Lutheran church's same-sex controversy in Moose Jaw

As of Aug. 21, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has adopted a resolution allowing those people in committed, monogamous, same-sex relationships to be ordained in the Lutheran Church.
However, the choice and views shown are not shared by all Lutheran Churches in North America, including the Emmanuel Lutheran Church here in Moose Jaw, said Rev. John Kreutzwieser.
Kreutzwieser said his church does not agree with the decision made by the ELCA. He said it is his belief that not only does the resolution go against the history of the Christian church, but also the Bible.
"We still hold that the scripture looks at same-sex relationships as not in accord with God's intent for humanity and therefore people in those types of relationships would not be eligible for leadership roles in the church."
He said to clarify, he is not saying that those who are in same-sex relationships are not able to be Christian or even members of the Lutheran Church.
"But we don't bless same-sex marriages. We are not in favour of same-sex marriage, we speak against it and as so, we would hold that pastors should certainly not be living that lifestyle."
Because the Emmanuel Lutheran Church is not affiliated with the ELCA, it has no intention of changing its views or rules at this time.
"Our churches have taken a very clear stand that (this type of decision) would not be acceptable for pastors in the church."
As for the other Lutheran churches in the city, the Central Lutheran Church, Kreutzwieser said it could possibly see the resolution come to its congregation as soon as next year.
The Times-Herald attempted to contact the Central Lutheran Church, however was unable to reach a representative as of press time.
"Central Lutheran Church is somewhat affiliated with the (ELCA), but again there are Canadian and United States counterparts. I do know that the Canadian counterpart to the church that Central Lutheran belongs to hasn't (taken) an official position yet on the ordination of people in same-sex relationships."
As for Kreutzwieser and his church, he wrote in a letter, "we regret the decision of the ELCA, which, even by its own admission in its resolutions at this convention, goes against everything the scriptures clearly teach and which the church has confirmed over the last 2,000 years and even before.

Lyndsay McCready can be reached at 691-1256.

Jane: - September 18th, 2009 at 17:48:20

The Evangelical Lutheran Church of America allows this, which America only has five states that allows legal marriage but of course Moose Jaw. The entire country allows the pass on gay marriage and so you would think up till now there would be a problem somewhere. Only in that small town that no one really looks at twice. This is absolutely ridiculous!
Regina has a few gay pastors and we are doing great!

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truth teller

- September 22nd, 2009 at 20:55:23

If Regina is for it then I say it is Moose Jaw's best interest to be against it. Religion is suppose to be absolutes not people trying to moralize their lifestyles and trying ot look mainstream. Fire and brimstone for those wh preach from the pulpit and suck pee-pee in the bedroom.

J.J.: - September 18th, 2009 at 17:36:53

Go, Rev. John! Thank you for not compromising the word of God. God is not mocked; we will reap what we sow.
Why, oh why, do some people insist on wanting to make the Bible fit their beliefs instead of trying to clean up their lives to line up with God's word?
Not sure what your point is, 'What'.

What?: - September 18th, 2009 at 17:18:00

Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchers, which outwardly appear beautiful, but inwardly are full of dead mens bones, and of all uncleanness. Even so ye also outwardly appear righteous unto men, but inwardly ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity

What?: - September 18th, 2009 at 17:06:09

God has the final call matthew 23:27-28 Spoken by Jesus himself

The men who organize religion today are just as wrong as the religions organized 2000 years ago.

PS god doesn't love u anymore. He gave up along time ago...

Aric: - September 18th, 2009 at 16:53:55

Come on, get with the 90's

Stubblejumper: - September 18th, 2009 at 16:44:47

You said it J.J.

In responce to What? you really should finish reading the book of Matthew you will find that our God is a loving and just God. He has not and will never quit loving us. Since you like quoting the Bible you should read Joshua 1:5. There it says No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

What?: - September 18th, 2009 at 16:01:59

Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, This people honoreth me with their lips; But their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, Teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men (Matt. 15:7-9).

Lynn B: - September 18th, 2009 at 15:59:05

Judge not, unless ye be judged.

Is it not up to their so called god to judge people.

Stubblejumper: - September 18th, 2009 at 15:54:10

Lynn you are right in saying that Judge not, unless ye be judged . But you are dead wrong when you say that Is it not up to their so called god to judge people . It is up to our God to judge people. That is what the Bible says. I really think you should read it sometime. (Hopefully before you post another thought.)