Studies on Sexuality

ELCA Church Council Action CC02.04.10

Passed by the 2002 ELCA Church Council.

Resolved
To receive the “Common Report from the Boards of the Division for Ministry and the Division for Church in Society on the ELCA Studies on Sexuality,” as requested in this council’s action of November 2001;

To commend the Division for Ministry and the Division for Church in Society for calling the Rev. James M. Childs Jr. as director for the ELCA Studies on Sexuality and for appointing the 13-person task force to be chaired by Bishop Margaret G. Payne [New England Synod];

To recommend approval of the following proposed elements as requested by Church Council action in November 2001:

A six-year time line for the studies on sexuality, with focus on two time periods: 2002–2005, with greater attention to the issues surrounding homosexuality, while discussion of sexuality proceeds in tandem; and 2006 – 2007, with attention to the development of a draft of a social statement on sexuality for presentation to the 2007 Churchwide Assembly;

A communications plan dedicated to providing a free flow of information and communication throughout the ELCA, including frequent reports to members, congregations, and synods; reports to and feedback from regular meetings (synodical assemblies, Churchwide Assemblies, gatherings of lay and rostered people, and other events), as well as hearings and focus groups; involvement by a wide range of groups, including the Conference of Bishops, seminaries, colleges and universities, campus ministries, and other groups; the development of a Web site; the development and a specific time line for the distribution of resources, documents, and reports; and the naming of a communications advisory group;

A total budget of $1.15 million for the six-year study, which includes costs for meetings of the task force, writers, hearings and focus groups, printing and distribution of resources, and staffing;

To encourage all members to participate in this process in a spirit of mutual respect and a commitment to concord throughout the life of this church; and

To inform our ecumenical and global partners about our work as appropriate and be open to learning from their experiences.