The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America made history on May 8 when its Sierra Pacific Synod elected Rev. Megan Rohrer as their bishop, marking the first time an openly transgender person was elevated to the role in a mainline American Christian denomination. Rohrer (they/he), who
Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in
Close on the heels of a similar decision by the Episcopal Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America lifted its ban on calling gay and lesbian pastors and approved of supporting committed, same-sex relationships of church members. The 4.6-million-member ELCA, holding its weeklong Churchwide Assembly
The White House has an oft-overlooked religious ally for solving the country’s social problems through greatly expanded government programs, if a new survey of senior pastors in mainline Protestant churches is a good indication. Republican politicians and commentators have opposed President Obama’s economic stimulus initiatives
“The Church’s Unfinished Sexual Revolution” was the title of an article in the spring 2006 issue of Yale Divinity School’s Reflections magazine. In it longtime Christian ethicist James B. Nelson described some progress in church thinking about sexual ethics, but contended that the church’s agenda
Recently, just as an ecumenical gathering was commencing, a secretary rushed in shouting, “The building is on fire!” The Methodists gathered in a corner and prayed. The Baptists cried, “Where is the water?” The Quakers quietly praised God for blessings that fire brings. The Lutherans
News release CHICAGO — The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) mailed about 18,000 copies of “Journey Together Faithfully, Part Two: The Church and Homosexuality” on Sept. 5 to the pastors and lay leaders of the church. A task force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality
News release The Church Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) transmitted a progress report on the church’s studies on sexuality to the 2003 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. The Church Council is the ELCA’s board of directors and serves as the legislative authority of
To Whom It May Concern: In the darkness of caves, in the shelter of secluded forests and cottages, in the barren deserts, and on the desolate peaks of isolated mountaintops huddled the early Christians. A people, a faith community scorned, ridiculed, and persecuted by those
A sermon delivered at the Lutherans Concerned/Twin Cities worship service Psalms and Lessons (Series C, Seventh Sunday after Pentecost): Psalm 138, Genesis 18:20-32, Colossians 2:6-15, Luke 11:1-13 Offertory: Psalm 84:3-4 Wrestling with the text “Who decided I should preach on August 17th?” That was my