stringer; First Unitarian Church; Des Moines
Rev. Cheryl R. Thomas; Calvary Baptist Church; Des Moines
The Rev. Rachel Thorson Mithelman; St. John’s Lutheran Church; Des Moines
Rev. Dr. James L. Wallace; Central Presbyterian Church; Des Moines
Pastor Barbara Weier; Zion United Church of Christ; Hartley
Rev. Dr. Susan K. Weier; United Church of Christ; Grinnell
Pastor Kenneth C. Wells; Licensed Lay Pastor; First Congregational UCC Church; Onawa
Pastor Mary A. Wells; Licensed Lay Pastor; First Congregational UCC Church; Onawa
Rev. Jane A. Willan; Zion United Church of Christ; Burlington
Rev. Dr. Dana Wimmer; Waterloo First United Methodist Church; Waterloo
Rev. Angie Witmer; Minister to Young Adults & Youth, Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ; Des Moines
Rev. Beverly J. Wolff; St. John Lutheran Church; Cushing
The Rev. Jean Wollenberg; Executive Director/Chaplain, Hospice of Washington County; Washington
Rev. Bob Wollenberg; United Presbyterian Church; Washington
Rev. Mark A. Young; Wesley United Methodist Church; Ottumwa””
That’s what happens
when people vote
on the meaning
of scripture.
Any interpretation
that is unpopular
will just get
voted down.
Makes no sense.
In such a world,
objective truth
does not exist.
Its the same mentality
that gave us
the “scientific consensus”
of global warming:
if we vote again tomorrow,
the consensus may change.
Well, you got me, exept for the part where God’s Word affirms and commends celibacy for the Kingdom.
1 Corinthians 7:32–33
The unmarried man
is anxious about
the things of the Lord,
how to please the Lord.
But the married man
is anxious about
worldly things,
how to please his wife
Matthew 19:12
For there are eunuchs
who have been so from birth,
and there are eunuchs
who have been made eunuchs by men,
and there are eunuchs
who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven.
He who is able to receive this let him receive it.
What's important here isn't objective truth. What's important here is Biblical truth. And that's what they reject.
I saw your earlier post about Protestantism. Instead of decrying Christian 'faith' that differs from yours, It would be of more service to support the supremacy of inerrant truth of the Word of God. That's what's under attack here.
I have my faith. You have yours. I have many close friends who are Catholic. I'm Lutheran. We find it pointless to get into religious squabbles. Pointless to our friendship. Would that you would also come to such wisdom.
Members of the apostate church. This bunch of liberal, Bible-denying “so-called pastors” have no more spiritual life in them than a pet rock. They are dead spiritually and on their way to hell as false teachers.
<P
Romans 1:22 — Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.
Sodomite "marriage" is the result of denying the manifest teaching of scripture--no "interpretation" is needed. You should be familiar with error. Consider Matthew 23:9 "Call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven."
Well, God’s truth is as objective as truth gets.
And, I repeat, when man decides for himself or when men vote on scriptural meaning, the objective truth of God’s Word is dead.
Do you have a mother and father?
Men without a father are known as bastards.
It appears that the Lord was speaking quite figuratively in this situation, since it does not seem that He meant us all to be bastards.
Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy. (1Co 7:25)
I think that in view of the present distress it is good for a person to remain as he is. (1Co 7:26)
Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be free. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife. (1Co 7:27)
But if you do marry, you have not sinned, and if a betrothed woman marries, she has not sinned. Yet those who marry will have worldly troubles, and I would spare you that. (1Co 7:28)
This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, (1Co 7:29)
and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, (1Co 7:30)
and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away. (1Co 7:31)
I want you to be free from anxieties. The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. (1Co 7:32)
But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, (1Co 7:33)
and his interests are divided. And the unmarried or betrothed woman is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to be holy in body and spirit. But the married woman is anxious about worldly things, how to please her husband. (1Co 7:34)
I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord. (1Co 7:35)
If anyone thinks that he is not behaving properly toward his betrothed, if his passions are strong, and it has to be, let him do as he wishes: let them marry--it is no sin. (1Co 7:36)
But whoever is firmly established in his heart, being under no necessity but having his desire under control, and has determined this in his heart, to keep her as his betrothed, he will do well. (1Co 7:37)
So then he who marries his betrothed does well, and he who refrains from marriage will do even better. (1Co 7:38)
A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. (1Co 7:39)
Yet in my judgment she is happier if she remains as she is. And I think that I too have the Spirit of God. (1Co 7:40)
Paul was writing to the Corinthians about sexuality and marriage. And in verse 25 he clearly states these are his views and not from the Lord God.
Also, in verse 6 he states:
1Co 7:6 Now as a concession, not a command, I say this.
1Co 7:7 I wish that all were as I myself am. But each has his own gift from God, one of one kind and one of another.
1Co 7:8 To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single as I am.
1Co 7:9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
So, what we have here is Paul's view (not a commandment from the Lord) on marriage as potentially adding to ones troubles. A one-can't-serve-God-and-man type of thing. But he never says that one should never marry. In fact he commends marriage for one who can't constrain himself sexually. Just how does this verse recommend itself to the Catholic view of celibacy, in light of all the trials the church has gone through these past few decades?
What part of “homosexuality is an abomination” is not understood?
I guess you missed the following in that list:
Priest Richard Cleaver; Saints Ephrem and Macrina Mission, Orthodox-Catholic Church of America; Grinnell
Are you serious?
A reminder: celibacy is a practical discipline, based in part on Paul’s words - but it can be changed since it is not a doctrine.
The Church has determined that if “they cannot exercise self-control” when they “burn with passion”, then “they should marry” and this burning sexual passion that they cannot control is a sign that they should not become a priest.
The men in the Church are also part of the world, and that world experienced the upheaval of the sexual revolution. This has obviously had its impact on the Church - but the sins of imperfect men are not the basis for changing a discipline that brings an extremely important theological reality to the priesthood: the reality of total commitment and sacrifice to serving God, just as the celibate Jesus (and Paul, and others) had.
While I can understand your emotional desire to lash out at me because I pointed out a fundamental flaw of protestantism, there is no fundamental flaw in following Paul’s example as a shepherd, and Jesus example while Incarnate.
Are you serious?
The Catholic Church led by Pope Benedict XVI is not in any way related to the protestant church that calls itself the “Orthodox-Catholic Church of America”.
You pointed out no fundamental flaw in protestantism, and I did not lash out at you. I merely asked the question I’d asked of myself at times. After all, it was you who brought this up.
Since Paul points out that those who cannot constrain themselves sexually should marry, is it wise for the church to place the burden of celibacy on those who strive to enter the priesthood? After all, the church is leaving it up to the individual to police themselves, so-to-speak. What you point out is fine advice for those only contemplating the priesthood, but it doesn’t address flawed human will power once in the priesthood.
As for a flaw in protestantism, you see the flaw as voting on the Word of God. My church does not vote on the Word of God. Many protestant sects don’t vote on the Word of God. Actually, this is a recent phenomenon within a few sects, their leaders being more interested in Worldly events than lifting high the Cross. Thus it is (as all things) a human vice rather than an institutional one. You confuse the two.
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