Because there were a number of very important actions taken at the ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2009, I thought it would be best to share those with a very informal report to you.
A few items make me especially proud to be an ELCA Lutheran, but they will not make headlines: funding for the HIV/AIDS strategy, the launch of the Lutheran Malaria Initiative, and full communion with the United Methodist Church. Also, changes to the ELCA constitution that call for fuller representation of youth in congregational, synod, and churchwide expressions and initiation of the process to have a Social Statement on Justice for Women to be presented at the 2015 Churchwide Assembly.
The items that are more likely to appear on the news are the social statement and the vote on Ministry Policy recommendations, both presented from the Task Force that has been working for 8 years on creating these carefully crafted documents. Input from individuals and congregations was included, through several rounds of drafts and inquiries throughout the ELCA. This is the first social statement that has affirmed gay and lesbian Lutherans with support and acceptance. It does so with a lot of careful language reminding us that the church is not of concensus on this issue, that people of faith do come to differing conclusions on the issue of lifelong, mongamous, same-gender relationships. But it leaves a very wide berth for congregations such as Ebenezer to provide pastoral ministry to lifelong, mongamous, same-gender relationships as we see fit. See below for an important paragraph from the document:
"Although at this time this church lacks consensus on this matter, it encourages all people to live out their faith in the local and global community of the baptized with profound respect for the conscience-bound belief of the neighbor. This church calls for mutual respect in relationships and for guidance that seeks the good of each individual and of the community. Regarding our life together as we live with disagreement, the people in this church will continue to accompany one another in study, prayer, discernment, pastoral care, and mutual respect."
Resolutions 1-4 regarding changes in ministry policies were proposed by the task force to be dealt with in a successive approach, where 2 would only be voted on after 1 was passed, and so on (the "stairstep" approach). Since Robert's Rules does not allow for such an approach, we had to vote on whether to agree to the stairstep or take them separately. We voted to consider them separately (with Goodsoil's wholehearted support), and we also voted to re-order them. All of these could pass with a simple majority because they were policy changes, not constitutional changes or social statements (which both require 2/3rds vote). [As a point of reference, ordaining women garnered only 57% of the vote at a 1970 assembly.]
Resolution 1 (formerly #3): RESOLVED, that in the implementation of any
resolutions on ministry policies, the ELCA commit itself to bear one another’s burdens, love the neighbor, and respect the bound consciences of all. Passed YES-771; NO-230
Resolution 2 (formerly #1): RESOLVED, that the ELCA commit itself to
finding ways to allow congregations that choose to do so to recognize, support, and hold publicly accountable lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships. Passed YES-619; NO-402
Resolution 3 (formerly #2) did the same as Resolution 2, but for rostered leaders within this church. Passed YES-559; NO-451
Resolution 4 basically made provision to put all ministry-related, candidacy-related documents into line with Resolutions 1-3. Passed YES-667; NO-307. One "resolved" was added, which doesn't change the substance, but definitely made those in opposition feel more comfortable: "RESOLVED, that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America make provision in its policies to recognize the conviction of members who believe that this church should not call or roster people in a publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same gender relationship."
What does this mean?
1) Does it mean that the Extraordinary Lutheran Ministry roster would seek to exist? While they will definitely have some work to sort through what this means for them, and there is hope that their numbers will dwindle as pastors join the ELCA roster, I do not believe that ELM will be able to disappear completely (and surely not right now).
2) Does this mean pastors removed from the roster can be re-instated? Probably, but again, there are a lot of processes and procedures to figure out before any large-scale re-instatements can occur. It is likely that someone starting the candidacy process now or in seminary currently will be able to be more honest beginning this very minute than they would have been before. But the ELCA Church Council and Vocation and Education unit have a lot of hard work ahead of them before large-scale changes can be implemented.
3) Does this mean that congregations will be forced to accept gay/lesbian pastors in committed relationships? No. But it means that congregations that choose to do so will not face discipline or pressure from their synods or churchwide. There is still question about how to deal with it when a synod bishop is opposed, but one of his/her congregations wants to call such a pastor. Hard to know how that will play out. But it leaves a lot of freedom for those of us who do choose to be open to all rostered leaders to do so (especially with the support of our bishop).
4) Does this mean that we're in less hot water with the synod over our constitutional changes? Probably! Again, this all has to get lived out and sorted out together in community, but this does put us much more in line with full ELCA policy. Ebenezer's leaders will have to do more talking about the specifics of what this means for Ebenezer, but Bishop Miller was encouraged by the way this policy change could help keep us and the synod connected.
5) What else you need to know: Within the ELCA, there is a lot of pain over this decision by those opposed to policy change. You know their arguments; you know why they are opposed. But you may not know the depth of the pain that they are feeling over this decision. It does not negate the celebration of the rest of us, but we must temper that celebration with the realization that this could be a tough time for the ELCA, as we try to remain united amidst very stark divisions. I echo the prayers of many of my GLBTQ brothers and sisters, who begged us to pray for those who were so disheartened by this vote. We know what it's like to feel disenfranchised, unaccepted by our church, and in the minority, so our hearts feel their pain.
I want to close with Bishop Hanson's words, spoken immediately after the vote was announced. There was crying - from those on both sides of the issue - disbelief that it had finally happened for some, and sorrow for a church that feels like it's slipping away for others. Bishop Hanson led with incredible grace and he is a unifying power in the ELCA. He quoted three different Bible passages - one for those who were opposed, one for those who were in favor, and one for those who feel caught in the middle, unsure of what this means for them, their congregations, and their synods. This quote follows those pastoral scriptural passages.
"That passage gives invitation and expectation that those deeply disappointed today will have in this church the expectation and the freedom to continue to admonish and to teach. And so, too, those that have experienced reconciliation today, you are called to humility. You are called to clothe yourselves with love. But we're all called to let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts, remembering again and again that we are called in the one body. I will invite you tomorrow afternoon into important, thoughtful, prayerful conversations about what all of this means for our life together. But what is absolutely important for me is that that's a conversation we have together.
"I ended my oral report with these words: "We meet one another finally, not in our agreements or our disagreements, but at the foot of the cross -- where God is faithful, where Christ is present with us, and where, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are one in Christ.
"Let us pray. O God, gracious and holy, mysterious and merciful, we meet this day at the foot of the cross and there we kneel in gratitude and awe that you have loved us so much that you would give the life of your Son so that we might have life in his name. Send your spirit this night, the spirit of the Risen Christ that has been breathed into us. May it calm us. May your Spirit unite us. May it continue to gather us. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Sunday, August 23, 2009
pastoral summary from Bishop Hanson (ELCA presiding bishop)
August 22, 2009
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ:
Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful.
-- Colossians 3:14-15
I write to you from the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis with official information about the actions of this assembly related to human sexuality. I am grateful for the manner in which this church has engaged in this conversation. The way this assembly has discussed these questions is a continuation of the way this church has deliberated: with deep and heartfelt respect for each other, engaging with Scripture, listening to the faith stories and experiences of one another, and through worship and prayer seeking the discernment of the Spirit.
In my response to the voting members on Friday, August 21, I made this request: we need one another. We need time. We need the voices of those who lament and those who rejoice over these actions, for together we have been called to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ and engage in God’s mission for the life of the world.
The assembly adopted 676-338 -- precisely two-thirds of those voting -- “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust,” the ELCA’s 10th social statement, with minor editorial amendments. It also adopted a series of implementing resolutions with amendments. This theological and teaching document builds on the key Lutheran principles of justification by grace and Christian freedom to serve the neighbor. It emphasizes that central to our vocation, in relation to human sexuality, is the building and protection of trust in relationships. It therefore affirms that we are called to be trustworthy in our human sexuality and to build social institutions and practices where trust and trustworthy relationships can thrive. The social statement addresses marriage, same-gender relationships, families, protecting children, friendships, commitment, social responsibility and moral discernment. Regarding same-gender committed relationships, the social statement says that this church is not in agreement and recognizes the different perspectives which are present among us.
Our assembly also adopted resolutions proposed by the Church Council based on those contained in a “Report and Recommendation on Ministry Policies.” The actions direct that changes be made to churchwide policy documents to make it possible for those in committed same-gender relationships to serve as rostered leaders in the ELCA. There were amendments to two of the proposals. The assembly adopted the resolutions in the following order, beginning with a strong statement about how we will live together in the face of our disagreements:
Resolution 3: “RESOLVED, that in the implementation of any resolutions on ministry policies, the ELCA commit itself to bear one another's burdens, love the neighbor, and respect the bound consciences of all." (Adopted 771-230 as amended)
Resolution 1: “RESOLVED, that the ELCA commit itself to finding ways to allow congregations that choose to do so to recognize, support and hold publicly accountable life-long, monogamous, same-gender relationships.” (Adopted 619-402)
Resolution 2: “RESOLVED, that the ELCA commit itself to finding a way for people in such publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships to serve as rostered leaders of this church.” (Adopted 559-451)
Resolution 4: This resolution called upon members to respect the bound consciences of those with whom they disagree; declared intent to allow structured flexibility in decision-making about candidacy and the call process; eliminated the prohibition of rostered service by members in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous same-gender relationships; recognized and committed to respect the conviction of members who believe that the ELCA should not call or roster people in committed same-gender relationships; called for development of accountability guidelines; directed that amendments to ministry policy documents be drafted and approved; and stated that this church continue to trust congregations, bishops, synods and others responsible for determining who should be called into public ministry. (Adopted 667-307 as amended)
I invite you into important, thoughtful, prayerful conversation about what all of this means for our life in mission together. What is absolutely important for me is that we have this conversation together.
We meet one another finally -- not in our agreements or our disagreements -- but at the foot of the cross, where God is faithful, where Christ is present with us, and where, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we are one in Christ.
In Christ,
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson
ELCA Presiding Bishop
Comments of Bishop Hanson to the assembly at the conclusion of the decisions on human sexuality are at http://www.elca.org/assembly on the Web.
pastoral letter from Bishop Miller
Bishop Miller asked us to share this with our congregations.
-Pastor Powell
-Pastor Powell
From: Wayne N. Miller
Sent: Sat, Aug 22, 2009 1:28 pm
Subject: Pastoral Letter in Response to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, NRSV).
Grace, mercy, and peace from God, and Christ Jesus our Lord. I am writing this from the Minneapolis Convention Center where the 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has made decisions about our life together.
In addition to passing the Lutheran Malaria Initiative, Funding of the HIV and AIDS Strategy, and Full Communion with The United Methodist Church, the assembly passed the Social Statement: "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" (as amended), and Ministry Policies Resolutions (1 and 4 as amended).
For many in our congregations, the issues surrounding human sexuality are of particular significance.
- As I indicated, we have adopted a new Social Statement entitled "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" by a two-thirds majority.
- Based on this statement, the assembly subsequently adopted several policy recommendations that create a possibility for our church to develop policies that will allow congregations to bless same-gender relationships, and to call openly gay and lesbian pastors who are in publicly accountable life-long monogamous relationships.
These decisions may evoke strong emotional responses. It is my hope that we can create a holy space where, as a synod, we can engage in faithful, thoughtful, respectful, and meaningful conversations about what these decisions mean for us together as we continue to witness to the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord.
Our conversations on this matter will continue through the coming weeks and months, but I would like to offer several initial observations that might be helpful:
- The actions of the assembly create options and opportunities - they do not demand change on a congregational level. If your congregation is already open and affirming toward people with a homosexual self-understanding, these decisions provide denominational support for your open and welcoming position.
- If your congregation maintains a more established understanding about attitudes and teachings concerning human sexuality, nothing in these decisions requires any congregation to change its current practice or even its current teaching about human sexuality.
- These decisions do not create new policies - they merely authorize the churchwide office to create policy changes. These changes will take time. The synod office will be providing an outline in a few days that will describe what our practice will be as we wait for the official policies to be developed.
- The synod office will be working with conference deans to offer conversation forums where members of congregations can ask questions and raise concerns about these changes with me and the synod staff.
- I am asking our congregations and parishioners to give time for conversation and reflection before making any moves that might change your relationship with the ELCA. Know that we are going to work hard to leave room for differences of local practice based on the notion of bound conscience.
I am sure many of you have been following the proceedings, and I am grateful for the staff of the Lutheran Center for providing such thorough coverage. As a reminder, information is available online at www.elca.org. One of the blessings of our democracy is freedom of the press. I trust, however, that we will not let the media define what these decisions mean for us as a church.
I would like to close, in light of our decision to enter into Full Communion with The United Methodist Church, with the first verse of Love Divine, All Loves Excelling (Evangelical Lutheran Worship Hymn #631):
Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heav'n, to earth come down!
Fix in us thy humble dwelling,
all thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
pure unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation,
enter every trembling heart.
As we gather for and participate in worship this Sunday, let us pray for the Church, listen to the Word, and receive the sacrament of Holy Communion, the Eucharist, that proclaims that God is for us in Jesus Christ.
In Christ,
Wayne N. Miller
Bishop
(This is also available for download as a PDF at the synod's Web site www.mcselca.org.)
Saturday, August 22, 2009
more work to do
Although several historic votes have taken place in the ELCA at the Churchwide Assembly in the last few days, we still have a number of items to vote on Saturday and Sunday here in Minneapolis.
+whether to call for a social statement on “Justice for Women” (gender justice)
+whether to vote to include a larger number/percentage of youth in our official legislative bodies (churchwide assembly and ELCA church council)
+whether to overrule the Memorials committee and ask for a social statement on Human Disability (the Memorials committee had asked Church in Society to do an official “message” not a full “social statement”)
+whether to pass the Memorials committee recommendation on Israel/Palestine or to substitute one of the suggestions passed at synod assemblies (in my opinion, the Memorials committee recommendation is sufficient)
+whether to pass the 2010-2011 budget (expect those unhappy with policy change to make a huge stink here, and possibly seek to thwart its passage – I hope I’m wrong)
+the presiding bishop has indicated a desire to share in conversation about how to remain united in the midst of disagreements, but I don’t know what form that will take
So please keep us in prayer. The assembly ends on Sunday early afternoon.
+whether to call for a social statement on “Justice for Women” (gender justice)
+whether to vote to include a larger number/percentage of youth in our official legislative bodies (churchwide assembly and ELCA church council)
+whether to overrule the Memorials committee and ask for a social statement on Human Disability (the Memorials committee had asked Church in Society to do an official “message” not a full “social statement”)
+whether to pass the Memorials committee recommendation on Israel/Palestine or to substitute one of the suggestions passed at synod assemblies (in my opinion, the Memorials committee recommendation is sufficient)
+whether to pass the 2010-2011 budget (expect those unhappy with policy change to make a huge stink here, and possibly seek to thwart its passage – I hope I’m wrong)
+the presiding bishop has indicated a desire to share in conversation about how to remain united in the midst of disagreements, but I don’t know what form that will take
So please keep us in prayer. The assembly ends on Sunday early afternoon.
Friday, August 21, 2009
how this changes things
I've had a few questions from people in congregations that would not support blessing of same-sex unions and would not call a pastor in a committed relationship. Here is the info you all need:
I don't have the wording in front of me, but another "resolved" was added to Resolution 4 that seemed to make it more clear that there is room for dissenting opinion in the church. I think it was pretty clear throughout, but it seemed to make a couple people feel like they were being heard, so no harm done.
Basically, passing resolution 3 & 4 mean nothing unless you can't stand to be in the same church body with a congregation like Ebenezer (who would bless same sex unions and call a pastor in a committed relationship). Congergations that disagree will not be forced to accept such actions; there's no pressure or coercion from your synod or discipline for not accepting a gay or lesbian pastor in a committed realtionship in your congregation. There are questions about what happens if you have a congregation that would be willing to call a gay/lesbian pastor in a committed relationship, but a bishop that doesn't support it. More fleshing out to be done by Council of Bishops and ELCA Church Council.
How to live this out fully has yet to be spun out, but we'll live into it a little at a time. Stan Olson's job (exec dir in Vocation & education) just tripled.Those on the prevailing side are trying really hard to respect the fact that this is not actually an unequivocal "win".
I don't have the wording in front of me, but another "resolved" was added to Resolution 4 that seemed to make it more clear that there is room for dissenting opinion in the church. I think it was pretty clear throughout, but it seemed to make a couple people feel like they were being heard, so no harm done.
Basically, passing resolution 3 & 4 mean nothing unless you can't stand to be in the same church body with a congregation like Ebenezer (who would bless same sex unions and call a pastor in a committed relationship). Congergations that disagree will not be forced to accept such actions; there's no pressure or coercion from your synod or discipline for not accepting a gay or lesbian pastor in a committed realtionship in your congregation. There are questions about what happens if you have a congregation that would be willing to call a gay/lesbian pastor in a committed relationship, but a bishop that doesn't support it. More fleshing out to be done by Council of Bishops and ELCA Church Council.
How to live this out fully has yet to be spun out, but we'll live into it a little at a time. Stan Olson's job (exec dir in Vocation & education) just tripled.Those on the prevailing side are trying really hard to respect the fact that this is not actually an unequivocal "win".
"the vote"
I should probably do more reflections on the entire day, but voting on resolutions 3 & 4 (new numbering) were the most momentous, so I'll just speak to those.
Resolution 3 spoke about allowing gay and lesbian pastors in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous relationships. It did not mandate acceptance, but allowed acceptance. There were definitely attempts to change the substance or speak about how this would kill the church - both by schism and by people just leaving their congregations. There was a warning that our salvation might be in jeopardy if we voted in favor of that resolution. But at the end, there was a vote in favor of (I think - this is from memory) 55%. I kind of figured that if we voted in favor of 3, we would definitely vote in favor of 4, but it definitely wasn't a "slam dunk". One voting member from the Florida-Bahamas synod walked out after the vote was announced on Resolution 3.
Resolution 4 had a number of amendments. One of the amendments - the only one that actually passed - added language which didn't change the substance at all, but did allow those who had voted in favor to see themselves named and included more fully. I voted against it, but I understand why it would make them feel more clear about being the dissenting opinion (and new minority).
Bishop Hanson led this church assembly with grace and style. Seriously, I've said some not so charitable things about him at times, but he was amazing. He reminded us not to respond in any way (like the people who shouted "no" when the results were displayed and the people who clapped when the social statement passed). When Resolution 4 was passed, he took a moment to address the assembly in a remarkably pastoral way. He read three different scripture passages - which roughly corresponded to those who rallied against this change, those who rallied for this change (incluidng gay and lesbian people who have been disenfranchised for many years), and those who were somewhere "in the middle". He was pastoral, while not implying in any way that this move was a mistake. Tears were streaming down my cheeks through his entire time talking.
The moment was overwhelming - I kept envisioning people I knew and how this affected them - members of my congregation who felt a call to ministry and would've had to decide whether to serve a church that discriminated against them, friends who had left the ministry (or seminary) and come out, gay/lesbian seminarians I know, and so many more. Heck, I even joked with Bishop Miller that this probably means Ebenezer is off his plate as far as constitution trouble goes! He agreed that was probably the good news fall out of this assembly!
it's been very interesting to watch those who are used to be in the majority and used to being on top experience disenfranchisement and exclusion. Not that I think that's how they're being treated, but for the first time, they have to deal with what it feels like not to be heard, not to be in the majority, not to feel represented (as gay and lesbian Christians have for numerous years!). I think that's why those of us who were in favor of policy change are still so conflicted. We know what it feels like to be excluded, to be disenfranchised. For us to think that we contributed to someone feeling that way makes us feel terrible. A few of us were having trouble moving up to the Goodsoil room because we weren't ready for a huge celebration yet.
I am really celebrating this day - and I seriously did not think it would come in 2009. But I am also facing two more days of assembly in an atmosphere that is highly emotionally charged and somewhat sorrowful. We still need your prayers.
Resolution 3 spoke about allowing gay and lesbian pastors in publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous relationships. It did not mandate acceptance, but allowed acceptance. There were definitely attempts to change the substance or speak about how this would kill the church - both by schism and by people just leaving their congregations. There was a warning that our salvation might be in jeopardy if we voted in favor of that resolution. But at the end, there was a vote in favor of (I think - this is from memory) 55%. I kind of figured that if we voted in favor of 3, we would definitely vote in favor of 4, but it definitely wasn't a "slam dunk". One voting member from the Florida-Bahamas synod walked out after the vote was announced on Resolution 3.
Resolution 4 had a number of amendments. One of the amendments - the only one that actually passed - added language which didn't change the substance at all, but did allow those who had voted in favor to see themselves named and included more fully. I voted against it, but I understand why it would make them feel more clear about being the dissenting opinion (and new minority).
Bishop Hanson led this church assembly with grace and style. Seriously, I've said some not so charitable things about him at times, but he was amazing. He reminded us not to respond in any way (like the people who shouted "no" when the results were displayed and the people who clapped when the social statement passed). When Resolution 4 was passed, he took a moment to address the assembly in a remarkably pastoral way. He read three different scripture passages - which roughly corresponded to those who rallied against this change, those who rallied for this change (incluidng gay and lesbian people who have been disenfranchised for many years), and those who were somewhere "in the middle". He was pastoral, while not implying in any way that this move was a mistake. Tears were streaming down my cheeks through his entire time talking.
The moment was overwhelming - I kept envisioning people I knew and how this affected them - members of my congregation who felt a call to ministry and would've had to decide whether to serve a church that discriminated against them, friends who had left the ministry (or seminary) and come out, gay/lesbian seminarians I know, and so many more. Heck, I even joked with Bishop Miller that this probably means Ebenezer is off his plate as far as constitution trouble goes! He agreed that was probably the good news fall out of this assembly!
it's been very interesting to watch those who are used to be in the majority and used to being on top experience disenfranchisement and exclusion. Not that I think that's how they're being treated, but for the first time, they have to deal with what it feels like not to be heard, not to be in the majority, not to feel represented (as gay and lesbian Christians have for numerous years!). I think that's why those of us who were in favor of policy change are still so conflicted. We know what it feels like to be excluded, to be disenfranchised. For us to think that we contributed to someone feeling that way makes us feel terrible. A few of us were having trouble moving up to the Goodsoil room because we weren't ready for a huge celebration yet.
I am really celebrating this day - and I seriously did not think it would come in 2009. But I am also facing two more days of assembly in an atmosphere that is highly emotionally charged and somewhat sorrowful. We still need your prayers.
Friday morning
First thing this morning, we address a resolution on Israel/Palestine. The resolution itself is no trouble, but amendments have already begun to hit the floor which could be much more troubling. The first amendment we'll deal with uses the word "balanced" (code word for - we need to hear from Israel as well - in my opinion, the entire rest of the resolution makes it clear that we want to hear from "both sides" so this is unnecessary). The conversation yesterday was confused by the fact that some speakers were arguing the memorial that came to the Assembly, not the recommendation that we were supposed to be voting on from the Memorials Committee.
I believe after that we'll be dealing with the resolutions on ministry policies. The four resolutions are being dealt with separately, not in a stair-step fashion. We wanted this to be done, so that we could debate the merits of each without having all debate cut off if resolution 1 passes. This is not a slam-dunk at all. There are very widely divergent opinions. But it does seem that there is much closer to a 50% split than ever before, and it only has to be adopted by a simple majority. So if a few people are out of the room during the vote, it could change things immensely. No bathroom breaks for me this morning!
Resolution 1 (as currently numbered - which may change) basically says that we as a church body can accept that same-sex blessing ceremonies could be acceptable. (it says nothing about congregations having to do them.)
Resolution 2 talks about accepting rostered pastors in publicly accountable, lilfelong, same-gender, monogamous relationships. (this also does not mean that congregations have to accept such pastors.)
Resolution 3 talks about being united in one church with all of us respecting the bound consciences of one another. This may be moved to position 1. The people against policy change have been very disturbed by the "bound consciences" language because they think it means that you're looking to your conscience as your guide, not scripture and the Lutheran confessions.
Resolution 4 talks about making the changes needed to allow for Resolution 2 (more or less). It does call for more action, but my opinion is that if 1-3 pass, #4 will be pretty easy to accomplish.
History could be made in the church today. Or we could be dealing with an unjust policy that is upheld. Only time will tell.
You can watch the Churchwide Assembly at www.elca.org/assembly - today would be a good day to do so!
I believe after that we'll be dealing with the resolutions on ministry policies. The four resolutions are being dealt with separately, not in a stair-step fashion. We wanted this to be done, so that we could debate the merits of each without having all debate cut off if resolution 1 passes. This is not a slam-dunk at all. There are very widely divergent opinions. But it does seem that there is much closer to a 50% split than ever before, and it only has to be adopted by a simple majority. So if a few people are out of the room during the vote, it could change things immensely. No bathroom breaks for me this morning!
Resolution 1 (as currently numbered - which may change) basically says that we as a church body can accept that same-sex blessing ceremonies could be acceptable. (it says nothing about congregations having to do them.)
Resolution 2 talks about accepting rostered pastors in publicly accountable, lilfelong, same-gender, monogamous relationships. (this also does not mean that congregations have to accept such pastors.)
Resolution 3 talks about being united in one church with all of us respecting the bound consciences of one another. This may be moved to position 1. The people against policy change have been very disturbed by the "bound consciences" language because they think it means that you're looking to your conscience as your guide, not scripture and the Lutheran confessions.
Resolution 4 talks about making the changes needed to allow for Resolution 2 (more or less). It does call for more action, but my opinion is that if 1-3 pass, #4 will be pretty easy to accomplish.
History could be made in the church today. Or we could be dealing with an unjust policy that is upheld. Only time will tell.
You can watch the Churchwide Assembly at www.elca.org/assembly - today would be a good day to do so!
Wednesday breakfast
Wednesday's breakfast and the following conversation allowed for us to be assigned to tables with people we would not have chosen. Each of us had a number on our nametag, assigned along with our prayer partner and several other pairs of prayer partners, which put us at tables with many people we did not know.
I was very annoyed about this at the beginning. I tried to have a good attitude, but as soon as we actually spoke up about how we felt, it became clear that this conversation on sexuality would be no different from many of the floor debates on sexuality - tense, divided, and not collegial or civil at all.
The quasi committee of the whole time (beginning at 8am) provided some directed questions for us to engage in discussion regarding ministry policy changes. We each took two minutes to describe our response to the policy changes. Our table was very much like the ELCA and very much like the task force (according to one of our table members who was on the task force): we had widely divergent and deeply held opinions regarding sexuality. We had a man who realized that by the time he got home his congregation already would have probably started talks to leave the ELCA. We had a pastor who said he might have to resign some of his synod positions (at least) if the ministry policies passed. We had a young woman who was disturbed to hear the arguments against gay and lesbian people, when for her peers, they would be completely accepted. We had me, who talked openly about serving a congregation with a significant gay and lesbian population, and all that includes. And we had a task force member, who could help us interpret what the task force's discussion and conversation had been. Another woman came up to me later and said that when she came to this assembly, she was ready to vote no on the ministry policies, but she has been convinced through the Spirit and her work here to vote otherwise.
By the end, I was giving thanks for the opportunity. Although I don't suppose I convinced any of those people of anything, I felt good for the opportunity to show my position and witness as a grace-filled, non-anxious, welcoming presence. I spoke directly to the people who felt alienated from the church and told them that I was willing to try to work within the same church body that they were. The male pastor I described above could not say the same to me. And yet, when asked at the end who would pray, I gracefully gave him the opportunity to pray rather than engaging in a tug of war over who would have the chance to do so and thanked him for his prayer. I pray that my witness at that table was a loving, caring, graceful one.
I was very annoyed about this at the beginning. I tried to have a good attitude, but as soon as we actually spoke up about how we felt, it became clear that this conversation on sexuality would be no different from many of the floor debates on sexuality - tense, divided, and not collegial or civil at all.
The quasi committee of the whole time (beginning at 8am) provided some directed questions for us to engage in discussion regarding ministry policy changes. We each took two minutes to describe our response to the policy changes. Our table was very much like the ELCA and very much like the task force (according to one of our table members who was on the task force): we had widely divergent and deeply held opinions regarding sexuality. We had a man who realized that by the time he got home his congregation already would have probably started talks to leave the ELCA. We had a pastor who said he might have to resign some of his synod positions (at least) if the ministry policies passed. We had a young woman who was disturbed to hear the arguments against gay and lesbian people, when for her peers, they would be completely accepted. We had me, who talked openly about serving a congregation with a significant gay and lesbian population, and all that includes. And we had a task force member, who could help us interpret what the task force's discussion and conversation had been. Another woman came up to me later and said that when she came to this assembly, she was ready to vote no on the ministry policies, but she has been convinced through the Spirit and her work here to vote otherwise.
By the end, I was giving thanks for the opportunity. Although I don't suppose I convinced any of those people of anything, I felt good for the opportunity to show my position and witness as a grace-filled, non-anxious, welcoming presence. I spoke directly to the people who felt alienated from the church and told them that I was willing to try to work within the same church body that they were. The male pastor I described above could not say the same to me. And yet, when asked at the end who would pray, I gracefully gave him the opportunity to pray rather than engaging in a tug of war over who would have the chance to do so and thanked him for his prayer. I pray that my witness at that table was a loving, caring, graceful one.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Press Release from Goodsoil regarding the human sexuality social statement:
Press Release Goodsoil celebrates the passage of the Social Statement on Human
Sexuality (including great quotes from Emily Eastwood, LC/NA exec director):
Goodsoil celebrates the passage today of the Social Statement on Human
Sexuality, "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust," at the biennial assembly of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Speaking for Goodsoil, Emily Eastwood, Executive Director, Lutherans
Concerned/North America, said, "This is a day of progress and compromise. By a
2/3 majority the church has supported families of all kinds and has acknowledged
without judgment the wide variety of views within the ELCA regarding lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) inclusion. The document recognizes the
ministries of congregations which conduct blessings of same gender relationships
and same gender marriages where such marriages are legal. The social statement
is tolerant of our differences both in scriptural interpretation and practice.
The social statement supports our unity without requiring uniformity. There is
still much work to do, but the door to full inclusion of LGBT members and their
families is now most definitely open.
"The social statement now forms the basis for policy and advocacy on issues
related to families and sexuality both for ministry and advocacy in church and
society. We are encouraged and hopeful that on Friday this foundation will
result in the church's elimination of the current ban on ministers in committed
same gender relationships. "
The Social Statement now serves as a teaching document that describes the world
and society that the ELCA lives and works in to provide ministry and spread the
Gospel. The Social Statement provides the basis and guidance for the
formulation of policy and the creation of programs.
The Social Statement was eight years in preparation and represents the work and
contributions of thousands of Lutherans. Contentious because of its subject and
content, the Social Statement now guides the work and understanding of the
church as it relates to the sexual component of the lives of everyone the church
reaches.
We celebrate in particular the emphasis of the Social Statement on the
centrality of family in the life of the church and society - all families
without differentiation. For too long the church has failed to recognize the
centrality of family and acceptance in the lives of its LGBT members. Now, the
healing of the rift that leads to wholeness can begin.
Goodsoil commits itself to working within and with the church as it ends its
reticence to speak boldly on full inclusion as matter of the Gospel, and to
celebrate the gifts that come with full participation of all its members,
regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Our job is to assist the
church in its move from tolerance to celebration.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Wednesday at the churchwide assembly
Today was the day we dealt with the social statement and as much related business as we could. As we began the plenary this afternoon, we were informed that a tornado had touched down a few blocks away and we were being asked to stay in the assembly hall for our safety for the next half hour. After that initial shock wore off, we realized that we were just fine and we needed to get working on the work of the assembly. Tornado sirens sounded as Diane Jacobsen (prof from Luther Seminary) presented a Bible study on the story of the prodigal son, using a framework from Mark Allan Powell and introducing the four hallmarks of the Book of Faith studies.
We were still being encouraged to stay in the assembly hall, as the tornado warning was extended. (People were even brought in from other parts of the building for their own safety.) When we got back to work, we dealt with several attempted amendments to the human sexuality social statement. There were a lot of them, but not all were considered. An Ad Hoc committee had suggested passage of a few and defeat of most of them. People calling the question or attempting to manipulate the process in other ways (ruling amendments out of order, moving to postpone discussion, moving all matters before the house) were abundant.
A tornado apparently did touch down at the corner of the convention center. That was probably during the time when it sounded like Noah would be calling for the Ark at any point.
I'll write more later.
We were still being encouraged to stay in the assembly hall, as the tornado warning was extended. (People were even brought in from other parts of the building for their own safety.) When we got back to work, we dealt with several attempted amendments to the human sexuality social statement. There were a lot of them, but not all were considered. An Ad Hoc committee had suggested passage of a few and defeat of most of them. People calling the question or attempting to manipulate the process in other ways (ruling amendments out of order, moving to postpone discussion, moving all matters before the house) were abundant.
A tornado apparently did touch down at the corner of the convention center. That was probably during the time when it sounded like Noah would be calling for the Ark at any point.
I'll write more later.
from Goodsoil worship service at Central Lutheran Church
Benediction
Like a rock,
God is under our feet.
Like a roof,
God is over our heads.
Like the horizon,
God is beyond us.
Like water in a pitcher,
God is within us, and in the pouring out of us.
Like a pebble in the sea,
we are in God.
Let us go out, in the name of the Trinity of love, to serve and love.
Amen.
Like a rock,
God is under our feet.
Like a roof,
God is over our heads.
Like the horizon,
God is beyond us.
Like water in a pitcher,
God is within us, and in the pouring out of us.
Like a pebble in the sea,
we are in God.
Let us go out, in the name of the Trinity of love, to serve and love.
Amen.
Goodsoil worship service at Central Lutheran Church
Affirmation of Faith
Let us affirm our faith in the triune God, the God of our baptism.
I believe in God,
maker of an unfinished world,
who calls us to participate in bringing about the fullness of Creation.
God, who created abundant resources to provide for all.
God, who has not divided people into rich and poor,
owners and slaves,
nor pitted us against each other because of race, color, social class or sex.
I believe in Jesus Christ
who was ridiculed, tortured, and executed for the sins of humankind.
He has overthrown the rule of evil and injustice
and continues to judge and redeem
the hatred and arrogance of human beings.
I believe in the Spirit of God
whose flame comforts us with divine presence
and causes our hearts to burn
for righteousness and justice.
I believe in the reconciling power of God
in our lives and in the world.
I believe that God, through people,
can bring peace and hope,
justice and equality,
the relief of suffering and pain,
and the final triumph of love and grace. Amen.
Let us affirm our faith in the triune God, the God of our baptism.
I believe in God,
maker of an unfinished world,
who calls us to participate in bringing about the fullness of Creation.
God, who created abundant resources to provide for all.
God, who has not divided people into rich and poor,
owners and slaves,
nor pitted us against each other because of race, color, social class or sex.
I believe in Jesus Christ
who was ridiculed, tortured, and executed for the sins of humankind.
He has overthrown the rule of evil and injustice
and continues to judge and redeem
the hatred and arrogance of human beings.
I believe in the Spirit of God
whose flame comforts us with divine presence
and causes our hearts to burn
for righteousness and justice.
I believe in the reconciling power of God
in our lives and in the world.
I believe that God, through people,
can bring peace and hope,
justice and equality,
the relief of suffering and pain,
and the final triumph of love and grace. Amen.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
interesting people I've met at Churchwide Assembly
Three very interesting people I've met at Churchwide Assembly over the past two days. After meeting these three, I have a lot of hope for the ELCA - both today and in the years to come.
1) Vice President of some synod in Wisconsin. She was outspoken and articulate, passionate about many issues (GLBT welcome and disability concerns among others). She shoots from the hip - she's very direct and not afraid to say what she means.
2) Bishop of a synod in Pennsylvania. One of the few female bishops in the ELCA. She was talking openly about a public conflict with the bishop of a European companion synod. She did not feel fear or anxiety about it, but was ready to engage the bishop as gracefully as she could. She was also just very energizing to talk to, and not at all like a gatekeeper (how I often experience bishops).
3) 18 year old voting member from Wisconsin. He is of British descent and a new convert to the Lutheran church. He has some exciting new opinions about how the ELCA should be organized and the relationship of Goodsoil and CORE. I expect he will accomplish some great things in the ELCA in the years to come. And we need those youth voices to remind us about the truths that we so often forget - like the fact that we don't have to remain organized in the exact same way forever, like the fact that consensus is not possible when we're such a broad denomination.
1) Vice President of some synod in Wisconsin. She was outspoken and articulate, passionate about many issues (GLBT welcome and disability concerns among others). She shoots from the hip - she's very direct and not afraid to say what she means.
2) Bishop of a synod in Pennsylvania. One of the few female bishops in the ELCA. She was talking openly about a public conflict with the bishop of a European companion synod. She did not feel fear or anxiety about it, but was ready to engage the bishop as gracefully as she could. She was also just very energizing to talk to, and not at all like a gatekeeper (how I often experience bishops).
3) 18 year old voting member from Wisconsin. He is of British descent and a new convert to the Lutheran church. He has some exciting new opinions about how the ELCA should be organized and the relationship of Goodsoil and CORE. I expect he will accomplish some great things in the ELCA in the years to come. And we need those youth voices to remind us about the truths that we so often forget - like the fact that we don't have to remain organized in the exact same way forever, like the fact that consensus is not possible when we're such a broad denomination.
Because my Internet access is limited, I've just excerpted part of the Goodsoil/LCNA summary of actions from yesterday. We had a long night, ending around 10:30. The 2/3rd vote amendment and amendment to use the 4 resolution "stair-step process" were both defeated yesterday. I understand people had trouble accessing the internet feed because of such a high demand and high use! It is amazing to be at this assembly. (That's reassuring.)
-Pastor Powell
OK, it seems such a short time since the last churchwide assembly, as if it was just 6 months ago. But, no, it was 2 years ago. And this time we are in Minneapolis, the home of so many Lutherans that you have to call ahead to have the supermarket put some jello aside for you.
[The convention center] is, in fact, a wonderful facility. Very modern and functional. Registration and reception of participants in the assembly was well-organized and quite efficient.We have set up Goodsoil Central in a series of rooms on the second floor of the Convention Center. The main part of our space is a large open facility, divided loosely by hangings of stoles from The Stoles Project. A large screen monitor projects the proceedings from the assembly hall through webcast, both the plenary sessions and any press conferences the ELCA holds. Other rooms along the hallway house education and training, as well as a meeting room and administrative space.We are having meetings with voting members who are supportive of full inclusion. We are helping our volunteers understand grace-ful engagement and how to tell the stories of their faith so that people realize the impact of a lack of full inclusion.The assembly opened with worship.
A joyous Eucharist celebration full of music, singing, and prayer. Bishop Hanson was the celebrant and preached about fear, fears, and how to overcome them through lives lived in imitation of Christ.After dinner, came the first session of the assembly. Opened with greetings from the two bishops who serve as the twined hosts from the Twin Cities - Bishop Craig Johnson of the Minneapolis Area Synod and Bishop Peter Rogness of the Saint Paul Area Synod. In his welcome, Bishop Rogness spoke of the church sometimes sounding like musicians, none of whom were playing the same thing. But, instead of that being cacophony, jangling and disruptive, he demonstrated using music that the same disharmonies placed in the right juxtaposition could produce wondrous harmonies, a sonorous fugue of stunning beauty. He compared that to what was possible living together amidst disagreements, the roles that traditionalists, progressives, prophets could play, each contributing a necessary component to lift the music of a living church up from dull repetition into something with power, richness, and purpose.
Then the assembly got down to brass tacks, The Rules. This was the session in which the assembly decides upon the rules that govern its proceedings. In 2005, this session was extremely contentious and went into the night past midnight. There are no attendees to that churchwide assembly who ever want to repeat that session. This session was long, but finished well before midnight.The actions to come before the assembly this are on subjects about which people on both sides hold strong opinions.
Specifically, the Social Statement on Human Sexuality and the separate Recommendation on Ministry Policies attracted all the heat tonight. It was announced that the four resolutions that comprise the recommendation on changes to ministry policies would be handled individually one at a time as they are in the order of business, the same fashion that the Church Council considered them in March 2008.Voting members could ask that particular rules be pulled out from the general "pile" of rules for special discussion, amendment, or the addition of new rules or conditions. Pulled out for attempts to change or add provisions were the rule on the length of speeches, the rule regarding termination of debate on a given issue, the rule stating that the four resolutions in the ministry recommendation would be considered one at a time, and the rule requiring a simple majority for adoption of the recommendation to change ministry policies to allow ministers to be called who are in committed, monogamous, lifelong, same-gender relationships.The Social Statement on Human Sexuality requires a 2/3 majority, a super-majority, for adoption because the constitution dictates that for social statements. This cannot be changed by simple action of the assembly, and no attempt was made to do so.An attempt was made to impose a 2/3 majority requirement on the Recommendation on Ministry Policies. As well, an attempt was made to have the four resolutions of the recommendation on ministry policy change considered by the assembly in a stairstep fashion: each succeeding resolution being considered only if the preceding resolution had passed.After lengthy debate, both of those attempts failed to pass. Likewise, an attempt to require that no motion to terminate the debate on a point, by Calling the Question, for instance, would be in order unless at least 3 persons had spoken on each side of the issue, and an attempt to limit each speaker to 2 instead of 3 minutes at the microphone in a debate, both failed to pass.
Hours after the scheduled end of the rules session, every attempt to amend or add requirements to the rules had been defeated and the assembly was back to the rules as printed in the first place. They passed by an overwhelming margin.So it is, in the end, as proposed by the Church Council: a 2/3 majority requirement for the adoption of Social Statement as is stated in the constitution and a simple majority requirement for the adoption of the changes to policy that will allow ministers to serve who are in committed, lifelong, same-gender relationships. These are outcomes to be grateful for, and to thank those who stepped to microphones and spoke eloquently, passionately at times, and thoughtfully in keeping the rules fair.Still to come: the rest of the week, all the debate on the substance of the Social Statement and the Recommendation.God's Grace, and Blessings to you all.
Please continue to hold ALL at the assembly in your thoughts and prayers. We are one church, one faith, one Christ. "God's Work, Our Hands," the theme chosen for the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly has a timeless--and yet ever timely--character to it. This is, after all, the very vocation of the people of God: to be doing God's work ... with our hands. And to be doing it with steady conviction and fresh insight in each particular historical moment. As we gather every two years, Lutherans from coasts and borders, from edge to center, the task of each Churchwide Assembly is to imagine in the company of the Spirit and on behalf of the entire ELCA what particular commitments will shape our life together into the future opening before us. And far from a precursor to political correctness, this stance of full inclusion is a theological claim. It says that God is a God whose work can be done by hands long held unwelcome.
This week, as we gather around the theme "God's work, our hands," the decisions we make about whose hands are welcome to do God's work will often be portrayed as being about faithfulness to Scripture or tradition or confessional polity. But in truth the decisions we make about whose hands can be "our hands" in the ELCA --united in love and ordained for Word and Sacrament--are decisions about whether we can imagine and confess a God as surprisingly, scandalously, and graciously welcoming as Jesus' God. God's work, our hands. Is your "our" as big as God's?
-Pastor Powell
OK, it seems such a short time since the last churchwide assembly, as if it was just 6 months ago. But, no, it was 2 years ago. And this time we are in Minneapolis, the home of so many Lutherans that you have to call ahead to have the supermarket put some jello aside for you.
[The convention center] is, in fact, a wonderful facility. Very modern and functional. Registration and reception of participants in the assembly was well-organized and quite efficient.We have set up Goodsoil Central in a series of rooms on the second floor of the Convention Center. The main part of our space is a large open facility, divided loosely by hangings of stoles from The Stoles Project. A large screen monitor projects the proceedings from the assembly hall through webcast, both the plenary sessions and any press conferences the ELCA holds. Other rooms along the hallway house education and training, as well as a meeting room and administrative space.We are having meetings with voting members who are supportive of full inclusion. We are helping our volunteers understand grace-ful engagement and how to tell the stories of their faith so that people realize the impact of a lack of full inclusion.The assembly opened with worship.
A joyous Eucharist celebration full of music, singing, and prayer. Bishop Hanson was the celebrant and preached about fear, fears, and how to overcome them through lives lived in imitation of Christ.After dinner, came the first session of the assembly. Opened with greetings from the two bishops who serve as the twined hosts from the Twin Cities - Bishop Craig Johnson of the Minneapolis Area Synod and Bishop Peter Rogness of the Saint Paul Area Synod. In his welcome, Bishop Rogness spoke of the church sometimes sounding like musicians, none of whom were playing the same thing. But, instead of that being cacophony, jangling and disruptive, he demonstrated using music that the same disharmonies placed in the right juxtaposition could produce wondrous harmonies, a sonorous fugue of stunning beauty. He compared that to what was possible living together amidst disagreements, the roles that traditionalists, progressives, prophets could play, each contributing a necessary component to lift the music of a living church up from dull repetition into something with power, richness, and purpose.
Then the assembly got down to brass tacks, The Rules. This was the session in which the assembly decides upon the rules that govern its proceedings. In 2005, this session was extremely contentious and went into the night past midnight. There are no attendees to that churchwide assembly who ever want to repeat that session. This session was long, but finished well before midnight.The actions to come before the assembly this are on subjects about which people on both sides hold strong opinions.
Specifically, the Social Statement on Human Sexuality and the separate Recommendation on Ministry Policies attracted all the heat tonight. It was announced that the four resolutions that comprise the recommendation on changes to ministry policies would be handled individually one at a time as they are in the order of business, the same fashion that the Church Council considered them in March 2008.Voting members could ask that particular rules be pulled out from the general "pile" of rules for special discussion, amendment, or the addition of new rules or conditions. Pulled out for attempts to change or add provisions were the rule on the length of speeches, the rule regarding termination of debate on a given issue, the rule stating that the four resolutions in the ministry recommendation would be considered one at a time, and the rule requiring a simple majority for adoption of the recommendation to change ministry policies to allow ministers to be called who are in committed, monogamous, lifelong, same-gender relationships.The Social Statement on Human Sexuality requires a 2/3 majority, a super-majority, for adoption because the constitution dictates that for social statements. This cannot be changed by simple action of the assembly, and no attempt was made to do so.An attempt was made to impose a 2/3 majority requirement on the Recommendation on Ministry Policies. As well, an attempt was made to have the four resolutions of the recommendation on ministry policy change considered by the assembly in a stairstep fashion: each succeeding resolution being considered only if the preceding resolution had passed.After lengthy debate, both of those attempts failed to pass. Likewise, an attempt to require that no motion to terminate the debate on a point, by Calling the Question, for instance, would be in order unless at least 3 persons had spoken on each side of the issue, and an attempt to limit each speaker to 2 instead of 3 minutes at the microphone in a debate, both failed to pass.
Hours after the scheduled end of the rules session, every attempt to amend or add requirements to the rules had been defeated and the assembly was back to the rules as printed in the first place. They passed by an overwhelming margin.So it is, in the end, as proposed by the Church Council: a 2/3 majority requirement for the adoption of Social Statement as is stated in the constitution and a simple majority requirement for the adoption of the changes to policy that will allow ministers to serve who are in committed, lifelong, same-gender relationships. These are outcomes to be grateful for, and to thank those who stepped to microphones and spoke eloquently, passionately at times, and thoughtfully in keeping the rules fair.Still to come: the rest of the week, all the debate on the substance of the Social Statement and the Recommendation.God's Grace, and Blessings to you all.
Please continue to hold ALL at the assembly in your thoughts and prayers. We are one church, one faith, one Christ. "God's Work, Our Hands," the theme chosen for the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly has a timeless--and yet ever timely--character to it. This is, after all, the very vocation of the people of God: to be doing God's work ... with our hands. And to be doing it with steady conviction and fresh insight in each particular historical moment. As we gather every two years, Lutherans from coasts and borders, from edge to center, the task of each Churchwide Assembly is to imagine in the company of the Spirit and on behalf of the entire ELCA what particular commitments will shape our life together into the future opening before us. And far from a precursor to political correctness, this stance of full inclusion is a theological claim. It says that God is a God whose work can be done by hands long held unwelcome.
This week, as we gather around the theme "God's work, our hands," the decisions we make about whose hands are welcome to do God's work will often be portrayed as being about faithfulness to Scripture or tradition or confessional polity. But in truth the decisions we make about whose hands can be "our hands" in the ELCA --united in love and ordained for Word and Sacrament--are decisions about whether we can imagine and confess a God as surprisingly, scandalously, and graciously welcoming as Jesus' God. God's work, our hands. Is your "our" as big as God's?
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