ELCA Bishop files Charges against Atlanta Pastor

[revtj]

Forwarded Messages Concerning Pastor Brad of St. John's Lutheran in
Atlanta. Please remember him in your prayers. Brad, let us know how
we can surround you with support! You know we'll be there for you!
:pray: tbm

Dear Friends at Soulforce- Atlanta,

By now you may or may not be aware that the Bishop of the
Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,
Rev. Ron Warren, is filing charges against a gay pastor in a
committed same-gender relationship (whose partner also happens to be
a pastor). Pastor Bradley Schmeling is the pastor at St. John's
Lutheran Church, the oldest Lutheran congregation in Atlanta.
(www.stjohnsatlanta.org (http://www.stjohnsatlanta.org))

As this news is quite fresh, it will be some time before the actual
church trial takes place but I am hoping that the graceful presence
of the Soulforce community might be called upon to support Bradley
and his partner Darin, and the St. John's community during those
days.

I am forwarding you the email sent by Bradley to his support
network. Brad says he is "absolutely commited to being part of this
process in a way that points to the love of Christ." I hope and
pray Soulforce-Atlanta would support him in this endeavor.

Grace and peace,

The Rev. James Boline, Pastor
St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Santa Monica CA
958 Lincoln Blvd.
Santa Monica CA 90403
310-451-1345 x22

www.StPaulsSM.org
A Reconciling in Christ Lutheran community

Forwarded Message

From: "Bradley E. Schmeling" <pastorbrad@mindspring.com> :love:
To: pastorbrad@mindspring.com
Subject: Bishop Files Charges
Date: Wed, 9 Aug 2006 09:13:39 -0400


Friends,


Yesterday morning, Bishop Ron Warren signed and sent the formal
charges to the secretary of the ELCA. The short meeting had a
surreal quality as the bishop spoke of his grief at filing charges
against me. After he told me that he had deep respect for me, he
gave me a copy of the charges that are on their way to Lowell Almen,
Secretary of the ELCA. The bishop prayed; we talked briefly about
press interest; and we shared with one another our commitment to act
as brothers in the faith throughout this process.



The filing of charges begins the formal process toward
a “disciplinary hearing,” the constitutional language for an
ecclesiastical trial. The first steps involve choosing the jury.
Six members come from a national pool in the ELCA and six come from
a pool in the Southeastern Synod. I have the right to choose two
from the national pool, and I have the right to reject one.
Otherwise, the ELCA chooses all the members of the jury. The bishop
of the ELCA, Mark Hanson, will appoint a judge for the trial. When
the jury is chosen, the church has 60 days to hold the trial and
then 15 days to render a verdict. The bishop said that someone from
the ELCA will contact me soon to articulate all the details of this
process and to begin the process of scheduling the hearing. It will
probably held in Atlanta in a neutral location.



The five-page document details how my relationship with Darin
demonstrates “behavior incompatible with the character of the
ministerial office.” In an effort to prove my relationship with
Darin, the charges even cite as evidence a party St. John’s had for
Darin and I after we announced our relationship. The supporting
documents contain an email that states St. John’s welcome to Darin’s
as a participant in our community of faith. It’s stunning that the
congregation’s genuine love and celebration is used in this document
to prove that I should be removed from the clergy roster of the
ELCA. Further, the charges refer to Darin by his title “pastor,”
even though he has already been removed from the clergy roster
because of our relationship.



Within a few hours of our meeting, the bishop sent a “pastoral
letter of disclosure” to the entire Southeastern synod, saying
that “Pastor Bradley Schmeling disclosed that he is in a sexual
relationship with an adult male.” I’m still trying to understand
how our commitment to maintaining respectful dialogue is consistent
with this choice of language. I was surprised by the choice of
such “legal language” in a pastoral letter to the synod. It doesn’t
communicate the fullness, the grace, or the gift of my committed and
loving relationship with Pastor Darin Easler. As the church has
done so often, it reduces a gay relationship to sex.



Despite the challenge of these first few communications, I am
absolutely committed to being part of this process in a way that
points to the love of Christ. I left the synod office yesterday
absolutely clear about my decision not to resign. But, even more
so, I feel great clarity in the goodness of God. One of the members
of the congregation said to me before I went to me meeting. “This
is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
What a gift of the gospel that Psalm phrase is! I believe that this
disciplinary process will have provide a means to move the church
forward in its understanding of gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgender people. While it will no doubt take a lot of work,
energy, and money (a frustration in and of itself, especially while
our synod is experiencing an almost $100,000 financial shortfall!),
I believe that the trial will provide a means to witness to the
gifts of gay clergy and to demonstrate the destructive consequences
of the church’s current policy. Although it’s probably an uphill
battle, I’m determined to win the case, praying that the jury will
understand that this is a time for understanding and restraint.
This is not a time in the church’s history when a contested policy
that is inconsistent with the Lutheran confessions should be
enforced.



As you can see, I have a lot to say. And I’m filled with energy
that I’m going to have a chance to say it now to the wider church.
Actually I’m filled with all kinds of emotion: hope, anger,
disappointment, joy, resolve, as well as anxiety that is mixed with
a larger portion of peacefulness.



St. John’s is planning to meet after church this Sunday to talk
about the recent developments, to share feelings, and to recommit
itself to continuing our regular ministry, which is a gift to all of
us. I have no doubt the gathering will be filled with the usual joy
that comes when this congregation gets together, even though I
suspect many members will be very angry. I’m including below a
letter from the council president if anyone is interested, as well
as the disclosure letter the bishop sent to the synod. I’m also
adding a prayer that a member of the congregation wrote to our
online discussion group last night. It brought tears to my eyes
last night as I prayed it.



In the next few days, I may not get a chance to respond to every
email or phone call, but know that I so deeply appreciate your
support and your prayers. I feel like a pilgrim, journeying forward
with a great cloud of witnesses.



Peace,

+Bradley



A Prayer from Ann Gerondelis, member of St. John’s Lutheran Church,
Atlanta, GA



Some days are hard God,
Like today.
When cherished hopes seem to fade
And sacred doors seem to close.
Doors that were once open -
Open at least to discussion
To words of grace
Spoken by compassionate hearts.
And those fading hopes -
Well, they were only hopes for longings to be
heard,
For your words of love to be fulfilled,
For justice to win the day,
This one special time,
That your loving kingdom may come here,
Right here.
Right now.
I'm sure you heard our cries.
I'm sure you saw words of love in emails written
with grace.
I'm sure you felt our passionate emotions
As we heard others speak of you, God,
In ways that we don't know you.
How could they not know you?
Yes that's why it's a hard day in my book.
And that's why I'm filled with emotions of
Sadness - great sadness,
Of loss
Of anger
Of loneliness.
But the tears streaming down my cheeks
Are probably not the only ones tonight.
Surely you can hear your people cry.
You must cry for your children too.
And I know these are not our last tears.
And I know these emotions will continue to mix and
churn -
Not always with words that I am proud to speak.
And yet,
There's always a "yet"...
(Thanks heavens for "yet"s)
I know that today's not the last day in my
calendar.
And I know that the days ahead
Will bring the gathering of your wet-cheeked
people.
Yes, we who welcome,
We who love,
We who live by the grace of your mysterious
spirit.
And you'll teach us how to love even when its
hard,
To love in spite of,
To love in the midst of ,
And to love through the pain -
Even pain that feels so crippling.
So, can you lend a hand God?
Cause during the weeks to come,
We might lose sight of the simple power of the
spirit,
We might lose sight of the importance of tender
love,
And we might not be able to see clearly
That brilliant light that we know WILL overcome
the darkness.
So be with us now.
Be with me
As I light this candle during these days.
May it fill my heart with the reminder
Even tonight
And through all the tomorrows to come,
That the light, your light, will indeed overcome
the darkness.
Inch by inch, corner by corner, and room by room.
With this simple practice,
I pray that your light fill us with hope again.
Fill us with compassion,
And fill us with Your spirit that speaks the truth
in love.
Love for all your people.
Now help us rest,
And wake with the light of day,
Reminding us that the light shall indeed overcome
the darkness -
Justice will reign,
And all shall be well.
All shall indeed be well.
Amen



From the Bishop



A PASTORAL LETTER OF DISCLOSURE sent to Rostered Colleagues of the
Southeastern Synod



August 8, 2006



After a lengthy process of prayerful discernment, today I filed
charges against The Rev. Bradley E. Schmeling, presently serving as
pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Atlanta, GA. Pastor
Schmeling has admitted to me that he is in violation of
ELCA “Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline...” for ordained
ministers. Specifically, Pastor Schmeling disclosed to me that he
is in a sexual relationship with an adult male. He has declined my
requests for his resignations from his call to St. John’s Lutheran
Church and the ELCA clergy roster.



When a synod bishop files charges against a pastor, the action
begins the church’s formal process which leads to a hearing by a
Discipline Hearing Committee (DHC). The DHC receives evidence,
listens to witnesses and eventually determines what actions should
be taken. For example, if a DHC finds that a pastor is not in
compliance with ELCA “Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline...,”
the committee has the authority to remove a pastor from the ELCA
roster for ordained ministers. For more detailed
information, see Chapter 20 of the ELCA Constitution
(http://www.elca.org/secretary/constitutions/index.html).



An ELCA bishop does not have the authority to unilaterally remove
any ELCA pastor from the ELCA roster. For this reason, it is
necessary to submit this matter to the ELCA disciplinary process.
This is an internal church proceeding and does not involve the civil
courts.



With the filing of charges, I do not intend to make any further
comments about the case until the DHC renders its verdict and course
of action. Please remember in intercessory prayer Pastor Bradley
Schmeling, his loved ones, St. John’s Lutheran Church, and those of
us who will be involved in the discipline hearing process.



Sincerely in Christ,

Ronald B. Warren

Bishop



From the Council President

Dear friends in Christ,

I was disappointed to learn today that Bishop Warren has formally
filed charges against Pastor Brad. We had hoped that the bishop
might make another decision, of course. But the disciplinary hearing
process gives us one more chance to tell the story of the ministry
we share with Pastor Brad at St. John’s, and to make the case that
we should continue in ministry as we have since Pastor Brad arrived
in 2000.

Now that Bishop Warren has taken this step, I’d like to repeat a
piece of the letter I sent to you back in April, after his meeting
with our congregation: “So what do we do now? What we’ve done for
the last 135 years: live the community of faith at St. John’s.”

Now, as in April, there’s no cause for us to change anything at St.
John’s. Pastor Brad continues to serve as our pastor. St. John’s
relationship with the Southeastern Synod and the ELCA does not
change. The Bishop’s decision to file charges only means that Pastor
Brad now has the chance to make his defense—to tell his story—to the
hearing committee. And we continue to pray that he wins his case.

And, in the meantime, we also continue to be the great church we’ve
always been. We gather together for worship each week around Word
and Sacrament. We continue to feed the hungry and do justice with
our ministries. We continue as a faithful member congregation of the
synod, and we continue to pray for the synod staff, especially our
bishop. Our church council and our congregational leaders continue
to refuse to allow this process to distract St. John’s from our
ministry tasks. And when we do have to deal with these issues as a
church, we do it with prayer and careful discernment.

I, perhaps like you, feel a range of emotions right now—hope, worry,
anger, trust, sadness, fear, optimism, and even relief. And I expect
to cycle through these and many other emotions in the days and weeks
to come! In the midst of it all, however, I have great confidence
and faith in St. John’s. Even if I can’t see every step in the path
before us, I feel Jesus’ presence in our midst, walking with us on
our journey together. Above all, I feel blessed to be a member with
you of our church home, and I feel honored and graced by Pastor
Brad’s presence at our altar.

Please continue to pray for Pastor Brad and Darin, for Bishop
Warren, and for the synod staff. And please join us for our summer
Sunday school this coming Sunday. We had originally planned to have
a discussion about theology and current events, but it seems like
the most pressing current event for St. John’s now is the filing of
these charges. We would like to give the congregation a chance to
express feelings, ask questions, and talk about what the
disciplinary process may mean for us.

Plan to bring a dish for the potluck and stay after church for our
conversation. It will be a joy to gather together! And thank you
for making St. John’s what it is today.

With love and prayers,

Laura Crawley





Pastor Bradley E. Schmeling

St. John's Lutheran Church

1410 Ponce de Leon Ave.

Atlanta, Georgia 30307

404-378-4243, ex. 101

404-312-8702, personal

[NathanATX]

Bishop Warren's contact info:

Email address: synod.office@elca-ses.org
Telephone: (404) 589-1977
FAX: (404) 521-1980
Postal address: 100 Edgewood Ave., Suite 1600, Atlanta, Georgia 30303

The synod website: http://www.elca-ses.org/

[Dash]

Thanks for sharing this information, revtj. I have a number of ELCA friends including a wise and beloved lady who was my pastor and counselor for more than a few years. This is heartbreaking, but I agree with the sentiments expressed regarding an opportunity to make a broad statement to the ELCA. The ELCA has been avoiding the issue, in my opinion and to my sorrow, for years now.

:pray:

[Vanessa White]

I just emailed Pastor Brad and he sent me a brief, touching response. THanks for the info, TJ- I hope that this will bring a change for the good.

[revtj]

I've never known what to make of the ELCA's stand on gays in minstry... When I was in seminary (oh god, here he goes again :rolleyes: ) in 1998 a friend got thrown out of his dorm and out of seminary when the Chicago Bishop discovered that there was an out gay student at Lutheran School of Theology. This was shocking in an otherwise liberal academic enviornment. Since then it's always seemed kinda wishy-washy...you know, depends on the bishop, depends on the parish, don't ask don't tell kinda mentality. I know there are other cases like Brads' from years past that did not turn out justly, so maybe this case will cause them to take a stand and listen to what the Spirit is saying to the churches! :pray:

[BruceChris]

Reverend Anita C. Hill became an out lesbian in a committed relationship being ordaned into the St. Paul Reformation Lutheran Church, back in 2001. The ELCA said that she could not serve as such, but with her church's strong backing, The ELCA ended up by just making a lot of righteous sounding pronouncements, and letting them off with a letter of censure.

http://www.notesfromhollywood.com/page.cfm?Sectionid=8&typeofsite=storydetail&ID=461&storyset=yes

http://experts.about.com/e/s/sa/Saint_Paul-Reformation_Lutheran_Church.htm

Peace and Love, Bruce Chris

[Jamie McDaniel]

After attending last year's action at the 2005 ELCA churchwide assembly in Orlando, I figured bad news for GLBT ministers would follow.

The ELCA meets every two years. Soulforce was there in 2001, 2003, and 2005.

In 2001, rather than end the ban on non-celebate gay clergy, the ELCA voted to do a 4 year study.

In 2003, conservatives tried to get the study extended rather than having the church vote in 2005. The vote to extend the study did not pass.

In 2005 the ELCA had the opportunity to move forward and end the ban. Just a few weeks prior, the United Church of Christ had jumped in front of both the Episcopal Church and the Lutherans by affirming marriage for gays on the national level.

The Lutherans rejected ending the ban and also voted down an amendment that would have given pastors explicit permission to bless same-sex unions.

During the vote, Soulforce disobeyed the rule to remain in the visitor's area and assembled in front of the voting body. If they were going to continue to oppress gays, it was decided they would do so with us facing them. And they did. Jacob Reitan's family, lifelong Lutherans, left the church afterwards.

More Reading:
www.soulforce.org/article/712 (http://www.soulforce.org/article/712)
www.soulforce.org/article/714 (http://www.soulforce.org/article/714)

[revtj]

Thanks for that, Jaime. Slowly but surely religion crawls out of the mud onto land.

Re: Rev Hill...Censure? Isn't that kinda like just getting a lil' spanking? :D

[suzer1013]

My partner and I hope to visit his church soon, to express our support and shake his hand and let him know (as I'm sure he already does) that there is community support out there for him. We are currently "church shopping" and, though the Lutheran church is not really on our list of denominations we are interested in, we'd like to go to see what it's like. Perhaps Soulforce Atlanta will be involved in this case somehow?

Thanks for passing the info along, TJ!

Susan :)

[revtj]

An Open Letter to Soulforce Atlanta re: Upcoming Trial

Gentle People:

You will recall that a local Atlanta pastor and friend of Soulforce Atlanta, Rev. Bradley Schmeling is facing charges which were filed by the Bishop regarding Brad's relationship with his partner Darin, which could result in removing Brad from ELCA's roster of ordained ministry. I am writing to update you on that situation.

The congregation of St. John's Lutheran has rallied around the couple, both ministers, and have carefully planned their response to the upcoming trial. Their aim has been to be pastoral, supportive and to witness to God's boundless, unconditional love within the ELCA and further. The hearing will take place later this month.

The hearing will be a closed affair. Neither the ELCA nor the congregants at St. John's are interested in media attention, but prefer to focus in prayer on the love and truth this event can yield. I am pointing this out to convey that neither the congregation nor any other body is planning a protest event because it is generally agreed that this would not set the prayerful and loving context desired by all parties.

Soulforce Atlanta is invited to join with St. John's Lutheran in the prayer and worship events surrounding the hearing and look forward to having a loving gay presence with them. To learn more about the prayer and worship events the congregation has planned to support Brad & Darin, visit their website (http://www.stjohnsatlanta.org) or you can call the church at (404) 378-4243. http://www.stjohnsatlanta.org/trialupdate.html

Bradley and I talked before the holidays and he is in great spirits and ready for the challenge. Please keep him, his partner and the congregation of St. John's in your prayers.

We did discuss the fact that, if the hearing does result in punitive action against Brad, many activists from many denominations will likely be energized to call attention to the situation. We agreed that this was not what we needed to plan for now, but it is certainly an unavoidable 'Plan B'.

You can email Brad your prayers of encouragement at pastorbrad@mindspring.com

Have a safe and happy 2007! Let's make this the year the churches come to a place of full inclusion of their LGBT members and friends!

T J McGiffert
Soulforce Atlanta

[revtj]

We did discuss the fact that, if the hearing does result in punitive action against Brad, many activists from many denominations will likely be energized to call attention to the situation. We agreed that this was not what we needed to plan for now, but it is certainly an unavoidable 'Plan B'.


...that's churchspeak for 'we'll go [expletive deleted] crazy' :lol:

[revtj]

Soulforcers...this is the weekend of Bradley Schmeling's trial (see previous posts and Soulforce national's e-call to action). Please remember to go to the website -- St. John's needs prayers from all over the world!

http://stjohnsatlanta.org/prayervigil.php5

Commit to pray for justice, peace and love!!!! :pray:

revtj

[suzer1013]

I've been praying this morning -- it's been on my mind as I work. I've asked others to keep this in their hearts and prayers also. Dear God, let the injustice against GLBT persons end!

Susan

[revtj]

St John's wants to send the link to get prayers from all over the planet so everybody DO YOUR THANG!

tj

[Dash]

Signed up! :pray: :rainbow: :good: :earth: :dove:

[Daniel]

Ditto. :pray: :pray: :pray: :pray:

I'm just sorry that the proceedings are closed. A public matter like this needs to be public. Our community is on trial in the form of one person. That is a heavy burden to bear.

[suzer1013]

My partner and I just returned from the Concert for Justice that was held tonight. We met Pastor Brad and shook his hand, and thanked him for his stand for truth, for being who he is, and for showing such integrity.

Don and Emily Saliers played (Emily is 1/2 of the Indigo Girls), along with several others who were all wonderful. There was so much love and support in that church tonight -- it was simply beautiful.

Susan

[Dash]

Churchgoer fights to save position of openly gay pastor he once opposed (http://www.therecord.com/NASApp/cs/ContentServer?pagename=record/Layout/Article_Type1&c=Article&cid=1169247015804&call_pageid=1024322088745&col=1024322217916)

ATLANTA (Jan 20, 2007)

Sounds like Pastor Schmeling is a great guy!:)

[revtj]

We are anxiously awaiting on pins and needles the outcome...

I had to drive by the Colony Square last night where the trial is taking place (ironically in the middle of Midtown, the gayest area of Atlanta)...I gotta tell you there were some yummy-looking Lutheran priests in collars crossing the street and I thought, "Grant me the divine right to love some of that!" :lol:

[Daniel]

May the divine Love of God- collar or no- smile on you.

[revtj]

:p :p :p :p :p :p :p

[andrewlittle]

The last report I saw said that the committee/hearing members were seen leaving their hotel individually. That was yesterday. Any news?:pray:

[nmwolfboy]

i've been checking both the Lutherans Concerned website (http://www.lcna.org) as well as St. John's for updates. So far, there's nothing beyond the end of the trial. Apparently, the court has 15 days to issue their determination.

[revtj]

Just rec'd an email from Brad. He says the committee seemed sympathetic but he is not sure if they will render a prophetic judgement. He is awaiting results surrounded by all this love & prayer...

pastorbrad@mindspring.com

:pray:
tj

[dsdrane]

Pastor Brad and St. John's church continue to be in my prayers.

Please, please, please let the ELCA get this one right.

:pray:

[scorpiogirl]

Having been raised in an ELCA Lutheran church hearing about all of this hurts very much. I hope things work out for him. :pray:

[glbt_equality]

What's the news? Do we have any word back yet? Have I missed the "verdict?"

My hopes and prayers remain with everyone involved.

[suzer1013]

I thought a decision was supposed to be in today. Anyone heard anything?

Susan :pray:

[revtj]

I just called the church & they said no decision has been communicated to them as of yet.

Watch and pray.:pray:

[kara speltz]

I just called the church & they said no decision has been communicated to them as of yet.

Watch and pray.:pray:


One of my favorite Taize hymns is "Stay here and keep watch with me." We often would sing that to the bishops outside of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. Needless to say, only a small handful would even acknowledge us let alone stay and pray with us:unhappy:

Michael Adee, head of More Light Presbyterians recently spoke as clearly as anyone I've heard about the state of affairs within the various church denominations. He wrote, "Heterosexual persons cannot, should not, claim a special place or design with God, in my view, any more than whites or men should. Either all of us are created in the image of God, unconditionally loved and embraced by God, or none of us are. I happen to believe that all of us are equally created, loved and embraced by God, no matter the human difference or condition. "

Some day, a place for us..................:pray:

Kara

[revtj]

The Decision has been rendered just recently!!! It's not as bad as it could've been and has the potential to be fabulous for the ELCA. Here is a quote from the decision:

The committee has called for the ELCA to remove the policy through both the church’s highest judicial and legislative bodies, Committee on Appeals and the Churchwide Assembly. And the committee has delayed removing Pastor Bradley until after the 2007 Churchwide Assembly (which meets August 6-12, 2007, in Chicago).

You can go to St Johns of Atlanta to view more here

http://www.stjohnsatlanta.org/trialupdate.html

If I understand it correctly (and nobody hates churchspeak more than I do!) it is saying the policy that would remove Brad itself is being set aside and the committee will argue later this year before the national body to do away with the policy altogether.

So Brad can wear that frock awhile longer!

[dsdrane]

Excellent news!

:weee:

[suzer1013]

OMG!!! I am, frankly, breathless and taken aback with delight! I never expected such a good outcome. Wow -- the ELCA seems to be on the right track. I needed a bit of good news today, and this is it!

Thanks for passing it along, TJ!

Susan :)

[revtj]

frock The Casbah!

[keltic63]

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon07/02/020807pastor.htm

I'm confused. 365gay is saying that he is defrocked.....

[scorpiogirl]

YAY!!!!!!! Sounds like the ELCA is headed in the right direction.

[scorpiogirl]

http://www.365gay.com/Newscon07/02/020807pastor.htm

I'm confused. 365gay is saying that he is defrocked.....

Now I'm confused too.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/02/08/ap/national/mainD8N5NKN84.shtml

[scorpiogirl]

Here's another article:

http://www.newyorkblade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=11243

Now I'm really angry. :mad:

[andrewlittle]

Yes, the news reports are, perhaps, more confusing than the actual decision. Shows the inadequacies of "soundbyte" reporting.

The decision of the committee is:
It is the decision of this discipline hearing committee that the Rev. Bradley E. Schmeling be removed from the clergy roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, effective August 15, 2007.

This was because 7 of the 12 committee members believed that Brad's relationship violates documents that are NOW considered church law.

The date is significant, however, because they have also essentially petitioned for changing the extra-constitutional documents to remove the ban. The ban itself is not found in the constitution, just in additional denominational regulations. The effective date of "defrocking" allows for the national Assembly to deal with their request before it goes into effect.

It's not an acquittal, but it does call for removal of the biased regulation before the sentence is imposed, thereby nullifying the censure.

The entire decision can be read at: http://www.stjohnsatlanta.org/files/Complete%20Disciplinary%20Hearing%20Decision.pdf

[suzer1013]

Ugh. The news reports are already putting "spin" on this. The 365gay story was completely wrong -- did they even read the decision?

I thought it was a remarkable decision. The committee seems near unanimous in declaring that the rules are wrong, and that the next national Assembly should overturn the rule about the ban on ordination for persons in committed same-sex relationships. I was overjoyed by that language in the decision. It was such a distinct difference from the UMC's decision in the Beth Stroud case.

This gives me hope that the ELCA might do the right thing, and Pastor Schmeling may keep his ministry! I really expected a much worse decision than this one, so I rejoice at the HOPE this provides!

Susan

[andrewlittle]

I sent the following email to the editor at 365gay:

In your article located at http://www.365gay.com/Newscon07/02/020807pastor.htm, you have left out some very, very critical details. Have you even read the decision, or are you taking your information from the mainline news sources that have also conveniently neglected to report the truth?

A full copy of the decision is available at http://www.stjohnsatlanta.org/files/...20Decision.pdf, and I think it would be good if you, perhaps, could find the time to check your facts.

Thank you, Andy Little

[keltic63]

I sent the following email to the editor at 365gay:

good luck with that. I've emailed them before about inaccuracy's as well as professional errors that just shouldn't happen. I've never even received a form email.

[suzer1013]

Andy -- LOL! I e-mailed 365gay, too, and they e-mailed me back. They printed an "updated" story that had more of the details. It was a bit more accurate than the first one. With what Keltic said, I'm surprised they responded. But perhaps you and I weren't the only ones who complained!

Susan

[scorpiogirl]

His church is standing by him no matter what. :)


http://www.theledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070217/NEWS/702170380/1326

[revtj]

The following is a letter sent to Soulforce Atlanta updating us on this case from Pastor Schmeling.


Hi Friends,



Many of you may have already heard the news that I was officially removed from the clergy roster of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on Monday, July 2, 2007. I lost my appeal, and Bishop Warren won on every point of his cross-appeal.



I want to thank all of you for your prayers and your amazing support during this last year. It’s been an overwhelming experience to receive such affirmation and love.



I’m including some things that I’ve written in the last couple of days, in case you’re interested. I’ve also included the full decision from the Committee on Appeals, a frightening document in its lack of grace, compassion, and vision.



Primarily, however, I simply wanted to thank you for holding me and giving me such strength to take on the challenge that the charges, the trial, the appeal, and the final judicial decision provided to me in this last year.



Peace,

Bradley





STATEMENT FOR THE PRESS, July 5, 2007



I’m disheartened that the Committee on Appeals would remove me from the roster without ever meeting me; without meeting the people of St. John’s Lutheran Church; or without even coming to Atlanta to experience our congregation at work in the neighborhood. Their decision was made on paper, not face to face.



I’m afraid this confirms what so many think about that church; that it’s a bureaucracy that’s more interested in following rules than it is witnessing to the compassionate love of God. I’m ashamed that this document comes from the denomination that I have served for the last twenty years. I would have hoped that it might have, at least, mentioned Jesus or offered to pray for me and for this congregation.



I want my denomination to witness to the Jesus that I know and love; a savior who is more interested in relationships more than in rules. I think that has always been the heart of the Lutheran message: God is, first and foremost, a gracious and loving God. God isn’t a heartless judge.



So I’m sad today; sad that the ELCA didn’t do the compassionate thing; sad that the journey for justice must go on longer.



But I’m also encouraged; encouraged by the love of this congregation; encouraged by our determination to continue to be faithful participants in the church; encouraged that the ELCA will have a chance to change the policy once and for all in Chicago.



St. John’s Lutheran Church has been an amazing community to serve. We have been growing and thriving these last seven years, and I expect that we will continue to do that. The congregation issued their call to me in 2000, and as far as we’re concerned, that call has not changed. The good news for today is that we can now return to the ministry and mission that we have been called to do . We’re going to continue to welcome everybody who comes through our doors; to work in our city for justice; to teach our children the Bible; and to be a faithful and loving voice in the larger church.







Pastor Bradley E. Schmeling

St. John's Lutheran Church

1410 Ponce de Leon Ave.

Atlanta, Georgia 30307

404-378-4243

www.stjohnsatlanta.org

[Steven E. Webster]

Friends,

Here's a Washington Post story:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/08/12/AR2007081201041.html

Pastor Schmeling will remain in his pulpit and his congregation will remain in the Lutheran Church (ELCA). Although Schmeling was removed from the ELCA clergy roster, and his pulpit declared to be "vacant" as far as official church lists are concerned, there seems to be no further punishment in store for the congregation.

Further, the Chuchwide Assembly of the ELCA, though deferring any official change to their anti-LGBT ordination policies until the next Assembly, has passed a resolution encouraging their bishops to refrain from disciplining pastors who are in committed same-gender relationships. This seems to be real progress.

I see the ELCA slowly moving into the same camp as the United Church of Christ and the Episcopal Church (USA). It ain't perfect, but it's a very encouraging movement.

Steven Webster

[keltic63]

I see the ELCA slowly moving into the same camp as the United Church of Christ and the Episcopal Church (USA). It ain't perfect, but it's a very encouraging movement.

Steven Webster

Perhaps this is a big step in a process. I'd read about this development a few days ago and I've been thinking on it. I'm struck by some logical points that will not be ignored as time passes: Pastors in same-gender relationships can not be disciplined. Is it then fair to discipline those who are not in relationships, but have come out, either publicly or to certain individuals within their congregations? are heterosexual clergy held to the same guidelines? Once these issues arise, many will see the inherent discrimination and steps will be taken that lead to full inclusion.

[andrewlittle]

Perhaps this is a big step in a process. I'd read about this development a few days ago and I've been thinking on it. I'm struck by some logical points that will not be ignored as time passes: Pastors in same-gender relationships can not be disciplined. Is it then fair to discipline those who are not in relationships, but have come out, either publicly or to certain individuals within their congregations? are heterosexual clergy held to the same guidelines? Once these issues arise, many will see the inherent discrimination and steps will be taken that lead to full inclusion.

Time will tell. As with my own PC(USA), this issue is ongoing and remains emotional and contentious because of the inherent fears that seem to pervade the systems.

What you have said, Steve, is the only logical, ethical outcome that makes sense to me. The "church", however, has a history of fancy footwork, and using smoke and mirrors, to rationalize and justify unrighteous and unjust actions. It really fights examining its own bigotry with just about everything it has. Personally, I don't see the protestant church in the liberal tradition surviving unless it continues to takes steps toward full inclusion.

[dsdrane]

Personally, I don't see the protestant church in the liberal tradition surviving unless it continues to takes steps toward full inclusion.


This is absolutely right. The good news is, not only will they survive, they might even flourish.

I'm constantly amazed at what I've discovered here and at GCN in terms of the sheer number of gay people -- and others -- who walked (or were pushed) away from the church because of real or perceived mutually exclusive issues concerning faith, ideology, sexuality, etc. I've witnessed so many turning around and coming back, rightfully demanding their place at the table. And these folks aren't just pew warmers; they're the real deal. They have energy, commitment, money and desire to be involved. What church wouldn't want that!?

I firmly believe that the Episcopal Church, the ELCA, the UCC and other places of worship of this ilk are going to reap a better and stronger crop by ever moving toward inclusion.

[Steven E. Webster]

Steve,

This was your reponse to the news about the ELCA:

Perhaps this is a big step in a process. I'd read about this development a few days ago and I've been thinking on it. I'm struck by some logical points that will not be ignored as time passes: Pastors in same-gender relationships can not be disciplined. Is it then fair to discipline those who are not in relationships, but have come out, either publicly or to certain individuals within their congregations? are heterosexual clergy held to the same guidelines? Once these issues arise, many will see the inherent discrimination and steps will be taken that lead to full inclusion.

I believe that the ELCA is, in fact, trying to move towards a single standard for both heterosexuals and homosexuals. There official stand on lesbian and gay clergy is that they are allowed to be ordained and to serve as pastors as long as they are celibate. They also have the same requirement for heterosexuals, except that heterosexuals are also allowed to be married. (I know of at least one case where a heterosexual ELCA seminarian who was living with his finance was forced to rush the day of his planned wedding in order to be in compliance with the "celibacy or marriage" standard--he was pissed that they could not do the big, planned ceremony and essentially had to elope to meet church standards.)

So, by allowing lesbian and gay clergy to be in committed same-gender, monogamous relationships, they are trying to apply the same standard. It would be the same standard exactly if they could be legally married.

I know there are some LGBT folks who are more radical than this, and who may even go so far as to wish marriage to be abolished altogether. They may object to being forced to adopt the same standards as heterosexuals. I think that's a complicated ethical issue, and don't want to get into that here.

I think it is also true that some churches bar lesbian and gay clergy for not meeting the "celibacy or (heterosexual) marriage" standard, but then they look the other way, or only deliver a slap on the wrist in the case of the heterosexual adulterers among the clergy. That is more a problem of just plain hypocrisy rather than a problem with standards.

Steven Webster