Bishop suspends Zion pastors
CLEAR LAKE — Two pastors of Clear Lake’s largest church have refused to leave their jobs despite an order from their bishop.
Bishop Steven C. Ullestad of the Northeastern Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), said the Rev. Dean Hess and the Rev. Derik C. Yarian were notified of their removal on Oct. 28.
“... You are now to function as a layperson ... your ordained status is in suspension,” said Ullestad in separate letters to the two men.
Both Hess and Church Council President Mark Shepp declined to comment Friday.
Pastors holding dual memberships — in this case, to both the ELCA and Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ — are not allowed by the ELCA.
The Zion church council has set another vote, this one at 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 14, to decide whether it should leave the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America for good.
