Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
This update from the Task Force for the ELCA Studies on Sexuality provides a reminder of
dates to keep in mind and information to help you stay informed about the work of the task force.
Throughout the summer, task force members have been receiving responses, reports and open letters from many ELCA members and groups. By the November 1 deadline the task force also will have sent task force representatives to more than 110
synodical hearings.
The
task force will meet November 7-8, 2008, and again January 23-25, 2009, to consider revisions to the
Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality and to discuss further the report mandated by the 2007 Churchwide Assembly to address policies that “preclude practicing homosexual persons from the rosters of this church.”
By February 18, 2009, the task force will conclude its work on both the proposed social statement on human sexuality and the report. On this day a confidential preview will be made available to rostered leaders. On February 19 the two documents will be made available publicly, and will be sent to the ELCA Church Council for its consideration and action to place them on the agenda of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis, August 17-23, 2009.
Please visit the
time line to learn of important dates leading to action at the 2009 Churchwide Assembly.
Please continue to lift up the task force and advisory members in your prayers as this church embarks on the final phase of this journey together.
Kind regards,
Rebecca Larson, Executive Director
Church in Society program unit
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America