aTypical Joe: a gay New Yorker living in the rural South
Friday, March 09, 2007
As expected, Schmeling appeals
An appeal of a Lutheran clerical panel’s decision to defrock the gay pastor of an Atlanta church is the latest move in a showdown within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America over whether pastors involved in same-sex relationships should lead congregations.
After a four day trial in January, a 12-member jury of ELCA clerics decided Feb. 7 that Bradley Schmeling, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, violated ELCA pastoral conduct guidelines, which allow openly gay clergy members to serve congregations, but condemn same-sex relationships as sinful.
The decision criticized the prohibition on same-sex relationships, and gave Schmeling until Aug. 15 before his name should be removed from the ELCA clergy roster - opening a six-month window during which Schmeling can appeal the decision and seek to overturn current policy.
In its ruling, the jury also asked the ELCA to reconsider its rules regarding gay clergy members - which it termed “bad policy” that may conflict with the church constitution - during its biennial Churchwide Assembly, slated for Aug. 6-12 in Chicago. The ruling also noted the success of Schmeling’s six-year tenure as pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Atlanta.
Schmeling took the first step in retaining his job this week by filing an appeal of the decision, which he says he mailed March 6.
