Same-sex unions divide faithful
Posted on July 6, 2008
Filed Under Gay News Blog
In a fight where Scripture is often used against gay marriage, the Rev. Brian Elster says God is calling on him to preside over the wedding of two men.
Later this summer, the pastor of the Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer in Oxnard will officiate at the wedding of church members who have been together for more than 20 years. He’s not having second thoughts about a ceremony that will be held outside the church, but he is feeling repercussions.
A pastor from a Foursquare church sent him a letter filled with biblical citations and asked him to reconsider. Elster’s denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, is one of many mainstream faith organizations struggling with gay marriage. One family may leave Elster’s congregation because of the pending ceremony, though the pastor was given permission by his church council and an area bishop.
“I’m going out on a limb. There are people who firmly disagree with what I’m going to do,” said Elster, arguing the Bible forbids sexual exploitation, abuse and promiscuity for people regardless of their sexual orientation. “When it comes to two people who say they want to enter into a covenant of faithful commitment to each other, what should we do but stand up and applaud.”
And though the debate could split congregations, the May court decision overturning California’s ban on gay marriage means it’s heading for pulpits of congregations caught in a tug-of-war between Scriptural teachings and civil rights.
“Those pastors,” Elster predicted, “are going to be asked a question they’ve never been asked before.”
Same-sex unions divide faithful
Ventura County Star – Camarillo,CA,USA
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