Is the ELCA now going to perform gay marriages?
This church’s understanding of marriage has not changed. Marriage is between a man and a woman, according to the approved social statement. However, the assembly did find ways “to allow congregations that choose to do so to recognize, support, and hold publicly accountable couples in such relationships.” Will pastors be forced to perform same-sex unions? No pastor is being asked or is required to bless same sex unions. Pastors have always had the freedom to decline to solemnize a marriage. No one will be forced to act in a way that is against his/her bound conscience. Gay marriage, at this time, is not legal in Pennsylvania. How did Bishop Hoover vote on the social statement and the ministry policies? Bishop Hoover has stated that he is a bishop of the whole church; therefore, he sees his role as working for unity on all sides of the issue. As a bishop of the whole church, he is called to defend the actions of the whole church. Stating publicly how he voted would only triangulate him i
