A later motion asked that the denomination in particular consider the four positions of “bound conscience” expressed in the social statement. The statement allows that “on the basis of conscience-bound belief,” Lutherans may have different views about sexuality and marriage, including the view that same-sex relationships are “sinful.”
Revisions could be considered as early as the 2025 Churchwide Assembly.
Restructure the Governance of the ELCA
Is it time for another Reformation?
Eaton said she thought the idea was “brilliant” when she first heard of plans to consider restructuring the governance of the ELCA, which was formed 35 years ago by a merger of three Lutheran denominations.
“Things are very different from 1980s America,” she said.
Voting members seemed to think so, too. They approved a memorial directing the ELCA Church Council to establish a Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church to reconsider the principles of the denomination’s organizational structure and the statements of purpose for its churches, synods and the churchwide organization. The memorial instructs the commission to be “particularly attentive to our shared commitment to dismantle racism.”
The commission will present its findings and recommendations to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly in preparation for a reconstituting convention.
Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton speaks during the ELCA Churchwide Assembly at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, Monday, Aug. 8, 2022. Photo by Janine Truppay, courtesy ELCA
This article originally appeared here.
