In the Augsburg Confession of 1530 (a conciliatory statement of faith intended to unite Lutherans with other Protestants), Luther publicly agreed with other reformers of his day that biblical references that depart from New Testament inclusiveness \u201d\u201d abstaining from eating pork, for example, or requiring male circumcision \u201d\u201d not only can but should be set aside. A 21st century Luther would surely recognize that the few biblical proscriptions against “sodomy” \u201d\u201d shaky in themselves as condemnations of same-sex love and rooted in a worldview vastly different from our own \u201d\u201d should not bar the loving union of two gay or lesbian persons. Equally, a 21st century Luther would affirm the ordination of such persons, as in line with his theology of the “priesthood of all believers.”<\/p>\n
The American church that bears his name will have an opportunity to revisit the question when its Churchwide Assembly (the ELCA’s highest legislative body) convenes Aug. 6-12. Schmeling may yet get a reprieve, should the church revisit what the disciplinary board itself called “bad policy” regarding sexually active gay pastors. The ELCA has until Aug. 15 to act on his case.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, The Episcopal Church USA has until the end of September to respond to the Anglican Communion’s ultimatum. The American bishops have, so far, roundly repudiated the pressure coming from Canterbury. The extent of the potential rift remains to be seen.<\/p>\n
One thing seems clear, however. In working through these issues in the months to come, Protestants in both American denominations would best begin by asking, “What would Luther do?”<\/p>\n