Shocking Vote, Twenty-two Years After I Published a Lengthy Expose on This; Don't Go Making Hasty Decisions, ELCA Congregations

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• September 2009 issue

Story by The Staff of The Lutheran What next? Conflict, conversations, commitment It’s old news already — the historic votes by the Churchwide Assembly changing policy to open possibilities for gays and lesbians for recognition of their partnerships and for rostered ministry. Gone from the TV screens. Recycled with the papers. Richard G. Mahan, West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod: “I cannot see how the church that I have known for 40 years can condone what God has condemned.” But not for the church. Members will be reading the story of all that these decisions mean for months to come. And they’ll be “writing” it, too, as they work through the conflict of their beliefs about biblical authority and human sexuality, their understandings of bound consciences and love of neighbor. Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson wants everyone to join in the project. “It’s going to take time to sort out how we’re going to live together in the light of these decisions,” he said. “We need you in the conversation about what is the shape and character of our life together. It would be tragic if we walked away from one another.” Supporters of the new policies signed on immediately. “We pledge to work with the church, including with those who would oppose us, for reconciliation to fulfill our collective mission to spread the love of Christ for the sake of the world,” was the word from Goodsoil, an advocacy group. Lutheran CORE (Coalition for Reform) stated that the “ELCA is the one that has departed from the teaching of the Bible as understood for 2,000 years.” But it also cautioned disappointed congregations and individuals from making “hasty decisions” and announced a gathering in Indianapolis, Sept. 25-26, to discuss what the future for “faithful Lutherans in the ELCA might look like.” Bishop Stephen G. Marsh, Southeast Michigan Synod, said his e-mail box was filling up fast. He knew reactions in the synod (Detroit and suburbs) would be varied. “I’m going to go home and listen, listen especially to those who opposed the changes,” he said. “This is our time for conversation and for healing.” That’s what James R. Hale, a mission developer in the Pacifica Synod, planned to do too. Prior to the voting he stood before the assembly to oppose the changes, telling how his congregation of new Lutherans had grown to hundreds and would dwindle just as quickly­—95 percent would “bail,” but he said he’d work with the 5 percent as “leaven for the ELCA.”