Living in God's Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace Lutheran Church

Amazinggracealaska.org

 

  
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Letter from Pastor Marty Dasler regarding "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" (dated 10/29/09)

 

Grace and Peace to our Amazing Grace Lutheran Family,

This past summer the 2009 Churchwide Assembly approved a new social statement entitled:  "Human Sexuality:  Gift and Trust" by exactly the 66% required of a new social statement.  Perhaps you have read about this issue in your copy of The Lutheran or some other public media.  The second, and perhaps more controversial issue was the Ministry Policy Resolution that would allow a partnered gay or lesbian pastor to serve a congregation willing to call them.  

Although this resolution has yet to be implimented, committments have been made to respect the "bound consciences” of people with differing views. Since the national assembly is the most authoritative body in our church these resolutions cannot be overturned by bishops or councils. Some at Amazing Grace are wondering what this means for us?

Here are excerpts from two different view points:     

Many traditional people are hurt and confused.  Dr. David Yeago asks in his paper some of same questions Martin Luther (in italics) asked of the Roman Catholic Church.

Should we jump to describe the assembly's actions as deliberate "heresy and crimes against the Holy Church" or should we regard them as "failings of the weak,"  a huge mistake by well-meaning but confused Christian brothers and sisters?  What does it mean to "put the best construction on my neighbor's actions in this situation?"

Yeago answers his own question with these concluding words ...."let us ask God to make of us a movement of repentance and renewal, so that the continuing presence of traditionalists in the ELCA will be a blessing and adornment, for the whole church.”

For the full text of Dr. Yeago's remarks see.... http://lutheranspersisting.wordpress.com/david-yeago-in-the-aftermath/

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There are those who rejoice at a fuller inclusion in the church for those partnered gay or lesbian pastors who have been excluded in the past.  Dr. Timothy Wengert asks:

What does the argument from scripture look like?.....As we know, Jesus recited two commandments:  "love God above all else and one's neighbor as one's self, on these depend the law and prophets".  The word for "depend" in Greek is literally "hang."  The debate over sexuality in the ELCA in some ways "hangs" on these words of Jesus.  Every command in Scripture must be focused by this question:  How does following this commandment enhance love for God and neighbor?"  By asking this question of every other scripural command, one remains faithful to Scripture.

For the full text of Dr. Wengert's remarks see.. http://www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Social-Issues/Journal-of-Lutheran-Ethics/Issues/September-2009/Reflections-on-the-ELCA-6.aspx

Many questions remain:

·         What was the process that led to these resolutions? 

·         How does the church view the authority of the scriptures?

·         What does the phrase "bound conscience" mean?

·         How can we live in love as God's family with differing views?

·         How does the sexuality statement speak to all relationships?

For those interested in further conversation, we would like to invite you to a time of thoughtful discussion on Sunday afternoon November 15, 4 pm.  We know there is so much to read but it might be helpful to read the texts of the resolutions which we will provide on the church website or we would be happy to mail these to you.  We will also provide the full remarks of Dr. Yeago and Dr Wengert.    We believe that the Amazing Grace of God will lead us through these challenging and changing times.  It is also important to remember that while we talk about bishops and councils, Lutherans are congregational at heart and the authority to call qualified pastors will always rest with the congregation. 

 Finally, continue to pray for our church.  We have a vital mission in our community and the world.  We remain impressed by the powerful work of the spirit of God in our church and His grace in our midst as we encounter new people who want to share in our ministry. 

The Lord be with you,

 Pastor Marty, Cindy Chaput, Kathryn Eckmann, Dick Mandsager