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Nov 22, 2009 11:12 pm US/Central
ELCA Vote Causes Painful Split Among Lutherans
(WCCO)
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Pastor Grorud said it is difficult to gauge how many churches may leave the ELCA for the new denomination. CORE's Web site lists 15 Minnesota churches in support of the movement.
CBS
A controversial vote to allow non-celibate gay clergy has prompted a painful split in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Several Minnesota churches have already taken steps to leave the ELCA and join a new Lutheran denomination.
While the ELCA's decision last summer caused celebration for those who long felt excluded by the church, the bitter controversy did not end with the historic vote in Minneapolis. The division continues as those opposed to the change are taking steps to break away from the ELCA.
"We really believe the ELCA left us," said Pastor Scott Grorud, a steering committee member of Lutheran CORE or Coalition for Renewal.
The group has gone from rejecting the ELCA's new policy to working towards creating a new alternative.
"For years there's been a new theological struggle with the ELCA, now there's a kind of clarity," explained Grorud.
Pastor Grorud said it is difficult to gauge how many churches may leave the ELCA for the new denomination. CORE's Web site lists 15 Minnesota churches in support of the movement.
The ELCA churchwide organization in Chicago has been anticipating the split.
"This news from Lutheran CORE was expected. We know it takes hard work to organize a new church body. There has always been, and there will continue to be a, a place in the ELCA for all people despite our differences," said John Brooks of the ELCA.
Grorud acknowledged that it will be tough for churches to come to consensus about what to do next. However, he said the divisions are already happening whether organized or not.
"That's part of the tragedy here. These decisions put every church in a corner that can't be avoided," added Grorud.
The new denomination will not be ready to accept members until August 2010 when CORE meets in Columbus, Ohio.
However, churches may decide to break ties with the ELCA before then and join other existing Lutheran denominations.
According to CORE, a few Minnesota churches have already taken first votes to separate from the ELCA. Two votes are required by the congregation.
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