A question many have asked, since the ELCA’s voted to ordain practicing homosexuals, is “Will the ELCA force us to call a practicing homosexual minister?” Here is your answer.
Bishop Bill Gohl of the ELCA’s Delaware-Maryland Synod wrote a recent blog sharing an exchange he had with a church leader who told him, "Bishop, I know you are new, but I want to be clear. When you send us a new pastor: no blacks, no women, no gays." Bishop Bill Gohl responded to the person with "Then no pastor." Seriously, Bishop Gohl? If a congregation, who believes God’s Word on homosexuality does not want a practicing homosexual as a pastor you will punish them and not allow them to have any pastor? Bishop Gohl called the church leader’s directive a “homophobic swipe.” The ELCA bishop later says, “(B)eloved Church, I want to be clear: your synod staff and I will work hard with you to discern with whom God is calling you to share ministry, but in this church, we have rostered leaders. There are no separate rosters for people of color, women, or the LGBTQ community. When we recognize that, God might just surprise us with a partnership we never could have imagined.” (see here) Based on the above statement by the bishop, he will not like it if a church says they do not want a gay, bisexual or transgender pastor. A Lutheran gay advocacy organization, which is obviously very focused on gay issues, made a video of Bishop Gohl’s blog and the Delaware-Maryland Synod shared the video on Facebook. (see here) Bishops have power over congregations, and they can practically force a congregation to take the pastor they “recommend” or the church risks not getting a pastor, as this account indicates. The ELCA has stood in opposition to Scripture regarding homosexuality. They push their approval, support and blessing of homosexuality continually on their members. And now, as you have read above, the ELCA seems to be intent on forcing you to compromise your faith and your stand on God’s Word.
7 Comments
9/27/2016 04:10:19 pm
2009-The vote--I certainly wasn't there, nor members of my church to vote against God's word. I do know that we were told that the church would have a choice when it came to hiring a pastor. But I guess that was so more churches would not leave right away, as they did not want to lose the MONEY. People do seem to get used to new "things" and then become more accepting. God says it is a sin Period.
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Patricia Beck
9/27/2016 04:10:34 pm
I agree with this congregation's decision to not accept an LGBT pastor. I feel less strongly about women pastors, but I understand their choice on that. However, do you know why they specified no black pastor? It seems this stand weakens their Biblical stand re LGBT clergy.
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Dave in Texas
9/27/2016 04:16:11 pm
It is spelled out in our congregation's SYNOD APPROVED constitution that we will not call a homosexual pastor. No exclusions. It would require amending our constitution and I just don't see that happening....
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Toni Sanford
9/27/2016 05:26:29 pm
I am somewhat uncomfortable with the church saying "no females and no blacks.". And I could maybe understand the request for no females. Unfortunately, the request to not have a black person really baffles me and makes them look prejudice.
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Curt
9/28/2016 01:56:04 pm
I simply don't buy the "no blacks" portion of the story. I think the bishop made that up out of whole cloth, to increase the impact of the "no gays" request. People are imperfect here on earth, and people sometimes make things up to advance an agenda.
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Dave from Minnesota
9/30/2016 10:17:18 am
I don't buy it either. I think he fabricated that part. For that matter, possibly the "no women" part also.
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Didaskalos
9/29/2016 05:29:44 pm
Martin Luther would be standing up to the ELCA clerical wolves in shepherds' clothing:
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Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
1 Thessalonians 5:21 Dan Skogen
Former ELCA seminary student and former ELCA member who is fed up with the ELCA's consistent mockery of God's Word. If you have been helped and blessed by Exposing the ELCA's ministry, please help us continue to proclaim the truth of God's Word to ELCA members who need to hear it.
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