Lutheran Equality- Partnered Gay Clergy Might Be Accepted

[Ian David]

Lutheran Equality- Partnered Gay Clergy Might Be Accepted

April 9, 2009 by Tania @ GLAAD

Recently, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) released the final version of its social statement on human sexuality - “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust” - after an eight year process of hearings and revisions overseen by their national Church Council.

Although it is not perfect on LGBT issues, the document recommends acceptance of partnered gay clergy with an opt-out clause for congregations. Blessings or marriage rites for same-sex couples would also be left to congregations.

Nonetheless, opponents of LGBT equality in the ELCA worked hard to create roadblocks, attempting to change the voting rules to increase the percentages needed for final votes at the Churchwide Assembly in late August.

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Opponents are expected to try again to change the voting percentages on the first day of the Churchwide Assembly, which occurs August 17-22, when the whole body can vote. This change will require a two-thirds vote.

More:
http://glaadblog.org/2009/04/09/lutheran-equality-partnered-gay-clergy-might-be-accepted/