February 14, 2007
Memorial templates for the 2007 synod assemblies
We have had to make some further, small but very important changes to the templates for resolutions for synods to memorialize the churchwide assembly. The definitive set of memorial templates is below, and will be posted to the LC/NA website. Above each of the template resolutions and before the introduction, a date stamp, 070214, has been applied. Discard and do not use any previous versions. The AMEMAILS of previous versions will be removed from the flow AMEMAILS on the website to preclude errors. We apologize, but this is a wondrously busy time.
Introduction to templates for memorials to the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly
070214
Now that we have received the unprecedented decision in the Schmeling disciplinary hearing which suggests outright policy change through synodical and churchwide action, the legislative team of goodsoil.org has prepared the memorial package for the 2007 synod assembly season. Below please find templates for the three memorials that we hope will be passed by a significant number of synod assemblies and therefore reach the floor of the Churchwide Assembly, August 6–12, in Chicago. The memorial templates are listed in order of the most change to the least change. The legislative team will provide a fact sheet, talking points, and strategies as requested.
The first memorial is in direct response to the Decision of the Discipline Hearing Committee (the Committee) in the Schmeling case. The memorial contains very precise and specific language that reflects the Committee's suggestions. The legislative team has carefully researched the language of this memorial. Try to avoid amendments and substitutions that may cause the resolution to be ruled out of order by the chair of your synod assembly. We have used the word "direct" because, as it states in the "whereas" section, that is the precise instruction of the Secretary of the ELCA. This is the most critical resolution to pass. If you need strategies to address proposed changes to this resolution or have other questions about this template, contact the legislative team at legislation@goodsoil.org.
The second and third templates, one to encourage refraining from discipline and the other endorsing restraint in the use of discipline are also precise in their intent, but have less specific language. These memorials call for less change and the third simply endorses the latitude already granted in the discipline process as noted in chapter 20 of the ELCA Constitution. Versions of the third memorial have already been passed at synodical policies by the assemblies of over half a dozen synods in 2006.
Some members of the goodsoil.org legislative team will be available to attend synod assemblies as requested and as their schedules allow. The team is committed to providing assistance to the best of our abilities in the midst of our other full time responsibilities. We share your passion for justice to prevail in our church and are deeply grateful for your commitment to inclusion and the full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Steven Krefting and the Rev Jayne Thompson
Goodsoil Legislative Team Co-Chairs
(NOTE: The templates below are ordered from most change to least.)
070214
1. A memorial to respond to the decision of the discipline hearing committee
WHEREAS, the 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly urged every part of the ELCA to "concentrate on finding ways to live together faithfully in the midst of disagreements, recognizing the God-given mission and communion that we share as members of the body of Christ"; and
WHEREAS, the discipline hearing committee constituted to consider charges against Pr. Bradley E. Schmeling suggested that synod assemblies memorialize the 2007 Churchwide Assembly to request that the Committee on Appeals reconsider and revise the document Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline and that the appropriate churchwide unit reconsider and revise the document Vision and Expectations and the policy on reinstatement to the rosters of this church (Decision of the Discipline Hearing Committee, p. 13); and
WHEREAS, if permitted to decide the case only under the standards in chapters 7 and 20 of the ELCA Constitution, the discipline hearing committee "would find almost unanimously that Pastor Schmeling is not engaged in conduct that is incompatible with the ministerial office, and would find with near unanimity that no discipline of any sort should be imposed against him" (Decision of the Discipline Hearing Committee, p. 12); and
WHEREAS, Definitions and Guidelines may be amended by the Committee on Appeals, subject to approval by the Church Council, while Vision and Expectations and the policy on reinstatement to the rosters of the church may be amended by the Vocation and Education unit, with review by the Conference of Bishops and adoption by the Church Council (in accordance with ELCA bylaws 7.31.11., 7.31.13.f., 7.31.15., 7.51.03.b., 7.52.13., 20.71.11., and 20.71.12. and continuing resolution 16.12.C05.d.2); and
WHEREAS, the Churchwide Assembly, as the highest legislative authority of the ELCA, can "request or direct" that the steps be taken for the development by the Committee on Appeals and adoption by the Church Council of an amendment to Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline; and for the development by the appropriate churchwide unit, review by the Conference of Bishops, and adoption by the Church Council of an amendment to Vision and Expectations (ELCA Church Council, Minutes of April 9–11, 2006, p. 90, explanation by Secretary Almen): now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this Synod Assembly submit the following memorial for consideration by the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly:
RESOLVED, that the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly direct the Committee on Appeals to develop an amendment to the definitions and guidelines established under ELCA bylaws 20.71.11. and 20.71.12. that removes provisions precluding "practicing homosexual persons" from the rosters of this church; and be it further
RESOLVED, that this Churchwide Assembly direct the Vocation and Education unit, in consultation with the Conference of Bishops, to develop an amendment to the policies established under ELCA bylaws 7.31.11., 7.31.13. and 7.51.03.b. that removes provisions requiring persons who are "homosexual in their self-understanding" to "abstain from homosexual sexual relationships"; and be it further
RESOLVED, that this Churchwide Assembly direct the Vocation and Education unit, in consultation with the Conference of Bishops, to develop an amendment to the policies established under ELCA bylaws 7.31.15. and 7.52.13. that permits the reinstatement to the rosters of this church, without the usual requirement of five consecutive years without call, of persons who have resigned or been removed from the rosters solely because they are in a mutual, chaste, and faithful committed same-gender relationship; and be it finally
RESOLVED, that this Churchwide Assembly direct the Church Council to take the necessary steps to amend the definitions and guidelines established under bylaws 20.71.11. and 20.71.12., the policies established under bylaws 7.31.11., 7.31.13., and 7.51.03.b., and the policies established under bylaws 7.31.15. and 7.52.13. in conformity to the preceding directions to the Committee on Appeals and Vocation and Education unit.
070214
2. A memorial to encourage refraining from discipline
WHEREAS, there is currently no consensus in this church regarding the rostered service of persons in committed same-gender relationships (Report of the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality, p. 5); and
WHEREAS, the 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly urged every part of the ELCA to "concentrate on finding ways to live together faithfully in the midst of disagreements, recognizing the God-given mission and communion that we share as members of the body of Christ": now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this Synod Assembly submit the following memorial for consideration by the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly:
RESOLVED, that in order to live together faithfully in the midst of disagreements, synods, synodical bishops, and the Presiding Bishop of this church are encouraged to refrain from disciplining those who – in good conscience and for the sake of outreach, ministry, and commitment to continuing dialogue – call, approve, ordain, commission, or consecrate otherwise-qualified candidates for rostered service who are in a mutual, chaste, and faithful committed same-gender relationship; and be it further
RESOLVED, that synods, synodical bishops, and the Presiding Bishop of this church are encouraged to refrain from disciplining those rostered leaders in a mutual, chaste, and faithful committed same-gender relationship who have been thus called, approved, ordained, commissioned, or consecrated.
070214
3. A memorial to endorse restraint
WHEREAS, there is currently no consensus in this church regarding the rostered service of persons in committed same-gender relationships (Report of the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality, p. 5); and
WHEREAS, the ELCA policy documents Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline and Vision and Expectations are separate from the ELCA Constitution and pertain to rostered service in the ELCA; and
WHEREAS, the 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly urged every part of the ELCA to "concentrate on finding ways to live together faithfully in the midst of disagreements, recognizing the God-given mission and communion that we share as members of the body of Christ": now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that this Synod Assembly submit the following memorial for consideration by the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly:
RESOLVED, that the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA endorses and calls for restraint in the application of provisions relating to the rostered service of persons who, in policies separate from the ELCA Constitution, are referred to as "practicing homosexuals" or as "homosexual in their self-understanding."
