Lutheran bishops could allow gay and lesbian clergy in committed relationships to become pastors of congregations under a proposal advanced Monday by a council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Church policy currently bans gay and lesbian clergy who are involved with partners but allows those who are celibate. The proposal — which would require that the bishop of a synod, or district, seek an exception to the ban for a particular candidate — will be voted on by the church's assembly at its annual meeting in August.
With almost 5 million members, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is one of the nation's largest Protestant bodies. Like several other major Protestant denominations, it has wrestled in recent years with issues involving gays and lesbians.
Disappointed gay supporters said the proposal — which the church council offered after three days of meetings at church headquarters in Chicago — might not be approved by the approximately 1,000-member assembly because it is so complicated and filled with conditions.
They also said they don't view the proposal as a step forward because several active ministers already are in committed gay relationships and have not been disciplined by church leaders.
Under the policy concerning gay clergy, the bishop of a synod could seek an exception for a clergy candidate from the 65-member Conference of Bishops.
Heterosexual, single Lutheran clergy are expected to remain celibate until they marry, and the gay or lesbian minister would have to provide evidence of "intent to live in a lifelong, committed and faithful same-sex relationship," according to the proposal.
The U.S. Episcopal Church has dealt with upheaval and discord since consecrating an openly gay bishop in 2003. The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the United Methodist Church have also been involved in divisive struggles over sexuality.
Editor's Note: Let's pray the leaders will hold firm to the teachings of Christ and not the will of man.
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4 comments:
...the gay or lesbian minister would have to provide evidence of "intent to live in a lifelong, committed and faithful same-sex relationship," according to the proposal.
What I wonder is, why? I believe the Bible is quite clear that the only moral expression of sexual desire is in a marriage that is lifelong, monogamous, and heterosexual.
(I think Matthew 19 is the clearest instance of Christ Himself affirming this principle; yes, the principle is applied specifically to the issue of divorce, but like any principle it has a broader application, and I still marvel that the passage doesn't come up as often as quotes from Moses and Paul in discussions such as these.)
If a denomination has chosen to ignore one pillar of this principle, on what basis can it defend its adherence to the other two pillars? If a minister refuses to be exclusively faithful, how will the denomination justify punishing him?
bubba may have said, ...."the gay or lesbian minister would have to provide evidence of "intent to live in a lifelong, committed and faithful same-sex relationship," according to the proposal."
But bubba, didn't rise form the dead, Only Jesus Christ did.
Jesus teaches in the Holy Bible to love they neighbor as thy self. (Lev.19:18).
that includes: homosexuals/lesbians/transvestites,bisexuals,headerasexuals,thieves,murders, and so/on.
But Christians are not to be unequally yoked together with unbelievers,for example: ( fellowship,church gatherings,& so/on ). (2 Corinthians 6:14).
If any homosexual & so/on, want to talk about Jesus, speak to them biblically, and kindly ask them, of how they would feel, if someone that they cared about was involved into something very dangerous.
Then ask this questions: How would you approaches your loved one, family and/or friend, and warn them of the dangers of what they are involved in? And how would you like for them to react to your love? .......
Then after the homosexual & /or so/on, tell you.
Tell them in return: Remember what we talked about?... Well, I care for you, and I would expect the same love that you would like to receive.
Then tell them about what God says. (Genesis 19:12; Genesis 19:13; Genesis 19:24; Genesis 19:25). (1 Kings 14:24).(Romans 1). (2 Kings 23).Also read (Job 1). ( Read Lev 18).
These verses in the Holy Bible may offend the homosexuals & so/on who feel, this is Wrong, but its not...
# 1 Fact: Jehovah God made (Man and Woman) to be together. facts are: no same sex couples can naturally have children.
# 2 Fact: Jehovah God Forgives.
# 3 Fact: No one KNOWS when their last heart beat will be. So why waste time that was given by Jehovah God.
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If the Homosexual and Lesbian and so/on communities are offended by this, Then please , Honestly tell me, Why are you offended? =/\/\/\/\=
Why such a Big Deal?
Please do speak up, I'd like to know. I'd like to know why, there's so many gay parades, and are allowed Go against Gods Word? and when Christians come up and speak the Word of God, the Christians are fined or jailed.
1 More thing.... {When people (Christian-non) Disagrees in your ways of life, Homosexuality or Lesbianism} looks at you when your holding your lovers hand or kissing your lover, Why is it that you (any homosexual/lesbian) gotta complain to the ACLU? until you get your way? Actually, that's acting like a Spoiled Brat, Seriously, did you realize that?... I'm not saying this to be harsh, or "violate" your rights, But as A Christian, I have Rights as well.
These are just questions that I'm curious about.
Its not that I'm bashing you,but curious. Why?
P.S. ( About Woman preachers.
When Gods Word says.....
"Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience as also saith the law." 1 Corinthisan 14:35.
"And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church." 1 Corinthians 14:35.
God means what HE says, and Says what HE means.
About Homosexual and Lesbian Preachers: O ooo Boy!... how can I put this issue?... Ok.... Well,
#1. Homosexual Preachers go against Jehovah God with their " life stiles."
#2.Lesbian Preachers, go against Jehovah God by their, "life stiles," AND beings that she is a WOMAN, and if She Loves Jehovah God, she Will go by His Word, reguardlessof her opinion or how she feels.
Also:
" If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed." 1 Timothy 5:38.
Have a Nice day.
Gm...somewhere there is a clock missing it's "koo-koo" - go back home..o...go back home...to the closet...home...o......you get it right! LOL!
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