DownloadOct. 20, 2008 issue
N.J. pastor loses credentials over sexuality issue
By Celeste Kennel-Shank Mennonite Weekly ReviewPage:
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Franconia Conference of Mennonite Church USA took away the credentials of Pastor Michael Schaadt of Alpha (N.J.) Mennonite Church, effective Oct. 15, because Schaadt, who is gay, told the conference he could no longer commit to celibacy.
Ertell Whigham, director of congregational resourcing and equipping for Franconia Conference, said he had worked with Schaadt over a five-year period.
“It has been painful and difficult for us as a staff as well as for Mike and the congregation,” Whigham said of the decision to remove Schaadt’s credentials.
When Schaadt transferred his credentials to Franconia, he had been open about his sexuality and his participation in ministries that describe themselves as healing gay men and lesbians of their homosexuality. Their agreement was that Schaadt would be celibate, Whigham said. About a year ago, Schaadt told the conference his understanding of his sexuality had changed.
“For me it came down to a question of integrity,” Schaadt said. “I had to be honest to say healing wasn’t taking place.”
At least not the healing he expected of a change in his sexual orientation, he said.
“I do now describe myself as a healed homosexual, but the healing has come through accepting myself for who I am,” he said. “The peace that I searched for through all those programs I finally found in myself and in my relationship with God.”
Schaadt contributed a chapter about his faith, call to ministry and sexuality to the book Stumbling Toward a Genuine Conversation on Homosexuality, published in October 2007 by Cascadia Publishing House.
As of Oct. 15, Schaadt will continue in his capacities at Alpha Mennonite, but his title will change to lay leader.
Conference staff had suggested giving the congregation more time to decide whether to welcome non-celibate gay men and lesbians as members. The conference is working separately with the congregation as it decides, Whigham said.
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Comments
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Here's to a day when this issue will be resolved and behind us, and when one must no longer choose between embracing one's sexuality and the mission God has called one to.
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Good to see the dialogue taking place. Of course all should be welcomed to church, gays included, but we struggle with what to do with the non-celibate practice that is not in keeping with our faith confession. I admire Michael for his honesty.
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As a member of Pastor Mike's congregation, I can affirm that Pastor Mike is a gifted minister, called by God, and gifted in ministry. This has been a painful time for us as we love him and have grown in our love and understanding because of his tender, servant heart.
Marie MacIntyre -
Pastor Mike is an amazing man and child of God. Thanks to him and his congregation, I was brought back to the church after separating myself from it for years. I was lucky enough to live with my mother for a while and she talked me into coming to church with her. Thanks to Pastor Mike and Alpha Mennonite, I found a home for a short while, and I know what I am looking for now as I search for a permanent church home. Pastor Mike's heart is kind and loving and accepting. I hope someday we can all be that way.
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When my husband and I chose Pastor Mike to marry us in the church, we chose him because we could not think of another person we knew who was closer to God. He taught us to look at others through the eyes of Jesus. He helped us remember how much we are loved and to accept the beautiful and bountiful gift of God's grace. If people lived their lives the way Pastor Mike does, then the world would know that we are Christians by our love. He is surely a beloved child of God. I am deeply saddened and hurt by the actions of the Franconia conference. Pastor Mike allowed himself, out of love for Christ, to be subjected to people who tried to heal him of the very person God made him to be. He struggled to be the man he thought the Lord would want him to be. Even though he has always been that man, the church has rejected him. But Jesus loves and knows the beautiful heart and soul of Pastor Mike and is carrying him through this time. Javier and I extend our love and support to a man who will always be our pastor.
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I wrote a response to this story on my blog at
http://jmbzine.com/2008/11/03/the-critical-need-for-all-mennonites-to-embrace-diversity/
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I met Mike through a Christian network on the internet called gaychristian.net.As a result, Mike and I got to know each other very well and for a season, I even attended the church he pastors. Mike and I definitely have our differences, but one thing is undeniable; Mike is a gifted preacher with a certain style of elocution all of his own. The anointing God has bestowed upon Mike will remain. God is obviously blessing Mike with a gift to preach and to lead. Mike is obviously a blessing to those who call him their pastor. In the bible we are told that we will be known by our fruit. Mike IS bearing fruit and God is enabling him to do so. If Mike is good enough for God to ordain for service, he certainly is good enough for the Franconia Conference to ordain as well.
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