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February 8, 2007
ELCA disciplinary committee challenges church policy
The Hearing Committee in the trial of Pastor Bradley Schmeling has announced its decision. In that decision, the Hearing Committee called upon the ELCA to change its policy prohibiting clergy from being in committed, same-gender relationships. Pastor Schmeling was charged by the Bishop of the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in 2006 after he told the bishop he had entered into a lifelong, committed relationship, as he promised the bishop he would.
The Hearing Committee in the disciplinary action against Pastor Bradley Schmeling overwhelmingly affirmed the ministry of Pastor Schmeling and challenged the validity of the policy precluding pastors in same-gender relationships saying it is "at least bad policy, and very well may violate the constitution and bylaws of this church." The hearing committee called for the removal of the policy giving two pathways to do so: through the judicial process of the committee on appeals or through the legislative process of the churchwide assembly. Consequently, the hearing committee delayed the effective date of their decision to remove Pastor Schmeling until after the next ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Chicago, August 6–12, 2007.
Emily Eastwood, Executive Director of Lutherans Concerned / North America, said "This decision is courageous and unprecedented in the history of the ELCA. For an official judicial body of the church to call for removal of the discriminatory policy marks a tremendous shift in the ongoing struggle for equality. Pastor Schmeling and St John's presented a compelling case. We are encouraged by this decision. The conversation will now continue, in the hope that the equality LGBT people have in the eyes of God becomes clear in the vision of the church."
Pastor Schmeling has 30 days to decide to submit an appeal. The full text of the decision of the Hearing Committee can be found on St John's website.
For further information
Phil Soucy, Director Communications
703-980-2038
communications@lcna.org
www.lcna.org
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Press conference by Pastor Bradley Schmeling and St John's Lutheran, August 7, 2007, during the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly [Press advisory, August 6, 2007]
Bishop Warren decides to take no further action regarding Pastor Bradley or St John's Lutheran [August 3, 2007]
Public statements made at the press conference at St John's Lutheran, July 5, 2007 [July 12, 2007]
Lutherans Concerned angry and determined following the removal of Pastor Bradley Schmeling from the ELCA clergy roster [July 5, 2007]
St John's Lutheran Church press release: "Pastor Bradley Schmeling Removed from Clergy Roster Immediately by Action of Appeals Committee" [July 5, 2007]
Remarks of Pr Bradley Schmeling, Candidate for Bishop, ELCA Southeastern Synod, June 2, 2007 [June 4, 2007]
Regarding the appeal process in the Schmeling case [May 27, 2007]
Synod Assembly handout: Are we really "living together faithfully" in the midst of our disagreements? [May 3, 2007]
Churchwide Assembly update and request for prayers. [Apr 14, 2007]
Pastor Schmeling appeals the decision of the ELCA Hearing Committee. [Mar 8, 2007]
Memorial templates for the 2007 synod assemblies. [Feb 14, 2007]
Trial of Pastor Bradley Schmeling – the verdict. [Feb 10, 2007]
ELCA disciplinary committee challenges church policy. LC/NA press release. [Feb 8, 2007]
Pastor Bradley Schmeling's letter to the congregation of St John's Lutheran Church. [Feb 8, 2007]
Pastor Bradley Schmeling disciplinary committee challenges church policy. [Feb 8, 2007]
Full text of the decision of the discipline hearing committee. [Feb 8, 2007]
Trial of Pastor Bradley Schmeling – day six epilogue. [Jan 24, 2007]
Trial of Pastor Bradley Schmeling – day five. [Jan 23, 2007]
Returning in the power of the Spirit – sermon by The Rev Gladys Moore. [Jan 22, 2007]
A messy, loving anointing – sermon by The Rev Dr Barbara Lundblad. [Jan 22, 2007]
Trial of Pastor Bradley Schmeling – day four. [Jan 22, 2007]
Trial of Pastor Bradley Schmeling – day three. [Jan 21, 2007]
Trial of Pastor Bradley Schmeling – day two. [Jan 20, 2007]
Trial of Pastor Bradley Schmeling – day one. [Jan 20, 2007]
Trial of Pastor Bradley Schmeling – Thursday night. [Jan 19, 2007]
Trial of Pastor Bradley Schmeling, a preamble. [Jan 18, 2007]
Emily Eastwood on the trial of Pastor Bradley Schmeling. [Jan 18, 2007]
The trial for Pastor Bradley Schmeling gathers. [Jan 18, 2007]
Standing in vigil with St John's Lutheran Church. [Dec 20, 2006]
Update on the Pastor Bradley Schmeling case. [Nov 11, 2006]
"The Policy Is the Problem" Fund is established by St John's Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA, to help defray expenses related to the defense of their pastor. [Aug 24, 2006]
Addresses if you wish to express your thoughts or write about the situation at St John's. [Aug 15, 2006]
Bishop of the Southeastern Synod files formal charges against Pastor Bradley Schmeling for being in a committed same-gender relationship. [August 9, 2006]
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