Saint Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church

Saint Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church (SPR) is a church in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA. It belongs to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and is part of the Saint Paul Area Synod. The church became known across the country in 2001 when it ordained Anita C. Hill (not the same as Anita Hill from the Clarence Thomas Senate hearings). Hill is a lesbian in a committed relationship. At that time, ELCA rules said that a candidate who identifies as homosexual should not have sexual relations. The local church authority, the Saint Paul Area Synod, chose to "censure and warn" the church for a while. The church kept taking part in ELCA activities, attending meetings and events, and was officially added back to the list of congregations when ELCA rules changed in 2009.. The congregation is also notable in that nearly 25% of its membership identifying as LGBT. Liturgy, preaching, and music continue to be exceptionally important to the parish as well as its continued ministries of social justice. External links