PULLMAN, Wash.The Rev. Bradley Schmeling, is scheduled to appear at 7 p.m. April 10 in Washington State University’s Todd Hall room 216 to lead a discussion titled: “Gay and Ordained: Living Across the Great Religious Divide.”
WSU’s Health and Wellness Services (HWS), has partnered with the Gender Identity/Expression and Sexual Orientation Resource Center, Residence Life and other university and community organizations in sponsoring Schmeling’s presentation addressing cultural struggles surrounding homosexuality, theological perspectives within the Christian faith and Biblical interpretation.
“Spirituality is a portion of the holistic approach to well-being that HWS works to promote amongst students,” said Tim Freson, HWS associate director of Research. “This presentation will provide an opportunity for people to gather and explore their religious beliefs while examining the issues within today’s society.”
Schmeling became the pastor at St. John’s church in Atlanta in 2000, informing the congregation and his Bishop of his sexual orientation but maintaining his celibacy. While the church currently ordains gay and lesbian clergy men and women, traditionally it has been under the pretense they remain celibate.
After making public his same gender, committed relationship in January, the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) held a trial for Schmeling. A twelve person jury removed him from the national church roster; however the trial prompted a reevaluation of existing ELCA policy. In 2007 the ELCA church-wide assembly reaffirmed its policies, but encouraged bishops to act with restrain and refrain from discipline of gay and lesbian pastors.
Schmeling continues to pastor St. John’s Lutheran Church today, while he travels throughout the nation addressing these competing religious views on homosexuality and providing opportunities for conversation.
For more information about Schmeling’s discussion, contact Tim Freson at freson@wsu.edu , or visit www.hws.wsu.edu .
