tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673026911024876557.post1768263385974301157..comments2023-09-12T03:40:44.402-07:00Comments on Pastor John's Thoughts: A New Identity Comes At Enormous CostPastor Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02985728106929059405noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673026911024876557.post-84116883552540916992009-11-21T09:58:32.015-08:002009-11-21T09:58:32.015-08:00During the last day that Jesus taught in the templ...During the last day that Jesus taught in the temple, he said to his disciples and to all the people, "Beware of the scribes (who are only self motivated). They will receive the greater condemnation." (Luke 20:45-7)Bryanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12563002594702403167noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6673026911024876557.post-77306847521531515142009-11-19T13:33:44.312-08:002009-11-19T13:33:44.312-08:00"From my vantage point, it appears as if effo..."From my vantage point, it appears as if efforts are underway to silence any remaining resistance within the ELCA."<br /><br />Let me give you another vantage point -- that of a public statement from Lutherans Concerned/North America.<br /><br />Lutherans Concerned/North America (LC/NA) responded with sadness to yesterday's announcement proposing a new church body to be formed by and for former ELCA members and congregations opposing the full inclusion of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life of the church.<br /> <br />Responding to yesterday's announcement, Emily Eastwood, Executive Director of LC/NA, said, "You might think we would be happy that those who oppose the full inclusion of LGBT people and their families would be leaving the ELCA. Well, we're not.<br /> <br />"We know first hand what happens within families when a member comes out as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. Often there is a period of denial, fear and anger, sometimes sadly resulting in temporary or life-long estrangement. In August the ELCA finally came out about its LGBT members and ministers and the congregations who accept and advocate for them. It seems with yesterday's announcement that some ELCA Lutherans cannot even tolerate being in the same church family with congregations who accept us. Anger and fear have overtaken the great commandments from Jesus himself: to love God, and to love your neighbor as yourself.<br /> <br />"For 35 years LC/NA has never isolated itself from those who disagree with us. Nor have we threatened to lead an exodus from the denomination by those congregations who found the wait too long or the social statement well short of the advocacy needed for LGBT people in church and society. We have never called for congregations to withhold giving to the ELCA; in fact, we encourage additional stewardship, especially in times like these.<br /> <br />"Since 2007, the leadership of LC/NA has requested dialogue with the leadership of Lutheran groups vocally opposing full inclusion. To date, only one such leader has responded to our requests for engagement. We know that families stay together out of love even when they disagree on some subjects. Reconciliation takes time, respect and relentless care. LC/NA stands ready for that reconciling work. We believe that wherever and whenever two or more are gathered in Christ's name, the Holy Spirit will be present, stirring our hearts and minds to greater love of God and the neighbor."<br /> <br />Since the August decisions, LC/NA has responded to requests for information, education, and pastoral care for members of congregations and synods where vocal groups opposing the apparent and growing tolerance within the ELCA have sought to divide, to withhold giving to the denomination, to force accepting pastors to resign, or ultimately to leave the ELCA. LC/NA has called its members to reach out to those disaffected by the August decisions with love and respect.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com