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 <http://www.grandforks.com/images/common/spacer.gif>       Posted on Sun, Sep. 26, 2004    <http://www.grandforks.com/images/common/spacer.gif>

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MINNESOTA: Gay pastor ordination leads to sanction by ELCA

 

 

Associated Press

 

 

MINNEAPOLIS - Two months after Bethany Lutheran Church ordained an openly gay man as a minister, the church is being sanctioned by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

 

Associate pastor Jay Wiesner, who was ordained July 25 and installed as Bethany's associate pastor Aug. 1, said he anticipated the sanction.

 

"It saddens me that the church is being censured, but I think we expected it because we broke the guidelines," Wiesner, 31, told the Star Tribune on Friday. "I'm sad they had to do something, but we understand why this is taking place."

 

Under the policy of the Chicago-based ELCA, anyone in a same-sex relationship cannot be ordained unless they remain celibate.

 

Bishop Craig Johnson of the ELCA Minneapolis Synod said in a letter Friday that he was "censuring and admonishing" the church, but said he would not take any disciplinary action until the ELCA can vote on two key issues.

 

Johnson said he had asked Bethany Lutheran not to ordain Wiesner at least until after the ELCA had decided whether to ordain those who are gay and in committed relationships, and whether there should be a rite for the blessing of same-sex relationships. The ELCA could vote on those issues next year at its churchwide assembly in Orlando, Fla.

 

In his letter, Johnson said the congregation had "willfully disregarded" his request.

 

"You pre-empted the ELCA's process by your decision," Johnson wrote. "This has put ordained leaders in our synod and the larger church in a difficult position with their congregations.

 

"You have broken an important and vital covenant with your fellow congregations."

 

Wiesner, who previously was Bethany's pastoral minister for outreach, said he has received nothing but "overwhelming support" from the congregation since his ordination.

 

"There are many gay and lesbian clergy who are unable to serve, and many are doing so in the closet, which is sad," Wiesner said. "Bethany has come to a conclusion that they want to be a positive influence in this process, with the hopes that the ELCA will move forward."

 

The Rev. Steven Benson, Bethany's pastor, said Johnson's action against the church could have been more harsh. The letter represents a healthy compromise, he said.

 

"He's crafted his response in such a way that we can continue to do ministry and mission while still remaining under the disapproval of the ELCA," said Benson. "He chose something in the middle. At least he didn't disband us."

 

 

 

 

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