Sexuality and Pastoral Ministry ELCA Studies on Sexuality Recommendation II
ELCA Churchwide Assembly Action CA05.05.18
Passed by the 2005 Churchwide Assembly in Orlando, Florida.
Introduction
2005 Churchwide Assembly (Orlando, Florida)
WhereasWHEREAS, this church holds that “marriage is a lifelong covenant of faithfulness between a man and a woman” (Message on Sexuality: Some Common Convictions [1996], page 3); and
WHEREAS, the Conference of Bishops in October 1993 stated, “We, as the Conference of Bishops of the ELCA, recognize that there is basis neither in Scripture nor tradition for the establishment of an official ceremony by this church for the blessing of a homosexual relationship. We, therefore, do not approve such a ceremony as an official action of this church’s ministry. Nevertheless, we express trust in and will continue dialogue with those pastors and congregations who are in ministry with gay and lesbian persons, and affirm their desire to explore the best ways to provide pastoral care for all to whom they minister” (CB93.10.25); therefore, be it
Resolved
RESOLVED, that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America continue to respect the guidance of the 1993 statement of the Conference of Bishops; and be it further
RESOLVED, that this church welcome gay and lesbian persons into its life (as stated in Churchwide Assembly resolutions from 1991, 1995, and 1999), and trust pastors and congregations to discern ways to provide faithful pastoral care for all to whom they minister.