2005 Synod Assembly

Assembly Adjourns to Committee of the Whole to Discuss Sexuality Study, Then Resumes Resolution Discussion

(Live Update added 6:15 p.m., Friday, May 6, 2005)

Many people spoke about recommendations of the ELCA's Sexuality Task Force during a committee of the whole at the 18th annual Southeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly.

The Rev. Harold L. Usgaard, bishop of the Southeastern Minnesota Synod, said the committee's intent was to "raise the issues that are germane to the discussion of the issues" and proposed resolutions. No decisions were made during the committee.

One person was concerned so much time is spent talking about this issue, whereas there are more important issues to discuss. But another person noted that this is not a peripheral issue, especially among those who are homosexual.

One person, a high school student, said homosexuality is discussed almost daily at that person's school. That person noted homosexuality is a pressing political and religious issue, and must be discussed.

One person thanked the ELCA's Sexuality Task Force for its work and said those efforts exemplified how the church can eloquently discuss such a volatile issue. Another person expressed frustration that it's taken four years to determine that ELCA members should "agree to disagree."

One person noted these issues have become so divisive that people are being asked to either "sacrifice the church for principle," or "sacrifice principle for the church." That person expressed hope that the ELCA not disintegrate over these issues.

One person noted a gay man is currently unable to become ordained, even though that man would make an excellent pastor. That person rhetorically asked what the ELCA thusly offers gays and lesbians who have been called to become pastors.

One person noted labels of sexuality create barriers, and said that Jesus worked to remove barriers.

One person expressed concerns that the issues have become a referendum on ELCA unity. Another person noted no one side of the debate is clearly correct, and the vote should therefore be delayed until a correct answer can be determined. Still another person encouraged voters to err on the side of grace.

One person noted scripture can be interpreted two very different ways regarding homosexuality, but some passages should be recognized as more authoritative. That person did not specify the passages that should be considered more authoritative.

This summary reflects a sampling of the comments made and should not be considered complete. Other comments not reflected here were also made during the one-hour long committee of the whole.

* * *

Once the Assembly adjourned from the committee of the whole, discussion of resolutions continued.

The fourth item considered by voting members was resolution 2005-05, titled "Affirming Biblical Teachings." One person made a motion to table discussion of the resolution, plus discussion of resolutions 2005-06 (titled "Is the ELCA on the Wrong Road?") and 2005-11 (titled "Southeastern Minnesota Synod's Reaction to the Recommendations of the Church Council") until Saturday. The motion passed.

The fifth item considered by attendants was resolution 2005-07, titled "Mission Support." One person spoke against the resolution, saying it was not realistic or reasonable. The resolution failed.

Several awards were given and people recognized before the Second Plenary concluded Saturday. For a list of those honored, click here.

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