Perhaps there is some comfort in knowing that the ELCA is by no means unique in its struggle to hear God's call and find its way when it comes to same-gender committed relationships and ordination, consecration, and commissioning of people in committed same-sex unions.  We keep company with many other denominations, not to mention our legal system and state electorates.

Because so much has been written about this topic, we selected a few essays for JLE that took an approach we thought would contribute to the overall discussion. 

We begin with Jon Pahl asking "Why Now?" in a well thought out attempt to help the reader understand why we have returned to this question at the present time.  Pahl is joined by Paul Hinlicky, who answers "How far can confessional Lutherans bend to accommodate an urgently felt pastoral need and, if possible, to preserve the unity of the ELCA (such as it is)?" with a call for recognition, but not blessing, of same-gender committed relationships.  Bill Lazareth seeks "updated ecclesiastical applications of Luther's historic theological ethic" to encourage the church to allow civil rights for gays and lesbians while maintaining its traditional definition of marriage.  Michael Stoltzfus argues for a biblical ethic which takes into account the dynamic nature of biblical interpretation and the power of grace to transform us. 

John Stumme and Dan Lee each write about what is required even to undertake this discussion.  Lee hopes for respect and listening, even if persuasion is not possible.  Stumme seeks a center of normative teaching which gives us boundaries, but finds that thus far the task force and church council have steered clear of declaring any one teaching normative.

Whatever the outcome in Orlando and the time afterwards, we are in the company of the communion of saints, struggling daily for discernment and wisdom.