Church trial of Atlanta gay pastor continues

[William769]

The church trial of an Atlanta pastor who faces expulsion from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America for being in a gay relationship continued today, and is expected to wrap up Tuesday.

Bradley Schmeling, pastor of the 350-member St. John’s Lutheran Church, was brought up on charges that his relationship with partner Darrin Easler violates established ELCA pastoral guidelines, which allow openly gay clergy members to serve congregations, but still considers gay sex sinful.


The trial, which started Friday, Jan. 19, is being held behind closed doors inside a conference room in the Colony Square Sheraton in Midtown.


Though Schmeling faces expulsion from the ELCA if a 12-member disciplinary committee rules against him, the St. John’s congregation is standing behind its pastor.

http://www.washblade.com/thelatest/thelatest.cfm?blog_id=10996

I say good for the congregation!

[nealmhughes]

1. ECLA ordinations are valid in the Episcopal Church and v.v. Perhaps he can become

an Episcopalian and help drive another schismatic group out into the open?
Speaking of churches, I just found out that the Church of Sudan has almost 5 Million members! I had no idea, thinking that the Christians there were a few stray Copts.....