MLP celebrates with Goodsoil in the elimination of the ban in the ELCA

For Immediate Release, August 21, 2009
Media Contact:  Phil Soucy, 703-980-2038, communications@lcna.org

Lutherans Concerned/North America celebrates the passage today of the Recommendation on Ministry Policies at the biennial churchwide assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  This action eliminates the 20-year-old ban against ministers in same-gender relationships.

Emily Eastwood, Executive Director of Lutherans Concerned/North America, said "Today I am proud to be a Lutheran.  Supporters and advocates of full inclusion have longed for this day since the inception of the ELCA, and for many of us what seemed like a lifetime. The ELCA has always had gay ministers, now those and all ministers are free to claim who they are and to have the love and support of a lifelong partner, regardless of orientation or gender identity, which is all we ever asked.  Policy change is a beginning not the end.  We need to change practice as well as policy.  Discrimination will diminish over time now.  We pledge to work with the church, including with those who would oppose us, for reconciliation to fulfill our collective mission to spread the love of Christ for the sake of the world."

For the first time, the church has recognized the centrality of family in the lives of its LGBT ministers and made provision for the service in ministry of those ministers in committed, lifelong, same-gender relationships, ending the discriminatory two-tier system of the past and holding all ministers to the same high standard in their relationships.

At the same time, the church has demonstrated an understanding of the necessity for the bound consciences of its members to be respected by all.  Congregations that wish to call a qualified minister in a committed, long-term, same gender relationship may do so without hindrance.  And, congregations that do not wish to do so cannot be required to ever do so.

The member organizations of Goodsoil commit themselves to providing resources and assistance within the church to aid the work of full inclusion as the church seeks to recognize and celebrate the contributions of all its ministers regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

About Goodsoil:

Goodsoil is a collaboration of organizations working for the full inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families in the full ministerial and sacramental life of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).  Goodsoil works to reconcile our church's policies and practices regarding same-gender marriage, blessings of covenanted unions, and the rostering of partnered LGBT ministers, harmonizing these with our shared values of faith, trust, commitment, monogamy, mutuality, and dignity.  Goodsoil is comprised of Lutherans Concerned/North America (www.lcna.org), The Network for Full Inclusion (www.inclusivenet.com), and Wingspan Ministry (www.stpaulref.org/wingspan).

Phil Soucy
Director Communications LC/NA
communications@lcna.org