Posted on 10/02/2013 2:40:58 AM PDT by rhema
Last week the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America installed Rev. Guy Erwin as Bishop of the Southwest California Synod. Rev. Erwin is the first practicing homosexual to be a bishop in the ELCA. The ELCA's Living Lutheran website reported that there were at least 10 ELCA bishops in attendance. (see here) Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson, the highest ranking ELCA leader, delivered the sermon at the installation. Bishop Hanson's sermon made it clear that there is no more debate in the denomination about whether homosexuality is sinful or godly. He then proclaimed the ELCA's repentance for once holding the Biblical position that homosexuality is sinful.
Below are some quotes and my thoughts from the ELCA leader's sermon.
Well, at least now I know for absolute sure I cannot go to an ELCA.
Thankfully I do have a few LCMS nearby. Our own small rented church is becoming “modern” though, and I cannot take it anymore. Pastor is nice but far too informal, plays guitar. Congregation is very nice and diverse. But the music-concert stuff has gotten on my last nerve, so we are going to try another not far, which at least has an actual traditional building. But at least I think they all hold against homos.
Sadly, if the Magisterium endorsed homosexuality, many Catholics would follow along.
hey, we are not talking catholic, we are talking sola scriptura striking again....and this isnt the only time this has occured...
when you put yourself on par with the bible and use personal interpretation, you can come up with anything to justify abborent lifestyles....
aaaah, the joy of the reformation, splintering the body of christ continuously into itty bitty bible alone kingdoms, all fighting with each other as to who is wrong and right about salvation....
Once Christianity decided to change one of God’s commandments it was only a matter of time until they abandoned everything....
And yet, there you have this story, amongst many lutheran churches with similar issues...
by the way mr lucky, i was perusing my bible and couldnt find the Book of Concord anywhere in there......since scripture alone is all that is supposed to be used.....
The point of most posters on this thread is that the ELCA is no longer Lutheran, precisely because Lutheran doctrine is unmistakable on the sanctity of life. Just as, presumably, you know that Nancy Pelosi’s faith is not Catholic for the same reason.
sure, but nancy isnt making decisions effecting a church, whereas this bible alone lutheran is making decisions. based on his personal interpretation of the bible,since he is guided by the holy spirit, etc that effect the entire congregation....
I have a fine grasp of it, especially of it in action, over the last five hundred years of splintered christianity and one of the great things about it is that you can also make sola scriptura mean anything to cover up the obvious mistakes it has caused....and wikipedia? seriously?
I see.
About two weeks ago, I emailed ELCA Presiding Bishop-elect Eaton, and I asked for her opinion about the 2009 decision that allows the ELCA to ordain gays. I said, “I think that Christian churches should follow teachings of the Bible. If the Bible says that homosexuality is a sin, we shouldn’t have gay pastors. If the Bible says that God approves of homosexuality, we should have gay pastors.” I didn’t get a response.
Missouri Synod ping....
Thanks, MNGal.
ELCA isn’t dead yet?
Well, it’s not for lack of effort.
You statement showed too much discernment and logic for her to understand.
Is there anyone sane still left in ELCA?
I think insanity is a requirement to be a member of the ELCA, the PCUSA, the UCC, the Episcopagans, etc.
Post 2009, at least.:)
Lutheran, but left the ELCA. Now in a Lutheran Church affiliated with the North American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church Missions for Christ. NALC and LCMC. My congregation left a rather large ELCA Church because of this vote they had a few years back.
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