Voting members of the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly gathered for worship, Bible study and to act on a variety of proposals. The assembly met Aug. 17-23 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Below are links containing information highlights and statements from the 2009 Churchwide Assembly.
- Brief Summary of Actions (may be used as bulletin insert)
- Congratulations to Louise Hemstead, member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Cashton, WI on her election to the ELCA Churchwide Council!
A word from Bishop Jim Arends:
As a synod, we seek to live out the Assembly’s action “that in the implementation of any resolutions on ministry policies, the ELCA commit itself to bear one another’s burdens, love the neighbor, and respect the bound consciences of all.” As we walk through the days to come sorting out the full implications of the actions adopted by 1,045 voting members from around our church, let us continue to pray for one another, and let us focus first and foremost on our central commission to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them .. and teaching them…” while trusting in the Lord’s promise to be with us “to the close of the age.”
- Pastoral Response Following the Ministry Policies Decision:
Made to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly by Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson, August 21, 2009 - Bishop Arends’ letter following adoption of Social Statement on Human Sexuality
- Bishop Arends’ letter following votes on Ministry Policies
Resources for study and discussion in your congregation:
- Frequently Asked Questions about the 2009 Churchwide Assembly actions regarding human sexuality
- Social Statement Text as acted upon by the 2009 Churchwide Assemby
- Brief Summary of Actions (includes text of the resolutions regarding changes in ministry policies)
ELCA Studies on the Church, the Bible, and Human Sexuality
- Journey Together Faithfully, Part One: ELCA Studies on Sexuality
- Background Essays on Biblical Texts for Journey Together Faithfully, Part Two
- Journey Together Faithfully, Part Two: The Church and Homosexuality
- Journey Together Faithfully, Journey Together Faithfully Part Three
What does it mean to “respect the bound consciences” of others?
- Frequently Asked Questions on Bound Conscience
- Reflections on the Bound Conscience in Lutheran Theology
- Remarks on Bound Conscience presented by Rev. Dr. Timothy Wengert at the 2009 Churchwide Assembly
