Results to ELCA's Assembly Vote

[Snow4JC]

Assembly Acts on Sexuality Proposals

The assembly considered three recommendations forwarded to it from the ELCA Council. The recommendations resulted from a multi-year study process on sexuality led by the task force. The process was mandated by the 2001 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.

The assembly adopted Recommendation one by 851-127. The action urges this church to 'concentrate on finding ways to live together faithfully in the midst of disagreements,recognize the G-D given mission and communion we share as members of the body of Christ."

Recommendation Two was adopted 670-323 as amended. The action asks that this church "continue to respect the guidance of the 1993 statement of the Conference of Bishops," which found no basis for establishing an offical ceremony for the blessing of a homosecual relationship. The assembly reiterated this church's welcome to gay and lesbian people and its trust in pastors and congregations as they "discern ways to provide faithful pastoral care for all to whom they minister."

Recommendation Three, which required 2/3rds vote for adoption because it would have affected ELCA bylaws, was defeated 490-503. This means there is no change in this church's expectations of rostered leaders.

I started an article on The Three proposals before the ELCA members. It must be way back in the pages because I looked and couldn't find it.

To find more information about these results go to ELCA.org.

There was more information however I couldn't access the files.

If someone would do this and write what they read I would be very thankful and interested.

Snow

[Snow4JC]

More information~

The recommendation that did pass was to keep a church in Chicago together.

The two other recommendations failed. No Blessing of Marriages and No Ordination of gays or lesbians. Thanks Be To G-d.

Snow