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Meanwhile, Back in Canada
Abstract: Eastern Synod wrestles with issue of discipline.
The annual convention of the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada was held July 9 - 13 in London, Ontario.
In his report on the opening day of the convention, Bishop Michael Pryse (pictured) commented sternly on the question of discipine for Holy Cross Lutheran in Newmarket, Ontario. In April, Holy Cross ordained Pr. Lionel Ketola in Canada's first ordination extra ordinem:
I understand that an irregular service of ordination occurred and that several of our synodical pastors participated in the service by vesting and/or participating in the rite of laying on of hands. I am aware of some, but not all, of those who participated in this way. Regardless, neither the ELCIC nor any of our Full Communion partners will recognize the validity of this irregular rite and Mr. Ketola is not recognized as being a rostered minister of this church.
After much soul searching, conversation and considered reflection, I have come to the conclusion that any rostered person who vested for this service and/or participated in a rite of laying on of hands will have chosen to publicly participate in an action that our church prohibits and, as such, is subject to subsequent disciplinary action.
The ELCIC Manual on Discipline for Rostered Ministers specifies a series of disciplinary consequences, one of which constitutes public censure and admonition. Given the circumstances and present context, I have concluded that this is an appropriate response. As such, I am today, in the presence of this synod, publicly censuring and admonishing those clerics who participated in this unauthorized act.
I am also publicly censuring and admonishing Holy Cross congregation and have concluded that I am obliged to, in due time, appoint an investigative committee to examine this situation as per ELCIC Administrative Bylaws, Part II, Section 6c. This committee will then report and bring recommendations to the Synod Council at their November 2008 meeting. While the constitution does not specify a range of discipline for congregations in such circumstances, it does say that the Synod Council may, upon recommendation of the committee, suspend or exclude the congregation from this church.
As noted in previous communication with Holy Cross congregation and the Eastern Synod clergy roster, "I am committed to working toward ending practices that preclude the full participation of all God’s people in the life of the church, regardless of sexual orientation."
We believe the bishop intended in the last quoted paragraph to declare that he supports the cause of full inclusion of LGBT people in the church, but the complex grammar of his remarks may obscure that intention.
