Letter
Most E-mails you get are kind of bland, and a lot of them are deleted right away. Look at the letter that came in the mail to me. From one of my Professors at the Seminary. A missions Prof None the less. My Comments in Bold. Emphasis in Italics.
An open letter to my friends and colleagues who are part of the staff, faculty, student body, and boards of Luther Seminary; and to all those across the church who are my co-learners and partners in ministry:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I am writing to you with a heavy – but hopeful! – heart.
I want to share with you my decision to resign from the faculty of Luther Seminary. This decision hasn’t been easy or quick. In fact, since I arrived at Luther, three years ago, I have been wrestling with whether or not this is a place from which I can best fulfill my call to help lead the church in renewal for the sake of God’s mission in the world. In recent days, after much prayer and conversation, it has become clear to me that God is leading me in new directions. I’ve spent a lot of time talking with colleagues and the leadership of Luther Seminary about various options that would serve the seminary best and, also, my sense of call to do a new thing. Some of you may be aware of how complicated – and prayerful – this process has been. In the end, I’ve decided to make my resignation effective immediately. It has been a privilege to be a part of some important initiatives here at Luther Seminary and I hope that, as I begin to move in new directions, Luther will consider me a friend and partner in the kingdom work to which we have all been called. In fact, I want to make two things clear. First, this decision stems from a relationship of mutual respect and reflects the high regard in which I hold Luther Seminary and they hold me. And, second, although the situation I describe below has complicated this process a bit, my decision is not being driven by it. I am thankful for the warm words of encouragement and appreciation I have received from the administration and from many of my colleagues on the faculty here; and I look forward to dreaming with them about creative new ways for us to be in partnership together in the years ahead.
What's the Big Deal-The next paragraph explains it.
On a separate and more personal note, I’d like to let you know that another letter from me was hand delivered, by my bishop, Peter Rogness, to the Conference of Bishops, this week. This letter informed them of my intention to resign from the clergy roster of the ELCA on the basis of my inability to live in compliance with “Section III: Sexual Conduct†of the document titled Visions and Expectations (specifically the sentence that reads “Ordained ministers who are homosexual in their self-understanding are expected to abstain from homosexual sexual relationshipsâ€).
Some of you were aware of the cataclysmic changes in my personal life, culminating in the sad and quiet ending of my marriage very early last year. When I came to Luther three years ago, this was not something I ever dreamed would happen. I want to thank you for the support, prayers, and encouragement you offered to me during that time. These events, however, created space for me to see things I had never seen before. Even as our church has been publicly wrestling with the issue of sexual orientation over this past year, I have been on a private journey of my own. It has been scary and confusing, but it has also been full of joy. As it turns out, the remarkable woman who has been my best friend for over ten years has a story not unlike my own. We are looking forward to our future together…making a home, raising our kids, doing ministry.
It makes me sad that finding such happiness and wholeness in my life means that, at this point, I cannot serve as a pastor in my church. And I hope that one day I will again be a member of the ELCA clergy roster. But, in the meantime, I am committed to continuing my ministry of teaching and writing in this church, for the sake of our call to participate in God’s passionate mission to love and bless the world.
What does this line have to do with the forgiveness of sins. Is the mission of the Church to accept people for whatever they do, and make them feel good about themselves? The Apostle Paul didn't seem to think so. When you define the Gospel like this is becomes self-centered rather than Christ-centered.
In fact, I have chosen this approach to communicate with you because I want it to be clear that I have no interest in being drawn into the unhealthy fascination our culture – and our church – has with matters sexual.
I had no intention to write about this matter, till I was sent this letter via e-mail . I would hope I didn't have to write about this issue on my blog again and again. But other people still keep bringing it up, regards of what the scriptures teach.
To be sure, I disagree strongly with the current policies of the ELCA on these issues. Considering the ELCA strongly rejected this in 1993, and narrowly in 2005, the time of change is probably coming. I remember talking to a Pastor from down in Texas over dinner at a convention one night. He was telling me that his confrence had a meeting with the Bishop. Where the Bishop asked "Do any people in your congreation, have problems with the potential sexuality change." The Pastor raised his hand and said "What about Pastors". The Bishop assumed they would be all all right with the Ordination of practicing Homosexuals. Martin Luther must be spinning in his grave.
But, frankly, my primary concern isn’t about what is happening “in here!†My passion is – and has always been – for the mission field into which God is sending us. My heart beats for God’s world “out there.â€
I believe the gift of salvation, which we receive through faith in Jesus Christ, is also a call to participate in God’s mission in the world. For some crazy reason, God uses people – even people like you and me! – to get it done. Sometimes when getting into arguments with people over this issue. The common response is aren't we all sinners, and in need of God's grace. Of course, but I Timothy 3 makes clear there are standards of behavior for the Pastoral office. And where as we all struggle with issues, there is a difference between being contrite and being proud.
“Come follow me!†Jesus says, especially to those of us who least deserve it, and to all of us together. Answering this call isn’t a right any of us has. It is, however, a responsibility we all share...every single one of us. In fact, this call to be a part of God’s passionate mission to reach the world is at the very core of what it means to be a Christian. I wonder why the term "Reach" instead of "Save" is used?
It is at the heart of what it means to be the Church. As we answer this call, I believe we can be guided by these five simple principles: Jesus is Lord, Everyone is Welcome, Love Changes People, Everybody has Something to Offer, and The World Needs What We Have.
Don't these seem to be more self-help principles than the Christian Gospel. While their is truth to these principles. When nothing really related to sin or redemption is mentioned, you have to wonder.
This mission and these values give shape to my life and my ministry. They have been – and will continue to be – at the very center of all my preaching, teaching, researching, learning, and writing. In fact, in the months and years to come, I make this promise to you: The message you hear from me will be the same message you have always heard.
I'm guessing there will be a book written by here on this subject.
Please know that I am open to hearing from and being in conversation with you as we move forward. I am excited about what lies ahead, although I am not certain yet exactly what form my ministry will take. I am hopeful about the many good things that God will do and is doing in the midst of all these changes. And I ask for your prayers. To be sure, you are in mine.
In Christ,
Kelly A. Fryer
Closing Comments: I had Kelly Fryer as a Profesor. She did make some good points. I had no problems in my personal interactions with her. I was troubled when she told another student that ordination of Gays and Lesbians would create a "Renaissance" for the Church. Her students sometimes seemed non-theological in their methodology. They would probably chime back and say I'm too theologically conservative.
In a time like this we need to watch ourselves, so we don't exude self-righteousness. For I am also a sinner forgiven by the Grace of God. We also need to pray for Kelly Fryer in the struggles she is going through. The last thing I want to do is to come-off like my only goal is to attack Kelly Fryer.
Dr. Roy Harrisville, JR. the man this blog was named in his defense. Stated the most troubling part about this letter is all the God talk in it. If she is a Lesbian come right out and say it. Just don't infiltrate it with all this piety.
An open letter to my friends and colleagues who are part of the staff, faculty, student body, and boards of Luther Seminary; and to all those across the church who are my co-learners and partners in ministry:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
I am writing to you with a heavy – but hopeful! – heart.
I want to share with you my decision to resign from the faculty of Luther Seminary. This decision hasn’t been easy or quick. In fact, since I arrived at Luther, three years ago, I have been wrestling with whether or not this is a place from which I can best fulfill my call to help lead the church in renewal for the sake of God’s mission in the world. In recent days, after much prayer and conversation, it has become clear to me that God is leading me in new directions. I’ve spent a lot of time talking with colleagues and the leadership of Luther Seminary about various options that would serve the seminary best and, also, my sense of call to do a new thing. Some of you may be aware of how complicated – and prayerful – this process has been. In the end, I’ve decided to make my resignation effective immediately. It has been a privilege to be a part of some important initiatives here at Luther Seminary and I hope that, as I begin to move in new directions, Luther will consider me a friend and partner in the kingdom work to which we have all been called. In fact, I want to make two things clear. First, this decision stems from a relationship of mutual respect and reflects the high regard in which I hold Luther Seminary and they hold me. And, second, although the situation I describe below has complicated this process a bit, my decision is not being driven by it. I am thankful for the warm words of encouragement and appreciation I have received from the administration and from many of my colleagues on the faculty here; and I look forward to dreaming with them about creative new ways for us to be in partnership together in the years ahead.
What's the Big Deal-The next paragraph explains it.
On a separate and more personal note, I’d like to let you know that another letter from me was hand delivered, by my bishop, Peter Rogness, to the Conference of Bishops, this week. This letter informed them of my intention to resign from the clergy roster of the ELCA on the basis of my inability to live in compliance with “Section III: Sexual Conduct†of the document titled Visions and Expectations (specifically the sentence that reads “Ordained ministers who are homosexual in their self-understanding are expected to abstain from homosexual sexual relationshipsâ€).
Some of you were aware of the cataclysmic changes in my personal life, culminating in the sad and quiet ending of my marriage very early last year. When I came to Luther three years ago, this was not something I ever dreamed would happen. I want to thank you for the support, prayers, and encouragement you offered to me during that time. These events, however, created space for me to see things I had never seen before. Even as our church has been publicly wrestling with the issue of sexual orientation over this past year, I have been on a private journey of my own. It has been scary and confusing, but it has also been full of joy. As it turns out, the remarkable woman who has been my best friend for over ten years has a story not unlike my own. We are looking forward to our future together…making a home, raising our kids, doing ministry.
This women is a fellow seminary student. If Sexual Orientation is so strong why did it take someone 45 years to discover such a thing. Did this have anything to do with the end of the marriage? I feel so sorry for her 12 year old son, and ex-husband.
It makes me sad that finding such happiness and wholeness in my life means that, at this point, I cannot serve as a pastor in my church. And I hope that one day I will again be a member of the ELCA clergy roster. But, in the meantime, I am committed to continuing my ministry of teaching and writing in this church, for the sake of our call to participate in God’s passionate mission to love and bless the world.
What does this line have to do with the forgiveness of sins. Is the mission of the Church to accept people for whatever they do, and make them feel good about themselves? The Apostle Paul didn't seem to think so. When you define the Gospel like this is becomes self-centered rather than Christ-centered.
In fact, I have chosen this approach to communicate with you because I want it to be clear that I have no interest in being drawn into the unhealthy fascination our culture – and our church – has with matters sexual.
I had no intention to write about this matter, till I was sent this letter via e-mail . I would hope I didn't have to write about this issue on my blog again and again. But other people still keep bringing it up, regards of what the scriptures teach.
To be sure, I disagree strongly with the current policies of the ELCA on these issues. Considering the ELCA strongly rejected this in 1993, and narrowly in 2005, the time of change is probably coming. I remember talking to a Pastor from down in Texas over dinner at a convention one night. He was telling me that his confrence had a meeting with the Bishop. Where the Bishop asked "Do any people in your congreation, have problems with the potential sexuality change." The Pastor raised his hand and said "What about Pastors". The Bishop assumed they would be all all right with the Ordination of practicing Homosexuals. Martin Luther must be spinning in his grave.
But, frankly, my primary concern isn’t about what is happening “in here!†My passion is – and has always been – for the mission field into which God is sending us. My heart beats for God’s world “out there.â€
I believe the gift of salvation, which we receive through faith in Jesus Christ, is also a call to participate in God’s mission in the world. For some crazy reason, God uses people – even people like you and me! – to get it done. Sometimes when getting into arguments with people over this issue. The common response is aren't we all sinners, and in need of God's grace. Of course, but I Timothy 3 makes clear there are standards of behavior for the Pastoral office. And where as we all struggle with issues, there is a difference between being contrite and being proud.
“Come follow me!†Jesus says, especially to those of us who least deserve it, and to all of us together. Answering this call isn’t a right any of us has. It is, however, a responsibility we all share...every single one of us. In fact, this call to be a part of God’s passionate mission to reach the world is at the very core of what it means to be a Christian. I wonder why the term "Reach" instead of "Save" is used?
It is at the heart of what it means to be the Church. As we answer this call, I believe we can be guided by these five simple principles: Jesus is Lord, Everyone is Welcome, Love Changes People, Everybody has Something to Offer, and The World Needs What We Have.
Don't these seem to be more self-help principles than the Christian Gospel. While their is truth to these principles. When nothing really related to sin or redemption is mentioned, you have to wonder.
This mission and these values give shape to my life and my ministry. They have been – and will continue to be – at the very center of all my preaching, teaching, researching, learning, and writing. In fact, in the months and years to come, I make this promise to you: The message you hear from me will be the same message you have always heard.
I'm guessing there will be a book written by here on this subject.
Please know that I am open to hearing from and being in conversation with you as we move forward. I am excited about what lies ahead, although I am not certain yet exactly what form my ministry will take. I am hopeful about the many good things that God will do and is doing in the midst of all these changes. And I ask for your prayers. To be sure, you are in mine.
In Christ,
Kelly A. Fryer
Closing Comments: I had Kelly Fryer as a Profesor. She did make some good points. I had no problems in my personal interactions with her. I was troubled when she told another student that ordination of Gays and Lesbians would create a "Renaissance" for the Church. Her students sometimes seemed non-theological in their methodology. They would probably chime back and say I'm too theologically conservative.
In a time like this we need to watch ourselves, so we don't exude self-righteousness. For I am also a sinner forgiven by the Grace of God. We also need to pray for Kelly Fryer in the struggles she is going through. The last thing I want to do is to come-off like my only goal is to attack Kelly Fryer.
Dr. Roy Harrisville, JR. the man this blog was named in his defense. Stated the most troubling part about this letter is all the God talk in it. If she is a Lesbian come right out and say it. Just don't infiltrate it with all this piety.
posted by Stew at 5:07 PM
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