2003-JAN-15: Censure lifted in St. Paul-Reformation: Bishop Peter Rogness of the St. Paul Area Synod lifted the sanctions that prevented members of St. Paul-Reformation from serving in any Synod office. However, the congregation is still censured. He commented that the violation of the ELCA constitution by the congregation "may, in the long run, be contributing to the life of the church in ways more constructive than destructive. We may be better served by adopting the wisdom of Gamaliel (Acts 5), trusting in God's spirit and time, rather than being preoccupied with our own judgments."
	2003-AUG-15: Further delay discussed: The ELCA's held its biennial Churchwide Assembly in 2003-AUG, "Making Christ Known: For the Healing of the World." The delegates discussed a "time line" regarding two future decisions: Whether to ordain gay and lesbian clergy in committed relationships and Whether to create a church ritual to bless same-sex committed relationships. The ELCA Division for Ministry and the Division for Church in Society prepared a time line to conduct a joint denomination-wide study of these two issues. This line would lead to a vote by the 2005 Churchwide Assembly. The ELCA Central-Southern Illinois Synod submitted a memorial to retain this time line. Six other other synods initiated memorials to delay these decisions: The Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod said the decisions should be made in 2007 when a social statement on sexuality is presented. The Allegheny Synod wants these decisions to be delayed until after action is taken on the 2007 social statement. The Lower Susquehanna, Nebraska and Northwestern Pennsylvania Synods said a social statement on human sexuality should be adopted first. The West Virginia-Western Maryland Synod said policy decisions should be delayed by two churchwide assemblies after the sexuality study is approved. i.e. in 2011. 1 The desire to put off any decision making as long as possible might have been motivated by the current intense division and talk of schism within the Episcopal Church, USA. Earlier in the month, that denomination ratified the election of their first openly gay bishop, and accepted that same-sex relationship blessings are "an acceptable practice." The memorials committee recommended that the Churchwide Assembly commend the current ELCA Studies on Sexuality and "decline to alter the time line." The Rev. Carol S. Hendrix, bishop of the Lower Susquehanna Synod, Harrisburg, PA favored a delay in the time line, and offered an amendment. He said that it was not designed to rescind the actions of the 2001 assembly, "but to allow the social statement on human sexuality to inform" the church in its two decisions. June C. Ericcson, a voting member from Metropolitan Washington, DC, Synod, said that a delay in the time line "would be a serious breach of trust and a betrayal of the promises we have made." The memorials committee's recommendation was accepted by a vote of 687 to 278; the time line remains unchanged. 2 The study of homosexuality has made some progress. Study materials were distributed in 2002. They were based on "A Message on Sexuality: Some Common Convictions," which had been approved by the ELCA Church Council in 1996. The second guide "Journey Together Faithfully Part II" is currently being printed and will be distributed to church leaders in 2003-SEP.  Rev. James M. Childs Jr., director of the sexuality studies, said: "A background paper on biblical interpretations will accompany the study document and has been written by two of our finest Bible professors, who despite their different views on the subject, have set an example of working together to provide a helpful, in-depth discussion of how different interpreters have been working on the relevant text." On other topics: The Northeastern Ohio Synod and Metropolitan New York Synod and the 2001 Churchwide Assembly requested that the creation of a commission for sexual minorities be considered. The Oregon Synod asked that a commission for children and families be considered. Both were rejected.
	2004-JUL-25: Ordination of openly gay pastor in Twin Cities: Bethany Lutheran Church in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area ordained Jay Weisner. He is the third openly gay pastor in the Twin City area. Afterwards "...the audience ripped into an unbridled display of clamorous applause, joyous hollering, foot-stomping and fist-pumping." Dora Lofstrom, a church member of 20 years standing,  said: "I kind of feel like we're paving the way for the Lutheran Church. I think the tide is with us. I think little by little the church will come." Rev. Roy Harrisville III, executive director of Solid Rock Lutherans, an ELCA conservative reform group, is not pleased with the ordination. He said: "To ordain an active homosexual man is to reject the foundations of scripture and the Lutheran confessions." Retired Luther Seminary Prof. Loren Halvorson said the ordination shows that the ELCA is becoming more accepting of gays and lesbians. He said: "I believe we've already reached a critical-mass point." Since the ELCA does not allow the ordination of gays or lesbians unless they commit to celibacy, Bishop Craig Johnson of the ELCA Minneapolis Synod did not attend the ceremony. He can impose sanctions against the congregation, ranging from a reprimand to severing the congregation from the denomination, and firing the pastor. 3
	2005-AUG-8: ELCA Churchwide Assembly: The church started its week-long biennial assembly in Orlando, FL. They debated motions on the blessing of same-sex unions, and the ordination of qualified individuals who are in loving committed same-sex relationships as rostered leaders. Goodsoil, a group of five Lutheran gay-positive organizations (LLGM, ECP, LC/NA, Wingspan, and the Lutheran Network for an Inclusive Vision) along with Soulforce, sponsored a festival worship service on Thursday, 2005-AUG-11 in Orlando. "The service is designed to offer a place of hope, to speak a word of justice and to celebrate the gifts that God has already bestowed upon GLBTQA individuals within the church." "Celebrate the Promise, Pour Out the Spirit" will feature a renewal of sacred vows: baptismal vows, ordination vows, and the vows of covenanted relationships, including marriage. Saint Paul Reformation Lutheran Church in Saint Paul, MN and other communities throughout the United States will be conducting the same order of worship so that those who are not able to attend the Assembly will be able to be in solidarity and worship, sing, and pray on the same evening the festival worship service is taking place in Orlando alongside the ELCA Churchwide Assembly. 4 The 2001 ELCA Churchwide Assembly had created a committee led by James M. Childs called the "Task Force for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Studies on Sexuality." The task force completed their study in 2005-JAN with the issuance of a report and the preparation of three recommendations for consideration by the 2005 Churchwide Assembly. 5 Like the Presbyterians, Methodists, Anglicans and other mainline denominations, the ELCA is deeply divided between its liberals and conservatives wings. This is perhaps most visible on matters relating to human sexuality. The report recognizes that there are two main belief systems about homosexuality. They are: Homosexuality is seen as sin and brokenness. It is always considered a sin where it is mentioned in the Bible. Same-sex behavior is viewed as contrary "both to the scriptural witness and to God's creative design." Homosexuality is a condition, not a choice. They note that same-sex couples do form loving, committed, long-term relationships. The biblical passages concerning same-sex behavior no not address same-sex couples in committed relationships. "...all language excluding gay and lesbian persons in committed relationships is unjust and should be removed." The task force's work had lasted almost four years. Some have expressed concern that the committee was so concerned about maintaining unity that they did not arrive at any solid conclusions on sexuality. On AUG-11, time was set aside so that the voting members could share their beliefs with the Assembly for up to two minutes. According to Lutherans Concerned/North America, a pro-equality group:

"Those not in favor of GLBT issues reminded the Assembly repeatedly, to the point of it being scripted rote, that GLBT people were self-indulgent, sinners (markedly above that of other sinners) and curable. This despite a Bishop reminding those flinging verses that the Bible thought it was perfectly fine to have concubines and multiple wives at the same time. Much was made of ecumenical relations with South America and Africa and the damage that would occur in relations with those very conservative areas if positive votes were had here on the subjects of interest to GLBT people. The same Bishop observed that his sister synod thought that polygamy was just fine, part of their cultural heritage presumably. Reparative therapy was mentioned in glowing terms several times, and credited with extraordinarily high success rates, supported by the usual no-credible-scientific-source. The ordination of women was brought up, and an attempt made several times to say that what differentiated women's ordination from these issues was that a biblical case had been stated in the women's case."

"From those in favor of GLBT issues was heard a series of stories of pain, discrimination, and disillusionment, as well as stories of triumph, persistent faith, and lives reclaimed through their Lutheran faith and the message of Christ. The frustration of the Church's half a welcome mat was heard over and over. A man of Chinese descent told of not being about to marry his wife-to-be in a Lutheran church in the mid-20th Century because she was white and 'that was not according to God's plan for the races.' A pastor chose this discussion as the appropriate time to 'come out' having already told his bishop and congregation council. A mother spoke with pride of her daughter: a missionary, pastor, and a lesbian in a committed relationship." ₆"

The task force's three resolutions were considered by the Churchwide Assembly, starting on AUG-11:

Resolution 1 on church unity: The 1,018 delegates voted overwhelmingly (851 to 127) in favor of maintaining unity within the denomination in spite of a lack of consensus over matters relating to human sexuality. The resolution urged the church to: "concentrate on finding ways to live together faithfully in the midst of disagreements, recognizing the God-given mission and communion we share as members of the body of Christ." There were no amendments or substitutions. Resolution 2 on blessing same-sex relationships: This contained two resolutions: that the church "....continue to respect the guidance of the 1993 statement of the Conference of Bishops." The bishops had determined at the time that there was no basis to create a ritual for the blessing of a same-sex relationship. "That this church welcome gay and lesbian persons into its life....and trust pastors and congregations to discern ways to provide faithful pastoral care to same-sex couples." There were many amendments made. All were rejected except for Amendment Motion 2B by Carol Hendrix, Lower Susquehanna Synod, to insert "all to whom they minister" in place of to "same-sex couples." The amendment passed 491 to 484. Lutherans Concerned commented: "On Recommendation 2, none of the damaging amendments put forward by others had any success. That means that there still is no ban to the blessing of same gender committed relationships. Though we would and do want there to be a positive affirmation of blessing for same-gender committed relationships, the refusal to adopt negative positions on this is significant." The resolution passed by a vote of 670 to 323. Caught between the rules of the church and their interpretation of the Gospel, many ELCA ministers will probably continue to bless same-sex couples. It is well known that many  ministers have "been presiding at these ceremonies without repercussions for years." 7 Resolution 3 on ordaining same-sex clergy: This would have allowed the ordination of otherwise qualified candidates who are in committed same-sex relationships who met a series of special circumstances. During the debate, 97 Goodsoil members moved from the Visitors Gallery into the Voting Members' area, ending up in front of the dais. This was intended as a symbolic act. They felt that the Assembly was discussing gays and lesbians as if they were not in the room So they positioned themselves so that they would be visible to all. A motion was made to allow the Rev. Anita Hill to speak. It was overwhelmingly denied by a vote of 106 to 888. If she had been allowed to speak, she would have said: "The people you see before you are baptized people of faith, here to give witness that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, their families, friends are part of this church and are here to stay. Look into our eyes and faces so we will no longer be merely an 'issue.' We are human being enfleshed before you, Children of God marked with the cross of Christ together." "The church has just made expendable the faithful lives and God-given calls of persons in same-gender relationship for the sake of the unity of this church. The ELCA has again sacrificed the calls of its own faithful children for the sake of market share. It is sad that as this church has been making ecumenical agreements with denominations which take more progressive stands on gay people, such as the United Church of Christ and the Episcopal Church, we cannot extend the same offer of full communion and participation to our own pastors and congregations who take similar stands." "As you have heard in this assembly hall, we already have gay and lesbian pastors living in covenanted relationship and serving ELCA congregations. These congregations open the doors wide, not only to welcome those who walk in, but also to walk out into the world to preach the good news to those who may believe the church is their enemy." "The witnesses before you stand in silent vigil – calm and unafraid. They know that the decision you have made is not about them. It's not really about gay and lesbian people. It's really about you, and about this church. These witnesses are not going away. Their faith is sure. The ultimate outcome is assured. We are already one in Christ. But the our Church is not living faithfully together with us yet. Time is the question. How long must we wait? And at what cost? " "While the church waits, lives of gay and lesbian people are ruined and faith is destroyed. We are marked with the Christ forever and are called by God and community to serve this church through Word and Sacrament ministry. We are held in the steadfastness of God. Here we will continue to stand, for we also can do no other." 6 A two-thirds majority was needed for passage of this resolution because it involves a constitutional change. The resolution was rejected by a vote of 490 to 503. It almost achieved a majority vote. The Rev. G. Scott Cady of the New England Synod said: "We have vacant pulpits and altars in congregations all over this country, We have people crying out for pastoral care. The Holy Spirit has said, 'All right, here they are. Here they are.' Are we going to now say, 'Thanks Holy Spirit, but we prefer something else'." New Jersey Synod Bishop Roy Riley, president of the ELCA's Council of Bishops, said: "This church is not ready to make major changes in its ordination practices. That was the crux, really." 7 The next Churchwide Assembly will probably be held in 2007-AUG. The task force's statement on human sexuality will be delayed until the 2009 Assembly.

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