ELCA breaks new ground for gay ministers

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted by a five-percent margin to allow men and women in committed same-sex relationships to become ordained ministers Aug. 21. The former rule allowed homosexual people to become ordained only if they took vows of celibacy.

Three other resolutions were passed that day, including one allowing pastors to officiate same-sex lifelong relationships.

Other resolutions dealt with creating a church that respects the “bound consciences” of members whose firm beliefs prevent them from accepting homosexual ministers.

Campus Pastor Mike Blair has served Luther’s ELCA student congregation as an ordained minister since 1991.

“Luther has always been a part of the ELCA,” Blair said. “Luther has a deep commitment to the ELCA.”

The new policy has no immediate effect on Luther, which takes no official position on homosexuality. However, Blair said it is entirely possible that Luther would hire a gay or lesbian minister in the future.

“I think it’s a good movement for the church,” Blair said.

Many within the ELCA are unhappy with the decision, and discussions of a possible break from the main ELCA body have begun in many congregations.

Reform groups within the ELCA such as Word Alone and the Lutheran CORE released disapproving statements regarding the new rule.

“I am saddened that a Lutheran church that was founded on a firm commitment to the Bible has come to this point,” Rev. Paull Spring, chair of Lutheran CORE, said. “It breaks my heart.”

Not everyone on campus is thrilled with the decision.

Sarah Bieber (‘12) is a practicing Lutheran who has reservations about the change.

“The way I was raised I was always taught it was wrong,” Bieber said, adding that she would never discriminate against anyone based on their personal sexual preference and that she didn’t think homosexuality would result in damnation.

Conversely many students are pleased with the decision. Jenna Dosch (‘12) thought it was time Lutherans became more accepting of homosexuality.

“I don’t think your sexual orientation has an impact on your ability to spread the word of God,” Dosch said.

According to Rewant Lokesh (‘11), this decision couldn’t have come sooner.

“Saying that someone is going to hell or is a sinner simply because they are attracted to someone with the
same sexual organs is incredibly closed-minded,” Lokesh said.