As I read the text of a 40 Days of Love sermon this week, I was struck by the distinction Rick Warren makes between accepting people and approving of people. This seems to me to be the crux of the matter as we discuss this difficult issue of Christian morality.  Jesus is our example. The gospel of John relates the story of the woman caught in adultery.  He did not condemn her. He loved her and accepted her, but he did not approve of her behavior, and in fact he instructed her to go and sin no more.

The Philosophy of Ministry for our church spells out several guiding principles which should inform our behavior and our policies. 

We believe that everyone is welcome at St. Mark, even sinners. Especially sinners.

We believe that love changes people. Unconditional love and acceptance are the means or grace, if you will, that God uses to change the hearts of sinners.

We believe that everyone has something to offer. For these core reasons we need to unconditionally accept homosexuals (practicing and non practicing) into our worship and welcome them into our fellowship, loving and accepting them as they are.

            The same Philosophy of Ministry statement also proclaims that we believe the scriptures are the inspired word of God, and the highest authority in all matters of faith and life.  The Bible (particularly the New Testament) does not condemn homosexual orientation, but it does clearly proscribe homosexual behavior. (cf: Romans 1:24-32,

I Cor. 6:9-10, I Tim. 1:10.) Additionally the scripture in Romans 1:32 condemns those who approve those who practice homosexuality.  For these reasons it is the firm conviction of my conscience that we can neither condone nor approve the behavior of practicing homosexuals, nor should we allow them to serve in paid leadership positions of our church.

            We as a committee have discussed these issues at length and have not been able to reach a consensus that we might offer a recommendation to the council and to the congregation.   Most recently we were told it is not legal for our church to formulate a document that would discriminate against practicing gays, or exclude them from employment on that basis, and that the adoption of such a document would leave our church vulnerable to lawsuits.

            The hiring of a pastor, intern, musician, or other paid staff is a very thoughtful, intentional, and prayerful decision.  It is also a very subjective decision based to a large extent on the needs and values of the church and of the group making the hiring decision. 

While it may be illegal for a calling committee to discriminate on the basis of  theology, or morality, it is unlikely the church would call a practicing Muslim to serve as pastor, a registered pedophile to serve as youth director, or a practicing alcoholic to serve as intern. It seems to me therefore that rather than draw up a public document which breaks the law and makes us vulnerable to prosecution, it may be wiser to trust the wisdom of our leadership and future leadership to make a good decision on a case by case basis. 

A couple of years ago several of our members left our church as a way of expressing protest against the direction they perceived our national  church was headed on this issue of homosexuality.  They were strong members, and faithful Christians trying to live out their authentic response to the gospel. I was sorry to see them go, and they were sorry to go.  My advice to them was this. If you stay in the church, you can work for change, and you may be able to persuade others of your point of view, and you may help chart the future course of our church.  On the other hand, if you leave, you will lose both your voice and your vote in this church, and the moral position you advocate will become weaker by your absence. This is also my advice I give to our St. Mark.

           Some churches have left the ELCA in protest; others are withholding or redirecting their giving to as a way of expressing their disagreement with the recent sexuality decision.  My council as your pastor is to do neither. I have not lost hope for our church. My advice is that we should stay in the church stay in the ELCA. In this way, retaining both our vote and our voice, we can work and pray for change from within as the loyal opposition.

                                                                        Your brother in Christ,

                                                                                Pastor Jay