April 17, 2008

In memoriam of Krister Stendahl

Krister Stendahl, 1921–2008

Krister Stendahl, pastor, bishop, teacher, theologian, and former Dean of the Faculty of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School, died at the age of 86 following several years of illness. He was a stalwart advocate for full inclusion of LGBT people in the life of the church he so loved.

Indeed, it was he who first used "extra ordinem" and "extraordinary" to describe the ordinations of Ruth Frost, Phyllis Zilhart, and Jeff Johnson in 1990. Stendahl, then the Myra and Robert Kraft and Jacob Hiatt Distinguished Professor of Christian Studies at Brandeis University, wrote celebrating St Francis Lutheran and First United Lutheran congregations for the courage to call openly gay and lesbian pastors.

In a letter to the three ordinands, he said "Since I cannot be with you at your ordination which — it seems — must take place 'extra ordinem,' I want to send you a greeting affirming my conviction that the steps that your congregations and you are taking stand well before God."

In 2001, in keeping with his commitment to the Gospel that is all inclusive, he was able to be present for the "extra ordinem" ordination of Anita Hill, who was called to serve at St Paul-Reformation Lutheran in St Paul, Minnesota. Emily Eastwood reports that on the day of the ordination she asked Stendahl what he wished to be addressed as publicly, given his many titles. He paused and said with a twinkle in his eye, "Today, given what is about to happen here, you must address me as Bishop."

All three congregations were punished for their actions: St Francis and First United were removed from the ELCA; St Paul-Reformation was censured.

Dean of the Harvard Faculty of Divinity from 1968 to 1979, he was known for his skill in guiding that institution through a transformation to a more diverse student body, faculty and curriculum, with "an astute, sometimes blunt decisiveness that was tempered by his wry humor and his enormous gift for listening, which were part of a complete, and consistent, pastoral presence," as Harvard reports.

While Bishop of Stockholm from 1984–1988, he became known as a reformer on women's ordination, the relationship of the church and the state, as well as continuing to advocate for gay and lesbian rights.

Lutherans Concerned / North America celebrates the life and prophetic witness of Krister Stendahl and joins in the prayers of consolation for his family and friends at his passing. He will always be a bright light in the firmament of those committed to full inclusion of all God's people in the life of God's church.

A memorial service is planned for Friday, May 16, at 3 pm in Harvard's Memorial Church. See Harvard Divinity School's website, for their comments on his life and service.