Reflections on the Churchwide Assembly

From the LC3 blog:

Reflections on the Churchwide Assembly

Rev. Sara “Sally” Gausmann

One of the slogans of the ELCA over the last couple of years has been “unity in the midst of diversity.” This unity has been so important that it even made it into the proposal of the task force presentation in 2005 when we discussed the blessing of same sex unions and the rostering of non-celibate clergy. The resolution was, that the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America—its members, congregations, synods, churchwide organization, and agencies and institutions—be urged 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.

What is the disagreement that we have that endangers our unity so much that we have to make resolutions promoting living together faithfully? Well, after I attended the 2005 assembly it became clear to me that the disagreement was not just on matters relating to human sexuality but had to do with a different understanding of theology or what I would call a new gospel. After attending the 2007 churchwide assembly I now realize that not only does this new gospel exist, but I have now had confirmed in my mind the realization that because of this new gospel we cannot have a unified church.

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---Katie