My Faith Journey as a Gay Man (Chapter 2)
2007 and ELCA ongoing discussions on sexuality
This is the second chapter of three of my faith journey as a gay man I shared in my I’m continuing to document this journey on Medium. To provide readers with the context of new stories, I’m sharing the start down this path — helping frame new installments and offering an understanding of where I started and how I arrived at this point.
August, 30, 2024
In the previous chapter of my faith journey, I grappled with my faith and sexuality. I reconciled both aspects of my identity and started my journey of advocating for gay and lesbian Lutherans.
By 2007, I had been an active member of Lutherans Concerned for seventeen years. The organization had grown from a support group for gay and lesbian Lutherans to championing the inclusion of LGBTQ+ individuals in the Lutheran Church. 2007 would be a significant turning point in my faith journey.
Primer on modern Lutheranism for non-Lutherans
In 1988 the two largest Lutheran denominations in the United States, the Lutheran Church in America and the American Lutheran Church merged with the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches to form the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
The Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod (LCMS) and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS), did not affiliate with the ELCA. Both denominations hold more conservative views on theology, tradition, and the role of the Church In society.
The , central to ELCA theology, highlight the significance of faith in Jesus Christ and the Bible. While ELCA Lutherans hold a spectrum of theological viewpoints, from conservative to liberal, the ELCA’s evolving discussions on sexuality reflect the complexities of this diversity. These discussions vary across synods, congregations, and even within individual congregations.
Sexuality and the ELCA
The ELCA has grappled with the issue of sexuality since its founding. My earliest memories of these discussions date back to the early 1990s. Gay and lesbian seminarians who were candidates for ordination challenged church policies that excluded them from becoming pastors. Lutherans Concerned stepped up to advocate for change of these discriminatory policies to allow gays and lesbians full participation in the Church.
Through the 1990s, these advocacy efforts saw congregations and synods submit resolutions for change of policies. The ELCA holds biennial Churchwide Assemblies to discuss and act on resolutions. The ELCA Churchwide Assembly addressed these resolutions in 2001 by approving two churchwide studies on sexuality: one on homosexuality and one on human sexuality.
These studies took place in 2003 and 2005. Recommendations would be considered at the 2005 Churchwide Assembly. At the 2005 Churchwide Assembly, the task force working on them requested and received an extension to complete a proposed social statement on sexuality to be presented to the 2007 Churchwide Assembly.
Lutherans Concerned and sexuality studies
Lutherans Concerned played a crucial role in the discussions surrounding these studies, becoming increasingly involved and influential by the early 2000s. Lutherans Concerned partnered with faith-based advocates outside the ELCA, leading to two significant advocacy shifts that would have a transformative impact.
A crucial change occurred in resolutions submitted to the synod and churchwide assemblies. Two model resolutions asking for the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people and the ordination of gay and lesbian pastoral candidates were crafted. Lutherans Concerned would be how the resolutions would find their way to congregations and synods for consideration.
Resolutions are reviewed and approved for discussion by reference and council committees at synod and churchwide assemblies. The abundance of resolutions based on the model resolutions, with similar wording, increased the likelihood of their presentation and discussion.
Storytelling was the second powerful shift in advocacy in conversations, congregations, and assemblies. Lutherans Concerned leaders were trained in the art of storytelling and subsequently trained local advocates. Testimonies of allies and LGBTQ+ Lutherans shared personal faith journeys emphasizing the importance of changing church policies to welcome all to the Church.
As a Lutherans Concerned leader, I attended a weekend storytelling workshop that significantly impacted my advocacy and life. Storytelling became an integral part of my faith and personal journeys. The synod Gay and Lesbian Task Force and our allies used storytelling to advance resolutions within the synod.
As 2005 approached, the shift in advocacy proved monumental. Both resolutions successfully navigated the Churchwide Assembly reference and council committee and were presented for deliberation. Delegates trained in storytelling emphasized the significance of these changes. While the assembly failed to pass the resolutions, it left the door open for future discussions, which would be revisited at the 2007 Churchwide Assembly.
My journey to the 2007 Churchwide assembly
Delegates from all synods convene every two years at the Churchwide Assembly to address the church’s affairs, including resolutions. Each synod determines its delegate selection process to ensure a diverse representation of the synod. In 2007, my conference (a group of congregations) was to elect a male lay delegate.
The synod bishop’s assistant was across from me at a Northeast Ohio Synod Gay and Lesbian Task Force meeting. The upcoming 2007 Churchwide Assembly was the primary focus of our discussions. She posed an unexpected question, “Tom, are you submitting your profile to be a synod delegate at the biennial Churchwide Assembly?”
My response was that I would never be elected as a gay man who chaired the synod’s gay and lesbian task force and led Lutherans Concerned Northeast Ohio. Her response was, ‘I’m not so certain that’s true.’ She handed me a profile form. It sat taunting me on my desk for weeks.
Eventually, I completed the profile, openly speaking of my 15-year committed same-sex relationship. I highlighted my leadership roles in synod ministries and Lutherans Concerned, emphasizing my lifelong dedication to the Lutheran faith. I saw my chances of winning the election as slim to none given what I witnessed in the synod over the years.
2007 ELCA Northeast Ohio Synod Assembly
The Northeast Ohio Synod Gay and Lesbian Task Force and Lutherans Concerned shared a booth at the synod assembly resource fair. Lutherans Concerned presence was possible due to the recognition gained as an affiliated Lutheran organization several years earlier. People stopped by the booth thanking me for running as a delegate. There was a noticeable shift in acceptance of our presence as more people stopped to talk and take literature.
The election took place in a morning session. Two men were on the ballot with me. One was a married family man deeply involved in the synod and his congregation. The third candidate was unknown to me but deeply involved in his congregation. I was certain the family man would win the vote.
My husband, who was attending the assembly as a guest, rushed back after the morning session. He greeted me with, ‘You won, and by a large margin!’ I was overwhelmed with emotions. The bishop’s assistant approached me with the words, ‘Ye of little faith,’ I had underestimated my impact on the synod. My commitment to my congregation, the synod, and LGBTQ+ people resonated with the voting members.
The significance of my election became apparent in meetings with fellow delegates and the synod bishop. As a delegate, I received two four-inch binders filled with resolutions and documents about the churchwide business that would be addressed. It was clear that this would not be a leisurely trip to Chicago. Seven days of day-long work lay ahead.
I had developed a rapport with the synod bishop, who occasionally attended our task force meetings. She was a staunch ally who supported all minorities, disadvantaged people, and social causes. Her faith was evident in both her words and actions. I was pleased that she would lead our delegation to Chicago.
Lutherans Concerned at the 2007 Churchwide Assembly
Lutherans Concerned focused on messaging and visibility for supporters of full inclusion. Rainbow scarves were chosen as a visible symbol of support. Lutherans Concerned coordinated the knitting of rainbow scarves nationwide. Upon entering the conference room, I and my fellow Lutherans Concerned members were greeted by stacks of boxes containing thousands of these scarves.
A long line of tables was piled high with scarves, many of which contained personal messages. A steady stream of people visited the room and left with a scarf. A sea of rainbow scarves greeted me daily on the assembly floor, affirming the widespread support of those present.
Lutherans Concerned hosted an evening worship and gathering. The room overflowed with bishops, pastors, and laypeople. The bishop-led worship was a joyful celebration of faith and inclusion. My synod bishop, many pastors, and laypeople from Northeast Ohio joined me at this worship. Overwhelmed!
2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly
The immensity of the assembly hall was ominous from my seat. 1,200 people from across the United States had gathered. It was refreshing to see the diversity of delegations and delegates, with many sporting rainbow colors. I felt welcomed during the business sessions, worship, and social gatherings.
The recommendations of the sexuality study task force, which had been deferred to the 2005 Churchwide Assembly, were presented for discussion and a vote. The discussion was both lively and respectful.
Storytelling by Lutherans Concerned members and LGBTQ+ allies were prevalent, with a consistent faithful message. It was clear that the storytelling efforts of Lutherans Concerned had been effective. Ultimately, the resolutions and actions were again forwarded to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly.
My doubts about being elected to serve the churchwide assembly had vanished. I realized that my voice was more powerful and amplified by others. While the outcome was not what I had hoped for, it was disheartening. The ELCA had spent years studying sexuality and still couldn’t reach an agreement. I wondered if these Lutherans would ever agree to the full inclusion of LGBTQ+ people.
A significant faith milestone
My journey with Lutherans Concerned beginning in the 1970s, led me to a place and role in 2007 that would have been unimaginable to the 1970s Tom. I returned to Ohio treasuring my rainbow scarf, a reminder that change is slow but steadily progressing. One step forward.
My faith journey continued when I returned home with a newfound perspective on the Church and my faith as a gay man. There is still more to share about this journey.
Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible. — Mary McLeod Bethune
