Actions of the ELCA
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PROPOSED SOCIAL STATEMENT ON GENETICS
As directed by the 2005 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Churchwide Assembly, a draft social statement on genetics has been prepared and is available for all members of the congregations for review and feedback. Such feedback is taken and informs the final draft that will appear for vote at the 2011 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
Each council member will have a copy and additional copies will be available in the Sunday school office for whoever wants one. The social statement draft is also available online at www.elca.org/geneticsdraft. Responses are requested to the ELCA taskforce by October 15.
UPDATE TO THE CONGREGATION
MATTERS CONCERNING THE ELCA’S DECISION TO CHANGE MINISTRY POLICIESOn Wednesday, April 14th as part of our regularly scheduled council meeting, discussion was held regarding the actions of the ELCA to approve the changes called for by the Churchwide Assembly that allows for the ordination of people in a publically accountable lifelong monogamous same-gender relationship.
Like congregations throughout the ELCA both in favor and opposed to the changes, our council struggles with the questions of what this decision means for our ELCA. As we wrestle with what this means for us, what is clear from our discussions is that we must do two things. First, educate ourselves on what it would mean for us to be in a church body in which we might disagree while respecting those in our congregation who may not be troubled by the ELCA’s decisions. Second, what options are available to us about how to respond to the change in ELCA policy. All of the options will have a direct impact on our mission and ministry.
Toward this end the council has asked Pastor Mark to address the issues in short segments as there are many things to consider. Pastor Mark will be doing this during the Sunday school hour over the course of the summer months. These presentations will be rooted in our understanding of the Bible.
Parents, we do want you to participate in these discussions. Before this development our Christian Education Committee was planning lessons for summer Sunday school which will be interactive, creative, and will allow your children to learn in different ways. So, there will be Sunday school for your children that will allow you to participate in these conversations.
Over the course of the summer Pastor Mark’s outlines will be posted on our church website, so that you can review what is discussed on those Sundays you are unable to attend. However, whenever possible your council members strongly encourage you to participate so that we can make informed decisions regarding our ministry together. These sessions will start June 6th at 9:15.
St. Paul Congregation Council.WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THE WIDER LUTHERAN CHURCH?
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has drafts available on its website of proposed document changes that will implement the changes adopted last summer at the 2009 Churchwide Assembly. Those who are interested in these changes can read them at www.elca.org/ministrypolicies. These changes allow for the ordination and rostering of candidates who are in a Publically Accountable Life-long Monogamous Same-sex relationship. These changes are expected to be voted upon at the ELCA Church Council meeting to take place from April 9 through 11, 2010.
A Vision and Plan for The North American Lutheran Church (NALC) and Lutheran CORE, a community of confessing Lutherans has been released and is available for comment on the Core website www.lutherancore.org. Those who wish to offer feedback may do so by March 15th via the website. The NALC will be a new denomination of Lutheranism.
