ELCIC 2009 National Convention day four

Again, the memory of clouds and rain fades further, to a pale shadow of their once strong presence, Tuesday / Wednesday. [June 28, 2009]

ELCIC 2009 National Convention day three

Once again, the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver, and the University of British Columbia showed themselves off proudly. [June 27, 2009]

ELCIC 2009 National Convention day two

Friday needed to make no apology at all for itself: glorious, the sun was out, sky was blue and mostly cloudless, temperature quite comfortable – prompting Frisbee throwing on the green, swimmers in the outdoor pool, and thoughts of defecting to the Pacific Northwest. [June 26, 2009]

ELCIC 2009 National Convention day one

We are in Vancouver, British Columbia, on the campus of the University of British Columbia, for the 12th Biennial National Convention of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada, which runs through the Sunday, the 28th. [June 25, 2009]

The synod assembly report

So that you understand the references: The templates 3A and 3B are Goodsoil templates. 3A contains 2 resolves as noted; 3B contains 2 resolves; the full up version includes A and B, hence the numbering to 4. This report will be cumulative each time it is sent out. This report will be issued on Tuesdays. [June 22, 2009]

We still need prayer shawls for Churchwide Assembly in August

Looking for something to keep hands busy at productive work? Looking to contribute to the work of Goodsoil at the upcoming churchwide assembly? [June 20, 2009]

The US Conference of Mayors calls for full marriage equality for same gender couples

The US Conference of Mayors at their 77th Annual Convention today passed a resolution calling for full marriage equality for same-gender couples. [June 15, 2009]

The synod assembly report

So that you understand the references: The templates 3A and 3B are Goodsoil templates. 3A contains 2 resolves as noted; 3B contains 2 resolves; the full up version includes A and B, hence the numbering to 4. This report will be cumulative each time it is sent out. This report will be issued on Tuesdays. [June 15, 2009]

The synod assembly report clarification

Virginia Synod Assembly. Strictly speaking, the RIC motion was not defeated: it was tabled and never came up for an up/down vote. [June 9, 2009]

The synod assembly report

So that you understand the references: The templates 3A and 3B are Goodsoil templates. 3A contains 2 resolves as noted; 3B contains 2 resolves; the full up version includes A and B, hence the numbering to 4. This report will be cumulative each time it is sent out. This report will be issued on Tuesdays. [June 9, 2009]

Volunteer with Goodsoil during the ELCA Churchwide Assembly

ELCA Churchwide Assembly 2009 (CWA09) is fast approaching, and Goodsoil is getting ready! [June 5, 2009]

The synod assembly report

So that you understand the references: The templates 3A and 3B are Goodsoil templates. 3A contains 2 resolves as noted; 3B contains 2 resolves; the full up version includes A and B, hence the numbering to 4. This report will be cumulative each time it is sent out. This report will be issued on Tuesdays. [June 3, 2009]

California Supreme Court upholds the validity of the changing the state constitution by Proposition 8

The California Supreme Court ruling is unfortunate. [May 26, 2009]

The synod assembly report

So that you understand the references: The templates 3A and 3B are Goodsoil templates. 3A contains 2 resolves as noted; 3B contains 2 resolves; the full up version includes A and B, hence the numbering to 4. This report will be cumulative each time it is sent out. This report will be issued on Tuesdays. [May 25, 2009]

Reconciling Lutherans, a personal stance in favor of full inclusion

Sign up and be counted! Lutherans Concerned is encouraging thousands of individuals to sign up as "Reconciling Lutherans." [May 18, 2009]

The synod assembly report

So that you understand the references: 3A contains 2 resolves as noted; 3B contains 2 resolves; the full up version includes A and B, hence the numbering to 4. This report will be cumulative each time it is sent out. This report will be issued on Tuesdays. [May 18, 2009]

The synod assembly report

So that you understand the references: 3A contains 2 resolves as noted; 3B contains 2 resolves; the full up version includes A and B, hence the numbering to 4. This report will be cumulative each time it is sent out. This report will be issued on Tuesdays. [May 11, 2009]

The synod assembly report

So that you understand the references: 3A contains 2 resolves as noted; 3B contains 2 resolves; the full up version includes A and B, hence the numbering to 4. This report will be cumulative each time it is sent out. This report will be issued on Tuesdays. [May 4, 2009]

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary becomes the first Lutheran seminary to be RIC

Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary (PLTS) in Berkeley, California, becomes the first of the eight Lutheran seminaries to seek and receive the designation of Reconciling in Christ. [April 28, 2009]

From fear to hope

I lived in fear most of my life. I feared that someone would discover the man I appeared to be was only a façade. After I came out as a transgender woman, I lived with the fear that someone would lash out at me because of their fear and ignorance. Over the last six years, I have transitioned into a strong, confident, transgender Latina. [April 24, 2009]

Current economic situation requires further reduction in staff by Lutherans Concerned

Regretfully, the continuing economic downturn requires Lutherans Concerned to further reduce the number of its paid staff in order to match its budget to its commitments. The position of Development Associate has been eliminated effective immediately. [April 17, 2009]

Vermont legalizes gay marriage with veto override

[From the Associated Press] Vermont has become the fourth state to legalize gay marriage – and the first to do so with a legislature's vote. [April 7, 2009]

New template for synod assembly submission replaces previous templates

The Goodsoil memorial template has been revised again – hopefully for the last time. [April 2, 2009]

Lutherans Concerned to comment on actions of Church Council affecting the fate of gay ministers

Gay Lutherans comment on the release of the version of the "Social Statement on Human Sexuality" of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) just released by the Church Council. [March 30, 2009]

ELCA Recommendation on Ministry Policies

ELCA Church Council releases rostering recommendation resolutions for the 2009 Churchwide Assembly. [March 30, 2009]

ELCA Church Council recommends rostering changes that allow ministers in committed same-gender relationships

Today at its meeting, the ELCA Church Council passed the Report and Recommendation on Ministry Policies, the rostering recommendations, and transmitted them to the August Churchwide Assembly. If approved by the churchwide assembly, these will allow the rostered service of those in committed same-gender relationships. [March 29, 2009]

ELCA Church Council upholds its simple majority rule, transmits Social Statement to Churchwide Assembly

Today, the ELCA Church Council upheld its previous decision to recommend to the August Churchwide Assembly (CWA) that a simple majority be required to pass any matter, except for those where the constitution required otherwise. Rostering recommendations, including policy change regarding pastors in same gender relationships would therefore require only a simple majority to pass. [March 28, 2009]

ELCA Church Council begins deliberations on Social Statement and Rostering Recommendations — meeting March 27-30, 2009

The ELCA Church Council (Council) and its attendant committee meetings are meeting in Chicago March 27–30, 2009. On the agenda are discussion and decisions regarding the final texts of Social Statement entitled Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust (Social Statement) and Recommendations on Ministry Policies (Rostering Recommendations) regarding the rostering of ministers in same-gender relationships. [March 26, 2009]

Lutherans Concerned agrees and profoundly disagrees with ELCA sexuality statements

Lutherans Concerned / North America has both considerable agreement and substantial disagreement with the Proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality and accompanying Rostering Recommendations, released publically by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America on February 19, 2009. [February 19, 2009]

Leaders of Lutherans Concerned to comment on Lutheran "Proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality"

Leaders of Lutherans Concerned, an outreach organization committed to the full inclusion of LGBT people in church and society, will be available for comment on the just released Evangelical Lutheran Church in America "Proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality" from 1:30–2:00 pm EST on Thursday. [February 18, 2009]

Lutherans Concerned / North America announces strategic staffing restructuring

Responding to current economic realities and staffing recommendations from advisors and partners, Lutherans Concerned/North America (LC/NA) is restructuring its staffing to better meet its strategic needs and goals. [February 10, 2009]

For previous years' stories, please visit the News Archive page.