Below I have quotes from two of those ELCA leaders, talking about their support of evolution and their strong feelings against the Biblical account of creation.
“When I read the creation story in Genesis I have always (at least since I have been able to think beyond mere stories) seen the universe coming together just as God wanted and just as evolutionary theory teaches,” says ELCA pastor Cynthia Hopp of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Bird Island, MN
Pastor Hopp goes on to say this about people (creationists) who believe God’s account of Creation, “Their God is more of an idol - and a very weak one at that. I don't recognize him.”
Retired ELCA Pastor Frederick W. Reklau tells us, “Creationism and so-called ‘intelligent design’ cannot stand unchallenged.”
“The right question about Genesis 1-2. . .is, 'What is the purpose of these stories?'. . . those stories tell of our privileges and responsibilities as beings who have been created out of love by the One who has created all things, visible and invisible. Those who go mining for other meanings (of their own invention, not God's intention) rob the texts of their true purpose, and of their true power to shape and validate our lives as God's spirit-mind-body creations. . .(see here)
So believing the clear reading of Genesis 1 and 2 is wrong and robs the texts of their meaning and power? The right way to read the Biblical creation account is to deny its clear, historical reading and view them as made up stories?
Is “up” really “down?” Is “right” wrong and “wrong” right? It seems so with these pastors.
God is not a liar. I believe what He says; I believe that God made the universe the way He said He did. Why do we allow people who do not believe God’s Word to be our pastors?