Minneapolis Congregation Continues Call for Change

On Feb. 22, three days after the release of proposals on the rostering of partnered gay and lesbian pastors by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Calvary Lutheran Church in South Minneapolis installed the Rev. Bradley Froslee to serve as pastor.

With Froslee’s installation, Calvary Lutheran Church became the fifth Twin Cities ELCA congregation to call partnered gay and lesbian clergy outside the ordinary Lutheran rules which ban non-celibate gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people from serving as pastors.

“This installation is an opportunity both for Calvary and for the whole Church,” stated Ramona Starks, member at Calvary. “When we met Pastor Brad we knew he brought incredible gifts for doing life-changing ministry in South Minneapolis, and we knew that he would be a voice of welcome and vitality at Calvary and in the neighborhood.”

Retired ELCA pastor and Calvary member Rev. Donald Rudrud added, “Brad … brings a passion for the gospel and a commitment to walk with others …” 
“It is exciting to be called to serve as pastor at Calvary.  Having grown up as a Lutheran, I am in many ways coming home.  And I am coming home to an incredible community,” said Froslee. 

As one approaches the church, the sign “In The City for Good” welcomes visitors and members alike and reflects the commitment to making a difference in the lives of people in South Minneapolis.  Eight years ago when the congregation received a large estate gift, members at Calvary decided to further develop a neighborhood program for children and youth which has grown into a separate organization, the Urban Arts Academy, and is housed in the building.  The congregation also opted to contribute more funds to its locally based food shelf.
“Where there is a need or a challenge, the congregation rises to the occasion—in our creating a program for children, providing for those in need, hosting community events and conversations, or speaking out on issues of justice,” affirmed church council member Judi Linder. “

The ELCA will be reviewing its policy that keeps non-celibate gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people from serving as pastors over the next six months.  The five-million member denomination passed a resolution in 2007 recommending bishops to “refrain from or show restraint” in discipline of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender pastors and their congregations but stopped short of changing the policy.  The 2009 Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis, from August 17 to 23, will be the next assembly where the ban could be lifted.
As an ordained ELCA pastor in a partnered relationship, the Rev. Brad Froslee is officially placed “on leave from call” and Calvary Lutheran Church is considered “vacant.”  Yet unofficially the two will move forward in transformational ministry in Minneapolis and in the larger Church.
The Rev. Brad Froslee, who grew up in Vining, Minn., completed his Master of Divinity at Harvard Divinity School and most recently served at St. Luke Presbyterian Church, Wayzata. Today Froslee and his partner, Bill O’Connor, make their home in Minneapolis.