Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries

2649 N. Francisco Ave

Chicago, IL 60647 

For Immediate Release

January 28, 2009 

First Extraordinary Ordination in the Eastern United States 

On Sunday, January 25th at 4:00 PM, the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion ordained Stephen Keiser and installed him as a co-pastor of the congregation. Approximately 450 people, including about 40 vested clergy, participated in the service. 

This ordination and installation marks another step toward the full inclusion of LGBT people in all aspects of the life of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).  Rev. Keiser, who has been serving as a lay pastoral leader in the congregation for over eight years, has been certified for ordination by Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM).   

Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries credentials qualified pastoral candidates of all sexual orientations and gender identities for ministry and supports these pastors by connecting them with congregations who are committed to the full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in Lutheran life and ministry. 

Rev. Keiser is the tenth pastor in the 134 year history of this center city church.  He was ordained by the entire congregation, along with colleagues in ministry, through the laying on of hands as was the custom in the early church and revived by Martin Luther in the 16th century. The congregation choir, members of the Philadelphia Gay Men’s Chorus, and instrumentalists led the service in music. 

Rev. Keiser’s ordination marked the 18th Lutheran extraordinary ordination and the 10th since 2006.  Rev. Keiser was the first person to be extraordinarily ordained in the eastern part of the United States.