Reflections on the ELCA Churchwide Assembly and the Bible
Beautifully balanced piece by Timothy J. Wengert regarding the recent decision of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to “commit itself to finding a way for people in such publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships to serve as rostered leaders of this church.”
With all the heat surrounding the issue, there is often not a lot of light, but, as Wengert begins…
If there is one rule we need to follow in the wake of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, it is this: Do not break the eighth commandment (against false witness) in order to defend the sixth (against adultery and other sexual sins).
What he writes is a reminder to all of us that, as he concludes:
What is important for all participants to respect, I believe, is that both sides, not just one, employ thoroughly biblical arguments at the heart of their positions.
The issue is not one in which there is “the Biblical perspective” and “the other side.” We are but men — and women! — and are flawed. We will make mistakes, but the blood of Christ Jesus will wash them away.
Is it lawful to love my neighbor in the meantime?
