ELCA Is Going To Catch Up with the Presbyterians. Maybe.

 

ELCA's vow is very much like Presbyterians

Rapidly Declining Mainline Church Seeks to Require Ministers to Support Transgenderism, Gay Marriage

Has a religion separate from Christianity developed?

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The Presbyterian Church (USA) has permitted, but not required, its ministers to perform same-sex marriage ceremonies since 2014. But that allowance is no longer sufficient for the progressive denomination; it now aims to mandate that future ministers affirm transgenderism and same-sex marriage as prerequisites for ordination. At its General Assembly this June, the denomination will take up legislation that would implement that requirement.

RELATED: Mainline Protestantism Is Heading Toward Its Grave

The Presbyterian Church (USA)’s proposed requirement stands out for its inclusion of affirmation for transgenderism alongside same-sex marriage. Specifically, it does so by adding “gender identity” and “sexual orientation” to its list of groups protected from discrimination, included in “worship, governance, and emerging life.” The proposal would also change the denomination’s “[s]tandards for ordained service” to make it obligatory for ministry candidates to pledge adherence to this principle of “non-discrimination.”

It is becoming a trend among liberal Protestant denominations to move from a model of respecting people’s consciences on LGBTQ issues to mandating affirmation. Another example is the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which is planning to consider a resolution to oust its current social statement at its 2025 Churchwide Assembly. This statement currently acknowledges and respects the consciences of members who hold opposing views on same-sex marriage. When Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton announced the passage of a motion to vote on the issue in 2025, church members broke out in applause.

In explaining the proposed changes, the Presbyterian Church (USA) asserted that it “feel[s]” it is being called to be “ever more faithful to the most inclusive and affirming statements of Scripture and promptings of the Holy Spirit.” 

Say it ain't so, Matt!

"I doubt it’s even crossed their mind as a church-growth strategy. Unlike my church, the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS), which recently paid a consultant big bucks to do a survey and recommend that the answer to the church’s declining membership problem was to encourage its members to have more babies. I’ll keep you posted on how that’s working." Tom Raabe