The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has handled the subject of homosexuality somewhat differently than most mainline denominations by recognizing that that at this moment in history there are substantially differing views held by faithful people. Michael Spencer reviews the Lutheran position. Their full statement on sexuality can be found here.
Dr. Naegeli uses the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument in this blog to examine various ways that individuals and groups handle open conflict. While her focus is on the politics of the Presbyterian Church (USA), the analysis has wide application.
Rick Carter, a PCUSA pastor, imagines a “way forward” in the denominational controversies as he interacts with Barbara Wheeler, former president of Auburn Theological Seminary.
What we most often hear in the debate among Christians related to gay marriage is that those in favor are not faithful to the Scriptures, and those against have no compassion/grace for people. Even NPR’s Barbara Bradley Hagerty’s coverage (May 11: http://www.npr.org/2012/05/11/152466134/same-bible-different-verdict-on-gay-marriage) concludes with the line: “Of course, conservatives say that the best blueprint for God’s kingdom on earth does not spring from what you read between the lines of the Bible, but what you read in black and white.”
Peter Laarman commented: “NPR should be embarrassed to broadcast an ostensibly analytic piece that concludes by giving a free pass to the literalists and by reinforcing the notion that those of us who read the Bible for its core message are really not reading it at all.”
In this blog from Rev. David Lewicki, pastor of North Decatur Presbyterian Church in Decatur, GA, David provides a biblical perspective which should be considered by all who think the case is cut and dried.
One of the main characteristics of the “missional” church is that it is focused outward, rather than inward. Because all churches at some level are inwardly focused, this characteristic is sometimes hard to understand. In this short blog, Thom Rainer talks about inwardly obsessed churches. Helpful.
