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We sent out that message at the end of the ELCA Churchwide Assembly, saying that there was a hotel chain whose message is that they'll "leave a light in the window for you." We reminded you that we too had been following a light, left in the window by Christ Jesus. And, for the members of the ELCA, on August 21st we came home. This is good news, for the ELCA and for the ELCIC members as well — progress for one is progress for all, and will work its influence.
Then we went quiet. Why? Where was/is the celebration, the exultation?
At the Assembly, we were bound by the polity of Lutheranism not to exult when there were others, our brothers and sisters in faith, in pain. And subsequently, we wanted to do nothing that would fan the flames of anger and pain that as a natural course followed the votes taken.
But it is now time to give voice to our celebration and action to our future. Much is going on. You will see a series of messages discussing various aspects of what is going on.
Celebration
The church has through the Assembly clearly given recognition to our long-stated truth that LGBT people are and always have been part of the wondrous diversity of God's creation, that LGBT people are children of God, and as promised, inheritors of Kingdom of God with all other believers. Shortly, the church will give substance to that recognition through the promulgation of the changes that will make the decision of the assembly part of the woof and weave of the church.
You, where you are, should celebrate what has happened and what is going to happen. Gather as chapters, as friends, as congregations, as members of RIC settings, as family. Lift prayers and praise to God, both in gratitude for the action of the Holy Spirit and those who worked so hard for this progress, as well as in petition for all the help the Holy Spirit can give to the implementation of the changes throughout the church.
Rev Chris Berry, Convener of our Legislative Team and a campus pastor in Washington State, reminds us that the greatest act of reconciliation, that by God to humanity through Christ Jesus, we commemorate every time we go to altar for worship. It is the first place we should go to celebrate. Whether you are in an RIC congregation or a congregation that is conflicted on the decisions of August, you can personally thank and praise God for the gift of recognition in the privacy of your own prayer — joining in the celebration of the Eucharist with new-found vigor and excitement.
Prayers
While celebrating please lift prayers for those of our team and from Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries who are at the Conference of Bishops meeting, at which there is discussion of the way forward with the actions resulting from the decisions of the August 2009 Churchwide Assembly. |
