ELCA Churchwide Assembly - 3rd Update

Much to my excitement and pleasure, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly adopted the proposed Statement on Human Sexuality by a two-thirds vote, thereby crushing the efforts of Neanderthal Biblical literalist who wanted the social statement to be rejected since it recognized the validity of committed, monogamous same sex relationships - even it reserved the term "marriage to heterosexual couples - and called upon the Church to support such gay relationships. The next major vote from the perspective of LGBT Lutherans and LGBT Christians will take place on Friday when the decision will be made as to whether partnered same sex clergy can be rostered as official ELCA clergy. Should the ELCA take this step, it will likely put further pressure on other churches with which the ELCA is in full communion to modernize their stances on partnered gay clergy. Here are a few highlights on today's vote:

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The 2009 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) adopted "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" with a vote of 676 (66.67 percent) to 338 (33.33 percent) on Aug. 19. The passing of the social statement on human sexuality required a two-thirds vote.

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With a 303 to 667 vote, voting members defeated an amendment to replace a section of the social statement about "lifelong monogamous same-gender relationships" -- a section that identifies the issues within the denomination about homosexuality, describing a range of widely articulated views. The proposed replacement language reflected the position of some in the church that believe the "practice of homosexual erotic behavior as contrary to God's intent."

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Speaking in favor of adoption of the statement, the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, bishop of the ELCA Northeastern Ohio Synod, said she hopes the assembly does not become "so narrowly focused on the issue of homosexual sexual behavior that we missed the point that we're speaking a clear word that needs to be heard by our culture," particularly on topics about co-habitation outside of marriage, sex as a commodity, child pornography and more. She said the church has high expectations for all Lutherans, especially for ELCA professional leaders.

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"I am very proud of this church," the Rev. Rebecca S. Larson, executive director, ELCA Church in Society, said at the news conference. "It is a time of diminished joy," she said. "We know there is suffering all around on this issue."
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Personally, as a member of the ELCA, I am very proud that so far the Churchwide Assembly has done what is right in terms of LGBT Lutherans and committed same sex couples in general. I will continue to hold my breath on Friday's vote. As I have argued with voting members from the Virginia Synod, unless and until partnered same sex clergy are allowed, LGBT Lutherans are being given a strong message that they and their relationships are inferior.