INDIANAPOLIS (ELCA) -- This may be the first time voting members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will discuss same- sex unions at a churchwide assembly, said the Rev. H. George Anderson, ELCA presiding bishop. At a news conference Monday, ELCA leaders highlighted same-sex unions as one of many issues to be discussed at the denomination's assembly.
The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 8-14 at the Indiana Convention Center. There are more than 2,000 people participating, including 1,040 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is "Making Christ Known: Sharing Faith in a New Century."
ELCA members must "think through very carefully how we minister to gays," Anderson said, "before we come to a quick decision."
A proposal -- known as a memorial -- will be presented to voting members on same-sex unions. The recommendation of the memorials committee calls for development of resources for discussing what it might mean to bless committed same-gender relationships and proposals for definitions of those relationships.
Discussions would be good for the church, Anderson said, but must not be done in a "haphazard" way.
The memorials committee is recommending the church decline to initiate a study on homosexuality.
The ELCA does not have a policy affirming or prohibiting its clergy from blessing same-sex unions. However, the ELCA Conference of Bishops said in a 1993 advisory statement that its members do not approve of such ceremonies.
In the news conference, Anderson mentioned other key assembly actions. Voting members will consider a proposed constitutional bylaw that would amend a "full communion" agreement with the Episcopal Church.
Under the agreement "Called to Common Mission" (CCM), bishops must ordain new pastors. The proposed bylaw would allow a bishop to delegate to another pastor the authority to ordain.
Episcopal Church leaders are watching closely, Anderson said. "Leaders from the Episcopal Church have expressed real concern," he said.
Yet they realize ELCA members need to discuss the issue. Relations have remained positive, Anderson said. "My discussions [with the Episcopal Church] have been very frank but not at all rancorous," said the bishop.
Voting members will also elect a new presiding bishop, consider an ELCA policy on school vouchers, adopt a budget and discuss evangelism with Latino and Asian and Pacific Islanders.
ELCA leaders stressed the assembly is more than passing amendments and creating policies.
"It's easy to see it only as a legislative process," Anderson said. "It's a much broader and richer experience than that."
The assembly includes worship, Bible study, service opportunities and social events.
"We're not going to forget about the Lord of the church," said Addie J. Butler, ELCA vice president. -- -- --
Information about assembly actions will be at http://www.elca.org/assembly/01 on the ELCA's Web site. Recorded updates during the assembly are available by calling 773/380-2477.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.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
