Twin Cities lesbian pastors accepted in ELCA

The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer was the site of the Rite of Reception for three previously “extraordinarily” ordained lesbian pastors. The women had previously been denied ordination and thus were “extraordinarily” ordained by parishes in St. Paul and San Francisco. All three are living in committed life-long relationships. Today’s Rite receives them onto the roster of clergy as a result of the decision of the 2009 Churchwide Assembly. Bishop Rogness and Pastors Anita Hill, Ruth Frost and Phyllis Zillhart met with the press prior to today’s celebration. The three pastors are now serving parishes in the Twin Cites.