Under our present policy, officiating at such a blessing cannot be grounds for disciplining a pastor.
Don't be so sure about that, Brian. The Scriptures and the Confessions give such grounds, as do our ordination and installation vows.
Immediately after the Greater Milwaukee Synod approved same-sex "blessings," reports the September 2000 issue of
Forum Letter, then Bishop John Beem of the East-Central Synod of Wisconsin sent a 4 1/2 page letter to the synod's clergy.
"He frankly warned pastors they would find no support and no sympathy from him if one of them chose to conduct a same-sex blessing. 'I will not defend you. In fact, I will publicly disagree with your action.' Just in case there was any lingering doubt about it he declared, 'I make clear that such an action...would quickly become a public matter.'"
Granted, not precisely a threat/promise to file charges. But a threat/promise nonetheless that perfoming such a service would have a negative impact upon a pastor's continued service. Bishop Beem thought he had grounds to do so. So do I.
spt+
