More from Robert Bertram in "A Time for Confessing."
...it need not be that in a confessional situation there literally are ecclesiastical trials, actual forensic proceedings with formal charges and evidence and judicial verdicts. Sometimes there are, but even then these are often so rigged as never to allow the gospel martyria a fair hearing. Just as often there are no trials at all, except perhaps through a controlled church press, for fear that the authorities' own pseudo-gospel might be cross-examined. That was complaint already at Augsburg.
When a friend, Pr. Brad Schmeling, was on "trial" because he was a pastor in the ELCA but also was someone who fell in love and entered into a life-commitment with his partner, I saw what I would consider a lack of consideration of the gospel and the life it brings and the polity of the church and what it cannot allow within its structure. In essence, though Brad and the people in his congregation and colleagues around him and across the country gave a powerful witness to how he and his congregation embodied the Good News, it was all dismissed - thrown out - because of his sexuality. As I step back from what I saw and heard, this saint was let go because of what was really an extraordinary life of faithfulness to the church and most of all the life-giving Good News of Jesus, Christ. It cause me to pause and wonder what we are looking for as the guiding light of the church catholic. The centrality of Christ crucified and raised from the grave and the life that this action gives to the world without condition, becomes something subjected to other word - a pseudo-gospel it sounds to me. If we are to be a reforming people, we must be willing to see our way through all that which tries to rule us rather than create the life of grace that is the Reign of God already making life whole among us.
Connection: I have this picture in my head of an old-fashioned balance on both sides is the Good News but 'things' get added to the other side and those who insist that they are needed then also want to change the weight of the Good News...to be something else. But then...it would not be the Good News...it would be another gospel...but there is no "other" gospel. Listen to how things are spelled out as we talk of our life in Christ. Listen for what is being "added" and is it necessary.
Come, Word of Life, keep us wrapped up in your promises so we do not fall for other words and other promises that are really quite contrary to your gracious Reign. Amen.
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