Minneapolis Church, Pastor Removed Over LGBT Stance

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The Evangelical Covenant Church last Friday voted to involuntarily remove First Covenant Church of Minneapolis from the roster of Covenant churches. Surpassing the required two-thirds majority vote, the decision also evicted Rev. Dan Collison from the denomination.

The decision ends a five-year conflict over LGBT inclusion, which started after a staff member of First Covenant Church officiated a 2014 wedding of two women from the church worship band. It was the first time a pastor and a church have been involuntarily removed in the denomination’s long history, the Star-Tribune reported.

“The ECC Executive Board and the ECC are mindful of the gravity, complexity, sensitivity and pain that matters of human sexuality can bring and of the weighty considerations to our community,” the Evangelical Covenant Church said in a statement. “The ECC affirms that all people are made in the image of God and are therefore valuable and loved by God. As a church, we welcome everyone, and our commitment is to lead with love and to continually seek deeper ways to care for people with greater understanding, compassion and sensitivity.”

While First Covenant Church will no longer be part of the denomination, officials said it can continue operation in Minneapolis and keep its building. In a statement posted to Facebook, First Covenant said it will continue to fully embrace anyone who walks through its doors.

“We are deeply grieved as we find ourselves cast out by a denomination that has historically been able to hold differences and find a middle way,” First Covenant said. “The community of First Covenant Church Minneapolis owns the name and building, and our journey continues in love. All are welcome here.”