St. Paul Area Lutherans On Record Against Marriage Amendment
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) - St Paul Area Lutherans are now on record against changing the state Constitution to define marriage as a union between a man and woman.
About 430 Lutherans representing 115 congregations in the St. Paul Area Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted on a resolution opposing the marriage amendment at the group's annual assembly at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville.
Pastor Grant Stevensen of Saint Matthew's and the Spirit of the True Faith Community in St Paul said he is proud to be a Lutheran.
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"Now is the time to move forward and have conversations about how we feel about this marriage amendment, and give people space to talk to give them space to say this is what I am thinking. This is what I don't understand," said Stevensen.
Stevensen said he thinks Lutherans represent the great middle, the social and political middle of Minnesota.
"To be honest, I'm really proud of our church. In saying 'no' we are not going to change our constitution," said Stevensen.
Pastor Stevensen was one of the many members of the St Paul Area Synod who voted today to adopt the resolution, which states that marriage for gay and lesbian couples is a necessary foundation that supports trust and familial and community thriving.
This is the fifth synod vote in Minnesota to adopt a resolution, opposing the amendment, which will be on the ballot in November.
The St Paul Area Synod has more than 145,000 members.
