 |
| In case you are too innocent to interpret this - the organization has worked for gay ordination for decades, under various names. LCMS and WELS pretend to oppose this philosophy, but they gladly work with ELCA. |
1890 Bailey Road
Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221
web site: www.neos-elca.org
330-929-9022
FAX: 330-929-9018
e-mail: office@neos-elca.org
25 August 2009
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
By now you have heard of the actions taken at the churchwide assembly: the social statement,
Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust and the four recommendations on ministry policies were
adopted. The response to these actions across the church and in our synod ranges from grief to joy,
from consternation to relief, from lamentation to celebration. One thing we all have in common is
wondering “What’s next?”
We were reminded often during the assembly to take a breath. I think that is the first thing
those of us who make up our synod should do. The actions of the assembly were a shock to the system
no matter where we are on the issue of human sexuality. This has been expressed to me by people
who are completely opposed to and by people completely in favor of changes to the ministry
policies. I strongly encourage all of us to take a breathing period during which members and congregations
take no action to leave the ELCA. And, while we are breathing, let’s call upon the breath
of the Spirit to enable us to listen to each other, bear one another’s burdens, and pray (sometimes
with sighs too deep for words).
Many have asked what these actions mean for them and for their congregations. Let me explain
what will not happen. Members, rostered leaders and congregations will not be forced to recognize
same-gender relationships, call rostered people in same-gender relationships, or preach or
teach in contradiction to their bound conscience. The synod will not – and cannot – mandate who (sic) a congregation calls as a rostered leader. Rostered leaders and congregations that disagree with the actions taken by the churchwide assembly will not be regarded as anything less than faithful, valuable partners in the gospel.
It is important to note that the policy changes will not take place immediately. Specific language
must be developed by the appropriate churchwide units in consultation with the conference of
bishops. The ELCA church council has the responsibility to approve all final language. The earliest
that can happen is at the council’s next meeting in November.
In the meantime let us commit to pray for one another and for the ELCA, let us engage
more fully in Bible study and the Book of Faith initiative, let us “not grow weary in well-doing” as
we serve the hungry, the homeless and the stranger and let us meet together at the cross our true
source of life.
May God bless your ministry.
The Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, Bishop
***
GJ - As Ben Stein said, "Politicians always lie. That's what they do." Doubly so in the visible church.
ELCA began an immediate persecution of all pastors and congregations who disagreed with the vote, which was billed merely as a tolerance vote. We will let people do some of this on their own initiative, but we will not force gay ordination, gay marriage, or the calling of gay only candidates upon any congregation. Oh no, not us. We are liberals, open-minded, free-spirited - unless you cross us!
I guess Bishop Eaton left out the last part, which is why she is the Presiding Bishop now.
 |
| "So long, Gramps. The Tree of Gay-Feminist Quotas must be watered with the blood of patriots and tyrants. It is its natural manure." |
