ELCA Weighs In For LGB and pointedly Trans People

[VickySGV]

https://www.elca.org/News-and-Events/8191?fbclid=IwAR0br7aG0FJcE8exb0tPDau-UKCplKfz5UbE4XBIW9G5Vsbw-3fPmVzXjtU

 

Their Bishop admits that while individuals in the church are not supportive of Trans people, that denominational doctrine is highly supportive and that recent legislation in antithetical to overall denominational canons.

[Dillon]

I especially like the language "respect diverse bodies"

[Marcie Jensen]

The ELCA has a long history of tolerance and inclusion that is ever evolving. One of my mentors in seminary and beyond and one of my dearest friends is an ELCA pastor. He was one of my two thesis and credo advisors as well as my professor of reformation theology. He also happens to be gay. When he came out, the denomination offered him a choice; he could either pursue his relationship and be defrocked, or he could step down from the pulpit, teach and remain "chaste in singlehood." This was 2003, and he chose the latter. 

Since then, while the denomination is still debating the issue, individual ministers have been given autonomy and same sex marriages have become commonplace. The Rev. Eaton's statement is another positive and affirming gesture in a denomination with a long history of inclusiveness.

[Charlize]

The ELCA as most groups can be very supportive. I'm glad to see that their policy in print is circulating in areas where politics is using us.  By the way i wasn't sure what ELCA stood for.....Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  I'd never seen that before.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Ivy]

It's always nice to see some support.

I was raised in the Lutheran Church and I'll admit this does give me a tiny bit of joy.