By Malin Rising (CP)
STOCKHOLM, Sweden — Sweden's Lutheran church said Monday it had ordained its first openly gay bishop, just two weeks after it gave priests the right to wed same-sex couples. Eva Brunne was ordained as bishop of Stockholm's diocese in a ceremony on Sunday. She lives in a "registered partnership" with another woman, a civil union between gays used in Sweden before same-sex marriages were legalized this year. The couple also has a child. "It is very positive that our church is setting an example here and is choosing me as bishop based on my qualifications, when they also know that they can meet resistance elsewhere," the 55-year-old Brunne told The Associated Press by phone. More here.
A lovely interview with her, can be found here. Our friends at Episcopal Cafe ran the story of her election back in late May, when the election happened.
Congratulations to Bishop Brunne, our hearts and prayers join with you and all those you love and serve.
O God of unchangeable power and eternal light: Look favorably on your whole Church, that wonderful and sacred mystery; by the effectual working of your providence, carry out in tranquillity the plan of salvation; let the whole world see and know that things which were being cast down are being raised up, and things which had grown old are being made new, and that all things are being brought to their perfection by him through whom all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ our Lord; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
(A big thanks to our friend Vincent on facebook, making sure we reported on this story.)
Thanks Rachel - great story.
ReplyDeleteI congratulate Bishop Brunne on her status as the first openly Lesbian Lutheran Bishop of Sweden, and I hope it helps promote understanding. I do, however, regret her comment that she does not believe in the Virgin Birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ. This would mean a denial of The Incarnation, which would reduce the Lutheran Witness to Unitarianism. The Virgin Birth is not an optional element of the Creed.
ReplyDeleteWorse still, this will give ammunition to the ultra-conservatives to attack openly gay clergy in all denominations as teachers of heretical doctrines that undermind the Christian faith. While we all know this is a non-sequitor, they will seek any stick to beat gay understanding and acceptance in mainstream denominations.
Please, Bishop Brunne, reflect upon your statement-if we believe in the miracle of Creation and Resurrection, the Virgin Birth is not contrary to Reason.
God bless you and prosper your ministry.