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Eastern Synod Suspends Holy Cross, Newmarket – LCIC News
November 2008 – In a letter from Eastern Synod bishop Michael Pryse, members of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Newmarket ON, were informed that Eastern Synod Council has suspended the congregation for the duration of Pastor Lionel Ketola's call as Associate Pastor and Ambassador of Reconciliation.
Read more on Holy Cross's website.
Eastern Synod delegates call for restraint in discipline; bishop censures congregation and participants for extraordinary ordination – LCIC News
July 2008 – Signalling the abandonment of punitive rejection and a greater acceptance of openly lesbian and gay pastors and the blessing and marriage of same gender couples, delegates at the Eastern Synod convention in London, Ontario voted on July 9th to call on synod leaders to exercise restraint in disciplining pastors who bless or marry same gender couples and restraint in disciplining congregations, pastors, and members who call openly lesbian and gay pastors. One day earlier bishop Michael Pryse publicly censured and admonished the congregation of Holy Cross Lutheran Church for calling and ordaining Pastor Lionel Ketola, an openly gay married man on the clergy roster of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries. Bishop Pryse announced during his July 9 report that he was required to convene an investigating committee to look into the actions of Holy Cross. The committee will make its recommendations to synod council in November 2008. Commenting on the historic vote by delegates, Lutherans Concerned representative Rev. Lionel Ketola said: “This synod has clearly shown us that we are living in between the times. By these actions, our synod has pointed the way forward toward a new era in which the lives and gifts of all God's people will soon be fully celebrated.”
Read the news release by Lutherans Concerened / North America.
You are Invited to Attend
An Evening Service of Holy Communion – LCIC News
June 12, 2008 – Following the Eastern Synod Banquet, Rev. Lionel Ketola will preach and preside at an evening service of Holy Communion.
Following the service, LCIC invites you to a reception where you may gather for food, drink, conversation and an opportunity to meet Emily Eastwood. More information...
Five years ago today, gay marriage became legal in Ontario
– and equality has lived more happily ever after – Globe and Mail
June 8, 2008 – Martha McCarthy shares her opinion on the impact of legalizing same-sex marriage in Ontario. The Globe and Mail Opinion piece can be found here.
Responses to the Ordination of Lionel Ketola
It's Time We Agreed to Disagree
Bishop Michael Pryse, Eastern Synod, ELCIC
May 20, 2008Ordaining gay man ‘about justice’ – Ordination goes off without hitch
For Lionel Ketola, Friday evening marked the end of an arduous
two-decade-long journey to fulfilling a life-long dream.
May 17, 2008 – Sean Pearce, Staff Writer, yorkregion.com
Media Coverage of Canada's First Extraordinary Ordination
RADIO INTERVIEW – CBC: As It Happens: GAY PASTOR: KETOLA
[The interview with Lionel Ketola begins at 11:40minutes into Part 1 of the broadcast]
May 16, 2008 – CBC RadioRADIO INTERVIEW – CBC: As It Happens: GAY MARRIED MINISTER
[The interview with Bishop Pryse begins at 9:00minutes into Part 1 of the broadcast]
May 15, 2008 – CBC RadioVIDEO – Canada AM: Lionel Ketola to be ordained as a Lutheran minister
May 16, 2008 – CTV TorontoGay issue dividing Lutheran Church – GTA parish risks expulsion to ordain gay pastor
May 15, 2008 – Charles Lewis, National PostOrdination of married gay man a first for Lutheran churches in Canada
May 14, 2008 – Jered Stuffco, The Canadian PressToronto-area Lutheran church to ordain gay minister
May 14, 2008 – Charles Lewis, National PostLutherans in Ontario set to ordain a married gay man this week
Wednesday, May 14 – seaqwa.comLutherans to ordain married gay man - Bishop warns of 'irreparable damage' to church
May 14, 2008 – Canadian Press – thestar.com
Ordination Highlights will be available on the Holy Cross website – LCIC News
May 14, 2008 – Highlights of the first extraordinary ordination in Canada will be available on the
Holy Cross Lutheran Church website.
Eastern Synod Bishop Responds to Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Newmarket ON – LCIC News
May 9, 2008 – Following the decision of Holy Cross Lutheran Church (Newmarket ON) to call and ordain Lionel Ketola extra ordinem on Friday May 12, 2008, Bishop Pryse (Eastern Synod ELCIC) has responded with a Pastoral Letter to Holy Cross (April 30, 2008) and a Pastoral Letter to Rostered Pastors (May 9, 2008). Read Holy Cross Lutheran Church's response to Bishop Michael Pryse's April 30th letter.
Lutherans Concerned In Canada Rosters BC Synod – LCIC News
May 6, 2008 – Lutherans Concerned In Canada has added the BC Synod to the roster of Canadian RIC settings, following the BC Synod convention which took place April 17 - 20, in Kelowna BC. Read more...
First Extraordinary Ordination In Canada – LCIC News
April 20, 2008 – The people of Holy Cross Lutheran Church have issued a call to Lionel Ketola to serve as Associate Pastor. Read more...
First Extraordinary Call In Canada – LCIC News
April 20, 2008 – A Newmarket Ontario ELCIC congregation, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, has become the first ELCIC congregation to call an openly queer-identified ELM rostered candidate to the ministry of word and sacrament. On Sunday April 20, Holy Cross members voted overwhelmingly to call Lionel Ketola as associate pastor, deployed as an Ambassador of Reconciliation throughout the ELCIC, to advocate for full inclusion of queer people in the life and ministry of the ELCIC. Read more... about Lionel's Extraordinary call on the ELM website.
Canadian RIC Roster Welcomes Three New Ministry Settings – LCIC News
April 5, 2008 – Lutherans Concerned In Canada gives thanks as Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, Edmonton AB, Ascension Lutheran Church, Nelson BC and Peace Seekers (Lutheran Campus Ministry), University of British Columbia, Okanagan. BC, join the RIC roster. Read more...
LC/NA responds to draft of ELCA Sexuality – LC/NA News
March 13, 2008 – Lutherans Concerned/North America Executive Director Emily Eastwood has responded to the draft sexuality study released by the ELCA. Read more...
October 31, 2007 – Today Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM) announced its formation from the merger of the Extraordinary Candidacy Project (ECP), the ECP Roster, and Lutheran Lesbian & Gay Ministries (LLGM). ELM credentials and rosters openly gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people for ministry; supports these pastors by working with congregations that will call them and by providing mission grants to support their ministry; and provides a network of support to the congregations and pastors.
In celebration of the 490th anniversary of Martin Luther’s historic posting of his 95 theses calling for reform in the Catholic Church, Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries has posted its theology statement on virtual church doors. The theology statement confronts the policy of Lutheran churches around the world that limits the full participation of sexual minority people and mandate celibacy for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender pastors and seminarians. Further information about ELM, including the Theology Statement, can be found on the ELM website.
"Extraordinary" Lutheran Congregation Calls Lesbian Minister on Reformation Sunday – ELM News
October 28, 2007 – For the fourth time in 13 months a Lutheran congregation will directly challenge the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's (ELCA) policy requiring lifelong celibacy of gay and lesbian clergy. On October 28, Jen Rude was called to ministry by Resurrection Lutheran Church in Chicago. On November 17, Rude will become the first pastor to be ordained in the newly formed Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM) and the first official challenge to the new ELCA policy of "Refrain and Restraint" that was passed at its biennial assembly August 6-11 in Chicago. Rude will be ordained in an "Extraordinary Ordination" service on November 17. The service is called such because it is performed outside the ordinary guidelines for Lutheran ordinations. Read more at the new website of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries..
Montreal Diocese becomes Second to approve same-sex blessings – ELM News
October 20, 2007 – The Montreal Diocese of the Anglican Church Of Canada has become the second diocese to urge its bishop to allow the blessing of same gender civil marriages. Read the full story here.
Anglican Diocese of Ottawa approves same-sex blessings – Anglican Journal News
October 13, 2007 – In an overwhelming majority, the diocese of Ottawa voted 177 to 97 in favour of a motion requesting the authorization of same-gender blessings. Now the diocese of Ottawa awaits the assent of its bishop. Read the full story here.
Church of Norway Bishops Approve Gay Clergy – Church of Norway News
September 20, 2007 – Bishops of Norway's Lutheran church have voted by a close majority to allow gay pastors, a church official reported to a press conference. The Bishops Conference, a consultative body consisting of 11 Norwegian bishops, voted six to five for the measure. Church representative Olav Skjevesland explained: "The panel is a consultative body." "The question must now be defined at the Lutheran church's next general Synod, the highest decision-making representative body, which will meet from November 12th-17th this year." More information can be found here.
BC Congregation Joins Reconciling In Christ Roster – LCIC News
September 11, 2007 – Lutherans Concerned In Canada is pleased to welcome Mount Olivet Lutheran Church (ELCIC), North Vancouver BC, to the Reconciling In Christ (RIC) program. On September 11, 2007, the congregational council of Mount Olivet Lutheran Church voted to approve a congregational Statement of Welcome, and also voted to request that it be placed on the Reconciling In Christ (RIC) roster of Lutherans Concerned. Read the story about Mount Olivet Lutheran Church's journey toward becoming RIC, written by Pastor Alan Lai.
Rostering your congregation with the RIC program provides a powerful witness to your congregation's welcome toward people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Learn more about how the RIC program can empower your congregation's outreach ministry.
A Crack in the Dam of Discrimination:
ELCA Urges Church Leaders To Refrain From Disciplning Openly GLBTQ Clergy – Goodsoil News Release
August 11, 2007 – In a significant moment which Emily Eastwood, LC/NA Executive Director has called "a crack in the dam of discrimination", the ELCA voted on Saturday August 11 to encourage its bishops to refrain from or demonstrate restraint in the discipline of rostered ministers in committed same-gender relationships, signalling a first step toward fuller acceptance of GLBTQ clergy in the Lutheran churches. Read more...
Read the comments of Emily Eastwood, Executive Director of LC/NA.
Pressure Mounts for End To Discriminatory Ordination Policy As 82 Queer Lutheran Clergy Come Out
– Goodsoil News Release
August 8, 2007 – In a poweful action giving voice and visibility to the stories of GLBTQ clergy in the Lutheran churches, 82 queer Lutheran clergy have publicly come out, challenging delegates gathered at the ELCA churchwide assembly to end the discriminatory policies of the ELCA against openly GLBTQ clergy. The 82 clergy were introduced to ELCA Churchwide Assembly through a devotional booklet: "A Place Within My Walls: Devotions and Stories for the ELCA Churchwide Assembly" which was made available to ELCA churchwide convention delegates and contains biblical devotions and stories profiling the lives and ministries of openly queer ELCA clergy. The devotional booklet, which is available online includes candidate Lionel Ketola, recently approved for first call and ordination through the Extraordinary Candidacy Project (ECP) and the first Canadian to be included on the ECP roster.
Read the LC/NA Press Advisory here.
Find out more about rostering with the Extraordinary Candidacy Project.
ELCA Synod Bishop Presides at Goodsoil Worship Service – Goodsoil News Release
August 8, 2007 – Over 650 worshippers, including delegates to the ELCA Churchwide Assembly and Goodsoil supporters, a coalition of groups and individuals seeking full inclusion in the church, filled the worship space at the Hyatt hotel in Chicago for a celebratory service under the theme: Anticipation of the Spirit's Movement: A Goodsoil Celebration of the Vigil of Pentecost. The service featured Bishop Margaret Payne of the New England Synod presiding and Pastor Bradley Schmeling preaching.
Read the text of Pastor Bradley Schmeling's sermon.
Read the letter from Bishop Payne to her colleagues in the Conference of Bishops
about her decision to preside.
Read more about the service at the LCNA website.
View the photo gallery for the Goodsoil Service.
Learn more about Goodsoil.
Student Christian Movement Issues Solidarity Statement On Same Gender Blessings – SCM News
June 29, 2007 – In the wake of recent decisions by the Lutheran and Anglican churches which rejected same-gender blessings, the Student Christian Movement has issued a statement in solidarity with its lesbian and gay, bisexual and transgender sisters and brothers in the churches. Read more...
For more information about the Student Christian Movement's "Queer & Christian Without Contradiction" campaign, go to this news page.
Faithful Witness – Updates from Lutherans Concerned at the ELCIC National Convention – LCIC News Release
June, 2007 – Members of Lutherans Concerned In Canada will join with friends and supporters at the upcoming June 21 - 24 national convention in Winnipeg, bearing witness to the inclusive and loving call of the Gospel through presence, conversation and prayerful witness. See our daily updates on this news page.
Synod on Demand – Anglican Church of Canada
June, 2007 – View daily webcasts of the Anglican Church of Canada's general synod 2007 online.
Toronto parish pledges to bless same gender unions regardless of Anglican synod outcome
– Holy Trinity Press Release
June 17, 2007 – On the eve of a national meeting of the Anglican Church of Canada (General Synod) in which the blessing of same-sex unions is to be debated, the Church of the Holy Trinity, an Anglican Church in downtown Toronto, pledges to bless same-sex unions regardless of the outcome. Read more...
Read the story in the Toronto Star concerning the Church of the Holy Trinity's motion and press release.
Dawn Roginski Ordained Yesterday in San Francisco – Yahoo! News
June 15, 2007 – Dawn Roginski was ordained on Saturday June 16, 2 pm, at St. Francis Lutheran Church in San Francisco. Dawn is a member of the Extraordinary Candidacy project roster, an organization which advocates for the full inclusion of sexual minority people in the professional ministry of the Lutheran churches, Dawn and her . Read the story leading up to Dawn's ordination here. Read the recent updates on Dawn's ordination celebration at the Lutheran Lesbian and Gay Ministries website.
Sweeping Change in the ELCA as 21 Synods Vote for Change in Discriminatory Ordination Policy – LC/NA News
June 14, 2007 – With results nothing short of astounding, 21 ELCA synods have asked that ELCA policies be amended to allow the rostered service of persons in committed same-gender partnerships. Read more...
Alberta Bishop's June Message Highlights Augsburg Confessions' Support for Local Option – LCIC News
June, 2007 – In his June letter, bishop Ronald Mayan highlights support for local option in the Augsburg Confessions themselves, and reminds members of his synod that local option cannot hurt the church's unity since our unity is based in the Gospel alone. Bishop Mayan writes: “A colleague reminded me to keep Article VII of the Augsburg Confession in mind. Article VII states: The church is the assembly of the saints in which the Gospel is taught purely and the sacraments are administered rightly. For the true unity of the church it is enough to agree concerning the teaching of the Gospel and administration of the sacraments. It is not necessary that human traditions or rites and ceremonies, instituted by [people], should be alike everywhere. I needed that reminder, and I will do my best to reflect on what these words mean today, in the context of our ELCIC.” Read more...
Fifteen ELCA Synods Vote for Ordination Policy Change – LC/NA News Release
June 6, 2007 – In a powerful witness to the work of the Spirit among us, this past weekend seven ELCA synods have passed morial resoloutions calling for an end to the ELCA policy barring candidates in same gender relationships from ordained ministry, bringing the total to an awe-inspiring number of fifteen ELCA synods voting for policy change. Read more...
LCIC Solidarity Appeal – LCIC News Release
May, 2007 – Lutherans Concerned in Canada needs your help! From June 21 to 24, 2007, delegates will gather in Winnipeg for the ELCIC’s National Convention. LCIC will be there to work for a more inclusive and just church. Find out how you can help.
Four Evangelical Lutheran Church in America synods call for policy change – LC/NA News Release
May 27, 2007 – During this past weekend, four ELCA synods have passed memorials directing the ELCA to eliminate its discriminatory policies and develop new policies which would allow rostered service for candidates in committed same-gender relationships. The four synods are Oregon, Metro New York, Rocky Mountain, and Southwest Washington, bringing the total to eight synods, with assemblies yet to come in most metropolitan areas. Read more.
Anglican Signatue Campaign Continues to Grow – from www.gods-blessing.ca
May 22, 2007 – Less than a month before the Anglican Church of Canad and the Evangelical Lutheran church In Canada are set to meet for their respective national conventions, the Anglican signature campaign Living God's Blessing continues to grow. The campaign has a section for Lutheran full-communion partners to sign on to the campaign. Please sign up and show your solidarity for our Anglican friends! Read more.
Anglicans balk at gay blessings – Toronto Star News
May 2, 2007 – Integrity Canada leader Chris Ambidge challenges the "lack of leadership" evident in the recent pastoral statement released by the Canada's Anglican bishops which rejects same-sex marriage blessings in Canada, leaving the U.S. church alone in the struggle. Read more...
Read the full text of the bishops pastoral statement on the Anglican Church of Canada website.
Church of Scotland Admits Institutional Homophobia – Ekklesia News Brief
April 25, 2007 – An influential group of ministers in Scotland's largest Protestant church has said that its clergy and congregations have been "sinfully" intolerant of gays and lesbians in its ranks. Read more...
Human Rights Watch calls on Nepal to End Anti-Gay Violence – Human Rights Watch
April 17, 2007 – New York-based Human Rights Watch is calling on the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist, which is now part of the Nepalese government, to stop anti-gay violence by its cadres and renounce anti-gay rhetoric. In the most recent known example of discriminatory attacks, in early March Maoist soldiers detained a woman and a teenage girl accused of having a sexual relationship. Read more...
Conference Addresses Available Online from the The Whole Message Conference – Integrity Canada News
April 14, 2007 – Integrity Canada reports that its event: The Whole Message Conference: Inclusiveness in the Anglican Church of Canada (13 - 14 April 2007, Ottawa ON) was a great success, with over 140 persons registered from across Canada. Keynote addresses are available online at the conference's website.
Anti-Gay Violence Erupts Over Easter Weekend in Jamaica – UFMCC News Release
April 10, 2007 – The Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches, has issued a public statement concerning the violence directed against LGBTQ mourners as they gathered in a church for a funeral over the Easter weekend. Read more...
Bishop Ronald Mayan calls for Synod-Wide Consultation – Alberta Synod News
April 6, 2007 – Regardless of the outcome of the upcoming ELCIC National Church Convention in Winnipeg this June, Bishop Mayan has called for a synod-wide consultation to determine "a way forward together in the context of our synod". Read more...
Urgent Action Alert from MCC Moderator in Response to Attacks on Gays in Jamaica – MCC Action Alert
February 20, 2007 – The Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Moderator of the Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches has issued an Urgent Action Alert in response to attacks on GLBTQ Jamaicans targeted in recent acts of violence. Read more...
ECP candidate to be ordained in June – LLGM News
March 25, 2007 – St Francis Lutheran Church, San Francisco CA, voted on March 25th to call ECP roster candidate Dawn Roginski to serve as Pastor of Parish Programs. Dr. Margaret Moreland, LLGM's Call Process Coordinator praised St. Francis' decision. "The ECP roster is filled with gifted individuals wanting to serve congregations. LLGM is delighted that St. Francis once again recognized these gifts for ministry when seeking a pastor for this exciting new opportunity." Read more...
LWF Church Representatives Debate Proposed Guidelines for Dialogue on Marriage, Family and Human Sexuality – ELCIC News
March 24, 2007 – Participants in the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) Council meeting and Church Leadership Consultation taking place in Lund, Sweden, discussed in plenary session a report on proposed guidelines and processes for respectful dialogue on marriage, family and human sexuality. Read more...
Integrity Applauds Episcopal Bishops' Strong Stand Against Primates' Ultimatum – Integrity USA News
March 21, 2007 – Integrity is gratified by the strongly worded resolutions passed yesterday by the House of Bishops. Read more at Walking With Integrity, the official blog of Ingetrity USA.
Anglicans to vote on the blessing of same-gender marriages – The Anglican Journal
March 13, 2007 – Members of the Anglican Church of Canada gathering for General Synod this June 2007 will have the opportunity to vote on a motion put forward by Council of General Synod recommending a local option for the blessing of same gender marriages. Read more...
Pastor Schmeling appeals the decision of the ELCA Hearing Committee – LCNA News Release
March 8, 2007 – Pastor Bradley Schmeling has appealed the decision of the Hearing Committee in the hearing conducted by the ELCA Southeastern Synod. Read more...
Anglican Women Model Reconciliation – Episcopal News Service
March 5, 2007 – Anglican women model reconciliation and pledge communion with each other at global gathering. Read more...
Archbishop Andrew Hutchison ‘discouraged’ by primates’ communiqué – Marites N. Sison, Anglican Journal
February 23, 2007 – Canadian Anglican Archbishop Hutchison returns to the national church office following the primate's meeting in Tanzania. Read more...
Anglican primates issue communique that lacks balance – Thinking Anglicans
February 21, 2007 – USA Episcopal leaders express disagreement and defiance in response to the homophobic directives issued at the recent meeting of Anglican primates in Tanzania. Read more...
Anglican primates choose bigotry over baptized. – ELCA News Service
February 19, 2007 – Read the press release from the leadership of Integrity USA here. Additional responses from Integrity USA to the recent meeting of Anglican primates can be found here.
Disciplinary committee challenges ELCA policy – ELCA News Service
February 8, 2007 – A discipline hearing committee of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) ruled Feb. 7 on the trial of Rev. Bradley E. Schmeling. Read more...
Jews Support Ordination of Gays – Laurie Goldstein, The New York Times
February 1, 2007 – Strong support for ordination of lesbians and gay men within Conservative Judaism.
Read more...
Trial of Pastor Concludes – Phil Soucy, Director of Communcations LC/NA
January 24, 2007 – The trial for ELCA Pastor Bradley Schmeling concludes as supporters await verdict.
Read the news releases from LC/NA.
ELCIC National Church Council Proposes a Motion – a news release from the National Office of the ELCIC
January 24, 2007 – ELCIC National Church Council has proposed a motion for consideration at the June 2007 National Convention which responds “to the diversity within Canada’s culture” by affirming the role of synods in developing regional mission strategies appropriate to their settings and which encourages “synods to develop ways to best minister to people who live in committed same sex relationships, including the possibility of blessing such unions.” Read more...
An Update on the Trial of Pastor Bradley Schmeling – Emily Eastwood
January 18, 2007 – Emily Eastwood, Executive Director of Lutherans Concerned/North America, comments on the trial of ELCA pastor Bradley Schmeling. Read more...
Call for Study Participants: Missing Body Parts of Christ! – Pr.Vicki Pedersen
January 2007 - Are you a “missing body part" of the body of Christ we call "Lutheran"? Are you, or do you know someone who is, a former "rostered professional", or a candidate to become one, who has left the professional leadership in our church due to issues related to sexual orientation or gender identity? What would the body count be if all the "casualties" of our church’s policy were added together from the ELCA, the ELCIC, and their predecessor bodies? It’s time to end the guess work and give back to the church as true of a picture as possible of what it has done to its own body. Read more about how you can help by filling out the survey.
Church of Sweden - an LC/NA News Release
December 19, 2006 - Church of Sweden approves a rite for the blessing of same gender civil unions.
Read more...
ECP Candidates Ordained – an LLGM News Release
Fall 2006 - Two candidates of the Extraordinary Candidacy Project (ECP), Rev. Erik Christensen and Rev. Megan Rohrer were ordained in two months in Chicago and San Francisco. Scroll a little bit down this linked page and look for "Two Ordinations in Two Months" to read more...
New Award Presented - Lionel Ketola
July 28,2006: The first Annual General Meeting of the Lutherans Concerned in Canada Society for Diversity Awareness featured an inaugural presentation of the ‘Reinie Heydemann Justice Seeker Award’ to Reinie Heydemann, on behalf of the Canadian coordinating committee. Read more...
Holy Cross calls an ECP Intern
April 2nd, 2006 - Lionel Ketola was installed as Vicar at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Newmarket, ON. Lionel is the first ECP candidate in Canada to be called as an intern at an ELCIC Church. Read more...
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