Warning: Illegal string offset 'itemurl' in /home/lutheran/www/www/admin/global_functions.inc on line 257
Ask Pr. Sophie
Abstract: Should I abstain from communion at ELCA events as an act of conscientious objection?
Pr. Sophie Fortresson, our resident expert on all matters of theology, Lutheran etiquette, and social protocol, answers questions submitted by our readers and occasionally simply volunteers advice when no question has been asked. If you have questions (and who among us doesn't?) send them to pr_sophie@lutheranconfessions.com.
Dear Pastor Sophie: As a member of the ELM Roster, I am marginally welcomed in the ELCA, where I have been a member since I was knit in my mother’s womb. I am recognized as a pastor, but I can never vote or serve as a dean, Synod Council or as an Assembly Delegate (Synodically or at Churchwide), because I am neither laity nor “officially rostered clergy.” When I am at Synod Conventions I am actually given a scarlet red “visitor” nametag. When I participate at the ELCA’s First Call Theological Education trainings, the worship services say all are welcome and that all can serve God(dess). It makes me feel angry and invisible. The ELCA pastors tell me that the policies of the church are discriminatory and that they support me, but they just don’t understand how painful it is to be in community with the leadership of a church that does not officially recognize my existence.
The last time I met with the ELCA first call pastors, I abstained from taking communion with them. This was in part because it is precisely my presence at a communion table sharing the sacraments with all who hunger and thirst for God(dess) that is “not officially recognized.” But, it is also because there are hundreds, if not thousands, of others who are not welcome to be a part this communion table of ELCA pastors because their sexual orientation or gender identity. I knew the other pastors and Bishop Mark Hanson who was presiding at the Eucharist, could see me not take communion, but they could not see the others who were not even welcomed to the table.
As the next ELCA First Call Pastors event approaches in April, I wonder if I should commune with the other ELCA pastors and deacons during the worship services. I know that the invitation to the communion table comes from Christ, who welcomes all even when the ELCA cannot right now. I also know that that same Christ (and the ELCA’s constitutional guidelines for pastors) calls me to speak out for justice. What is your advice?
Queer Rookie Pastor
Sierra Pacific Synod
Dear QRP Pr. Sophie thanks you for writing and thanks you even more for persevering (under what might charitably be called "adverse circumstances") in your call to ministry . Being queer is as easy as falling off a log: we don't really have to work at it, do we? But being queer in this society is not so easy. Being a queer pastor is still harder, and being a queer rookie pastor is, well, let's just say "particularly challenging." Pr. Sophie does indeed feel your pain and understands your need to make a statement.
However, your abstaining from Communion at ELCA First Call events touches a nerve that Pr. Sophie holds dear. It is never a good idea to withhold oneself from the Lord's Table even in the interest of conscience. It may not be easy to partake; indeed, as you note, it may be painful, but holding yourself apart from the welcome that God extends in this meal can only do more harm than good.
Pr. Sophie understands the intention of making visible those whom the church does not welcome. She also understands that you are (and should be) reluctant to give your ELCA counterparts the false hope that "things aren't that bad". Things really are that bad.
But, the welcome that is extended in the sacrament is not now and never has been the ELCA's welcome. It is the unconditional welcome that God extends to all humanity, and the church is powerless to redefine that as anything less than the Grace of God.
Pr. Sophie prays that you will have the strength to join in the meal in the future. She also humbly suggests that one way of representing those who have been shut out is to approach the table over and over again until the elements are completely consumed.
