Timeline
from 2001 to 2010
This timeline includes the key points of process and decision-making leading to consideration by the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of an ELCA social statement on human sexuality. Its purpose is to assure common understanding about the steps involved and to invite the broadest participation possible.
Please note especially the detail on the processes of 2008-2009
Churchwide Assembly authorized a churchwide study on matters related to homosexuality and ministry and to brought a report and recommendations to the 2005 Churchwide Assembly. It also, in a separate action, authorized the development of a social statement on human sexuality.
Upon recommendation of the boards of the divisions for Church in Society and Ministry, Church Council established the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality to implement both actions.
Task force met twice to prepare a study for church deliberation and discussion which focuses on the common convictions that this church holds related to human sexuality.
Task force published Journey Together Faithfully, Part 1 — a study of the ELCA’s Message on Sexuality: Some Common Convictions (August) and called for response.
Task force met twice to prepare a study for church deliberation and discussion which focused on homosexuality.
Task force received responses from the church on Journey Together Faithfully, Part 1 — a study of the ELCA’s Message on Sexuality: Some Common Convictions.
Task force published Journey Together Faithfully, Part 2 — The Church and Homosexuality (August) and called for response.
Task force met three times.
Task force received responses from the church on Journey Together Faithfully, Part 2 — The Church and Homosexuality.
Task force held hearings throughout the ELCA on Journey Together Faithfully, Part 2 — The Church and Homosexuality.
Task force issued its report and recommendations regarding the rostering of individuals in committed same-sex relationships and the blessing of same-sex couples in committed relationships (January).
ELCA Church Council received the task force report and recommendations and created three recommendations for consideration at the Churchwide Assembly (April).
Churchwide Assembly acted on the Church Council recommendations (August).
Task force met to begin development of a social statement and recommends and an extension of the timeline to 2009 for this purpose (September).
ELCA Church Council authorized an extension until the 2009 Churchwide Assembly for consideration of the social statement on human sexuality (November).
Task force met three times to prepare a study for church deliberation and discussion which focused on human sexuality.
Study three in the Journey Together Faithfully series was published (December). Free in Christ to Serve the Neighbor: Lutherans Talk about Human Sexuality became available in printed version and on the website; Lutherlink opened an online discussion.
February 16-18
Task force met.
April
Third study became available online in Spanish: Libres en Cristo para server al prõjimo: Los luteranos hablan acerca de la sexualidad humana.
August 6-11
ELCA Churchwide Assembly included a Bible study on the Book of Galatians and Luther’s Freedom of the Christian; received task force report.
ELCA Churchwide Assembly referred memorials to the task force.
ELCA Churchwide Assembly directed the task force to specifically 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.
September
Youth version of the third study published: Free in Christ to Care for the Neighbor: Lutheran Youth Talk about Human Sexuality. Web resources followed in October.
October 5-6
Task force met jointly with the Conference of Bishops.
November 1
Deadline for responses to the study on human sexuality.
November 9-12
ELCA Church Council meeting received report.
December 1
Task force had an online meeting to work on draft text.
December 15
Deadline for the youth responses to study.
January 4-9
Conference of Bishops Academy received a report.
January 25-26
Task force met to finalize work on the draft of a social statement on human sexuality.
February 29
Church in Society program committee received a report.
March 6-11
Conference of Bishops meeting received confidential review of the draft.
March 12, 1:00 p.m., EDT
DRAFT social statement on human sexuality became available for confidential review to rostered leaders on a designated website.
March 13, 1:00 p.m., EDT
DRAFT social statement on human sexuality was released. It became available on this website and a copy was be mailed to every rostered leader. This draft was NOT the proposed social statement that will be prepared for release in February 2009. Responses to the draft are to be shared through synodical hearings or sent directly to the task force. This feedback will assist them as they consider revisions for the proposed social statement.
April 11-13
ELCA Church Council meeting received report.
April to October
Synods hold hearings on the draft social statement on human sexuality; task force members participate and gather feedback.
September 26-27
Church in Society program committee met.
November 1
Deadline for responses to task force concerning the draft social statement on human sexuality.
November 7-8
Task force met.
November/December
Task force met to consider revisions to the draft social statement on human sexuality.
November 14-17
ELCA Church Council meeting received report.
January 23-25
Task force’s final meeting.
January/February
Task force met and “signed off” on PROPOSED social statement on human sexuality, implementing resolutions, and report and recommendations on ministry standards to the ELCA Churchwide Assembly regarding changes to any policies that preclude practicing homosexual persons from the rosters of this church.
February 18, 1:00 p.m., EST
Confidential preview for rostered leaders of Proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality, and Report and Recommendations on Ministry Standards.
February 19, 1:00 p.m., EST
Public release of Proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality, and Report and Recommendations on Ministry Standards.
February/March
Conference of Bishops meets to review proposed social statement.
March 13-14
Church in Society program committee advises the program unit for Church in Society regarding the text of the proposed social statement on human sexuality and implementing resolutions.
Executive director of Church in Society recommends the proposed social statement on human sexuality and implementing resolutions to ELCA Church Council.
[Note: Task force recommendations regarding changes to any policies that preclude practicing homosexual persons from the rosters of this church go directly to the Church Council.]
February-April
Synod councils may bring resolutions to the ELCA Church Council related to the proposed social statement on human sexuality, implementing resolutions, and report and recommendations on ministry standards.
March 27-30
ELCA Church Council reviews work of task force and will be asked to RECOMMEND the finalized text of the Proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality with implementing resolutions, and the Report and Recommendations on Ministry Standards. It will be asked to direct that these be placed on the Churchwide Assembly 2009 agenda.
April
RECOMMENDED social statement on human sexuality, implementing resolutions, and report and recommendations on ministry standards are available to the church for discussion and response through synod assembly actions.
April 2
ELCA Church Council’s finalized text of RECOMMENDED proposed social statement with implementing resolutions, and RECOMMENDED report and recommendations on ministry standards published online.
April 20 (target date)
Spanish translations of finalized texts published online.
April-June
Synod assemblies discuss and respond to both the RECOMMENDED proposed social statement with implementing resolutions, and the RECOMMENDED report and recommendations on ministry standards.
August 17-23
ELCA Churchwide Assembly considers both the recommended proposed social statement with implementing resolutions, and the report and recommendations on ministry standards.
November
ELCA social statement on human sexuality is published. (Spanish translation will follow.)
August
Church in Society publishes a study guide to the social statement on human sexuality. (Spanish translation will follow.)