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EXTRA!!! EXTRA!!!
Knock, Knock
Abstract: Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM) debuts with theological declaration.
“If ‘ordinary’ has come to mean ‘discriminatory,’ we have chosen the adjective ‘extraordinary’ deliberately to emphasize the "out-of-the-ordinary" nature of our community.”
On the 490th anniversary of Martin Luther’s posting 95 theses for reform of the Catholic Church, Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM) has published a theological declaration calling Lutheran churches around the world to return to their core values and to end the practice of mandated celibacy for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender pastors.
“Martin Luther’s 95 theses caused reformation because a revolution in religion came together with a revolution in technology. We believe that launching our theology statement on the internet will re-ignite the spirit of reformation in Lutherans who continue to struggle with the same issues that the reformers document in our confessions.” said Rev. Erik Christensen, Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries Co-chair.
The ELM theological affirmation addresses topics dear to Luther and other reformers:
The publishing of the theology statement coincides with the official launch of ELM, the merger between Lutheran Lesbian & Gay Ministries (LLGM) and the Extraordinary Candidacy Project (ECP).
ELM is a national non-profit that credentials and rosters openly gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people for ministry; supports these pastors by working with congregations that will call them and providing mission grants to support their ministry; and provides a network of support to the congregations and pastors. Pastors from the ELM roster currently serve fourteen ELCA and two independent Lutheran congregations.
