A task force of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America recommended yesterday that it retain its policy against blessing same-sex unions and ordaining gays, but suggested that sanctions could be avoided for pastors and congregations that chose to do so.It would seem that the Lutherans are wrestling about homosexuality now. This has been on-going for them as well. The Methodists made their claim against openly gay/partnered gay clergy a while ago. Didn't the Presbyterians also state their position last year? We ABC folk are debating it again in our usual slipshod way. The interesting piece about the Lutherans is that they have not taken such a hard line. I know that his is only a committee recomcendation, but it is affirming to a much greater degree than many other positions out there. I wonder if this has to do with the communion that exists between the ELCA and the ECUSA. I have heard nothing about that connection in the news, but it may be part of the reason for the decision to come down like it did. Larry posted several days ago about public and private interpretations and spheres regarding homosexuality and the church. It is a thoughtful post...and the comments have been thoughtful, missing some of the rancor of other conversations. It is worth a look.
You can read the NY Times article here. The article is okay, I guess. Why it ends with a quote from Griswald still befuddles me, but there you have it.
In the blogosphere, AKMA posted again on marriage. And Ryan, our beloved softball coach, had a question about inter-faith dating. It is interesting as well. Somehow all of this talk about sexuality sent camassia on a rant. Anyone interested in idolatry? Her's is a post about our culture's worship of Eros. Her second post on it also interesting.
There you go, gang. I hope you find these posts helpful, interesting, challenging or simply entertaining. Remember to say your ma'am's and sir's when you visit. Say "thank you" and "please." Don't put your feet on the furniture. Just because your brother does it does not make it okay!
Sorry. Flashback.
*cough*
Move along. Nothing to see here.
Posted by tripp at January 14, 2005 06:45 AMI had to re-read your third paragraph at least twice. I could have sworn you said that Ayn Rand was your softball coach. ;-)
If that was the case, I was hoping that you could tell her "The Fountainhead" really sucked.
Posted by: Karl at January 15, 2005 03:21 AMNow, I've been mistaken for many people before, but never for Ayn Rand. That's new, and frankly, I neither resemble her nor care to be confused for her again. :)
-R
Posted by: Ryan Whitley at January 16, 2005 02:40 PM