In 2001, the Churchwide Assembly authorized a churchwide study on matters related to homosexuality and ministry, and to bring 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.
The Task Force for the 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. The task force has released
three studies to the church for review and response as part of this journey and many in the ELCA have participated in a variety of conversations and hearings.
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.
The task force has now released the
Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality as the next step in the process of developing a social statement. After ELCA members have had a chance to
respond to this draft statement, the task force will then consider all comments and develop a proposed social statement, which is expected to be brought, through the Church Council, to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly for consideration.
We are all continuing to Journey Together Faithfully as this social statement comes to fruition. Thank you for joining in this journey of discernment.