July 2, 2015
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
As you know the Supreme Court last week ruled on same sex marriage, making it legal in all fifty states. Portions of the decision are listed below.
"The right of same-sex couples to marry that is part of the liberty promised by the Fourteenth Amendment is derived, too, from that Amendment's guarantee of the equal protection of the laws."
"It is now clear that the challenged laws burden the liberty of same-sex couples, and it must be further acknowledged that they abridge central precepts of equality."
"Finally, it must be emphasized that religions, and those who adhere to religious doctrines, may continue to advocate with utmost, sincere conviction that, by divine precepts, same-sex marriage should not be condoned. The First Amendment ensures that religious organizations and persons are given proper protection as they seek to teach the principles that are so fulfilling and so central to their lives and faiths, and to their own deep aspirations to continue the family structure they have long revered. The same is true of those who oppose same-sex marriage for other reasons. In turn, those who believe allowing same-sex marriage is proper or indeed essential, whether as a matter of religious conviction or secular belief, may engage those who disagree with their view in an open and searching debate. The Constitution, however, does not permit the State to bar same-sex couples from marriage on the same terms as accorded to couples of the opposite sex."
For many this decision brings great joy and hope for greater equality in this country. For others it creates challenges and burdens and brings more sorrow than joy. As Elizabeth Eaton has said, "We are the church together" and moving forward we need to continue to find ways to respect the views of one another and continue to celebrate those spaces where we find common ground and hope in Christ Jesus our Lord.
In 2009 the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America adopted a social statement entitled "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust." This statement continues to direct our conversations and life together as the church and may be worth reviewing. It can be found on at www.ELCA.org. Please note there is also a study guide available on the web site.
The Supreme Court decision legalizes marriage in all fifty states but doesn't require that pastors preside at same gender or even different gender marriages when the pastor can't, in good conscience, preside at the marriage rite. The decision to marry resides in the hands of the pastor and this decision, as with all others, should be made respectfully and carefully. Making use of the same thoughtful process for weddings that has been in place in congregations would make sense moving forward. And, of course, it would be important to have a conversation with leaders in the congregation around this issue as well before proceeding. We are the church together.
If I can be of any help along the way don't hesitate to be in touch. In the meantime let us give thanks for the opportunity to continue conversations around difficult issues as we find our way forward and rejoice that God calls us to be the church and involved in the lives of people that come from so many different backgrounds, perspectives and realities. Together we are the Body of Christ.
In His Grace and Peace,
John S. Macholz, Bishop
