Delegates to a
national meeting of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America voted Friday to remain unified despite their
differences over homosexuality, and they prepared
to take up contentious proposals on the role of
partnered gays in their denomination.
The unity resolution was approved by an 851-127
vote following a short debate and was the first of
three measures before the churchwide assembly Friday.
"Our job is not to judge one another, our job is to love one
another," said Patrick Monroe of the Central/Southern
Illinois synod, speaking in favor of unity. "This
motion allows us to move forward in that way, not just
with sexual issues but with all issues."
The two other proposals under consideration would:
--Affirm the church ban on ordaining
sexually active gays and lesbians but allow bishops
and church districts, called synods, to seek an exception
for a particular candidate if that person is in a committed
relationship and meets other conditions.
--Uphold the denomination's prohibition
against blessing of same-sex unions but allow pastors
discretion in providing "pastoral care" to gay couples.
The proposals are meant as a compromise, aiming
to uphold Lutheran restrictions on gays and lesbians
who are not celibate while allowing congregations and
bishops to make exceptions in some cases without
risking disciplinary action. Several delegates have
complained that the measures are confusing and their
implications unclear. Activists on opposing sides of
the issue have argued against the proposals for
different reasons.
Advocates for full inclusion of gays say the
measures would create a second-class roster for gay
clergy in the church. Conservatives say the proposals
would effectively overturn prohibitions against noncelibate
gays in the denomination's ministry.
Delegates have discussed the proposals in two
public hearings and a floor debate this week. Several
delegates opposed to the changes worried that
ordaining gays would strain relations with other Christian
denominations and with the many conservative Lutherans
overseas. Many delegates said the truly Christian
approach would be to convince gays to change their
sexual orientation.
"We would be granting exceptions to biblical,
moral standards that have seen approval for 2,000
years," said David Glesne of the Minneapolis-area synod.
But gay rights advocates contend that nothing in
Christian teaching supports the current church policy.
James Boline of the Southwest California synod said he
has been with his male partner for eight years and is
the third generation of his family to feel a call to
ministry. "I ask your prayers for me refusing to be
banished from this church," he said, holding up a
Bible he was given at a Lutheran church when he was a
boy. (AP)