Resolution Ten ...
A Memorial to Endorse Restraint
WHEREAS, there is
currently no consensus in this church regarding the rostered service of
persons in committed same-gender relationships (Report of the Task Force
for ELCA Studies on Sexuality, p. 5); and
WHEREAS, the ELCA policy documents Definitions and Guidelines for
Discipline and Vision and Expectations are separate from the ELCA
Constitution and pertain to rostered service in the ELCA; and
WHEREAS, the 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly urged every part of the
ELCA to “concentrate on finding ways to live together faithfully in the
midst of disagreements, recognizing the God-given mission and communion
that we share as members of the body of Christ”: now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this 2007 Texas Louisiana Gulf Coast Synod Assembly
submit the following memorial for consideration by the 2007 ELCA
Churchwide Assembly:
RESOLVED, that the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA endorses and
calls for restraint in the application of provisions relating to the
rostered service of persons who, in policies separate from the ELCA
Constitution, are referred to as “practicing homosexuals” or as
“homosexual in their self-understanding
Person Submitting
Resolution: Laura C. Bourdo, Grace Lutheran Church, Houston, TX
Implications of Resolution (if adopted)
1. What is the financial impact of this resolution on the synod
budget?
Because this resolution is a memorial, the result if it is passed is only that
it will be forwarded to the 2007 Churchwide Assembly for consideration by that
body. This will involve no additional expenditures for the synod. If the
resolution were, in turn, to be passed by the CHURCHWIDE Assembly, this
resolution will actually SAVE money, because it would result in refraining from
the discipline process in the case of ministers in a same-gender relationship,
which can incur costs of tens of thousands of dollars
2. What are the personnel implications within our synod (or
churchwide)? Who will be responsible for implementations of the resolution?
Because this resolution is a memorial, the result if it is passed is only
that it will be forwarded to the 2007 Churchwide Assembly for consideration by
that body, which is well within the normal responsibilities of this synod's
Secretary and Council. If the resolution were, in turn, to be passed by the
CHURCHWIDE Assembly, it would have minimal personnel implications, because it
would only encourage bishops, their staff, and synods to refrain from
disciplining ministers in a same-gender relationship.
3. How does this resolution enhance and forward the mission of the
church and our synod?
The 2003 Churchwide Assembly affirmed five strategic directions for the
ELCA's plan for mission: supporting congregations; growing in evangelical
outreach; stepping forward as a public church; deepening global, ecumenical, and
interfaith relationships; and bringing forth faithful, wise, and courageous
leaders. The 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly added to these commitments a call for
every part of the ELCA to "concentrate on finding ways to live together
faithfully in the midst of disagreements" concerning the rostered ministry of
persons in a same-gender relationship. If passed by the SYNOD Assembly, this
memorial would offer the Churchwide Assembly one option for fulfilling that
call. If, in turn, passed by the CHURCHWIDE Assembly, the resolution would
support each of the five strategic directions, by securing more gifted and
fully-trained ministers for service not only in congregations but other
settings. The inclusiveness effected by the resolution would be effective
witness by a public church, and enhance our reaching out with the good news that
all are welcomed into the life of the People of God.
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