A female Lutheran pastor in Minnesota sparked viral attention after leading her congregation in a “sparkle creed” prayer during a live-streamed service for LGBT pride month, referring to God as “nonbinary” and portraying Jesus with “two dads.
“Sparkle Creed” Prayer
The Edina Community Lutheran Church (ECLC) in Minnesota has become a viral sensation after one of its female Lutheran pastors, Anna Helgen, delivered a “sparkle creed” prayer during a Sunday service live stream to celebrate LGBT pride month.
She Refers to God as “Nonbinary”
The prayer, which referred to God as “nonbinary” and depicted Jesus Christ as having “two dads” while wearing a fabulous tunic, gained significant attention and sparked both support and controversy.
It’s Called the Sparkle Creed
During the prayer, Helgen recited the statement of faith known as the “sparkle creed,” which emphasized a belief in a nonbinary God with plural pronouns and a rainbow spirit that embraces the diversity of humanity.
Prayer for Inclusion and Love
The prayer also called for love and inclusion, urging the congregation to recognize that “love is love is love.”
“Shake It Off”
Helgen concluded with a reference to pop star Taylor Swift and her song “Shake It Off,” asking for the ability to overcome challenges and embrace resilience.
Promoting Advocacy for All People
ECLC’s participation in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s “Reconciling In Christ” initiative promotes the welcome, inclusion, celebration, and advocacy of people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.
Working for Racial Equality
The church commits to working for racial equity, anti-racist efforts, and supporting the national program.
Engaging in Activities That Honor LGBT Individuals
As part of this initiative, ECLC engages in activities that honor LGBT individuals, including children’s ministry curriculum for pride month.
Stolen Land of Native Americans
Additionally, the ECLC website acknowledges the complicity of Christians and Christian churches in the theft of native land and commits to being active advocates for justice for native people.
Truth Telling Is Important
They emphasize truth-telling and healing as essential components of their commitment.
Openly Transgender Bishop
The election of the first openly transgender bishop in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s history, Rev. Megan Rohrer, by the ELCA Sierra Pacific Synod in May 2021, drew further attention to the progressive nature of some branches within the denomination.
Criticism From the Christian Community
This historic election prompted both support and criticism from different segments of the Christian community, with conservative voices expressing concerns about departing from traditional biblical interpretations.
Division Within Christian Communities
The developments at ECLC and within the ELCA highlight the ongoing debates and divisions within Christian communities regarding issues of gender, sexuality, inclusivity, and social justice.
Managing Contemporary Social Issues
These conversations continue to shape the landscape of religious institutions and their relationships with contemporary social issues.
“Final Last Words” – Palliative Care Nurse Reveals the Most Common Words Spoken Before Death, Can You Predict the Chilling Pattern?
Julie, a dedicated hospice nurse from Los Angeles, California, with 1.3 million followers, sheds light on the moments before death and dispels hospice myths. “Final Last Words” – Palliative Care Nurse Reveals the Most Common Words Spoken Before Death, Can You Predict the Chilling Pattern?
Female Army Vet Accused of Faking Her Credentials, BUT When They Checked Her Background – They Were in for a Surprise!
This tale of not judging a book by its cover comes from Reddit. A military veteran questioned the legitimacy of another vet’s claim to be part of the school’s veterans organization. Female Army Vet Accused of Faking Her Credentials, BUT When They Checked Her Background – They Were in for a Surprise!
Trans Swimmer Falls Short in Men’s Team, Wins Gold in Women’s Division – Now Faces Possible Lifetime Ban Amid Controversy
A transgender swimmer has been surrounded by controversy after winning the NCAA and not facing a ban. Trans Swimmer Falls Short in Men’s Team, Wins Gold in Women’s Division – Now Faces Possible Lifetime Ban Amid Controversy
“Honey, I’m Home!” – Husband Cuts Work Hours to Teach His Wife a Lesson, Now She’s up in Arms for Missing Out on Luxuries
A man recently asked Redditors for their opinions after he cut back at work to satisfy his wife’s demands that he do more chores at home. Here is his full story. “Honey, I’m Home!” – Husband Cuts Work Hours to Teach His Wife a Lesson, Now She’s up in Arms for Missing Out on Luxuries
“Unsafe Haven for Black Students” – White Professor’s Explosive Racial Confrontation With Black Student Ignites Controversy and Heated Discourse
The footage, which quickly went viral, shows the professor vehemently shouting at the student, demanding to know their name, and ultimately instructing them to leave the classroom. The incident has ignited a broader discussion about racial dynamics and appropriate conduct within educational environments, particularly within historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). “Unsafe Haven for Black Students” – White Professor’s Explosive Racial Confrontation With Black Student Ignites Controversy and Heated Discourse
The post “Non-Binary God” – Female Pastor’s Controversial ‘Sparkle Creed’ Prayer Challenges Traditional Beliefs first appeared on Fistful of Dollars.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / ArtMari. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.