ELCA Indiana-Kentucky Synod Bishop: No to HJR-3

Bishop Gafkjen

UPDATE: The Indiana House is scheduled to vote on HJR-3 TODAY, Jan 27th at 1:30 p.m. EST! Join Freedom Indiana TODAY at the Statehouse to show lawmakers that the people of Indiana overwhelmingly believe in freedom and liberty for every family in our state. Stand with faith leaders, including the Rev. William O. Gafkjen, bishop of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod of the ELCA, in opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment banning the freedom to marry for same-gender couples in Indiana.

The Rev. William O. Gafkjen, bishop of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod of the ELCA, has added his voice in opposition to the proposed constitutional amendment banning the freedom to marry for same-gender couples in Indiana. 

Bishop Gafkjen joined seven other bishops and judicatory leaders of the Episcopal Church, the Disciples of Christ, the United Church of Christ, the United Methodist Church, and the Presbyterian Church (USA) in affirming “the right and responsibility of each faith tradition to maintain its teaching and to bless and sanctify the union of persons in ways that are consistent with their belief.”

IN Faith Leaders
In a letter to the Journal Gazette, the faith leaders wrote, “As leaders of Christian faith communities in Indiana we share a common concern surrounding the proposed amendment to the state constitution of Indiana, HJR-3. The proposed amendment can be read as a statement that expresses an unwelcoming attitude toward a particular population within our society. Our common tradition expressly advocates that we must show hospitality and welcome to all and most specifically to those who are unlike us.” 

See the full text of the letter here 

ReconcilingWorks thanks Bishop Gafkjen and the other faith leaders for their witness. 

On Monday, January 27, the House will vote on the proposed amendment (HJR-3) and hundreds of supporters of freedom will be at the Statehouse to urge lawmakers to reject it. Please join with faith leaders, civil rights and community organizations, businesses, and individuals at the Statehouse as history is made. Details at http://freedomIN.org/HouseVote 

Also, please contact your lawmakers right now and tell them to reject HJR-3 at http://FreedomIN.org/LetsWin.