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The
Atlanta Journal Constitution
Gay pastor says he'll
fight removal
By Christopher Quinn,
ajc.com from the Web, July 5, 2007
Atlanta, Ga. -- The
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Monday removed the Rev. Bradley Schmeling,
a gay pastor, from his position as minister of St. John's Lutheran Church in
Atlanta.
"I am deeply disappointed by the decision, although I am not surprised,"
Schmeling said in a press release. "Change has always proven difficult for the
church."
The action enforces an earlier decision that Schmeling had violated church
policy and could not serve as a minister, but he had been allowed to remain in
his position until after a national church conference in August.
Schmeling said Monday he plans to remain minister of St. John's.
"The congregation extended a call to me in 2000, and as far as we are concerned,
there is no reason to end that call now."
He said he hopes the church remains in good standing with the national
organization.
"We fully anticipate to find a way to work through this and continue in ministry
in this synod and are counting on the good will and grace of the bishop's
office," Schmeling said.
Schmeling has become a test case for the church, which allows gay pastors, but
only if they remain celibate.
John Ballew, the congregation president, said representatives from St John's
plan to attend the Churchwide Assembly Aug 6-11, when discussion and a vote is
expected on allowing gay ministers in relationships.
In March of 2006, Schmeling told the Southeastern Synod Bishop, that he was in a
relationship with a man. The bishop filed charges against Schmeling for
violating church rules. Earlier this year, a committee found Schmeling in
violation, but he appealed to a higher committee.
The higher committee denied the appeal and enforced the decision Monday.
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