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Introduction

In 2001, the Churchwide Assembly authorized a churchwide study on matters related to homosexuality and ministry, which resulted in a report and recommendations to the 2005 Churchwide Assembly. In a separate action, it also authorized the development of a social statement on human sexuality.

The Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality was formed to carry out these mandates and to lead the ELCA through a social statement development process, all under the banner of Journey Together Faithfully. In the process, the task force released three studies and the Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality. Many ELCA members participated in a variety of conversations and hearings about these materials.

In January 2005 the task force released its Report and Recommendations on matters related to homosexuality and ministry for consideration by the 2005 Churchwide Assembly. Two of the three recommendations were adopted by the assembly.

In March 2008 the task force released the Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality. It received comment through 2,077 response forms, 111 synodical hearings, and more than 800 letters and theological statements.

On Feb. 19, 2009, the task force released the proposed social statement on human sexuality, Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust.

On that same date, the task force released the Report and Recommendation on Ministry Policies. This document was developed at the request of the 2007 Churchwide Assembly. It asked the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality “specifically to address and make recommendations to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly on changes to any policies that preclude practicing homosexual persons from the rosters of this church.”

The work of the task force is now completed, but the ELCA's journey continues as both documents were forwarded to the Church Council at its meeting in Chicago, March 27-30, 2009.

Both documents were reviewed by the Church Council at its meeting and made few amendments to the proposed social statement and the ministry policy recommendation.

The Church Council recommended the proposed social statement and recommendation on ministry policies to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly, Aug. 17-23, 2009, in Minneapolis.   The assembly adopted the social statement (676-338), implementing resolutions (695-285) and the four recommendations on ministry policies.  To see the voting results, please visit the assembly page.

For more information on what's coming up, view the timeline.