wfn.org | ELCA Assembly Agenda to Include Same-Sex Union Discussion

[News News <NEWS@ELCA.ORG>]

ELCA NEWS SERVICE

August 8, 2001

ELCA ASSEMBLY AGENDA TO INCLUDE SAME-SEX UNION DISCUSSION
01-CWA05-LS

     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