ELCA Assembly Agenda To Include Same-Sex Union Discussion
By Rev. Jack Cascione

 

The question of fellowship with the ELCA is now a question of how many of the ELCA leaders are themselves gay or accepting of homosexuality?

The question has to follow; how many leaders in the LCMS who desire fellowship and/or a "closer relationship" with the ELCA are themselves homosexuals or accepting of homosexuality?

Christ warned that at the end of the world it would be like Sodom which means homosexuality would be widely practiced and accepted.

Luke 17: 28-30 "Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded;
29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.
30 Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed."

The division among "Lutherans" is developing along apocalyptic issues. During the debate at the 2001 Convention is was brought to the attention of the delegates that the ELCA was in effect no longer Lutheran because of its recognition of gay and women clergy, agreement with the Catholic Church on a false doctrine of justification, and fellowship with the Presbyterian, Episcopal, Reformed, and United Church of Christ, which do not have the real presence in the Lord's Supper.

Resolution 3-21 "To Express Concerns Regarding ELCA" states in final resolve, "we cannot consider them [the ELCA] to be an orthodox Lutheran church body."

Added to the resolution was a statement that recognized that in ELCA there were still some lay people who believed and confessed the proper understanding of Lutheranism. More than a 2/3rd majority adopted the entire resolution.


(News Notes)

"I attended the International Lutheran Layman's League Convention in Kansas City last week and they were picketed by a small group of homosexuals because of the LCMS stand against this sin."

Just thought you would be interested.

Randy Baird


ELCA ASSEMBLY AGENDA TO INCLUDE SAME-SEX UNION DISCUSSION

(Compare with LCMS Convention News)

August 9, 2001

INDIANAPOLIS (ELCA) -- This may be the first time voting members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will discuss same- sex unions at a churchwide assembly, said the Rev. H. George Anderson, ELCA presiding bishop. At a news conference Monday, ELCA leaders highlighted same-sex unions as one of many issues to be discussed at the denomination's assembly.

The churchwide assembly, the chief legislative authority of the ELCA, is meeting here Aug. 8-14 at the Indiana Convention Center. There are more than 2,000 people participating, including 1,040 ELCA voting members. The theme for the biennial assembly is "Making Christ Known: Sharing Faith in a New Century."

ELCA members must "think through very carefully how we minister to gays," Anderson said, "before we come to a quick decision."

A proposal -- known as a memorial -- will be presented to voting members on same-sex unions. The recommendation of the memorials committee calls for development of resources for discussing what it might mean to bless committed same-gender relationships and proposals for definitions of those relationships.

Discussions would be good for the church, Anderson said, but must not be done in a "haphazard" way.

The memorials committee is recommending the church decline to initiate a study on homosexuality.

The ELCA does not have a policy affirming or prohibiting its clergy from blessing same-sex unions. However, the ELCA Conference of Bishops said in a 1993 advisory statement that its members do not approve of such ceremonies.

In the news conference, Anderson mentioned other key assembly actions. Voting members will consider a proposed constitutional bylaw that would amend a "full communion" agreement with the Episcopal Church.

Under the agreement "Called to Common Mission" (CCM), bishops must ordain new pastors. The proposed bylaw would allow a bishop to delegate to another pastor the authority to ordain.

Episcopal Church leaders are watching closely, Anderson said. "Leaders from the Episcopal Church have expressed real concern," he said.

Yet they realize ELCA members need to discuss the issue. Relations have remained positive, Anderson said. "My discussions [with the Episcopal Church] have been very frank but not at all rancorous," said the bishop.

Voting members will also elect a new presiding bishop, consider an ELCA policy on school vouchers, adopt a budget and discuss evangelism with Latino and Asian and Pacific Islanders.

ELCA leaders stressed the assembly is more than passing amendments and creating policies.

"It's easy to see it only as a legislative process," Anderson said. "It's a much broader and richer experience than that."

The assembly includes worship, Bible study, service opportunities and social events.

"We're not going to forget about the Lord of the church," said Addie J. Butler, ELCA vice president."


Rev. Jack Cascione is pastor of Redeemer Lutheran Church (LCMS - MI) in St. Clair Shores, Michigan. He has written numerous articles for Christian News and is the author of Reclaiming the Gospel in the LCMS: How to Keep Your Congregation Lutheran. He has also written a study on the Book of Revelation called In Search of the Biblical Order.
He can be reached by email at pastorcascione@juno.com.

August 9, 2001