Twelve years of exile and pain, that's what life has been for me. In 1997 I chose to be honest with my Bishop and came out to him. They promptly got rid of me even though many stood up for me. Here in the mountains great healing has occurred in spite of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. This morning I received an email from a new friend who is at the ELCA convention in Minnesota saying:
They just voted YES! It's not perfect. We already see the issues ahead of us, but it is now possible! There are discussions for people like you who have been derostered because of orientation. Just a thought for you. Your pain isn't in vain....
I'm crying as I write this. It means I could possibly serve as a pastor again. I didn't think this would happen in my lifetime. This is my denomination, where I was trained...so much feeling exploding into my heart, pain leaving. A miracle for more than me....
'Monogamous' Gays Can Serve in ELCA
Largest Lutheran Denomination in U.S. Split on Divisive Issue
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Leaders of the nation's biggest Lutheran denomination voted Friday to allow gays in committed relationships to serve as clergy in the church -- making it one of the largest Christian denominations in the country to significantly open the pulpit to gays.
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Kessy
julie Kiernan
skeletnwmn
Myriad
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The storms of doubt, dark nights of pain -
I stand with you, pray hand in hand -
No one can know your suffering -
I stand with you, I walk with you,
I live all of my life with you -
Wherever this life leads us -
I stand with you, my partner.
Michael read this post aloud to me this morning, and it brought tears to both of our eyes. This is absolutely beautiful news, and we are honored to share in your joyful celebration.
Blessings,
—Melissa
P.S. You’ll find a little surprise for you over at Love Grandma :-)
My denomination, UCC, has been open and affirming for quite a while. On the other hand, the denomination I am jointly credentialed in, and where I served the last 5.5 years of my ministry is still struggling in about the same place the ELCA has been, maybe even a little more conservatively as they do not ordain "openly" gay or lesbian clergy. They are still "studying" the issue and will make no decisions on it until the next world synod meeting in a couple of years. It could drag on forever.
God bless you, Robin. One thing I know: whatever you do you will always go with your heart and your integrity will shine through.
Monte