2005 Synod Assembly

Resolution 2005-04:

Affirming the Historical Consensus

This resolution was withdrawn by the author.

WHEREAS, the historical biblical and confessional teaching and practice of the Christian Church on marriage and sexual ethics is expressed in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America's (ELCA) official teachings, policies, and documents; and

WHEREAS, the Conference of Bishops in October 5-8, 1993 addressed the issue of same-sex unions in accordance with this historic consensus; and

WHEREAS, a clear majority of respondents to "Journeying Together Faithfully: Part Two" agree with the Church's historical consensus; and

WHEREAS, this consensus is articulated in "Dissenting Position One" of the ELCA Sexuality Task Force's Report and Recommendations;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly memorialize the 2005 Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA to adopt "Dissenting Position One" from the Task Force report:

1. Affirm and uphold current policy and practices consistent with past understandings of Vision and Expectations and Definitions, Guidelines for Discipline, and the social statements of the Lutheran Church in America and the American Lutheran Church;

2. Admonish individuals, communities, congregations and synods that any discipline that may result in response to actions contrary to those policies be undertaken with all humility in the knowledge that we see through a glass darkly. May we forgive as we wish to be forgiven. Remembering the log in our own eye, may Christian charity guide our ways;

3. Beseech individuals, communities, congregations, and synods, who for reasons of conscience who act contrary to the aforementioned policies, to graciously accept and endure the discipline of the church for the sake of peace, secure in the knowledge "that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." (Romans 8:18); and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Southeastern Minnesota Synod  Assembly memorialize the 2005 Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA to adopt the following statement as official policy of the ELCA: "…there is basis neither in Scripture nor tradition for the establishment of an official ceremony by this church for the blessing of a homosexual relationship. We, [the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America]  therefore, do not approve such a ceremony as an official action of this church's ministry." (Conference of Bishops 1993.10.25).

Submitted by Pastor Dan Baker and approved by the Blue Earth River Conference on 2/13/05.

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