In our extensive reporting on gay marriage, the acceptance of gay clergy and its impact on Christianity, the divide within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has been widely noticed.
Earlier this year the national ELCA body voted to allow gay clergy who were in monogamous relationships with a same-sex partner. This appeared to be a deepening schism in the making on the heels of increased fractures between the Episcopal Church in the United States and the world Anglican Church over the acceptance of gay clergy.
Further evidence has emerged in a warning issued by Bishop Mark Hanson about the possibly devastating effects of parishioners purposely drying up collection plates in protest. A conservative Lutheran group – Lutheran CORE – has suggested that not contributing resources to the national church could be a way to voice its displeasure.
Regardless of whether or not you are Lutheran or where you stand on the inclusion of homosexuals in Christian denomination, this is a brewing controversy worth keeping an eye on.
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