Rules Trump Conscience (Again)
Abstract: Conflicted Synod Council disciplines Canadian congregation, feels no joy. Lutherans dismayed.
In a letter dated November 15, Bishop Michael Pryse (pictured) of the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) advised Pr. Dawn Hutchings of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Newmarket, Ontario that the Synod Council had voted to "suspend" Holy Cross for having extended a call to Pr. Lionel Ketola. Pr. Ketola is a married gay man, and the ELCIC refuses to roster clergy in homosexual relationships. Pr. Ketola is rostered with Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries.
Suspension is a lesser punishment than expulsion: Holy Cross will not be allowed to send delegates to conference, synodical and national conventions of the ELCIC and its members and clergy cannot be candidates for elected positions in the ELCIC. The suspension will remain in effect until either Pr. Ketola's call ends or the ELCIC accepts Pr. Ketola's call.
Bishop Pryse's letter includes this paragraph:
While clear in their resolve to act responsibly in accordance with our church's governing documents, the Synod Council experienced no joy in making this decision. Indeed, it is this Council's expressed desire to responsibly work toward changing policies that preclude the full participation of all God’s people in our ecclesial life.
We call your attention to the two "responsiblies," one splitting an infinitive and one not. We also suggest that the synod council could experience more joy by taking responsibility for ending the policy of discrimination against LGBT people called to ministry.
Reaction from some quarters to news of the suspension was swift: Lutherans Concerned/North American (LCNA) was momentarily Lutherans Dismayed ("Lutherans dismayed by the disciplining of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Canada"). Emily Eastwood, Executive Director for LCNA, remarked:
Once again the authorities of the church have failed to demonstrate leadership, failed to follow the lead of the Christ and Holy Spirit, and, instead, have endorsed a policy of oppression and discrimination based on dusty prejudice and ignorance. Holy Cross has chosen to live life as Christ's church should. One day, and soon, the rest of the church will follow the example they have set – recognizing that LGBT people have always been part of the wondrous diversity of God's creation and Christ's redemption.
