wfn.org | Iowa Pastor Appeals ELCA Discipline Ruling

[Brenda Williams <BRENDAW@elca.org>]

Reply-To: ElcaNews <ELCANEWS@ELCASCO.ELCA.ORG>
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

March 6, 1998

IOWA PASTOR APPEALS DISCIPLINE RULING
98-09-048-AH

     CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The Rev. Steven P. Sabin, Ames, Iowa, has appealed
a determination of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) that
he be removed the church's clergy roster, effective April 15.  Sabin is gay
and lives with a partner.
     On Feb. 3 an ELCA discipline hearing committee ruled that within ELCA
guidelines Sabin "must be considered a practicing homosexual" and is
"precluded from the ordained ministry of this church."  The hearing in Des
Moines drew national attention.
     Notification that Sabin had filed an appeal reached the ELCA's Office
of the Secretary here March 3.  The ELCA's Committee on Appeals, a
12-member group elected by the Churchwide Assembly, has been notified.  A
decision of the committee is final.
     Sabin serves as pastor of Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Ames.  He
has requested that the Appeal Committee delay his removal from the clergy
roster pending its decision on his appeal.

For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html