Bishop's forum in Rapid City

The headline in the Rapid City Journal accurately describes Bishop David Zellmer's Jan. 12 forum in Rapid City: "Bishop tries to calm waters over gay clergy issue." Read the story here.

KOTA-TV headlined their coverage: "South Dakota ELCA bishop speaks out on gay friendly stance."

Here are some thoughts on the evening:

There were a lot of people there. I would guess 500.

I think the bishop did a good job of public relations for the synod. Although I found the card packets to be a very expensive and glitzy way for a synod that claims to be short on funds to provide information that could all have fit on two sides of a sheet of paper.

Bishop Zellmer continues to defend the actions of the CWA and thus to disappoint me and many others.

The tone of the evening was pretty good with a lot of joking around by the bishop until the very end when Bishop Zellmer got a bit angry and antagonistic toward those who find the ELCA actions to be contrary to the clear teaching of Scripture. He even received a standing ovation for his expression of anger from many of those in attendance. As I think about that part of the evening it's hard to keep the 8th commandment.

There was one little ray of hope in a response the bishop gave to a question about ways that the synod assembly could express the bound conscience of the synod given its previous actions. Bishop Zellmer said he is working on a "sense of the synod" resolution where we could state our position. On the other hand, the bishop said he would rule out of order any attempt to establish a synod position on the sexuality issues because they restrict the actions a congregation can take in calling a pastor (as if the rule that a congregation must call someone on the ELCA roster isn't a restriction on the freedom of a congregation).

I found the evening to be more encouragement to move toward the ELCA exits than encouragement to stay connected. My guess is that whatever opinion people brought to the evening was confirmed and reinforced. Those supportive of the ELCA will feel affirmed. Those concerned by the actions of the Churchwide Assembly will feel that their position is no longer tolerated in the synod in spite of statements to the contrary.

Keep the faith!