General Director Jim Lyon’s regular Town Halls continue to provide good insights into the pressing issues and controversies swirling within the Church of God in the United States and Canada, a point I have previously made. This was evident again last month. On the February 29th Town Hall, two questions were raised about recent decisions and actions taken by Indiana Ministries of the Church of God. Lyon responded to the questions, largely emphasizing the relative autonomy that districts have to make decisions. Beyond that, little substantive detail was provided as to the debate that is raging.
So, what is happening in Indiana?
Over the past few weeks, I have been digging a little deeper to learn more. In short, Indiana Ministries is calling out ministers in their state who signed on in support of ChogAffirm, the organization advocating for full LGBTQ+ inclusion in the Church of God. The Department of Ministry Services (i.e. credentials committee) is demanding that these clergy appear before an investigative team in order to determine whether their affirmation is in contravention of the official Indiana ministerial Code of Ethics.
Regardless of one’s position on ChogAffirm, I believe we should all be aware and concerned about how this is being handled, and how it impacts the future of our movement.