Celebrated lesbian pastors Anita C. Hill, Ruth Frost, and Phyllis Zillhart have been received as clergy at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Saint Paul, Minnesota. All three pastors had been ordained “extraordinary” in previous years, although unrecognized officially until now. Being deemed “extraordinary” in the Luther Denomination means that they went above and beyond the call of duty and the usual practices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Pastor Hill was ordained “extraordinary” originally in 2001 with Frost and Zillhart back in 1990 (after being denied ordination by the ELCA in 1989).
Ruth Frost, Phyllis Zillhart and Jeff Johnson were lesbian and gay candidates denied ordination by the ELCA in 1989. Two “rogue” congregations chose to recognize and ordain the pastors “extraordinary” in San Francisco (Saint Francis Lutheran and First United Lutheran). The actions were considered ecclesial disobedience by the ELCA and both congregations were expelled. The birth of the Lutheran Lesbian & Gay Ministries occurred and, later, the Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM) would form. The true life events were documented in "Call to Witness" and originally aired on PBS.
Anita Hill was ordained “extraordinary” by Saint Paul-Reformation Lutheran in 2001. The congregation was immediately set apart from the ELCA because, again, it was considered ecclesial disobedience. A film was made regarding the actual events titled “This Obedience.”
In 2009, a Churchwide Assembly voted to eliminate the policy that had precluded service as ministers by those in a lifelong, committed same-gender relationship. The rule was originally enacted in 1989. Pastors Ruth Frost and Phyllis Zillhart have been partners since 1984, and Pastor Anita C. Hill and Janelle Bussert since 1993.
Pastor Anita Hill said, "Today's reception to the ELCA roster is a major event in the life of Saint Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church, a congregation that put its life in the ELCA on the line in order to accomplish what they feel the gospel compels -- joyful welcome of all people into the life and ministry in the name of Christ.” She continued, “Functionally, I've served as a pastor of the ELCA my whole career in ministry. Today that reality has been fully recognized and accepted. I look forward to continuing to serve with greater access to the resources afforded members of the ELCA clergy roster."
Pastor Ruth Frost said, "This service signifies a joyful new beginning in the relations between the ELCA and GLBT people. Discrimination wounds both parties-- those being discriminated against and those charged with enforcing discrimination. Together, we have been freed to meet one another again in the wide embrace of God's welcome. Today we stood face to face regarding one another with new eyes and new hearts. Tomorrow, we shall stand shoulder to shoulder, regarding the world's needs rather than our own divisions."
Pastor Phyllis Zillhart said, "This joyous day manifests the incarnation of God's justice-love for all people. Hopeful hands, extended in blessing during the ordinations twenty years ago in San Francisco and ten years later here in Saint Paul, are joined today in prayers of welcome and celebration. May the ELCA embody Christ's radical love for all GLBT people, for young people searching for authenticity in action, for immigrants seeking welcome, for the poor needing food and shelter, and for the dying and their families yearning for the presence of grace and dignity."
Bishop Peter Rogness presided over the monumental event this morning. He shared, "I often remind people that as difficult as these decisions have been in some quarters, in other quarters they represent a fresh breeze and open door, a recognition of the gifts of persons dedicated to the ministry of this church and the entire body of Christ. Today we receive three of these people who combined have given six decades of ministry to this church. Few who have personal knowledge of them as persons or of the ministries they've done would question that the love of the God we meet in Jesus Christ has been proclaimed and lived through them. The celebration of this service and this day is testimony to the joy felt widely in this church that doors have been opened and gifts for ministry are now being affirmed."
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