Walking With Integrity: Gay Ministers Take a Stand: Pastors Seek Change in Lutheran Policy

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Gay Ministers Take a Stand: Pastors Seek Change in Lutheran Policy

Confronted with a North American variation on the Church of England's closeted clergy policy...this from our Lutheran brothers and sisters:

By Manya A. Brachear | Tribune religion reporter
9:18 PM CDT, August 7, 2007

Flouting what they call a "don't ask, don't tell" policy, more than 80 gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered Lutheran ministers declared their sexuality on Tuesday in hopes of changing a church rule that excludes gay and lesbian clergy who do not live what the church calls "a chaste life."

"Forcing people to lie and hide lacks integrity for a faith that has as its core message: Tell the truth in public in a way that sets us free," said Rev. Erik Christensen, the pastor of St. Luke's Lutheran Church of Logan Square who is part of the group and one of three Chicago names on the list. "I think this particular moment is pivotal. It really calls the church to accountability for its 'don't ask, don't tell' policy."

Read it all here.

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