August 3, 2007

Bishop Warren decides to take no further action regarding Pastor Bradley or St John's Lutheran

The following statement was released by the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA:

August 2, 2007

A Pastoral Letter regarding the Bradley Schmeling disciplinary case and St. John's Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA

Dear friends in Christ,

After much prayer, it is my decision not to take any further action regarding the Bradley Schmeling disciplinary case and/or any action against St. John's Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA. A few days ago I shared this decision with Bishop-elect H. Julian Gordy and this evening shared the news with St. John's Executive Committee and Bradley.

As most of you know, I will be leaving the Office of Bishop of the Southeastern Synod August 31, 2007. I have requested that St. John's leadership be in contact with Bishop-elect Gordy, who assumes office September 1, 2007.

In the blessed name of the risen Lord Jesus,

Ronald B. Warren
Bishop
ELCA-Southeastern Synod

In response to the statement, Emily Eastwood, Executive Director, Lutherans Concerned / North America, said, "Bishop Warren's decision is welcome, and it raises again the substantive question of inequities in enforcement of the constitutional and policy requirements of this church.

"Pastors, like Bradley Schmeling, continue to be removed from the roster of ELCA clergy because of who they love. These pastors, though beloved by their congregations, violate a policy which is outside the constitution. At the same time some congregations, even in the same synods, which have violated one or more requirements of the ELCA constitution, including those that withhold benevolence or retain a pastor no longer on the clergy roster, are not disciplined.

"The 'honor bound' bishop who enforces policies precluding pastors in committed same-gender relationships of fidelity, mutuality and respect, at the same time, may, 'for the sake of the Gospel,' choose no action when a congregation blatantly violates a constitutional standard.

"There is only one solution to the 'honor bound / for the sake of the Gospel' dilemma and that is policy change. The ELCA has been battling this question for the last 20 years. At the churchwide assembly next week, the church will have another chance to bring honor and the Gospel together by eliminating discrimination.

"We continue to pray for Pastor Schmeling, St John's, Bishop Warren, Bishop-elect Julian Gordy, and LGBT Lutherans – ministers and laity, partnered and single. We also pray for the voting members and visitors to the Churchwide Assembly and the bishops, officers and staff of the ELCA. We pray that justice rooted in Gospel will prevail."