The AJC is reporting that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America ‘s Southeastern Synod has approved the reinstatement of a homosexual Atlanta pastor who was removed from the church roster because of his same-sex relationship.
‘This clearly sends a message that God loves everyone,” said the Rev. Bradley E. Schmeling, pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Atlanta. “Young people who have not been able to imagine a career as a pastor, now can imagine that their gifts, talents and abilities will be welcomed by the church.”
The denomination removed Schmeling from its list of approved pastors in 2007. St. John’s, however, kept him as pastor and no action was taken against the church. Schmeling’s partner, the Rev. Darin Easler was also approved for reinstatement by the ELCA’s Southeastern Minnesota Synod in Rochester.
