Would that the Lutheran Church in this country was as progressive on gay rights as its Swedish cousin. Don't get me wrong, the ECLA has taken some very pro-gay stances, but until gay clergy can be in committed relationships, there is still more ground to cover. Here are highlights from 365gay.com
(Stockholm) Swedish political and church leaders marched in Stockholm's LGBT pride parade Saturday, drawing large cheers and applause from thousands of people lining the streets of the capital. About 30 members of the Swedish Lutheran Church, including the deans of the cathedrals of Stockholm and Uppsala. The Church is the largest denomination in the country.
In a statement the church said it wanted to "break the masses' big silence" regarding gays, bisexuals and transsexuals. Representatives of the governing coalition and major opposition parties in Parliament also marched. The group included three cabinet ministers.
Earlier this year an international study of attitudes towards gays found Sweden the most the most welcoming country for gays. Early next year it is expected Parliament will approve a same-sex marriage bill. Sweden already has civil partnerships under a law enacted in 1995 that gives most of the rights and obligations of marriage to same-sex couples who register. But the country's LGBT community and moderate politicians have stepped up lobbying to have the law amended to permit gays and lesbians to marry.
A parliamentary committee studying the issue last year called civil partnerships outdated and has recommended Parliament allow same-sex marriage. It also would allow gay couples to marry in churches.
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