Civil Matters

ELCA Churchwide Assembly Action CA87.30.14

Passed by the 1987 Churchwide Assembly in Columbus, Ohio.

Whereas
Whereas, the Commission for a New Lutheran Church has studies and debated the legal rights of congregations and church members with a view to formulating policies for the church to be presented at its Constituting Convention; and

Whereas, the Commission for a New Lutheran Church has developed and approved recommendations with respect to privileged communication with clergypersons, chaplaincies supported by government, civil disobedience, and the bearing of arms; now, therefore, it is hereby

Resolved
RESOLVED, that the statements of policy set forth below are hereby approved, and the delegates to the Constituting Convention are directed to approve such statements as the policies of the Church:

a. Privileged Communication with Clergypersons The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America affirms that its pastors are obligated not to divulge any confidential disclosure made to them in the course of their pastoral ministry, nor to testify concerning conduct observed by them while working in a pastoral capacity, except with the express permission of the person who has confided in them or was observed, or if the person intends great harm to self or others.

b. Chaplaincies Supported by Government The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America affirms that chaplaincies supported by the government must be granted the right to provide ministry according to the faith and practice of the ecclesiastical traditions from which the chaplains come.

c. Civil Disobedience