LUTHERAN VOTE TO RECONSIDER CONCORDAT FAILS
Voting members of the Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America have rejected an attempt to reconsider a vote it took on Aug. 18 that denied entering into full communion with The Episcopal Church. The vote to reconsider needed a simple majority but failed 397 to 640. The assembly is now considering a separate motion outlining ways to continue dialogue and teaching within the ELCA.
The Rev. Roger A. McKinstry, Tripoli, Iowa, took advantage of a parliamentary procedure that allowed him, as one who voted on the prevailing side in the original vote, to ask the assembly to reconsider its decision.
"The decision was difficult, but let's move on," said Audrey Richardson, Bemidji, Minn., during a debate of the motion to reconsider.
For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
