Lutheran Church in America is suggesting that the Bible isn't the last
word on homosexuality.
In
a town hall meeting Sunday, Bishop Mark Hanson said, "the understanding
we have of homosexuality today does not seem to be reflected at all in
the context of the biblical writers." Therefore, he said, Lutherans
should consider more modern views on sexual orientation.
At its churchwide convention in August, the ELCA lifted its ban on
partnered gay and lesbian clergy, prompting some traditional
congregations to withhold funds and begin forming a separate
denomination.
But Hanson insisted the ELCA can accommodate both views. In his words, "God is still speaking to us."
He also suggests that more homosexual-friendly policies may help the denomination grow.