At its August 2009 churchwide meeting, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) voted as follows:
...to allow congregations that desire: to call a pastor who is in a committed gay or lesbian relationship, and to bless the unions of gay and lesbian persons who are in committed relationships.
This unfortunate decision redefines 2000 years of Biblical Christian interpretation.
The church council and pastors of Holy Ghost Lutheran Church (HGLC) reject this decision of the ELCA and affirm the traditional teaching and practice with respect to homosexuality, which is: to welcome, accept, and love the person, but not bless the behavior.
At the December 2009 Congregational Meeting, 92% of those attending (189-16) voted to hold to the traditional Biblical interpretation of this issue. The Council appointed a Research Task Force to explore what this means for our congregation.
On May 23rd, HGLC took its first congregational vote to disassociate with the ELCA and join another Lutheran denomination that more closely reflects HGLC’s beliefs and practices. The result of this meeting was 388-84 (82%) in favor of leaving.
By constitution, in order to finalize HGLC’s separation with the ELCA, a second meeting and vote, passing by at least 2/3 majority, will need to occur after a waiting period of at least ninety days. This provides appropriate time for prayer, conversation, centering on God’s Word, and remaining humbly on our knees before the Almighty.
| Holy Ghost Lutheran Church will continue to: "Change Lives by Reaching In and Reaching Out in Jesus' Name." |
Please, keep the whole church in your prayers.