Bishop comes out

Kevin Kanouse, bishop of the Northern Texas-Northern Louisiana Mission Area (synod), came out as gay at the ELCA Youth Gathering during a Bible study/reflection time with synod youth. “Several of our youth told their powerful stories of God at work in their lives. I was Holy Spirit-moved to tell my own story publicly for the first time,” Kanouse explained in a letter to the church leaders in the days after the event. I learned early on that I had to hide my true nature, especially becasue I wanted to be a pastor and serve in the church.” Kanouse had told his wife of 40 years prior to the public revelation; the two have said they will remain married.