<p>I don’t know how to link news stories, but it is a lead story on YAHOO. At it’s national assembly, the ELCA church voted to allow gay ministers who are in committed, monogamous relationships. The previous stance was gay clergy were allowed as long as they were celibate. I have a friend who was a voting member and is quoted in the AP story. He has been sending us updates all week.</p>
<p>AZKMom - I’m soooo embarassed to say this is the first I’ve heard of it (although I’ve been online very little in the last couple of days), and I attended an ELCA seminary. I just haven’t kept up on the assembly stuff (frankly, unless you’re there, it can be tedious reading it), but this THRILLS me. Unfortunately I know a couple of people who may leave the ELCA due to this, which is too bad, but I also believe we will gain new members who felt excluded.</p>
<p>I was able to still locate the link:
[Conservatives</a> mull future after ELCA lifts gay ban - Yahoo! News](<a href=“http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090822/ap_on_re_us/us_lutherans_gays_16]Conservatives”>http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090822/ap_on_re_us/us_lutherans_gays_16)</p>
<p>It was a difficult, emotionally exhausting week for my friend. The day of the final vote he characterized it as meeting at the crossroads of pain. His daily emails summarizing each days’ events were very eloquent and thoughtful. He was very gracious acknowledging the other side was hurting and struggling with these issues. He did have some very good discussions with people who were in opposition to his views but also some very reactionary and hurtful discussions. He wasn’t happy with the quote attributed to him by the AP, he thought there was much better quotes to have chosen. He also felt the comments about were confusing and not representative of him. </p>
<p>This has been a long time in coming and I am thankful for all who have continued to work so hard on such a difficult issue and have not given up after many disappointments. I also am sad that it will cause people to leave the ELCA.</p>
<p>This is very good news, azkmom. Each small step brings everyone closer to equal rights. There is still a long way to go, however, which I realized all too clearly tonight when I read the comments posted online on USAToday’s website article on the vote. There are some really horrible, hate-filled people in this world. If any of them are the ones who are leaving ELCA due to this vote, then I would say you are well rid of them.</p>
<p>Excellent!</p>
<p>My Mom told me about this last night. She was so proud too.</p>
<p>Sorry, AZKMom. The Bible is very clear: We (and that includes our spiritual leaders) are directed to repent of our sins.</p>
<p>Sad that 30 years have been spent trying to unite the various Lutheran/Episcopal denominations - and the unraveling has now begun…</p>
<p>I’m glad to hear what the Lutherans have done.</p>
<p>I am glad too. And surprised (in a good way).</p>
<p>As an Episcopalian in favor of gay rights, I support the stance of the ELCA church.</p>
<p>I’m hoping for more healing, forgiving, love, reaching out, acceptance, remaining a family despite differences and less unraveling. I am not unrealistic just hopeful.</p>
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<p>Are you suggesting that 68% of consecrated and ordained ministers in the ELCA are choosing to deliberately go against the bible?</p>
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<p>Perhaps some ‘uniting’ has not happened over those 30 years because many people feel excluded from these churches. There will be uniting, just a different version than the minority had hoped for.</p>
<p>This is wonderful news. My son, who is gay, has considered becoming a minister. I’m proud to say that we are UUs, so that has never been an issue for him.</p>
<p>Uniting that leaves members out is not true unity. This is one more step towards real unity.</p>
<p>AZKmom, Can you clarify for me if single gay and lesbian ministers can serve? I understand those in committed relationships can but what if the person is not in a relationship?</p>
<p>Just want to say I am proud of your church also.</p>
<p>how can you be proud of this?</p>
<p>How can you not?</p>
<p>Jesus said “if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.”</p>
<p>My private conversations with God tell me I should be proud of this so I am. My heart, my mind and my relationship with God tell me this is right.</p>
<p>I am sorry God has taken you to this place yet. Hopefully God will lead you there soon.</p>
<p>are you sure that you are not mistaking Satan for God</p>
<p>Nope- I am sure it is God. We have a special relationship. Sorry you don’t.</p>