It doesn’t really make it clear, but I assume they formerly allowed gays and lesbians to be pastors as long as they were celibate. As long as they’re not activists against church teachings, that doesn’t seem to be problematic. But what is not clear but is implied is that they now allow gays and lesbians who are sexually active to be pastors.
Is there a line drawn anywhere? Can they be picking up a different partner every night at the local gay club? Can they be having threeways with couples they meet off Craigslist?
And for that matter, does this extend to straight pastors? Can they have sex with partners outside of their marriage?
The only sexually active gays who will be allowed to be pastors are those who are in "publicly accountable, monogomus, life-long relationships". Keep in mind that the implementing rules are still being formulated and will not be finalized until April 2010 at the earliest. Also keep in mind that there really is no clear definition of public accountability, although one recommendation is that the gay pastoral candidate must seek the marriage/domestic partnership according to the laws of his/her state.
And for that matter, does this extend to straight pastors? Can they have sex with partners outside of their marriage?
Absolutely not.
And I am absolutely not an apologist for the ELCA!