Resources for Congregations and Individuals

Responding to the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly Actions

Regarding Human Sexuality

On this web site, you can find resources to help you understand and interpret actions of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly regarding human sexuality.  You can also find resources and information at www.elca.org/What-We-Believe/Social-Issues/Social-Statements/JTF-Human-Sexuality.aspx. 

You will find both current and background information here.  You can also see videos of some of the presentations.

I.    Letters from the Bishop of the Montana Synod – Jessica Crist
               1. November 2009
               2. Words from the Bishop
               3. Bishop’s email, Sept. 2009
               4. To the leaders
               5. Post assembly email, August 24th
               6. Bishop’s email, August 13th

II.    Letters from the Bishop of the ELCA – Mark Hanson
               1. September 23rd
               2. September 1st

III.   Messages from other Lutheran Leaders
               1. Lutheran World Federation – Ishmael Noko
               2. Augsburg Fortress Press Release
               3. ELCA Global Mission – Raphael Malpica-Padilla

IV.   Resources on Human Sexuality
               1. Frequently Asked Questions
               2. Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust
               3. Ministry Policies 
               4. Faithful Journey Resources

V.    Follow-up Actions
               1. Ministry Policies  
               2. Draft Revisions to Reinstatement to the Rosters of the ELCA
               3. Draft Amendments to Vision and Expectations 
               4. Candidacy and Call Process Notes for Revisions

VI.  Resources on Scripture
               1. Lutherans & Scripture; Mark Gravrock, Montana Synod Book of Faith
                   Coordinator
               2. Reflections on the Churchwide Assembly and the Bible; Timothy Wengert
               3. The Bible, the Church, and Faithful Discernment; Brian Peterson

VII.  Pastoral and Liturgical Responses
             1. Post CWA Healing Resources
             2. Post CWA Readings and Prayers
             3. Walk the Talk of Welcome

VIII. Selected Responses from People both for and against the changes
              1. Churchmanship; Herbert Chilstrom
              2. In the Aftermath; David Yeago

IX.  For Congregations considering their relationship with the ELCA
              1. Reasons for Staying in the ELCA
              2. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – Our Mission Continues
              3. Ways for Congregations to express disagreement with Churchwide Assembly
                  decisions
              4. Constitutional Requirements for Terminating Relationship with ELCA
              5. FAQ Information for Congregations about leaving the ELCA