What Happened in Edina Community Lutheran Church? The Edina Community Lutheran Church, located in St. Edina, Minnesota, has been at the center of a significant controversy following a viral video that emerged on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. The video showcased one of the church’s pastors, Anna Helgen, reciting the “Sparkle Creed” during a Sunday service held on June 25. The Sparkle Creed, a modified version of the traditional Apostle’s Creed, incorporates elements of LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity. The video’s content has sparked heated discussions and debates across various online platforms.
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Details In Short :
- Date: Sunday, June 25, 2023
- Time: During a Sunday service at Edina Community Lutheran Church
- Location: Edina Community Lutheran Church, St. Edina, Minnesota
- Pastor: Anna Helgen
- Sparkle Creed Origin: Created by Reverend Rachel Small-Stokes in 2021
- Content of the Sparkle Creed: Includes beliefs in a non-binary god, Jesus Christ having two dads, and the affirmation of love is love
- Livestream and Online Backlash: Sunday service livestreamed on church’s YouTube channel, sparking support and criticism on social media
- Twitter Reactions: Users, including Patrick Miller, expressed varied perspectives on the Sparkle Creed
- Edina Community Lutheran Church Background: Founded in 1948 as a progressive Lutheran congregation
- Departure from Traditional Interpretations: Sparkle Creed’s deviation from traditional religious texts sparked controversy
- Inclusivity vs. Tradition Debate: Incident sparked a broader conversation about balancing inclusivity and traditional beliefs
- Importance of Dialogue: Respectful dialogue crucial for understanding diverse perspectives and finding common ground.
The Sparkle Creed: An Inclusive Version of the Apostle’s Creed
The Sparkle Creed was originally crafted in 2021 by Reverend Rachel Small-Stokes, a pastor at the Immanuel United Church of Christ in Louisville, Kentucky. The origins of the creed can be traced back to a voice-text incident where Rachel inadvertently created a unique variation of the Apostle’s Creed, which she named the “Sparkle Creed.” This version celebrates the LGBTQ+ community’s inclusion and promotes the acceptance of gender diversity and non-binary identities.
The Sparkle Creed recited by Pastor Anna Helgen at the Edina Community Lutheran Church service expresses beliefs in a “non-binary god” with plural pronouns and emphasizes Jesus Christ having “two dads.” The reading also acknowledges the “rainbow spirit,” challenging the traditional notion of a single white light by refracting it into a spectrum of diverse colors. The creed concludes with the affirmation that “love is love,” urging all to embrace love in its various forms.
The Controversial Livestream and Online Backlash
The Sunday service, during which Pastor Anna Helgen recited the Sparkle Creed, was livestreamed on the church’s official YouTube channel. Afterward, portions of the service made their way onto social media platforms, particularly Twitter, where the video gained significant attention. While some individuals expressed support for the creed’s message of inclusion and acceptance, a substantial portion of the online community reacted with criticism and outrage.
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Various Twitter users, including Patrick Miller, offered their perspectives on the matter. Miller likened the Sparkle Creed to “idolatry” and “liturgical malpractice.” Others criticized the use of the term “sparkle” in the creed, while some argued that the creed contradicts certain biblical interpretations. The video’s comments section witnessed heated debates on theology, gender, and religious beliefs, with passionate arguments from both supporters and detractors.
Edina Community Lutheran Church’s Stand and Background
Founded in 1948, Edina Community Lutheran Church has served as a “progressive Lutheran congregation” for the local communities in St. Edina, Minnesota, for over 70 years. The church has embraced an open, energetic, and inclusive approach, emphasizing social justice and opposing racism. According to its website, the congregation welcomes everyone without exception, aiming to extend a helping hand and advocate for justice within its community.
The Sparkle Creed reading at the church has sparked controversy due to its departure from traditional interpretations of religious texts. Some individuals feel that it deviates from core Christian beliefs, while others appreciate the creed’s emphasis on inclusivity and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals.
The Debate on Inclusivity and Tradition
The Edina Community Lutheran Church’s reading of the Sparkle Creed has ignited a broader conversation about the intersection of tradition, faith, and inclusivity within religious institutions. While many churches have taken progressive stances to become more inclusive, others have held firm to traditional interpretations of religious texts. This ongoing debate reflects the diversity of beliefs and perspectives within religious communities worldwide.
The controversy surrounding the Sparkle Creed reading at Edina Community Lutheran Church highlights the challenges faced by religious organizations as they navigate a changing social landscape. Striking a balance between maintaining core theological principles and adapting to a more diverse and inclusive society is a complex task. It requires careful consideration and dialogue among community members, religious leaders, and congregants.
Conclusion
The Edina Community Lutheran Church’s reading of the Sparkle Creed during a Sunday service has triggered significant debate and controversy. The modified version of the Apostle’s Creed, which embraces LGBTQ+ inclusion and diversity, has garnered both support and criticism from individuals across various online platforms. This incident highlights the ongoing tension between traditional interpretations of religious texts and the push for greater inclusivity within religious institutions. As the discussions continue, it is essential for communities to engage in respectful dialogue to find common ground and understand the diverse perspectives surrounding these issues.