How we voted.

So we had two resolutions regarding the sexuality issue on the floor at the FL/Bahamas Synod Convention. There was a third resolution submitted by Lutherans Concerned, Central Florida, a pro-gay- ordination group, but it was not acted upon because it did not have the required 25 signatures of voting delegates. My husband and I were two of the 25 signatures on resolution 05-4.

As I said before, recommendations 1-4 were approved from resolution 05-1. When we got to recommendation #5, however, Pastor Dan moved that we substitute the three resolveds from 05-4 for recommendation #5. There was quite a bit of debate of course, including modifying wording and such, but eventually the question was called and the motion was accepted, 224 to 201. Then, we voted again to accept or reject those three resolveds as part of the overall resolution. It passed, 237 to 171.

So our synod has said no, by a small margin, to ordaining non-celibate homosexuals.

This is not binding in any way on anyone, it is just a recommendation to let the Churchwide Assembly know what we are thinking. The margin is not nearly large enough to suit me, but we'll take what we can get.

I will keep adding info over the next few days about what we saw and heard at the assembly. Right now I need to get to bed so I can go back for one more morning of presentations and voting.

---Katie