Resolution Nine ...
A Memorial to Encourage Refraining from Discipline
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 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 in order to live together faithfully in the midst of
disagreements, synods, synodical bishops, and the Presiding Bishop of this
church are encouraged to refrain from disciplining those who – in good
conscience and for the sake of outreach, ministry, and commitment to
continuing dialogue – call, approve, ordain, commission, or consecrate
otherwise-qualified candidates for rostered service who are in a mutual,
chaste, and faithful committed same-gender relationship; and be it further
RESOLVED, that synods, synodical bishops, and the Presiding Bishop
of this church are encouraged to refrain from disciplining those rostered
leaders in a mutual, chaste, and faithful committed same-gender
relationship who have been thus called, approved, ordained, commissioned,
or consecrated.
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.
Return to Resolutions Page
Return to Assembly 2007
Page
|