Lutheran Group Backs Gay Ordination (WI)

AP via Madison.com ^ | June 6, 2005 | Staff Writer

[Mrs. Don-o]

You wrote: "[The Catholic Church] just placed the cardinal that condoned the most pedophiles in a position of favor at the vatican, and gave him the honor of presiding over JP II's funeral (are you awake?)"... (My emphasis added.)

I am no fan of Cardinal Law and I think he has much to repent of, but for the sake of accuracy it should be noted that almost all the crimes of homosexual priests happened before Law became Archbishop of Boston in 1984. His sin --- and it's a grave sin --- was, principally, negligence.

Law had all these priests' personnel files and paid scant attention to them. Priests with records of seriously bad behavior related to homosexual vice, alcoholism, and drug abuse were sent off on therapeutic sabbaticals and then placed back in parish work on the dubious strength of psychiatrists' or therapists' recommendations that they were "O.K. now."

Irresponsible. Disgusting. Pastoral malpractice to a very disturbing degree. But it's not the same as "condoning pedophiles." It's more like a jaw-dropping naivete: "These psychologists say this priest is recovered." "This priest wouldn't lie to me." And so forth.

I think the history of the Archdiocese shows that this kind of negligence became routine, not because of sloth or laziness, but (paradoxically) because of workaholism. For example, when Cardinal Law became archbishop of Boston, he found over fifty agencies reporting directly to him. He worked like a wheelhorse; but you can safely say that he pushed the problem of bent, spiritually sick priests WAY down on the priority list. WAY down. Priority? Somewhere between 50 and infinity.

My personal opinion is that he shouldn't have been given a prominent post in Rome. He should have had to kneel outside the door of the Cathedral for a decade or so in sackcloth and ashes, begging those who entered therein to pray for the salvation of his soul.

[Marysecretary]

I don't know if churches ever will truly embrace that lifestyle or prostitutes, etc., but individual Christians can and should. We don't have to condone what they do, but we ARE commanded to love them. Kinda makes you wish Christ would return tomorrow. It's up to individuals to love the sinner and hate the sin. Churches mostly won't do that, IMHO. Depends on the church, I guess.

[July 4th]

I am Catholic, but frequently went to Wisconsin Synod (WELS) services, because my mother was raised as a WELS Lutheran. Dare I say, the WELS Lutherans at my mother's church were/are far more "Catholic" than the Catholics. They even use their communion rail, which I've never even seen in a Catholic church. They're also just as anti-abortion, if not more so.

[MinuteGal]

Catholic music IS beautiful, but I'm talking about hymns since about the time of the Reformation. The Lutheran hymnal is chock full of hymns with words and music sublime, many with music taken from works of great composers.

I DO love to sing. Unfortunately, I can't sing the Gregorian chants intoned by early monks, LOL.

Leni

[editor-surveyor]

Priests with records of seriously bad behavior related to homosexual vice, alcoholism, and drug abuse were sent off on therapeutic sabbaticals and then placed back in parish work on the dubious strength of psychiatrists' or therapists' recommendations that they were "O.K. now."

...But it's not the same as condoning pedophiles

It's not? - Is your dictionary a bit different than mine? - look up condone again.

.

[Conservativegreatgrandma]

I was raised in the church that eventually became the ELCA. We left about 13 years ago to the LC Missouri Synod. Perfectly happy now.

[Mrs. Don-o]

(I wrote)" ...But it's not the same as condoning pedophiles

(You wrote) It's not? - Is your dictionary a bit different than mine? - look up condone again.

Condone: To overlook, forgive, or disregard (an offense) without protest or censure.

OMG! You're absolutely right!

I always thought "condone" was more along the lines of "justify, find an excuse for, approve." But you're exactly right, Law did "condone" (overlook, forgive, etc.)the pedophiles.

More shame. I'm disgusted.

Gulp.

I'm going to get my sackcloth tunic on, as soon as it's back from the cleaners.... :~<

[tucker93]

"Pastor Jennifer Thomas, 32, of Lake Park Lutheran Church in Milwaukee, said she was pleased with the results.

"I believe the Gospel of Christ calls us to fully include everyone in the church. Homosexuality is not a sin," Thomas said."

Is she reading the same inspired Word of God that I am?

[goldstategop]

Its not my mother's Lutheran Church. The liberals have taken it over. Doctrine is now as changeable as the wind...

(Denny Crane: "Sometimes you can only look for answers from God and failing that... and Fox News".)

[Marysecretary]

You're forgiven. I didn't realize it meant that either. so double gulp here.

[ALN_1985]

I stopped attending my ELCA church in May. My understanding at that time was that 3 of my 4 Synod's representatives are prepared to support the ordination of non-celibate gays and lesbians at the Orlando conclave...which is not the level of support for this change within the rank and file of the Synod.

I had second thoughts about this church when I juxtaposed the recent placement of The Da Vinci Code in the church's library with the pastor's earlier, harsh criticism of The Passion of the Christ. I am now attending a LCMS church.