FELC and changes (and the lack thereof)

[desdemona03]

Well last night I had a mini explosion when I talked with my Dad on the phone. He told me the family had a dinner together, including the in-law Slosses whose company I never really miss, and I was filled in on the happenings... one tidbit of which was Church stuff. Evidently the ELCA (Evangelican  Lutheran Church of America)'s decision to ordain

Comments

[doulosxristou]

I'm praying for you, Sarah. I couldn't agree more with what you've said here. I was so happy when the decision in August finally happened. It was a really long and painful process, but I think it was the right one.

The thing that congregations tend to forget when they stop sending money to the ELCA, is that the people they are hurting are not necessarily the ones "responsible" for the decision they disagree with. It's other congregations, maybe in rural or inner city areas, who may not be able to afford pastors themselves, and look to their Synod for help. It's summer camps that change kids' lives forever. It's brand new congregations, just getting started with ELCA funds...or the communities those congregations could be reaching if they were ever able to get started. It's hungry people who are touched by the ELCA World Hunger Appeal. It's people all over the country and the world, some of whom may disagree with your pastor about same-gender relationships, and others who may agree, but who desperately need to hear a word of hope that an ELCA congregation could be providing...but isn't...because of your pastor's "Biblical" principles. Now that just doesn't make any damned sense to me. Not one bit.

[desdemona03]

That, Tim, is exactly what I said, though in a more condenced form. Is this kind of demonstration, the with-holding of money, common within the ELCA? It's like a child holding their breath to force a parent's hand, but far more damaging.

Though at the same time, aren't pastors suppost to stand up for Biblical principles? I don't think the Bible takes either side in this decision, but if he believes it does (misguided as *that* may be) isn't he responsible for "leading" his congregation?

[doulosxristou]

Framed on my wall in my office is a letter of call from my congregation. It's the exact same text as the letter of call that any ELCA pastor gets from any congregation. Part of it reads something to the effect of, "to endeavor to increase support for the larger church". Increase, not decrease and certainly not unilaterally cut off. That's part of my job. When I was installed as pastor here, among other things, I took a vow to do that.

But it is all too common for that to be the first promise to their congregations and the larger Church that pastors break. Several congregations in our synod down here are planning similar action. Yes, we do also promise "to preach and teach in accordance with God's Word." But the ELCA was sooooo careful...some would even say too careful...to make sure everybody knows they are "finding ways to respect the bound consciences of those who disagree" with this decision. He can still preach and teach what he feels is Biblical, and do it with the full support of his bishop and of the ELCA as a whole. But when it comes to dollars and cents, conservative congregations kind of need to weigh how much of their financial support will go to things they agree with (probably around 99%) and how much will go to training folks in same-gender relationships for ministry (I can't imagine it's more than one percent...and that's if they're getting scholarships.)