Pastor Tim Hauge

 Christ Lutheran Church

Odessa, Washington

Where Do We Stand as Lutherans?

        Christ Lutheran Church here in Odessa, Washington is a member congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.  This Lutheran body was formed by the merger of three Lutheran denominations, The American Lutheran Church, The Lutheran Church in America, and The Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches.  The ELCA officially began its life in January of 1988.  Over the last twenty years the ELCA has been a church that has enjoyed moments of faithful brilliance and steadfastness in ministry, but also has suffered with "in house" controversy and theological differences. 

          This two fold reality of our church life is not unique the the ELCA.  All church groups have both poles of deep faithfulness in ministry and human failure at the same time.  It is in this tension that we in our human sinfulness press on to be servants of Jesus Christ in this world.  Our ELCA has entered into a new time of controversy and difficult theological and Biblical struggle.  This has come to bear in full force following the ELCA Churchwide Assembly that held this past August 17-23 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  The issue at the heart of this round of discussion is the positive votes taken by the Churchwide Assembly to adopt the human sexuality social statement proposal entitled "Gift and Trust".  This was received with the required 2/3rds majority vote of the assembly.  The assembly also approved four "implementing resolutions" that accompanied the social statement.  (for a summary of ELCA Assembly actions go to www.elca.org )  The resolutions adopted lead the ELCA to 1) "bear one another's burdens, respecting the bound conscience of those with whom we disagree, 2) allow for congregations who choose to do so, to find ways to recognize, support, and hold publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships, and 3) to find a way for people in such publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships to serve as rostered leaders of this church.  The fourth resolution adopted is similar to the first but goes a bit further in declaring the intent to allow structured flexibility in decision making about candicacy and the call process, and committing the church to respect the conviction of members who believe the ELCA should not call or roster people in committed same gender relationships. 

      One of the key phrases in this new set of policy directives is "congregations who choose to do so".  As has always been the case for Lutheran congregations, a particular pastor will not be forced upon any congregation that does not see fit to call that pastoral candidate as their pastor.  Time will tell just how many gay and lesbian pastors and other rostered professionals "in committed, monogamous same-gender relationships" the ELCA will have.  The varying views of this new direction in the ELCA is centered squarely on how the Biblical witness in the Old and New Testaments is authoritative for our life and ministry.  People who argue that this move is biblical and those who argue it is not hold deep biblical convictions as to their position.  It remains to be seen if the ELCA can live and function with this tension of convictions among its members. 

      Now that I have given you a bit of the background of this current issue in our church, I would like to humbly state my conviction as to the issue.  I believe the ELCA is going in a direction that will not be helpful for our overall evangelical witness.  I have serious Biblical concerns in terms of the foundational arguments of those who have laid out the rational for this affirming direction of gay and lesbian Christians within the ELCA.  I hold no ill will to anyone who self identifies themselves as a person of homosexual orientation.  I simply believe and am committed to the position that Biblically there is not license to affirm the homosexual lifestyle, even if it is a "committed , monogamous, life long" relationship.  I say this humbly with the knowledge that I too am a sinner in need of God's grace!  I pray that God will lead us all in the wisdom and power of his abiding Holy Spirit.  Maybe we cannot see a resolution to this issue in church and society, but with God all things are possible.  Whether we stay within the ELCA or seek a new home of denominational fellowship, let us all humbly and prayerfully seek God's will and not arrogantly step out in anger or in some foolish reactionary way.  Let us take the high road of integrity and respect for those with whom we differ.  In so doing, I believe we can be a more Christ-like witness.

     I welcome anyone who would like to visit at more length on this issue.  Feel free to give me a call and make an appointment, or just stop by the office for a cup of coffee and pleasant conversation.  May God bless you in Christ this day and always, and may our Lord lead us in these uncertain days.

                                                                                                                             Pastor Tim Hauge

"I will give thanks to you O Lord, with my whole heart"

- Psalm 138:1 -