Title: Both Parties Appeal Ruling of ELCA Discipline Hearing Committee ELCA NEWS SERVICE
March 13, 2007
Both Parties Appeal Ruling of ELCA Discipline Hearing Committee 07-033-JB
CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Both parties in a discipline case in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) filed appeals with the ELCA Committee on Appeals in early March, according to the ELCA Office of the Secretary.
The appeals were filed by the Rev. Bradley E. Schmeling, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church, Atlanta, who filed his appeal March 6, and the Rev. Ronald B. Warren, bishop of the ELCA Southeastern Synod, Atlanta, who appealed March 8. Both were parties in a formal discipline hearing Jan. 18-24 in Atlanta.
Warren filed formal charges in 2006 against Schmeling, who reported to Warren that he was in a committed relationship with another man, a violation of the ELCA's clergy standards. Seven members of the 12-member discipline hearing committee voted to remove Schmeling from the ELCA clergy roster effective Aug. 15.
In addition, the committee's written opinion made some specific suggestions for changes in ELCA clergy standards, and it suggested synod assemblies ask the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, the church's highest legislative authority, to consider proposals for change. The next assembly is Aug. 6-11 here at Navy Pier.
The 12-member churchwide Committtee on Appeals will now consider the appeals. Written responses and rebuttals may be filed by the parties, and once the final statement is submitted, the committee has 60 days to render a decision in writing.
The decision of the appeals committee is final.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or news@elca.org http://www.elca.org/news ELCA News Blog: http://www.elca.org/news/blog