Reconciling Works

In pastoral letters, policy statements, and other forms of witness, Lutheran bishops and other leaders have spoken out in favor of marriage equality and/or against changing state constitutions to prevent marriage equality.

Pastoral Letters

Bishop Thomas Aitken, Northeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA

Bishop David Brauer-Rieke, Oregon Synod, ELCA

Former Bishop Peter Rogness, Saint Paul Area Synod, ELCA

Bishop Lawrence Wohlrabe, Northwestern Minnesota Synod, ELCA

Statements in Support of Marriage Equality

Bishop Chris Boerger, former bishop of Northwest Washington Synod, ELCA (now ELCA Secretary)

Bishop Wayne Miller, Metropolitan Chicago Synod, ELCA

Former Bishop Roy Riley, Jr., New Jersey Synod, ELCA

Bishop Ann Svennungsen, Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA

Bishop Richard Graham, Metropolitan DC Synod, ELCA

Statements on Church Policy

California Bishops, Sierra Pacific, Southwest California, Pacifiaca Synods, ELCA

Synod Council of the New England Synod, ELCA

Former Bishop Margaret Payne, New England Synod, ELCA

Bishop Robert Rimbo, Metropolitan New York Synod, ELCA

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC)

 

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Pastoral Letters

Bishop Thomas Aitken

Letter from Bishop Tom Aitken, Northeastern Minnesota Synod

Former Bishop Peter Rogness

On April 23, 2012, Peter Rogness, bishop of the Saint Paul Area Synod (ELCA), sent a pastoral letter to the synod. Please see the letter in its entirety. Below are found some excerts.

On pastoral leadership:
“We look to those we call into the public leadership of the church–bishops and others–to offer teaching that is grounded in the Scripture and the theology of our tradition. Our moral teaching ought to build up the faith and witness of the body, not to demand obedience or compliance. However, we do look to pastors to connect the faith and life, looking to Scripture as authority and valuing what Martin Luther called the “mutual conversation and consolation of the saints” —in other words, listening well to each other.”

On marriage:
“No matter what position various churches may take on the amendment, we should stand together to undergird and support the gift of marriage and the importance of stable families for children and society. Marriage preparation, marriage enrichment, marriage counseling–these have been and will continue to be mainstays of the church’s ministry. But it is now widely accepted that same-gender attraction is not a choice, it’s an orientation, and “marriage” between two same-gender partners only seeks to provide the same depth and richness in their relationships as good marriages do among heterosexual couples. If anything, more open support for same-gender, life-long committed relationship (which is the nature of the relationships acknowledged by the ELCA 2009 statement) enhances stability in our society by including the homosexual community in its affirmation. affirmation. . . . Allowing for the possibility of life-long, committed same-gender relationships poses no threat to faithful heterosexual marriage or healthy settings for our children.”

On the proposed constitutional amendment limiting marriage freedoms in Minnesota:
“I do not support this amendment that prohibits the marriage of same-gender couples. I believe such a position is consistent with the work our church has done on these matters. We recognize that neither our church nor our society is of one mind. Our church has said both understandings and practices should continue to exist, side-by-side, both held by the conscience of faithful people. We affirm differing patterns of ministry and response to same gender couples. Some congregations have seen it as faithful and appropriate to offer support to what we have called “publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships.” This amendment would appear to preclude these congregations from offering that ministry and that support. More broadly, the amendment removes the possibility of our coming to an increased understanding of and support for such life-long, committed same-gender relationships as a society. It puts into the constitution one view which denies equal treatment to some couples under the law. I don’t believe it is either a conclusion to which our social statement leads us or a compassionate way for us to shape human community in this state.”

Please see the letter in its entirety.

Bishop Lawrence Wohlrabe

On May 4, 2012, Lawrence Wohlrabe, bishop of the Northwestern Minnesota Synod (ELCA), sent a pastoral letter to the synod. Below are some excerpts. See the full text of the letter here.

“I would like to clarify what our church body has said about this matter in our 2009 social statement, Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. I hope to offer a thoughtful contribution to this debate that might inform ELCA members as they discern and discuss with one another and with other citizens of [Minnesota].

“As members of a church body that has committed itself to respecting one another’s consciences in this less-than-ultimate matter, we will want to avoid making comments or claims that effectively deny others the opportunity to disagree with us”

“As we draw upon the resources of our faith, we also exercise our reason—another one of God’s good gifts. So, let me share some questions I am pondering as I prepare to vote in November—questions that arise from my own reasoned attempt to understand the issue:

• Why exactly have Minnesotans been asked to consider this constitutional amendment at this time? Given the fact that same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in our state (by virtue of a state law already on the books), why did state legislators believe it important to still bring forward this constitutional amendment? What are the behind-the-scenes political issues and realities in all of this?

• Is it wise for people of Minnesota to decide such questions via constitutional amendments rather than the political process that involves all three branches of our state government (the Legislature, the Governor, and the Supreme Court)?

• Is this constitutional amendment really only about marriage? Does the phrase “shall be valid” (in the proposed amendment) indicate that the amendment, if passed, could preclude any consideration of future legislation allowing for domestic partnerships or civil unions for same-gender partners in Minnesota? Could the “shall be valid” phrase be invoked in the future to deny certain rights that gay and lesbian citizens of our state already enjoy?” 

See the full text of the letter here.

 

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Statements in Support of Marriage Equality

Former Bishop Chris Boerger (currently Secretary of the ELCA)

Bishop Chris Boerger, ELCA Northwest Washington Synod, testified on January 23, 2012, at a public hearing of the Washington State Senate Committee on Government Operations and Tribal Relations & Elections, saying that he was in favor of LGBT couples being able to have legally-recognized marriages that are equal in the state. Bp Boerger’s statement to the hearing:

“Mr. Chairman, I am Chris Boerger, the bishop of the Northwest Washington Synod of the Evangelical Church in America. In 2009 the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted to commit itself to find ways to allow congregations who choose to do so to support and hold publicly accountable lifelong monogamous same gender relationships. That’s quite a mouthful: publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships. One of the people who had questions about our doing this said, ‘Bishop, isn’t that marriage?’ And my response is, ‘Well, in everything but name.’ The reality is, the Lutheran church has always held that it is the state that defines what marriage is; it’s the church that then blesses people who enter into that relationship. We have now stated our desire to bless those who are publicly accountable in lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships. We can’t call it marriage–you can. That’s why I am here today to say there will be those in my church who will not participate; we understand that freedom. There are those who want to, and we ask for that freedom.”

ReconcilingWorks Executive Director Emily Eastwood said, “We thank Bp. Boerger for his courageous witness. His statement reflects the fine line of the ELCA social statement which allows freedom of choice for those pastors and congregations wishing to perform marriages for same-gender couples in states where such are legal. The Northwest Washington Synod has long supported full participation for LGBT people in the life of church and society. Bp. Boerger’s statements reflect the views already expressed by the synod. Nevertheless, by taking these views to the legislature and, therefore, into the media, Bp. Boerger has acted for justice. Our thanks are due.”

Bishop Wayne Miller

On February 12, 2013, Bishop Wayne Miller of the Metropolitan Chicago Synod sent letters to the Illinois Governor and legislative leaders in support of the Religious Freedom and Marriage Fairness Act. This bill, if passed, will make Illinois the tenth state to legally recognize and support the loving commitments and family relationships of all couples.

The letter included a copy of the synod’s 2012 resolution, which had received overwhelming assembly support and had empowered Bishop Miller to communicate “that the Metropolitan Chicago Synod, meeting in Assembly, urges the Illinois Legislature and Governor to extend the protections and dignity of marriage to all persons and to protect the freedom of religion for all faith communities and religious organizations.”

In his letter, Bishop Miller indicated that the Synod Assembly is the highest governing authority in the synod, which geographically comprises Cook, DuPage, Kane, and Lake counties, and includes voting members from 200 congregations representing 100,000 baptized members. He was presenting the resolution for the attention of the lawmakers “in the hope that it will assist you in making a wise and just decision concerning the pending legislation to permit marriage for same-gender couples in our state.”

Previously, Bishop Miller had added his signature to that of 300 other clergy in an open letter to lawmakers supporting the bill, and has signed on as bishop to the amicus brief in the judicial challenge for the freedom to marry.

Former Bishop Roy Riley, Jr.

Roy Riley, Jr., bishop of the New Jersey Synod, ELCA, and two other faith leaders wrote a letter in support of the marriage of same-gender couples, published by NJ.com on February 14, 2012.

A faith-based case for marriage equality
By Mark M. Beckwith, Matthew D. Gewirtz and E. Roy Riley Jr.

In making it clear that he will veto the marriage equality bill now making its way through the state Legislature, Gov. Chris Christie has ensured that the debate over the morality of gay and lesbian relationships will be with us for months to come.

As representatives of faith traditions that struggled for decades with this issue, we know that attitudes about homosexuality do not change easily. Still, it pains us that so many opponents of marriage equality invoke a handful of scriptural texts — open to a variety of interpretations — to deny their fellow citizens equal treatment under civil law.
To be clear, we are well aware that there are verses in the Hebrew and Christian scriptures that some scholars and believers are convinced prohibit sexual relations between members of the same gender regardless of the context. But other equally reputable scholars and devout believers argue that these verses refer to particular sorts of exploitative relationships and do not pertain to the subject of same-gender marriage, which was unknown in Biblical times.
These contested verses are dismissed by still other scholars, who point out that the world has long disregarded many seemingly definitive scriptural prohibitions — such as the ones against divorce or taking interest on a loan. It is also true that we no longer condone actions that the Scriptures explicitly endorse, such as stoning a disobedient child.
In the face of disagreement about the meaning of holy texts, many in the Christian tradition have turned for guidance to the example of Jesus, whose movement was open to the most marginalized people in his society, and ask why we should not follow his example.

Many in the Jewish tradition reflect on the principle referred to as b’tselem elohim — the understanding articulated in the first chapter of the book of Genesis that all human beings are created in God’s image — and come to realize that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered people express something of God’s nature as surely as heterosexuals do.
Scripture and theology are not the only resources we draw on in supporting marriage equality. We see same-sex couples every day driving their neighborhood car pool, volunteering in schools and youth sports leagues, supporting local businesses and gracing the houses of worship wise enough to welcome them with their talent and their energy. What possible interest can the state have in drawing a distinction between the relationships of these committed couples and those of their heterosexual friends?

Like the religious leaders who oppose marriage equality, we too form our consciences by studying scripture and the lessons that our ancient traditions have taught us. Like them, our opinions flow from our faith. Yet we arrive at different conclusions on the issue of marriage equality, and about the role that religion should play in our current debate.

Thanks to the wisdom of the First Amendment, differing theological notions about the nature of marriage will continue to flourish across our diverse religious landscape. But a state has neither the right nor the competence to promote one of those theological understandings in opposition to others — particularly when doing so deprives some citizens of the rights enjoyed by others.

The governor has said he is “not someone who changes positions with the grace of a ballerina.” Yet at the deepest level, no change is required. He has pledged to perform his duties “impartially and justly.” It is our prayer that the state’s legislators will find the wisdom to act with the same impartiality and justice.

The Rev. Mark M. Beckwith is bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark; Rabbi Matthew D. Gewirtz is senior rabbi of Temple B’Nai Jeshurun inMillburn; the Rev. E. Roy Riley Jr. is bishop of the New Jersey Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

 

Bishop Ann Svennungsen

On August 23, 2012, Bishop Ann Svennungsen, ELCA Minneapolis Area Synod, joined over 150 members of clergy to urge fellow Minnesotans to vote no on the freedom-limiting marriage amendment that appeared on the ballot later that year. If it had passed, the amendment would have put a ban on marriages for same-gender couples into the state constitution. Bishop Svennungsen addressed the assembled crowd and members of the press:

“As Lutherans, we believe it is possible for people of faith to arrive at different positions on this issue and to respect the bound consciences of others. I believe it is incredibly important that we speak with love and respect, especially when we disagree.

“Indeed, one of the greatest concerns if we pass this amendment is that it forecloses the kind of conversation we need in our world–informed, respectful conversation often lacking in this polarized society.

“We Lutherans also believe that the Biblical vision of justice also calls us to protect civil rights and prohibit discrimination of all people.

“We believe that God works through the wonderful structures of marriage and family for the common good and that we are all called to support relationships of lifelong fidelity and trust–support that is often lacking in the 21st century.”

Bishop Richard Graham

Bishop Graham, bishop of the ELCA’s Metropolitan DC Synod (which includes parts of Maryland) along with many other faith leaders in Maryland, took part in a rally on February 13, 2013, at the Maryland capital  in favor of marriage equality. The rally was sponsored by Equality Maryland and included visits with state legislators.

 

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Statements on Church Policy

Since the social statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust was adopted by the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in August 2009, several bishops and synod councils have issued guidance about ELCA pastors performing marriages between same-gender couples in states where such marriages are legally recognized.

ELCA Bishops of California

On July 12, 2013, three bishops and one bishop-elect wrote a letter of “pastoral guidance” in response to the June 2013 decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that making the marriage of same-gender couples legal in California.

Addressing their synods, Bishops Murray Finck (Pacifica Synod), Mark W. Holmerud (Sierra Pacific Synod), and Dean Nelson (Southwest California Synod) and Bishop-Elect Guy Erwin (Southwest California Synod) wrote, “We believe that where authorized by state law, ordained ministers in ELCA congregations have the authority to offer same gender marriage ceremonies, as long as there has been consultation and endorsement of this act by congregational leadership.”

The four leaders drew their conclusion from the ELCA social statement on sexuality, “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust,” which was adopted by the ELCA Churchwide Assembly nearly four years ago. Highlighted in the pastoral letter is a passage from the social statement describing how some congregations will “surround [same-gender] couples and their lifelong commitments with prayer to live in ways that glorify God, find strength for the challenges that will be faced, and serve others.” These congregations “believe same-gender couples should avail themselves of social and legal support for themselves, their children, and other dependents and seek the highest legal accountability available for their relationships.”

The bishops and bishop-elect went on to write, “Since no rite or liturgy for the blessing of unions or marriage of same gender couples yet exists in liturgical resources provided by the ELCA, celebrations of such relationships can be drawn from other Christian denominations and advocacy ministries.”

See the full text.

New England Synod Council and Former Bishop Margaret Payne

The Synod Council of the New England Synod, ELCA, writes:
“Since ordained ministers desiring to live in publicly accountable, life-long, monogamous relationships are told that both church and community are part of the public within which he or she is accountable, and that public accountability for an ordained minister includes compliance with state law recognizing such relationships if available in the state where he or she resides, it seems to us that we should also expect and support the same compliance from lay couples, and allow their congregations to host their marriages and permit their pastors to serve as solemnizers on behalf of the state. Recognizing that faithful people can and will come to different conclusions about what constitutes responsible action in such circumstances . . . the New England Synod Council recommends that pastors who choose to do so may, in accordance with the laws of their state, serve as solemnizer for same-gender marriages. Since any pastor may already decline to solemnize any marriage, this guidance does not place any requirement on any pastor or congregation to act against conscience.”

About the synod council’s decision, (then) New England Synod Bishop Margaret Payne writes:
“This decision was not taken lightly, nor with a sense that it should be a direction for the entire ELCA, but as a practical and pastoral guideline for the unique mission context in this synod. Please remember that it is merely guidance; not all pastors will want to avail themselves of it. We continue to live together with a variety of viewpoints on issues of sexuality with mutual respect and without condemnation for differing interpretations of scripture.

“I am aware that this [guidance] document pushes against our ELCA understanding of marriage as a union of one man and one woman. My own prayer journey for the last two years as this step has been considered by our synod council has been one of questioning: How do we fully support same-gender couples in faithful relationships? How shall I shepherd this process? How do I participate in this decision as a bishop of the ELCA committed to seeking unity in the church when I know that this decision will cause pain and division? How do I feel that God’s revelation in Jesus Christ informs this decision?

“This step was not taken self-righteously, but with a love for the church that regards this kind of welcome in our setting as necessary for evangelism and consistent with God’s will for inclusion. So finally I chose to give my support to this document in the belief that my role and leadership as bishop must combine adherence to traditional understandings with occasional reverent resistance.”

 

Bishop Robert Rimbo

Robert Rimbo, bishop of the Metropolitan New York Synod, ELCA, writes: “Lutherans are always caught in the middle, living with ambiguity and paradox, seeking to be faithful to God and to others. It is part of our character, even our vocation: we are both catholic and evangelical, proclaiming both law and gospel, always saints and sinners. Because Lutherans do not hold marriage to be a sacrament, though there are, certainly, sacramental overtones, in thirty-five years of officiating at marriages, I have understood my role as a pastor to be, principally, an agent of the state. I believe it could be argued from liturgical history that Luther himself would agree: marriages at which Luther officiated were more often than not held outside of the church building and then celebrated in a service blessing God inside the church building.”

Taking care to note that his statement represents neither an official policy nor set of synod guidelines, Bishop Rimbo said, “I believe that pastors who are invited to officiate at the marriages of same-gender couples in the State of New York should do so. I also believe that pastors who cannot, following their bound conscience, officiate at same-gender marriages should not in any way be forced to do so. . . .”

“Our worship books do not offer a rite specifically worded for a same-gender marriage; in fact, the language is very much that of husband and wife, man and woman. However, because of our Lutheran freedom to adapt liturgical resources and the fact that our worship books are recommended for our congregations as opposed to being imposed, I believe it is rather easy to make necessary adjustments.”

Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada

In July 2011, delegates of the 13th Biennial National Convention of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) approved the following policy statement:

“It is the policy of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada that rostered ministers may, according to the dictates of their consciences as informed by the Gospels, the Scriptures, the ecumenical creeds and the confessions of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, preside at or bless legal marriages according to the laws of the province within which they serve. All rostered ministers in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada are encouraged to exercise due diligence in preparing couples for marriage. All rostered ministers serving congregations are encouraged at all times to conduct their ministry in consultation with the lay leaders in the congregation and with sensitivity to the culture within which the congregation serves.”