November 13, 2007

The Council of Synod Lutheran Youth Organization Presidents recommends support of LGBT rostered leaders

On Saturday, November 10, the Council of Synod Lutheran Youth Organization Presidents (CSLYOPs) passed a recommendation in support of LGBT clergy and requested that the subject be included in the agenda of the 2009 Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) Convention. The vote was 38 to 9 with 3 abstentions at the Council's annual meeting, held at Camp Wapogasset in Amery, Wisconsin. The LYO meets in convention every three years; the next convention will be at the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg Mississippi, July 26–30 2009.

The recommendation was proposed to the floor of the meeting by Rachel Nelson, Upstate NY Synod LYO President and a member of the LC/NA Youth, Young Adult and Family Ministry Committee.

Because the CSLYOPs is an advisory board to the Board of the Lutheran Youth Organization (BLYO), this action is worded as a recommendation and will be forwarded to the BLYO.

The recommendation passed reads:

WHEREAS chapter IV section 4.01.02 of the LYO Constitution states:
"Individuals shall not be denied rights of membership in the Lutheran Youth Organization nor shall the Lutheran Youth Organization place restrictions on or deny rights to any person because of race, color, ability, gender, sexual orientation or national or social origin," and

WHEREAS the LYO has a statement of welcome and invitation to people of all sexual orientations and genders, and

WHEREAS the ELCA is discussing amending the document "Visions and Expectations" so that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) clergy and lay-rostered leaders who are in committed, same sex relationships are not excluded from continuing their call, therefore be it

RECOMMENDED that it be known that the CSLYOPs 2007 supports LGBT clergy and lay-rostered leaders who are in committed, same sex relationships in maintaining and continuing their call, and be it further

RECOMMENDED that the BLYO include this topic of conversation on the agenda for the 2009 LYO Convention.

Well done, Rachel!! Well done, Council!!