On Saturday, May 20, 2023 a service of reconciliation was held at Hope Lutheran Church in Nanaimo to apologize to Pastor Bill Fehr, his family, friends, and colleagues.
Thirty-three years ago, Pastor Bill was on the MNO roster when it was announced that gay clergy were not suitable for pastoral ministry. It was suggested that if he were a person of integrity, he would put in his resignation, so he did. In the years following, he provided pastoral care to many, particularly those with HIV/AIDS. A few months ago, Pastor Fehr was restored to the BC Synod - ELCIC roster of ordained clergy. A service of apology and reconciliation was planned.
At the service, Bishop Kathy Martin (BC) and Bishop Jason Zinko (MNO) offered a public apology to Rev. Fehr and his family. ELCIC National Bishop Susan Johnson joined the service to help lead the litany and offer prayers. Retired ELCIC National Bishop Raymond Schultz preached using the text from Matthew 5:1-9, 16, and poet Rebecca Garber prepared the Call to Worship. Pastor Ralph Carl Wuschke (EAST) attended the service and generously allowed the use of a litany he had created when he was restored to the roster in the Eastern Synod in 2020.
The BC Synod community is invited to view the recording of the service. A link has been sent out last week. You may also request access from the BC Synod office (bcsynod@elcic.ca).
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