Thaindian News

By Gina Gomez
Chicago, May 5, (THAINDIAN NEWS) An Evangelical Lutheran Church in Chicago has called back two of its clergymen to work under them even though the two are partners, committed to a gay relationship. Their case is a landmark achieved in the policies of the church the world over as it marks the first-time acceptance of a same sex couple working as pastors within the church.

Rev. Bradley Schmeling and Rev. Darin Easler were into a relationship, for which they were also dragged to court by the church authorities in Chicago. The long debate about whether the two should be allowed to retain their positions or not, has finally come to an end with the court announcing the verdict that both men can resume their roles as clergymen in the Chicago-based church. Earlier when Rev. Bradley Schmeling confessed that he was in a committed relationship with Rev. Darin Easler he was immediately taken to court and removed from his post of clergy in the church. However his congregation in Atlanta decided to keep him as pastor.

In a statement released by Rev. Bradley Schmeling, he said that he was very happy with the decision taken by the court. A Christian church will now become a more broad-minded institution, including everybody within its fold, feels the clergy. He remembers how the others in the church had extended a very warm welcome to both men, greeting them back into their folds with open arms.

However all is still not well! The new policy has aroused criticism among the more orthodox communities. The Bishop is scheduled to meet leaders from over the world in the next couple of weeks.