A couple of days ago I blogged about the ELCA Rite of Reception (I erroneously referred to a Rite of Reconciliation) that will take place tomorrow in St Paul, Minnesota. Three pioneering activists in the ELCA gay clergy movement will be formally welcomed onto the roster of ordained clergy of the ELCA in a festive service in St Paul. St Paul Area ELCA Synod Bishop Peter Rogness will preside.
I have received word that both the press conference before the celebratory service as well as the service itself will be webcast. So, for all of you out there who can’t be present in St Paul, you can watch online. The webcast link is available through the website of St Paul Reformation Lutheran Church. The press conference webcast begins at 1:00 pm on Saturday, September 18th to be followed by the Rite of Reception at 2:00 pm.
Minnesota Public Radio recently interviewed ELCA pastors Ruth Frost and Phyllis Zillhart in a piece entitled, Lesbian clergy once expelled, now embraced. The full interview is available online in both voice and text format. Of course, the Saturday Rite of Reception will welcome this lesbian couple onto the roster of ELCA ordained clergy along with Pastor Anita Hill. The interview is excellent, and I commend you to clickthrough to read the full text or to listen to the imbedded audio. What follows are quoted highlights.
Ruth Frost and Phyllis Zillhart didn’t set out to be revolutionaries. But their determination to serve the church as openly gay pastors accomplished what only two decades ago many thought impossible.
Zillhart and Frost met at Luther Seminary in St. Paul in 1984. Zillhart was 27 and fulfilling her childhood dream of becoming a Lutheran minister. She said she hadn’t yet come to terms with her sexuality.
Due to the restrictive ELCA policies then in place, Zillhart was forced to choose between her call to the ministry and her love of another. She brought Frost, her partner, to a meeting with the bishop of the St Paul Area Synod, Lowell Erdahl (now well known as a strong advocate for LGBT clergy in the ELCA), and explained that she could not accept her call because of her relationship with Frost. In the interview with MPR, Zillhart poignantly spoke of that meeting:
“I said, I just can’t live this fractured life that’s cutting me off from the source of integrity, joy, and meaningfulness in this ministry, and it’s sabotaging this relationship”.
Five years later, St Francis Lutheran Church of San Francisco extended a joint call to the lesbian couple despite facing official ELCA censure and ultimately expulsion. See my earlier post for full details including an historic video of those heady days twenty years ago when Frost and Zillhart, along with gay man Jeff Johnson, received extraordinary calls to the ministry. It was the height of the AIDS crisis, and their ministry to the gay community in San Francisco …
was sacred ground, walking the valley of the shadow, and having come from a place of my own sense of feeling previously hidden, disempowered, caught in my own shame,” she said. “At that time there really still was a shame message being given, that you were sick, or evil, or wrong somehow in God’s eyes.”
Their message to AIDS victims was simple. “We’re not here to pity you. You are loved and cherished and respected.”
Since returning to Minnesota five years ago, Pastors Frost and Zillhart have continued to minister to the dying as hospice chaplains.
Again, it is a compelling article, and I encourage you to read or listen to it in its entirety.
I am happy for these women who are able to fulfill their lifelong dream. However, I think the more publicity this is given, the more the ELCA membership , especially in rural areas, will use it as an excuse to leave the ELCA. If this reinstatement were done in a quieter way, I think the church would benefit. With our going to the UCC church, nobody in the LCMC church seems to realize that their gay and lesbian pastors have the same priviledge. I am just saying that it was my husband’s childhood church, and no body seems to know the difference.
Lilly, I appreciate your perspective. But publicizing the Rite of Reception also provides signs of hope and encouragement for many people across the ELCA and around the world. There are many folks–in cities, in suburbs, in rurual areas–who need to SEE that those who say all are welcome to share in the full life of the church actually mean it. Particularly for those who want and need a welcoming ELCA congregation, but who don’t live near one, such coverage is enormously important. And, too, there are countless others who are not part of any church community who desperately need to see and hear about the good news happening within the ELCA. In my view, it is not good stewardship of our shared ministries (much less the truth of what’s going on in the ELCA ovearll) to let the negative news about congregations leaving the ELCA dominate.
@Tim Fisher
Yes and no. Right now within 12 miles of me there are 3 ELCA churches that have taken their first votes. A number of others in neighboring towns have already defected. Here in Clintonville , the little ELCA SAWC is struggling but holding on. Possibly the publicity wouldn’t make any difference. With NALC just starting up and LCMC getting good local press in this area It is going to be hard to find a welcoming ELCA church without going to the cities. The closest cities are Green Bay 40 miles, Appleton, 35 miles and Wausau 50 some miles. In Madison 100+ miles and Milwaukee 80+ miles there are welcoming churches. In this area recently a Catholic boy wanted to start a LGBT group at his school. I read his obituary that he had died unexpectedly. All I am saying is that right now might now be the right time to publicize the gay adgenda. The issue is still a very hot one around here.
This is the time to give as much publicity to the ELCA Rite of Reconciliation (Reception ?) as we possibly can, precisely so that everyone will know that a 2% minority who takes the position that they are terribly offended, can’t scare or silence the 98% who have decided that the justice pleaded for in the whole Bible is to be enacted right here, right now.
Maybe it’s just me, but I keep seeing strong reminders of the 1960’s civil rights struggle in this new refreshing openness in the ELCA regarding receiving, or being reconciled to, our GLBT sisters and brothers who wish nothing more than to be ELCA pastors. We all can see that the hysterical rantings of the anti-civil rights groups of 50 years ago have all proven to be false. The sky didn’t fall down on us. The massive civil rights changes did occur – and are irreversible. In my prayers I pray that much the same thing will happen with regard to this matter. Fifty years from now, or even five years from now, the changes will have been fully implemented, the sky will not have fallen on us, and life will have moved on.
As for the very unhappy 2% (or less) it seems fair and just that they exercise their freedom to quietly depart if this is all that important to them. As for me and my house, we rather like what has happened and we’re not going anywhere.
@Keith Homstad
Your claim of 98% supporting the changes in the ELCA is obviously false.
It is true that only a small number of churches have chosen to disaffiliate from the ELCA. But that does not mean all the people in every remaining church necessarily supports these changes. There are many churches which are not able to garner the 66% needed to vote to leave. Many are split much more closely to 50-50. Even out of the churches who have voted to leave, very few were unanimous. And there are a large number of churches who have chosen to stay ELCA, but have passed resolutions saying they will not call a gay pastor or perform partnering ceremonies.
A majority of congregations may be staying, but don’t pretend like that means there is 100% support from them or their members. To do so is disingenuous and false.
@Zach
I agree. This publicity will only add fuel to the fire. If these pastors can take their place quietly and orderly, it will help the cause of the church but if it is crammed down people’s throats, I fear we haven’t heard the last of this issue. Even now it seems that some of the gay advocates act like it is a big joke. – Video of the 7 who were reinstalled. God will not be mocked but He may go along with us to help our hurting people come to Him.
@Lilly
I have to disagree with Lilly. This is definitely something we should NOT underplay or sweep under the rug because we might offend someone who is already hot and bothered about leaving the ELCA. And quite frankly, I would rather use this as a beacon to GLBTQ Christians that are floating without a church because too many caveats have been placed on “acceptance” as in the following:
we love you, but don’t flaunt your gayness here…
We’ll accept you as long as you repent for your sins for being gay.
We love you, but hate your sins of homosexuality.
We’ll accept you if you repent your sins.
Come to our church so we can help you overcome your same “same sex attraction.”
You’re welcome here, but don’t ever teach Sunday School, serve on the council or any committee.
You’re welcome…as long as you sit in the back and not anywhere near our family.
If the Rite of Reception brings one lost GLBTQ Christian to the church that is starving for spiritual care, then it is a victory.
Lilly refers to a local GLBTQ boy who desperately tried to start a support network but died unexpectedly. What is obituary didn’t include was WHY he died unexpectedly. Was he the vicitim of harassment and bullying to the point where he couldn’t take the pain any longer that death was his only way out?
Gay teens bear the brunt of homophobia in America–at school, targets of the media, home, church, etc.* In one study 80% report verbal insults, 44% have been threatened with physical violence, 31% were chased or followed and 17% were victims of physical violence.
And if you want to talk about isolation and intimidation, they often have very little resources to turn to for help. They can be rejected by peers, teachers, family and clergy. It is not surprising the suicide rate of GLBTQ teens is higher that their heterosexual peers.
So getting back to Celebrating the Rite of Reception. I say do it loud and proud. If it can save one life of a GLBTQ individual suffering in silence by proclaiming, without any hesitation, that the ELCA is a safe haven where you can come, find perosnal and spiritual healing, where we accept you regardless of your sexual identity, then we have done the right thing.
And on the flipside, I personally don’t give two rips if the Rite of Reception offends anyone. They already have reasons they want to leave, and if this is the tipping point, that they cannot stomach the thought of celebrating a GLBTQ pastor’s welcome to the Church and that is why they want out, I certainly hope the door doesn’t hit them in the posterior on the way out. I have no time or patience for that type of selfishness and intolerance. There are plenty of intolerant and myopic organizations that will welcome them with open arms.
That said, this is one of the reasons I am proud that my daughters are being raised as ELCA Lutherans.
@Kelly
Kelly, you certainly have a right to your opinion and I don’t object if there is recognition of this rite especially in the LGBT press. Now I am less angry with what happened here in Clintonville. I have talked to a number of people from Christus who honestly believe there could be a lawsuit if they didn’t accept a gay pastor– which was discussed here recently. However, I woke up this morning with the words of WOV 684 going through my head “Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness calling abd free —–” May we continue to work together in our own communities to address the craziness out there. Peace !
As someone who is suffering the consequence of a congregation leaving the ELCA as a result of the CWA vote I totally disagree that these receptions should be quiet and held under the radar as though we were embarrassed about it. I’m losing my call here whether or not there is a celebration – so I’d much rather people who have something to celebrate – CELEBRATE!
@pastor joelle
I just read your blog. I love the pictures of your cats. We have three. I am currently attending- but haven’t formally joined the local UCC church. Your situation sounds a lot like the lady pastor at the UCC church. She is attempting to lead a congregation that is refusing to make changes. This year they aren’t even going to have a Sunday School because there are only 2 children who come occasionally. Does your area have a group of ELCA Lutherans who want to stay with the synod ?
@pastor joelle
I hope that the folks there will be as gracious as two situations that I know of here in WI. The congregations voted to leave; the pastors indicated they would not be going. The congregations told the pastor that he (in one case)/ she (in the other) were welcome to continue to serve as long as they preached the Gospel as they had always done until they were able to secure an ELCA call. Both have now moved to new calls.
I will keep your call processes in prayer. It is a maddening process in the best of times. Blessings
TS
Um, no. I have not been made that offer.
@KeithThe last poll before the vote in 2009 placed the percentage of laity as opposed to the changes at 55%. Give or take a margin for error of 5%, that means half to 60% of the laity opposed the actions of CWA 2009. Even if it was only half that, the belief that 98% of ELCA Lutherans approve of the changes has no basis in reality.
Congregations splitting, members leaving, pastors losing calls are only part of the fallout. Until membership rolls are taken in 2011 or 2012 (annual figures lag behind by one year in the ECLA), we will have NO clue of the true fallout.
True, right now only 2% of churches have left, but that is not the barometer, as indicated here before.
I agree with Jeff. I think we are just hoping that everything goes ok and the issue dies down so we don’t have to deal with it. That does not mean we are 98% behind it.
Is 98% of the ELCA behind the “norm” of weekly communion? Sadly, no. I think 98% of the ELCA being behind much of anything would be something of a miracle. There are people in my own progressive congregation who don’t agree with the decisions, but they feel (as you mentioned last week, Jeff) that there is mission work to do, and that is what ought to occupy our minds and time.
Prayers for you, Joelle. What a tough situation.
Jeff, what poll are you referring to?
@Tim
Sorry, poll was the wrong word. It was one of the survey responses sent out before the 2009 vote. Since the ELCA was studying this for the past 15 years or so , I am not sure which one it was, but I think it was a survey in 2006 or 2007. Again, it was laypeople responding.
My point was even if the responses were half accurate (28% instead of 56%), it is a far more significant number than 2%. Given of what I have heard in my own synod and several neighboring ones about the the amount of conflict in parishes, the percentage of laity opposed to changes seems to be more significant than first thought.
When the sexual statement study started 15 or so years ago, several of the families in the ELCA church I was attending left and started a WELS church. That seemed to be that the church was even mentioning sex. So far as the surveys that went out, I think I answered one but wondered if anyone would care.
@Jeff
No one can say you’re not persistent. You seem to relish the role of pointing out the level of pain in the ELCA; lest anyone suggest that we’re actually doing quite well, thank you, and you’ll be there with your poll (nee, survey) or local anecdotes, if all else fails, to twist the knife.
And what does the pain prove? You seem to imply that the greater the pain, the greater the error of CWA09. I think not; I think it merely measures human childishness–“since we didn’t get our way, we’ll make it uncomfortable for those who did; that’ll show ’em. They’ll soon wish they had listened to us.”
I have to wonder why trying to correct such an absurb comment as – the 2% (or less)… would be viewed as stirring the pot. I come back to the 4 “valid” stances as documented in the Social Statement, covering most of the spectrum of belief. Those of us who are in the ELCA for the long haul, despite our disagreemnt with the treatemnt of this issue, have the obligation to keep reality in front of our congregations. Not for selfish, childish reasons, but so our congregations and ultimitly denomination can continue to consider and prayerfully study the future of how we love and accept ALL. This is not a “done” issue by any means, though more and more I get the feeling that those in dissent are not taking their ball and going home – but are hearing the opinion of, if you don’t agree, then there is the door.
@jon
I’m not sure why you consider the 2% comment to be absurd since it is simple math based on the number of congregations that have successfully voted to leave to date. Will there be more? Of course. Are there congregations that will stay that are conflicted? Of course. Are the departures of congregations and members and monetary support painful? Of course. But don’t call actual, current statistical data “absurd”.
Not a “done” issue? If by this comment you mean there is a liklihood or even a chance that the ELCA will reverse its ministry policies again and go back to excluding committed gays from the ministry, I suggest that is delusional or wishful thinking. At the spring synod assemblies, only a handful even considered the issue and fewer still passed resolutions urging reconsideration. And what about those who have left the ELCA? If the numbers are as significant as some are wont to claim, then the influence of gay clergy opponents has diminished accordingly.
Jon, I respect your decision to stay in the ELCA despite your disagreement with the ministry policies, but I’m not sure what the “reality” is that you feel you must present to your congregation.
@Obie Holmen
You are going to think this is childish and it probably is, but this rite was held in a RIC congregation of the ELCA . There is also LC/NA. Are they identifying themselves on their church signs so LGBT folks know where they will be welcome?
@Lilly
Yes, indeed, this RIC congregation and others are intentional in their open and affirming attitude toward gays. Websites, signage, and word of mouth express words of welcome to the gay community.
Good question.
In this area there is a gay couple who is looking for an open and affirming church. They called the UCC churches but the local ones are not O&A. I haven’t seen any ELCA churches in this area associated with RIC or LC/NA.
@Lilly
I went on a search and found ONA UCC churches in Green Bay and in Oshkosh. I haven’t checked other denominations. I am interested in where these people can go and feel welcome.
My grandson is going in the military next week and has been going through all the tests leading up to it. When I asked if he had told them he had been on ADD meds, or any other thing that might be controversial , he just says “Don’t ask, don’t tell.” So far as I know he is straight . It was his dad who transgendered. Maybe right now “Don’t ask, Don’t tell” is still the norm for churches that haven’t come “out”.
Lilly,
I encourage you to contact me at admin@lcna.org. I can help you look for the nearest RIC congregation so you can pass that info on to your friends. Or, alternatively, go here
http://www.lcna.org/ric/ric-congregations-list
to use our handy-dandy search tool.
Thanks,
Tim Fisher
Lutherans Concerned/North America
Thank you for any of you who prayed for my grandson. He is going in the army tomorrow in spite of totaling his car Sat. Night. Seat belts do help.
Glad to hear he is ok, Lilly. Prayers for his continued safety as he serves our country.