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Delegates attending the biennial convention of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada have voted to allow gays and lesbians to become ministers. The delegates voted 205 to 114 in favour of a motion that states sexual orientation is not in itself a factor that disqualifies a candidate for the church's ministry. The motion rescinds ones from past conventions which disqualified candidates from ordination if they were self-declared, practising homosexuals. The delegates also voted 192 to 132 to allow ministers to conduct or bless same-sex marriages, according to their consciences and the laws of their provinces. Delegates sang "Lord Listen to...

As the saying goes, “Show me your friends, and I’ll tell you who you are.” Who are the bedfellows of the ELCA? In a past blog, Exposing the ELCA revealed the close ties and similar ideologies the ELCA has with the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations. Now we find that the ELCA is also very close with an organization called the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA).

The ELCA leadership loves ELCA Rev. Nadia Bolz-Weber. She is the face and voice of today’s ELCA. Bolz-Weber pastors a church whose website states it is “queer inclusive,” “social justice oriented” and “irreverent."

I just came across a recap of the happenings at the now famous ELCA and worshippers of Isis conference, officially called “The 5th Annual Faith and Feminism – Womanist – Mujerista Conference,” that was held at the ELCA’s Ebenezer Lutheran church (herchurch) in San Francisco. . .

ELCA presiding bishop supports Syrian church leaders' call for peace 12-03-MRC CHICAGO (ELCA) - In letters to Christian church leaders in Syria, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), offered his support of the churches' collective call for an end to violence and his prayers for the people in the region. "In these difficult days, I will continue to pray and encourage members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to pray for you and your efforts to sustain the courage and faith of your communities," wrote Hanson. In addition to prayers...

Berwyn, IL — After years of declining membership, two Lutheran churches in Berwyn recently were forced to merge. While the new church faces many issues as it struggles to adapt to modern society, no one seems to have any qualms about the new pastor, the Rev. Julie Boleyn, who was ordained Jan. 14. Calm, charismatic and serene in the strength of her faith, Boleyn also is the first lesbian to be ordained in the Greater Metropolitan Chicago Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. For several years, both the United Berwyn Lutheran Church and the First Lutheran Church of...

We recently made extensive revisions to this list. As of January 1, 2012 we show 616 congregations that have successfully taken the required two votes to leave the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Another 31 congregations have successfully taken one sucessful vote to date. The total members lost to the ELCA from these congregations stands at 313,799. PLEASE INFORM US OF ANY ADDITIONS OR CORRECTIONS THAT SHOULD BE MADE TO THIS LIST. ALASKA 1** ** St. Paul Lutheran Church, Kodiak NALC ARIZONA 10** [ . . . . ]

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all. Titus 2:11 Yes In this world where God creates with deep beauty and profound mystery. In this world where so many yearn for God’s healing and peace. In this world where some have thought God has forsaken us: Yes Here, in this world, the grace of God has appeared. Not just in this world but for you. Yes For you, weary from trying to meet the expectations of others. For you, worrying about an uncertain future. For you, wondering if you are worthy. Yes For you, the grace of...

Dear Catholic Bishops of Minnesota, I am writing in response to an open letter addressed to you by Bishop Herbert Chilstrom, a former bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), in which he expressed his support for the homosexual lifestyle and for same-sex marriage, and in which he challenged your stand against the same. As a Lutheran pastor I want to make clear Bishop Chilstrom’s opinions regarding these matters do not reflect the beliefs of Bible-believing Lutherans, nor does the counsel he gave you reflect the clear teachings of God’s Word. Most of all, I express my profound...

Lutheranism is dead, or at least soon will be and it wants to take the Catholic Church with it. Herbert W. Chilstrom is former presiding bishop of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Chilstrom has written an open letter to the Bishops of Minnesota asking them to accept gay 'marriage' becuase gays are like blacks or something. May I share a word with all of you who now lead the Roman Catholic community of faith in Minnesota?First, I would go to the wall to defend your right to work for the adoption of the so-called marriage protection amendment. Having said that,...

Useful idiot is a derogatory adage, describing a person either too naïve or ignorant to understand that their advocacy of malevolent organizations only allows those organizations to conduct their business with impunity. Confused and misguided, the “occupy” movement is used by the labor unions and left wing radicals to conduct their bidding, disrupting the very business activity they need to support them. Gay rights advocates lobby to legitimize behavior that is contrary to God’s will, rather than loving their neighbor enough to lead them back to the Lord. Prior to the fall of the Soviet Union, soviet sympathizers used their...

Almost 100 ELCA pastors and leaders have endorsed a declaration entitled, “Religious Declaration on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing.” In this document, the ELCA leaders call for marriage equality for homosexuals, and they voice their commitment to abortion, among other things. Concerning marriage equality and abortion, the declaration says, “We call for:” - “Full inclusion of women and LGBT persons in congregational life, including their ordination and marriage equality.” - “A faith-based commitment to sexual and reproductive rights, including access to voluntary contraception, abortion, and HIV/STI prevention and treatment.” (read here) Here is the list of ELCA pastors and leaders...

Last week, President Obama's Justice Department asked the Supreme Court to hear oral arguments in a case that pits religious protections against the courts' ordinary ability to intervene in a labor dispute to prevent discrimination.In the early 2000s, Cheryl Perich was a "called teacher" or "commissioned minister" at Hosanna-Tabor Evangelical Lutheran Church and School in Redford, Mich. As such, she taught religious classes, led students in prayer and incorporated religious teachings into secular subjects like math, science, social studies and art.But in 2004, she was diagnosed with narcolepsy and became unable to teach the fall semester that year. When she...

THOUSAND OAKS, CA - California Lutheran University is hosting a series of social justice events on Friday, Oct. 7, as part of a three-day, three-county conference. “When the Bush Stops Burning: The Courage to Act for Justice” will provide participants with opportunities to learn about the intersection of faith and social justice, meet others who share their concerns and find the courage to take action. The CLU events will begin at 9 a.m. with a presentation by members of the CLU Poetry Slam club in Samuelson Chapel. Rosemary Radford Ruether, a groundbreaking figure in Christian feminist theology, will present “Social...

ELCA Bishop Extends Support For Lutherans In Jordan, Holy Land 11-124-MG CHICAGO (ELCA) - The presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Mark S. Hanson, sent a letter on Sept. 22 to Bishop Munib Younan and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land (ELCJHL), expressing the support of this church for a two-state solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hanson drafted the letter in response to growing tensions in the Middle East as Palestine submitted a formal proposal for full membership in the United Nations. The United Nations Security Council is expected to consider the...

The new bishop of a breakaway Lutheran denomination says there will be "no compromise" on the issue of gay pastors with its liberal counterpart, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America.Bishop John Bradosky, 59, a native of Greensburg, said while he is open to dialogue between the North American Lutheran Church and the ELCA, there is a limit to what can be agreed to. Closing the breach between the two would "require some really major changes" on the part of the ELCA, Bradosky said. "I'm not sure there is an openness to those kinds of changes," he added. "We're certainly open...

I am a sinful human being that continually falls short of the glory of our Savior. Without my Lord and Savior, I can accomplish nothing. John 15:5-8, Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in...

Compared to the last several ELCA churchwide assemblies, the Orlando 2011 assembly was in some respects uneventful. There were very few con- troversial and heated discussions. The assembly overwhelmingly approved all recommendations from the churchwide organization, including all of the amendments to the constitution that make it more difficult for congregations to disaffiliate with the ELCA. The lack of controversy may account for far fewer visitors or con- gregational observers this year. There appeared to be at most about two dozen people seated in the congregational observers section, propably at least less than half the number at the last several...

With very little controversy, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly met August 15-19 in Orlando. The assembly overwhelmingly approved all rec- ommendations from the churchwide organization, including all of the amendments to the constitution that would make it more difficult for con- gregations to disaffiliate from the ELCA. Also approved were the anti- bullying legislation proposed by Lutherans Concerned/North America, the proposed genetics social statement, and the LIFT (Living into the Future Together) ELCA reorganization plan. Memorials from South Carolina, South Dakota, and Western Iowa re- questing the ELCA rescind the 2009 sexuality decisions were not brought to the floor for discussion....

What does the Bible actually say about "gay marriage"? That question is the title of a a recent op-ed piece in the Huffington Post written by Lee Jefferson, a visiting assistant professor of religion at Centre College. According to Jefferson the answer is: "Nothing," or at least "Nothing negative." Jefferson used the recent passage of "gay marriage" by the New York legislature as a springboard from which to denigrate appeals to the Bible against homosexual practice. I will use Jefferson's article as a springboard from which to answer the question that he and many others have raised. It is of...

Obama in unprecedented meeting with ELCA presiding bishop, faith leaders 11-102-MG CHICAGO (ELCA) - Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), along with other faith leaders, asked President Barack Obama to protect funding for programs that benefit people living with hunger and poverty in the ongoing budget debate and in any deal concerning the debt crisis. Hanson was part of a gathering of national Christian leaders who attended a meeting with Obama and senior White House staff on July 20. The select but diverse group represented evangelical, mainline Protestant and Roman Catholic churches and...

In a "Letter to the Church" released Monday, July 18, LCMS President Dr. Matthew C. Harrison announced that, beginning in 2012, the Synod will no longer co-sponsor its training conferences for military chaplains with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). The decision, which Harrison said was not made lightly, was based on input from the Synod's Ministry to the Armed Forces committee and from active- and reserve-duty LCMS chaplains. It ends a cooperative ministry that began in 1941 between the LCMS and two other Lutheran church bodies at that time -- The American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church...

NEW YORK • One of the largest social service networks in the United States, working in areas ranging from adoption to disaster relief, faces a shake-up because of Lutheran divisions over the Bible and homosexuality. The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, a theologically conservative denomination headquartered in Kirkwood, Mo., said Wednesday that direct work with its larger and more liberal counterpart, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, has become "difficult if not impossible," because of doctrinal conflicts, including the 2009 decision by liberal Lutherans to lift barriers for ordaining gays and lesbians. Neither denomination would discuss the potential financial impact Wednesday. Many...

We have added the following to list of congregations that have voted to leave the ELCA: 1. Hope Lutheran Church, Fosston, MN vote July 10 to leave the ELCA, 130-37. Their first vote passed last Fall but the second vote failed this past May. We are uncertain at this time if this vote is being counted as second vote or the first vote in a new process to withdraw. We will report when this matter is clarified. THEY ARE STARTING OVER. THIS WAS THEIR SECOND EFFORT AT A FIRST VOTE! 2. Peace Lutheran Church, Linton, ND has left the ELCA....

After same-sex marriage becomes legal here on July 24, gay priests with partners in the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island will head to the altar. They have to. Their bishop set a nine-month deadline for them to marry or stop living together. Next door, meanwhile, the Episcopal bishop of New York says he also expects gay clergy in committed relationships to wed "in due course." Still, this longtime supporter of gay rights says churches in his diocese are off limits for gay weddings until he receives clearer liturgical guidance from the national denomination. As more states legalize same-sex marriage, religious...

For the record, a tale of firsts: Ordinations underscore change Story by Daniel J. Lehmann Next month marks the second anniversary of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly's decision to open the roster of this church to gays and lesbians in committed relationships. The Lutheran addresses that action this month by featuring the ordination of two gay men ("R. Guy & Keith Fry ... ") and updating as best we can the numbers of such men and women admitted to the church roster. The magazine has touched on this decision nearly every month since the vote, including a running report on the...

Since the 2009 ELCA churchwide assembly 449 congregations have left the ELCA as of May 5, reports the ELCA Secretary. A few hundred more are in the process of taking votes to leave. In doing so the denomination‘s orthodoxy has been questioned. At the center of the questioning is the critique that there are two different and irreconcilable theologies at work in the ELCA—one that upholds the authority of Scripture over all matters of faith and life and one that does not. Yet today some ELCA bishops and leaders are arguing that there are no divergent theologies and that ELCA‘s...

Over 500 churches have left the ELCA over the last two years. With this in mind, Exposing the ELCA invited some congregations who have left the denomination to share their story, their experience, their journey. Here is the first, of what we hope to be many, stories posted: St. Paul Lutheran Church’s “Journey into the Light.” Read here. St. Paul Lutheran Church is in Oregon, IllinoisContact me if you are interested in telling us your congregation’s story.

<p>That's my take on the Minnesota Legislature's decision to put on the 2012 ballot a constitutional amendment that bans gay marriage.</p> <p>Yes, I know. Technically, one side will win. Barring the need for a recount, on Nov. 7, 2012, either Minnesota will have beaten the odds and rejected this ban, or our state will join dozens of others in telling two gay, consenting adults that they are not entitled to the same legal status as two straight, consenting adults.</p>

Thought that folks might be interested in the marriage resolution that was defeated by the NW Lower MI synod (in a near 2:1 vote): RESOLUTION CONCERNING MARRIAGE Whereas, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) constitution clearly provides in Chapter 2, that the ELCA in all its expressions accepts “the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testament as the inspired Word of God and the authoritative source and norm of its proclamation, faith, and life” and the Unaltered Augsburg Confession and the other confessional writings in the Book of Concord, as valid interpretations of the faith of the Church;...

ELCA NEWS SERVICE May 27, 2011 9/11 anniversary time for awareness, healing, says ELCA presiding bishop 11-076-JB CHICAGO (ELCA) -- As the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States approaches, the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), invited members to reach out to ecumenical partners, as well as Muslim and Jewish partners, in planning commemorations. Hanson wrote in a May 24 letter that he prays members focus on "peace, justice and interfaith encounter." The presiding bishop's invitation was also accompanied by a series of resources for congregations...

MENOMONIE - Each Sunday, the cafeteria at River Heights School is transformed into New Life Lutheran Church. Folding chairs are set up and lunch tables are pulled down to provide seating for the congregation and space for coffee, cookies and other goodies for post-service fellowship. Another table is set up in front of the folding chairs to serve as an altar, complete with a wooden cross made by parishioner and woodworker Art Alf, a banner with the church name is hung on the wall, and a piano is wheeled in to accompany songs during Sunday services. The church - a...

In spite of numerous scriptural support from the Old and New Testaments for Christians to not to seek vengeance or revenge, as this is a matter for God and God alone, members of the ELCA’s Southeastern Minnesota (SEMN) Synod apparently believe that God needs some assistance. On May 7th, the SEMN Synod’s assembly, entertained and voted on a resolution benignly titled “Resolution 2011-01:
ELCA Health and Benefits Program”. This resolution of revenge sought to recommend to the ELCA Church Council to seriously consider and adopt a policy of “removing from the Health and Benefits Program of the ELCA, clergy who have...

Yet another denomination has voted to ordain openly homosexual candidates to its ministry. Yesterday, the Presbyterian Church (USA) presbytery of the Twin Cities in Minnesota voted to approve a change to the church’s constitution that will allow the denomination’s 173 presbyteries to ordain persons without regard to sexual orientation. The Twin Cities presbytery cast the deciding vote in what is now a 33-year effort to remove all restrictions on homosexuals serving in the church’s ordained ministry. It became the 87th presbytery to affirm the action of the church’s 219th assembly last summer authorizing the constitutional change. The action not only...

I intended to give the poor Protestants a break, but now I read that the Lutherans are imploding or exploding, depending on your point of view. It seems that the two largest Lutheran “churches” in America have broken up, the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod (LCMS) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA). The first split occurred in the 1960’s and 1970’s after a long battle between resurgent conservatives and liberals, the latter including especially the faculty of Concordia Seminary. The liberal losers in the LCMS moved on to help shape the ELCA in the late 1980’s, but they crafted a...

April 12, 2011 Bishop David Zellmer South Dakota Synod ELCA Augustana College Sioux Falls, SD 57197 Bishop Dave: Thank you for the action of the South Dakota Synod Council in releasing Immanuel Lutheran Church of Whitewood from its affiliation with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Immanuel’s affiliation with the North American Lutheran Church better reflects the Biblical and theological commitments of the congregation. I believe that both God and the congregation have called me to serve Immanuel as its pastor and to continue to do so. I believe that God has called me to serve within the North American...

The two largest Lutheran churches in America have now broken up: the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) in the 1960s and 1970s after a brutal conflict between insurgent conservatives and complacent liberals, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) in the last few years, as the predictable result of a flawed ecclesial foundation. While both stories are instructive in their own right, the striking thing about them is that they are compellingly connected. The refugees from the first conflict were instrumental in shaping the flawed foundation of the second. Further, those refugees from the LCMS aided those in the ELCA who...

In announcing a Lenten fast “for a moral budget,” many Religious Left officials are arguing against federal budget cuts but are silent about ongoing federal support for organizations like abortion provider Planned Parenthood. According to Democratic and Republican sources quoted by the Washington Post, both the Planned Parenthood funding, as well as Medicaid funds for abortions in the District of Columbia, figured prominently in budget negotiations. Religious groups participating in the “budget fast” include the United Methodist General Board of Global Ministries, The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Hunger Program, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Lutheran World Relief, Sojourners and World...

A long, long time ago, I can still remember how the ELCA made my smile. And I thought; well, now this’ll do, A church united, good and true, And maybe we’ll be faithful for a while. But Minneapolis made me shudder, With every word the bishop uttered, Bad news from the floor vote, We couldn’t find one more vote. I can’t remember what I said As the storm was raging overhead, But something touched me deep inside The day our confession died. So bye, bye, to the ELCA. I wrote a letter to the bishop saying I just can’t stay....

The following is a report written by Dean Kallenbach about Grace Lutheran Church in Eau Claire, WI. Two days after 56% of the congregation voted to leave the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (falling short of the 67% required by the constitution), the congregation council of Grace Lutheran Church voted tonight to join Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC). The council, before an overflow crowd in its church parlors, approved a motion that would have the congregation dually affiliate with LCMC and ELCA. Proponents of the measure said action needed to be taken to demonstrate to the 288 people...

One of the pastors at Grace Lutheran Church believes other area clergy are trying to influence members of his Eau Claire congregation in an attempt to keep them from leaving the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. "ELCA churches are leaving, and as leaders watch, they are trying to develop strategies to throw up roadblocks," said the Rev. Rolf Nestingen, who charges neighboring ELCA pastors of doing just that and says their interference is in violation of the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin constitution. The Rev. Kurt Jacobson of Trinity Lutheran Church in Eau Claire and other area ELCA pastors don't deny...

Episcopal Church joins Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Anglican Church in Canada, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada to celebrate 10-year anniversary of full communion on May 1 -- The Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will join with their Canadian counterparts - the Anglican Church in Canada and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada - to celebrate 10 years of the full communion relationship in an international way on May 1. Called to Common Mission, for full communion between the Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and the similar Canadian document, The Waterloo Declaration,...

Rock Island, Ill. –Morris Dees, a lawyer who has led controversial cases against the KKK, neo-Nazis and domestic terrorist groups since the late 1960s, will discuss his legendary battle for justice on Thursday, March 31, at 10:30 a.m. in Centennial Hall (3703 7th Avenue). His lecture, "With Justice for All," will be part of Augustana's second annual White Privilege Summit, a community event designed to spur discussion about race, privilege, inequality, and the fight for social justice. The lecture is free and open to the public.

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Board of Pensions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) plans to reopen its Participating Annuity Fund for new entrants this year, said John G. Kapanke, president of the ELCA Board of Pensions. Kapanke made the announcement during the organization's board of trustees meeting here March 10-13. The Board of Pension's Participating Annuity and Bridge Fund was closed to new entrants in 2009 because of the sharp decline in global financial markets. Kapanke said the Bridge component of the fund will not be reopened when the Participating Annuity Fund is reopened. The "funded ratio" --...

In some cases a state represents a complete ELCA synod, while other states have more than one synod. There are several synods with congregations in more than one state. These losses are based on congregations posted on my blog that have successfully taken one or both of their votes to leave the ELCA. The total of ELCA baptized membership losses in all states is 267,140 from 418 congregations that have taken two successful votes and from 92 congregations that have taken one successful vote, with second vote pending. Figures are based on reports from ELCA’s 2011 Yearbook. Alaska 244 Arizona...

At the Conference of Bishops Academy on January 6, 2011, Dr. Walter Taylor was asked to give a presentation on the concerns of those "troubled by the use of the Bible in Churchwide 2009 documents and decisions." He presented 11 points outlining "what did not happen" at the 2009 Churchwide Assembly. (Pr. Tony Metz listed these on his blog, "The Bible Is God's Word - Lutheran Style." I contacted Dr. Taylor to be sure these were accurate, and they are.) His 11 points: 1. What did not happen: adequate use of the Bible, especially the Old Testament. 2. What did...

Critics of CampusReform.org often charge that the "leftist abuses and biases" that it helps students fight back against are imaginary and exist only within the spheres of right-wing extremist imaginations. The problem with that criticism is that there is often blatent evidence pointing to the contrary. Take for example the Gustavus Adolphus College (GAC) Gender, Women, and Sexuality (GWS) Studies Department. You can access Gustavus academic catalog on the Gustavus website gustavus.edu. Click on the academics tab in the upper left and scroll down to the page for the GWS department. When you click on the resources section for the...

Two Aberdeen police officers were called to a meeting Thursday night at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, which is considering leaving the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The second vote on the issue will be taken this Sunday at 10 a.m. Jack Hieb, president of the church’s congregation council, asked that the police be called during the meeting, which was held in the Fellowship Hall. The meeting was held to give individuals the opportunity to be considered members for Sunday’s election, Hieb said. He said he knew the meeting was going to be contentious. Two people, he said, continued to disrupt...

As of March 1, Rev. Gerald Miller, the senior pastor of St. Martin's Church, stepped down from the role he filled for 17 years.

CHICAGO (ELCA) -- St. Francis Lutheran Church, San Francisco, rejoined the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) late last month by ratifying a new constitution and celebrating its return in a special worship service Feb. 27. The Rev. Mark W. Holmerud, bishop of the ELCA Sierra Pacific Synod, Sacramento, preached and formally received the congregation, describing the service as "joyous, healing and celebrative." In 1990 St. Francis called the Rev. Ruth Frost and the Rev. Phyllis Zillhart as its pastors. At the time, both were not eligible for the ELCA clergy roster because church policy did not allow people in...