The ELCA promises not to force congregations to take ministers they don't want

You can see the comment below posted here. It’s dated October 1 at 8:27 p.m.. I wanted to make a few observations.

Anonymous said …
What happens when we have gay bishops, like the Episcopalians? That is the next step, and then churches will not have a choice, or if they do, they will be looked down upon as "discriminating."

I happen to know folks who have met Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson and if you want to know more about this truly spiritual man, I suggest you view the documentary, “For the Bible Tells Me So.” I have but one copy, so I can only lend it out to one person at a time.  Unfortunately, with regard to your second point, there is a sense within the religious community that this indeed may already be happening.  There is a completely different attitude now among some when Community of Joy is mentioned.

Anonymous said …
Reality is that the whole ballgame changed. Will La Casa be opened to litigation and being sued for NOT interviewing a gay candidate?

I cannot answer this question.  It is best left to the legal types.  However, I repeat that nowhere in the decision is La Casa forced to hire or even interview a gay candidate.  The decisions leave that avenue open for those who are open to being served by a gay minister in a committed relationship.

Anonymous said …
They can say there is no "forcing", but reality is that the traditionalists who remain in ELCA will be few and far between.

Only time can tell us the answer to that, but my research leads me to believe otherwise. Again, out of 10,000 congregations, lets argue that even as many as 20% leave.  That is still an awful lot of ELCA congregations with which to continue the ELCA legacy.

Thank you for your comments.  Please remember to be present and vote your conscience at the NOVEMBER 7 CONGREGATIONAL MEETING.  Yours in service to Christ, Tom.