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CHICAGO
SUN-TIMES
Gay Clergy OK'd by
Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America
BY SUSAN HOGAN/ALBACH,
suntimes.com on the Web, August 12, 2007
Chicago, Aug. 11 -- For the
first time, clergy in same-sex committed relationships can serve the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America without threat of discipline to them, their
congregations or their bishops.
The historic decision, made today at a national assembly at Navy Pier, was
spearheaded by Bishop Paul Landahl of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod.
A day earlier, attendees voted down a measure that would have ended a ban on
non-celibate gay clergy. But Saturday’s vote calls on church leaders to
“refrain from or demonstrate restraint” in disciplining those who violate the
policy.
“It’s a huge victory,” said Jeremy Posadas, 26, a voting church member from
Decatur, Ga. “The gospel of inclusion has won and we’re going to keep
winning.”
But the Rev. Mark Chavez, leader of Lutheran CORE, a group that says
non-celibate gays shouldn’t serve as pastors, called the decision “tragic.”
“This decision will be an excuse for bishops to disobey ELCA policy,” he said.
“This decision does not reflect the will of the people, but of bishops and
clergy who disregard God’s word.”
With 4.8-million members, the ELCA, headquartered in Chicago, is the nation
largest Lutheran denomination. Since being formed 20 years ago by a merger
of church groups, it has slowly shifted toward more acceptance of non-celibate
gay clergy.
(http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/religion/506716,luth081107.article)
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