Post by Paddy by Grace on Sept 4, 2008 18:44:11 GMT -7
Lesbian Ordained in Lutheran Church, Refuses Celibacy Vow
www.christianpost.com/article/20071119/30150_Lesbian_Ordained_in_Lutheran_Church,_Refuses_Celibacy_Vow.htm
A lesbian became the first homosexual minister to be ordained since the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America gave leeway to churches in disciplining pastors who violate a celibacy vow requirement. Jen Rude, 27, was ordained on Saturday at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Chicago despite her refusal to take a vow of celibacy. Under church policy, homosexual – and not heterosexual – ministers are required to make a vow of celibacy before they can be ordained. Although not currently in a relationship, Rude called the policy discriminatory. Rude is the first homosexual pastor to test a resolution that urges ELCA bishops to refrain from disciplining pastors who are in "faithful committed same-gender relationships." The resolution was passed at a national assembly in August when members also rejected measures that would have allowed the ordination of non-celibate homosexual clergy. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is the largest Lutheran denomination, claiming 4.8 million members across the country.
www.christianpost.com/article/20071119/30150_Lesbian_Ordained_in_Lutheran_Church,_Refuses_Celibacy_Vow.htm
A lesbian became the first homosexual minister to be ordained since the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America gave leeway to churches in disciplining pastors who violate a celibacy vow requirement. Jen Rude, 27, was ordained on Saturday at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Chicago despite her refusal to take a vow of celibacy. Under church policy, homosexual – and not heterosexual – ministers are required to make a vow of celibacy before they can be ordained. Although not currently in a relationship, Rude called the policy discriminatory. Rude is the first homosexual pastor to test a resolution that urges ELCA bishops to refrain from disciplining pastors who are in "faithful committed same-gender relationships." The resolution was passed at a national assembly in August when members also rejected measures that would have allowed the ordination of non-celibate homosexual clergy. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is the largest Lutheran denomination, claiming 4.8 million members across the country.