Church's first vote goes against ELCA

Members of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Crosby voted Sunday to leave the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

The congregation made a decision more than two months ago to vote on whether to stay or leave the ELCA after the ELCA's decision in August to allow non-celibate gay clergy into its churches.

A total of 282 parishioners voted. There were 213 in favor of leaving the ELCA and 69 who voted to remain with the ELCA.

But the congregation is not officially out of the ELCA yet. The ELCA has a process for churches to go through if they want to leave. The congregation first needed a two-thirds majority vote in order to leave the ELCA, which was accomplished Sunday. Then there is a 90-day window where the bishop and/or his delegate will consult with church members. Then there will be a second vote where again two-thirds is needed to leave. If the second vote is successful, the congregation then needs approval from the Northeastern Minnesota Synod.

Ruth and Bob Sandin of Aitkin, who are against the ELCA's decision, were pleased with the outcome of the vote.

"I'm sure both sides will be active (in the next 90 days), but we feel so happy that the word of God was upheld," said Bob Sandin. "We thought the voter turnout was outstanding. It shows that so many people from the church cared about what the decision would be. That's great for the church. Even for the other side."

Sandin now hopes the healing will begin and for the church to promote unity and prepare for the second vote.

Steve Crum of Deerwood, one of the supporters of the ELCA's August vote, said, "Our voices were loud and clear. It was about a choice for churches, it was never a mandate. Unfortunately, the opposition prevailed and will follow the lead of pastor Paul (Mattson). They will most certainly leave the ELCA. We must now forgive and move on. In the future, many of us will look for a new church home where we can worship with those who share similar Christian values. Our world needs more acceptance, tolerance and most importantly we must practice what we preach."

Pastor Paul Mattson declined to comment in response to Crum's statement.

In an earlier interview about the Immanuel Lutheran vote, Mattson said, "There's relief on one side and disappointment on the other and that is a reality. There is a mixed bag of emotions (on the issue.)"

There are about 475 eligible voting members. Mattson said the voter turnout was good. Mattson said he knows of larger churches leaving the ELCA because only a small number of members voted.

Mattson said the mission of Immanuel is to welcome all people to gather and worship to grow in God's world and to serve others as disciples of Jesus Christ.

"We seek to honor God, respect God's word and serve all God's people," said Mattson. "In the days ahead, we will work our best to allow God to bring healing and reconciliation among the rich diversity of members of this faith community. Helping us reclaim our focus in unity in mission and ministry."

JENNIFER STOCKINGER may be reached at jennifer.stockinger@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5851.