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Linda Mitchell, KCMO's avatar

Well I expect total craziness to simply expand among the ghastly old party members. In the meantime, I would like to point out a real milestone: the Lutheran Church just appointed the first openly trans woman as bishop in the San Diego region diocese. This is huge. I might not be a. Christian and I might be unenthusiastic about religion in general but this step means something.

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David’sinSC's avatar

Every step in the positive direction should be celebrated. Good for the Lutherans.

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cig (TX)'s avatar

This is within the liberal ELCA branch of the Lutheran Church, which is in communion with Episcopals, Methodists, and maybe a few other denominations.

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TCinLA's avatar

It sure isn't within the Lutheran Church I am aware of.

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cig (TX)'s avatar

Sounds like you're referring to the Missouri Synod branch ... ultra conservative. Jesus could return as a trans woman and they wouldn't acknowledge her (last I knew of Missouri Synod).

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TCinLA's avatar

There's also the Evangelical Lutherans.

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cig (TX)'s avatar

Exactly! ELCA is the acronym for Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, which is not to be confused with the deservedly maligned "Evangelicals" who form the Christian Right.

From the ELCA website: "A merger of three Lutheran churches formed the ELCA in 1988. They were The American Lutheran Church, the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches and the Lutheran Church in America."

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Ally House (Oregon)'s avatar

Interesting. I only know of the Missouri and Wisconsin Synod Branches of the Lutherans; had never heard of the ELCA. Two of my music groups (a tuba ensemble and a brass quintet) rehearse at different Lutheran churches that are about 4 blocks from one another. One of them is an "open and affirming" congregation, the other is a Missouri Synod.

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cig (TX)'s avatar

I've not heard of Wisconsin Synod, but it must be close to ELCA since it's "open and affirming."

And I love reading that you perform in two music groups!

My local ELCA congregation hosts the community orchestra, allows local music teachers to teach private lessons rent free, and for several years was a concert venue for the local university (until it built a much-needed new recital hall). The musical legacy of J.S. Bach continues!

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cig (TX)'s avatar

Correction: Wisconsin Synod is even more conservative than Missouri Synod. (I asked my Lutheran friends!)

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Liz Ayer, Nyc/MA's avatar

I think it’s great—I’m Episcopalian and our church has forged a strong bond with Lutherans. In our town we participate annually in joint services with the local Lutheran church.

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Barbara D. Reed's avatar

NH's Episcopal Church installed Gene Robinson a gay priest, as Bishop in 2003 and he was consecrated in 2006. He retired in 2013. For more details, please read Wikipedia's article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gene_Robinson#Consecration_as_bishop

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Pam Peterson (West MA)'s avatar

Wow! I'm not into religion either, but this is a huge step. A conservative church led by a trans woman...amazing.

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cig (TX)'s avatar

ELCA is progressive, not conversative. The head of the ELCA is a woman, as are many bishops and clergy. All sexual preferences accepted.

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JCM1953's avatar

That must be the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA)--a very, very different animal than the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. The two congregations are at opposite poles from each other on this issue. Not a sign of change.

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Linda Mitchell, KCMO's avatar

Yes--but it is still an incredibly positive step. Like the fragmenting of the "United" Methodists over the issue of gay marriage and trans people, and the Episcopal church and the Anglican Synod over the same, the liberal wings of the Christian groups are important spokespeople and allies.

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Roland (CA->WA)'s avatar

🎉🎉🎉

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