ELCA and Zion Dispute Continues

KIMT - 3 ^ | 11/9/10 | Shane Delaney

[SmithL]

WAVERLY, IA - A north Iowa congregation is days away from again deciding whether to separate from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

But the Northeast Iowa Synod Bishop says it's not going to count. A final vote by Zion Lutheran in Clear Lake to leave the ELCA failed earlier this summer, but church leaders aren't letting the issue die.

"A am not aware of any other place in the whole ELCA in which a church has intentionally voted to violate their constitution," said the Rev. Steven Ullestad, bishop of the ELCA Northeastern Iowa Synod.

Bishop Ullestad says it doesn't matter what the church decides in its upcoming Sunday vote.

“The constitution allows for congregations to take a first vote, have a consultation, take a second vote. When that vote fails that concludes that process," said Ullestad.

And the vote did fail at Zion, two other times. The process should be over, but since that time church leaders continued moving forward with the disassociation process.

"The constitutional crisis was created when they clearly said they would not follow the police or any policies or procedures of the ELCA," said Ullestad.

After the vote to disassociate failed, Zion leaders decided to associate with another Lutheran branch: The Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ.

"That resolution in which they stated they are now a member of another Lutheran church body in addition to ours is also in violation of the church's constitution," said Ullestad.

Because of those decisions Bishop Ullestad says Zion’s pastors Dean Hess and Derik Yarian are no longer considered ordained ministers.

"They are not to represent themselves as pastor they're not to preside at sacraments or weddings or wear a stole and not use the title of reverend or pastor," said Ullestad.

And even though this whole process has created division within Zion, Bishop Ullestad hopes everything will work out.

"We are committed to them as a congregation and to the members of that congregation and to help bring reconciliation so that together our witness to the world will be, see how those Christians love one another. That's what is at stake for us," said Ullestad.

Bishop Ullestad extended an invitation to Dean Hess to discuss this entire issue in person, but Hess has not responded to that invitation.

Zion Lutheran was contacted today for a comment. Hess said the church will release a statement responding to the bishop's claims later this week.

Bishop Ullestad says Zion Lutheran is still under ELCA leadership and subject to their policies. If they do not follow those policies they could face disciplinary measures and legal repercussions.

[SmithL]

Bishop Ullestad says Zion Lutheran is still under ELCA leadership and subject to their policies. If they do not follow those policies they could face disciplinary measures and legal repercussions.

The most he can do is kick them out of the ELCA.

[ALPAPilot]

We are committed to them as a congregation and to the members of that congregation and to help bring reconciliation so that together our witness to the world will be, see how those Christians love one another

"and don't worry about killing babies, because that doesn't bother us in the least. "

[hinckley buzzard]

Ullestad is way out of bounds on this. He sounds like he is losing it. There are many ELCA/LCMC churches around the country.

What he is more or less right about is that the congregation needs to take another "First vote" before taking another "Second vote." But all that does is extend the process by a few months. Zion should just go ahead and schedule another First Vote and get on with it.

[grumpa]

Thanks, keep us informed.

[rhema]

The most he can do is kick them out of the ELCA.

As Brutus said to Cassius in Julius Caesar, "And that were much he should. . ." Send them happily on their way out of Babylon.

When the LORD brought back the captive ones of Zion,
We were like those who dream.