Marriage Equality and our Bishop

Many in my congregation has become aware that Bishop W. Chris Boerger, Northwest Washington Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, has been speaking out publicly in favor of Marriage Equality and Referendum 74 that is on Washington State's ballot this fall. Some have suggested that this is not appropriate for a bishop to do, especially around such a cultural and church divisive issue.

I tend to agree with this way of thinking. When I was laid hands on by my bishop at the time and my soon to be peers, I took a vow to not ever be a cause of division within a congregation. I have never seen my role as pastor as such. I believe deep down in my heart that the Church can have differences of opinion on cultural issues, but still be united in confessing our Lord as Savior of the world.

But ...

At our Synod Assembly this past spring a resolution was passed overwhelmingly in favor of SB 6239. In that resolution it calls for the NWWS and its member congregation and individuals to study scripture and the ELCA social statement on sexuality: Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Bishop Boerger is only following the mandate of his synod, who met in a legally called meeting and through a legal process of the church, to advocate on behalf of the Marriage Equality law and the protection of GLBTQ people.

If anyone is not following through with this resolution it would be I. I have not led this congregation through a biblical study on sexuality nor lifting up our social statement on sexuality. We will need to rectify this situation.

Marriage Equality is a culturally divisive issue with passion on both sides, as are other issues (abortion, immigration, etc.). But, we remain the Church even if we cannot agree, because these are not issues of salvation. Confessing our Lord and Savior as the healer of the world is a salvation issue. Luther would call many of the issues we fight about "adiaphora," a word that in the Greek means "little things." Issues that distract us from our work as the Church Luther would call adiaphora. Why? Because the foremost work of the Church is to proclaim Jesus Christ crucified and risen, baptize in the name of the triune God and advocate for "least of these."

Bishop Boerger is just following the direction of the synod. You may not agree with what he is doing, but he is not doing it on his own initiative. He is doing this advocating on behalf of our synod at her direction.

Prepared for the New

This past Thursday I loaded up the motor home and drove 7 hours to Kettle Falls, Washington. Once there I set up camp and waited for friends to arrive. At about 6 pm Eric and Joel arrived with bacon cheeseburgers  from Sandy's Drive Inn. I am still thinking about that burger, it was so good. We talked and got caught up with the gossip in our lives. After tilting a few back we decided to bed down for the night while we waited on the rest of the group.

At about 11 pm Matt and Geoff arrived. Our group was now complete. Again the gossip was passed around as they unloaded and prepared for bed. Somehow I felt complete. I lay there listening to them breath and snore. The sound putting me to sleep as well.

We awoke at the butt crack of dawn and put the boat in the water after a hearty breakfast of sausage and pancakes. Off we went in search of the walleye. On water, life seems to be alright. There is something soothing and generous about it. Your cares seem to be held at bay. Your time stretched out in the glorious surroundings.

The maple and birch leaves a brilliant yellow surrounded by the dusty green of the pine trees add to the contentment of the moment. More than once someone comment on the stunning scenery. We jigged our lures at 15 ft, then 35 feet. No fish to be found. Joel finally found a walleye at 60 ft. Otherwise the day was quiet on that front.

Not that it bothered anyone. The day was complete in and of itself. Camaraderie, shared stories and food was all that was needed.

Saturday I was back on the road. A memorial service awaited me upon arrival. As I drove I paid attention to what I was passing. Wheat fields turned under, some already planted with winter wheat; dried corn stalks; fields being harvested and white trucks loaded heavy with dirty skinned potatoes on their way to the processing plants. Life being transformed from one way of being to another. Fields made fallow and prepared for the spring.

New life comes from many places. Re-connection with friends, fields being prepared with care, and even a body being laid in the ground and then remembered. Resurrection happens daily.