By Bishop Ann Svennungsen  

A congregation in the Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA is hurting. As a result of several media posts, including those from the Daily Caller and Fox News, Edina Community Lutheran Church (ECLC) has received threats to both property and person. The FBI and local police are involved and taking the threats seriously.

The media storm is a response to the congregation’s use of the “Sparkle Creed,” during worship on Sunday, June 25. The worship service was in the context of Pride Month, where events were held around the country to recognize and celebrate LGBTQIA persons. Edina Community Lutheran leaders believed this statement of faith aligned with their commitment to radical welcome, including their “joyful welcome, affirmation, and celebration of all … gender identities, expressions, and sexual orientations.”

In its social teaching, the ELCA affirms “we support human rights for all people, regardless of their biological sex, gender, or sexuality.” At the same time, we recognize the pain experienced by LGBTQIA persons as we see an increase in legislation to curtail their human rights.

“ECLC is a healthy, growing church – committed to ‘witnessing to God’s love and justice at God’s welcome table and in the world.’”

It is in this context that ECLC recited a statement of faith that included the affirmation of a nonbinary God, and a Savior – Jesus – who had two fathers. One can argue that, by calling this statement “a creed,” the congregation departed from the ELCA practice of reserving the term “creed” for creeds that have worldwide ecumenical consensus such as the Apostles’ Creed. (ELCA Constitution 2.04). While the ELCA also notes that “some congregations … are experimenting with new statements of belief, … a creed is a statement of faith of the whole church” (ELCA Principles for Worship, L-13, 2002).

Still, what is most stunning to me is that an element of a worship service could cause such a response – including threats to individuals and property. Can you imagine what such threats feel like? At this time, in this violence-prone society? Yes, one may object to the content of a “Sparkle Creed,” but would one threaten to physically harm someone over it?

 

LAST WEDNESDAY, ECLC leaders requested synod staff assistance to help them respond to this crisis. The church was also in the midst of hosting its annual Summer Youth Camp that week. As our synod staff entered the church that morning, children were singing and praying and smiling and rejoicing in the gift of Christian community. ECLC is a healthy, growing church – committed to “witnessing to God’s love and justice at God’s welcome table and in the world.”

Now, as you enter the coming week, I invite you to join me in praying:

      • For the safety of Edina Community Lutheran Church and all its members
      • For the safety of all LGBTQIA persons and a commitment to their human rights
      • For all tempted to use violent speech or actions to address differences
      • For the ELCA and the Christian Church around the world – as we both affirm our ecumenical creeds and explore, together, new ways to speak the faith in our 21st century context
      • For the health and vitality of Christ’s church, and the flourishing of God’s love in the world.