Huge News in the ELCA?!?

For those who've been hiding under a rock or have just tuned in, I am a Lutheran. Specifically, I'm a member of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.) Anyway, some big news appears to be happing at the national assembly. A story just hit Reuters News service a few hours ago and I found it on MSNBC...

Lutherans to allow pastors in gay relationships

"The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America passed a resolution at its annual assembly urging bishops to refrain from disciplining pastors who are in 'faithful committed same-gender relationships.'"

Now, hold on a minute...There's the news and then there's what happened. I'm still working on the second. I am truly hopeful. Too often "the Church" in it's many forms has turned away or evenly abused people because they have been deemed unwelcome, unworthy or unforgivable. Christ's church is supposed to be a place of refuge and hope for everyone. Perhaps, this marks a step in the right direction. But I ramble...I'll let Charlotte Elliott do the talking:

Just as I am, without one plea, But that Thy blood was shed for me, And that Thou bidst me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, and waiting not To rid my soul of one dark blot, To Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, though tossed about With many a conflict, many a doubt, Fightings and fears within, without, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind; Sight, riches, healing of the mind, Yea, all I need in Thee to find, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive, Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve; Because Thy promise I believe, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, Thy love unknown Hath broken every barrier down; Now, to be Thine, yea, Thine alone, O Lamb of God, I come, I come.

Just as I am, of that free love The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove,
Here for a season, then above, O Lamb of God, I come, I come!