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Looking for what's happening in the various synods across the ELCA?
| DATE | SYNOD | NOTES |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 19 - 21 | Arkansas-Oklahoma | Nothing of interest to report |
| Apr 19 - 21 | Sierra Pacific | Approved Resolution 07-01 The Purpose of the Church, Stewardship, and Disciplinary Activity, calling for the ELCA to report the cost of each disciplinary proceeding against clergy partnered in same-sex relationships Approved Resolution 07-02 Discipline, a memorial calling for approval of ordination of practicing homosexuals |
| Apr 20 - 22 | Western Iowa | Michael Last re-elected bishop on the 5th ballot |
| Apr 21 - 22 | Southwestern Minnesota | Approved resolution Regarding the
Practice of Blessing Same-Sex Unions Approved as corrected resolution Regarding the Pursuit of Unity Among Lutherans Defeated resolution Regarding the Suspension of the Formula of Agreement and Called to Common Mission Resolution Regarding Resolutions Considered by the Assembly - resolution was discussed but not acted on due to time constraints; it would have prohibited congregations from directly submitting resolutions to the synod assembly |
| Apr 27 - 29 | Eastern Washington-Idaho | Defeated memorial to Respond to the Decision of the Schmeling Discipline Hearing Committee Defeated memorial to Encourage Refraining from Discipline Defeated Resolution Concerning Term Limits for the Office of Bishop (remove term limits) |
| Apr 27 - 29 | N Texas-N Louisiana | Approved a memorial to stay the course with the present sexuality time-line rather than consider the Schmeling Discipline Committee request The Lutherans Concerned/Goodsoil memorial regarding the Schmeling case was not allowed to be brought to the floor nor was a resolution questioning the New England Synod's guidelines for blessing same-sex unions |
| Apr 28 - 29 | Eastern North Dakota | Approved memorial to Wait for 2009 Social Statement on sexuality, 257 to 139 (27 abstentions), in opposition to Schmeling hearing committee's recommendation that the 2007 churchwide assembly approve ordination of practicing homosexuals Approved memorial on Official Blessing Ceremonies of Same-Sex Sexual Relationships 199 to 162 (10 abstentions), which opposes the blessings |
| May 2 - 5 | Pacifica | Nothing of interest to report |
| May 3 - 5 | South Central Synod of Wisconsin | Bruce Burnside elected bishop on the 5th ballot Approved memorial in support of Schmeling hearing committee's request for changes in ordination standards to allow ordination of practicing homosexuals |
| May 3 - 5 | Florida-Bahamas | Defeated, 278-233, 56% to 44%, resolution to designate the Synod a Reconciling in Christ Synod A memorial to respond to the decision of the Schmeling discipline hearing committee and a memorial to encourage refraining from discipline of active homosexual pastors were withdrawn by the sponsoring churches Defeated, 262-244, a memorial to endorse restraint of discipline for active homosexual pastors Edward Benoway, was re-elected 252-250 on the sixth ballot for bishop |
| May 4 - 5 | Southeastern Pennsylvania | Approved memorial in support of Schmeling hearing committee's request for changes in ordination standards to allow ordination of practicing homosexuals Defeated memorial encouraging refraining from discipline of practicing homosexual pastors Defeated memorial calling for restraint in application of ELCA ordination standards |
| May 4 - 6 | Northeastern Minnesota | Approved memorial calling for change in ELCA ordination standards to allow for practicing homosexuals and reinstatement on the clergy roster for those removed Approved,171-170, memorial calling for restraint in discipline of pastors in same-sex relationships Referred to synod council memorials to Endorse Restraint and Suspend Debate in a Call for Unity within the ELCA were |
| May 11 - 12 | Southeast Michigan | Approved memorial calling for restraint in discipline of pastors in same-sex relationships |
| May 17 - 19 | Southwestern Washington | Robert Hofstad re-elected bishop Defeated memorial, God's Will for Sexuality, which upheld Biblical norms for sexuality Approved, 93-69, A Memorial to Respond to the Decision of the Discipline Hearing Committee, which calls for changes in ordination standards to allow for ordination of practicing homosexuals |
| May 17 - 19 | Rocky Mountain | Approved memorial in support of Schmeling hearing committee's request for changes in ordination standards to allow ordination of practicing homosexuals Approved memorial encouraging refraining from discipline of practicing homosexual pastors Approved memorial calling for restraint in application of ELCA ordination standards |
| May 18 - 19 | Northwestern Ohio | Defeated memorial calling for changes in ordination standards to allow for ordination of practicing homosexuals, with a vote of 107- 243 Approved, 267 to 160, a memorial calling for no consideration of changes to ordination standards until after 2009 churchwide assembly and urging ELCA Church Council to tell synods to stay within the sexuality standards endorsed by the 2005 churchwide assembly |
| May 18 - 19 | Metropolitan New York | Approved memorial in support of Schmeling hearing committee's request for changes in ordination standards to allow ordination of practicing homosexuals |
| May 18 - 20 | Oregon | David H. Brauer-Rieke elected bishop Approved memorial in support of Schmeling hearing committee's request for changes in ordination standards to allow ordination of practicing homosexuals Approved memorial encouraging refraining from discipline of practicing homosexual pastors Approved memorial calling for restraint in application of ELCA ordination standards |
| May 18 - 20 | Northern Great Lakes | Nothing of interest to report |
| May 19 - 20 | Southwestern Texas | Defeated a resolution that would have memorialized the churchwide assembly to separate LCMC people from the Board of Pensions Defeated a motion to memorialize to the churchwide assembly to call for changes in Vision and Expectations. 251- 124 Defeated a motion to ask for restraint in application of Vision and Expectations to practicing pastor homosexuals. 226-121 Defeated a motion to ask for refraining from discipline those living outside boundaries of Vision and Expectations |
| May 20 - 22 | North/West Lower Michigan | John D. Schleicher elected bishop 193-192 on the fifth ballot |
| May 31 - Jun 2 | Southwest California | Dean Nelson re-elected bishop |
| May 31 - Jun 2 | Minneapolis Area | Craig Johnson re-elected bishop Defeated, 247-291, memorial to Refrain from Considering All Motions Favoring Revisions Related to Clergy Conduct in Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline and Vision and Expectations and ELCA Bylaws was Approved, 283-210, memorial to Develop an Amendment to Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline and Vision and Expectations Approved, 348-195, memorial to Encourage Refraining from Discipline |
| May 31 - Jun 2 | Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast | Michael Rinehart elected bishop Approved a Memorial to Encourage Refraining from Discipline of non-celibate homosexual leaders Defeated a Memorial Supporting Changes in ELCA Policies and Regulations to Affirm Congregational Autonomy Regarding Regular Calls of Rostered Persons in Committed Same-Gender Relationships |
| May 31 - Jun 2 | Southern Ohio | Defeated memorial in support of Schmeling discipline committee report |
| May 31 - Jun 2 | New Jersey | Roy Riley re-elected bishop Approved memorial in support of Schmeling hearing committee's request for changes in ordination standards to allow ordination of practicing homosexuals Approved memorial encouraging refraining from discipline of practicing homosexual pastors Approved memorial calling for restraint in application of ELCA ordination standards Approved memorial calling for reinstatement of clergy who have been removed from the roster because of being in a homosexual relationship |
| May 31 - Jun 2 | North Carolina | Approved memorial on Human Sexuality Study calling for no changes in ordination standards, keeping current process leading to social statement in 2009 and urging study and responses to third sexuality study |
| May 31 - Jun 2 | South Carolina | Nothing of interest to report |
| May 31 - Jun 3 | Central States | Gerald Mansholt re-elected bishop |
| Jun 1 - 2 | Western North Dakota | Nothing of interest to report |
| Jun 1 - 2 | South Dakota | David Zellmer elected bishop Tabled resolution on Authority of Scripture until the 2008 synod assembly Approved resolution encouraging the churchwide assembly to wait until 2009 to do anything with memorials regarding sexuality issues; it was amended to include having the synod council forward this resolution to the ELCA Church Council with the request that no changes be made to ELCA policy regarding sexual behavior of ordained ministers before adoption of a statement on human sexuality Tabled indefinitely a resolution asking the churchwide assembly to direct the Church Council to notify all synods to refrain from public blessings of same-sex relationships Defeated memorial on the naming of God |
| Jun 1 - 2 | St. Paul Area | Approved
Memorial to Respond to the Decision of the Discipline Hearing Committee Approved Memorial to Encourage Refraining from Discipline Memorial to Endorse Restraint in Discipline Withdrawn |
| Jun 1 - 2 | NW Synod of Wisconsin | Duane Pederson elected bishop on 5th ballot |
| Jun 1 - 2 | East Central Synod of Wisconsin | Approved memorial that invites churchwide assembly members to tithe from their per diem and dedicate one meal for fasting and prayer |
| Jun 1 - 2 | Greater Milwaukee | Approved Resolution 1A:
The Meaning of Scripture Defeated Resolution 2: The Necessity of Agreement in the Gospel Defeated Resolution 3: Called to Common Mission Defeated Resolution 4: The Naming of God Approved, 170 - 110, Resolution 8: The Decision of the Discipline Hearing Committee |
| Jun 1 - 2 | West Virginia-W Maryland | Approved a resolution urging the synod's Voting Members at the Churchwide Assembly “to actively and energetically pursue a moratorium on the consideration of resolutions concerning human sexuality and homosexuality by the 2007 Churchwide Assembly” |
| Jun 1 - 3 | Northwest Washington | Wm. Chris Boerger re-elected bishop. Approved memorial in support of Schmeling hearing committee's request for changes in ordination standards to allow ordination of practicing homosexuals Approved memorial encouraging refraining from discipline of practicing homosexual pastors Approved memorial calling for restraint in application of ELCA ordination standards Referred to Synod Council a resolution affirming marriage, and memorials supporting the 1993 statement of the Conference of Bishops and calling for no changes to Vision and Expectations |
| Jun 1 - 3 | Montana | Jessica Christ elected bishop Tabled all 3 Lutherans Concerned/North America and Goodsoil resolutions calling for noncelibate homosexuals to serve as pastors Defeated memorial to end CCM in 2009 Defeated resolution requesting churchwide organization to clarify meaning of the 2nd sexuality recommendation approved by 2005 CWA |
| Jun 1 - 3 | Nebraska | Nothing of interest to report |
| Jun 1 - 3 | La Crosse Area | Passed resolution to pray and encourage congregations and individuals to study and respond to the "Free in Christ to Serve the Neighbor: Lutherans Talk about Human Sexuality" study booklet |
| Jun 1 - 3 | Southeastern | H. Julian Gordy elected bishop Tabled a resolution calling for no changes in ordination standards and a resolution calling for churchwide review of New England Synod's guidelines for blessing of same-sex relationships Defeated a memorial to Respond to the Decision of the Discipline Hearing Committee that called for changes in ordination standards Passed a resolution welcoming people of all sexual orientations |
| Jun 3 - 4 | Upstate New York | Approved memorial in support of Schmeling hearing committee's request for changes in ordination standards to allow ordination of practicing homosexuals |
| Jun 7 - 9 | Alaska | Nothing of interest to report |
| Jun 7 - 9 | Grand Canyon | Approved, 141 - 125, a resolution to reaffirm compliance with ELCA policy on ordination of non-celibate homosexual persons and the blessing of same sex unions Approved, 143 - 127, memorial in support of Schmeling hearing committee's request for changes in ordination standards to allow ordination of practicing homosexuals Approved, 137-127, memorial encouraging refraining from discipline of practicing homosexual pastors |
| Jun 7 - 9 | Central/Southern Illinois | Nothing of interest to report |
| Jun 7 - 9 | New England | Approved, 278 - 99, a Memorial to Amend Vision and Expectations and Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline to allow for ordination of noncelibate homosexuals Defeated a resolution that called upon the Synod Council to withdraw its statement, "Guidance for Pastors and Congregations of the New England Synod, ELCA, Regarding the Blessing of Unions of Same Sex Couples;" it was explained that the statement is guidance and not policy, and it affirms that an ELCA pastor cannot perform a same-sex marriage in Mass. Defeated a resolution on the Distribution of Holy Communion, which raised a concern about the distribution of Holy Communion to the un-baptized, asking pastors and churches of the Synod to review their own practice of distribution, and to discuss with the ELCA's full communion partners in New England how they distribute Holy Communion (it was noted that some of the full communion partners in New England distribute Holy Communion to the un-baptized) Approved memorial encouraging refraining from discipline of practicing homosexual pastors was Approved memorial calling for restraint in application of ELCA ordination standards Memorial on the Naming of God was referred to the Synod Council to establish a study committee that would also invite congregational response to report to the 2008 Synod Assembly with a recommendation |
| Jun 7 - 9 | Northwestern Pennsylvania | Ralph Jones re-elected bishop Approved memorial asking that Augsburg Fortress Publishing House, the ELCA's 28 colleges and 8 seminaries give preference to “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” as the Name of the Lord Approved memorial asking that all memorials and resolutions dealing with sexual matters be referred to the Task Force preparing the social statement on sexuality |
| Jun 7 - 9 | Allegheny | Approved memorial that calls for tabling all discussions on sexuality at the 2007 churchwide assembly and to transmit all memorials on sexuality to the sexuality task force |
| Jun 7 - 9 | Lower Susquehanna | B. Penrose Hoover elected bishop on the 5th ballot Defeated memorial encouraging refraining from discipline of practicing homosexual pastors Approved memorial, "Regarding Interdependence and Living Together Faithfully as It Concerns the Official Blessing of Same-Sex Relationships," which calls for the office of secretary to notify all ELCA synods, pastors, and churches "that they must refrain from blessings of same-sex unions" |
| Jun 7 - 9 | Metro Washington DC | Richard Graham elected bishop on the 5th ballot Approved memorial Regarding the Blessing of Same-gender Relationships Approved memorial to Reject Reparative Therapy Approved memorial to Encourage Bishops to Refrain from Discipline on non-celibate homosexuals Approved memorial Regarding Restraint in Applying ELCA Policies with Regards to Rostering |
| Jun 8 - 10 | Northwestern Minnesota | Larry Wohlrabe elected bishop on the 5th ballot |
| Jun 8 - 10 | Northeastern Iowa | Defeated all 3 Lutherans Concerned/North America and Goodsoil resolutions calling for noncelibate homosexuals to serve as pastors
Approved, 217-94, a memorial calling for no change in ordination standards Approved, 211-131, a resolution stating there are to be no blessings of same-sex unions in the synod |
| Jun 8 - 10 | Indiana-Kentucky | Defeated a resolution opposed to New England Synod guidelines for blessing same-sex unions |
| Jun 8 - 10 | Virginia | Approved, 255-103, a memorial calling for no consideration of changing ordination standards until after a social statement is considered in 2009 |
| Jun 8 - 9 | Southeastern Minnesota | Harold Usgaard re-elected bishop |
| Jun 8 - 9 | Metropolitan Chicago | Wayne Miller elected bishop on the 5th ballot
Approved memorial in support of Schmeling hearing committee's request for changes in ordination standards to allow ordination of practicing homosexuals |
| Jun 8 - 9 | Southeastern Iowa | Approved memorial in support of Schmeling hearing committee's request for changes in ordination standards to allow ordination of practicing homosexuals
Approved memorial encouraging refraining from discipline of practicing homosexual pastors Approved memorial calling for restraint in application of ELCA ordination standards Approved memorial calling for update in language of Vision and Expectations |
| Jun 8 - 9 | Northeastern Pennsylvania | Approved (303-283, 11 abstentions) memorial to Respond to the Decision of the Discipline Hearing Committee
Approved (371-184, 6 abstentions) memorial to wait for the social statement in 2009 before revisiting ordination of non-celibate homosexuals Approved (299-222, 17 abstentions) resolution to encourage refraining from discipline Did not act on resolution to endorse restraint because it was viewed as too confusing as to its purpose |
| Jun 14 - 16 | Southwestern Pennsylvania | Kurt Kusserow elected bishop Approved memorial that calls for tabling all discussions on sexuality at the 2007 churchwide assembly and to transmit all memorials on sexuality to the sexuality task force Defeated memorial to change Vision and Expectations to allow for the ordination of practicing homosexuals |
| Jun 14 - 16 | Delaware-Maryland | Nothing of interest to report |
| Jun 14 - 16 | Northern Illinois | Defeated, 194 to 252, a Memorial to Encourage Refraining From Discipline
Approved, 240 to 207, memorial to Respond to the Decision of the Schmeling Discipline Hearing Committee |
| Jun 14 - 16 | Northeastern Ohio | Defeated memorial to Respond to the Decision of the Schmeling Discipline Hearing Committee |
| Jun 14 - 16 | Upper Susquehanna | Robert Driesen elected bishop Approved memorial that calls for tabling all discussions on sexuality at the 2007 churchwide assembly and to transmit all memorials on sexuality to the sexuality task force Defeated a resolution that stated that New England Synod guidelines for blessing same-sex unions violated the 2005 churchwide assembly concern to live together faithfully |
| Jun 21 - 23 | Caribbean | |
| Jun 22 - 24 | Slovak Zion | Approved memorial that calls for waiting for the social statement in 2009 before revisiting homosexuality questions |