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MICHAEL D. WATSON The 2011 Churchwide Assembly returns to Orlando, Fla., where in 2005 ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson led opening worship.


’11 assembly gathers in Orlando S


ome 1,025 voting members from the ELCA’s 65 synods and nearly 10,000 congregations descend Aug. 15-19 on the Orlando [Fla.] World Center Marriott for the 2011 Churchwide Assembly. Gathered this year under the


theme “Freed in Christ to Serve,” the assembly is the ELCA’s highest leg- islative authority. While the agenda is full, the event


doesn’t carry the air of anticipation as did the 2009 assembly in Minne- apolis when voting members adopted a social statement on sexuality and revisions on ministry policies that opened the roster of leaders to gays and lesbians in committed relation- ships. In fact, the 2011 assembly was cut in length by one day. Garnering the most attention this year will likely be the proposed


12 The Lutheran • www.thelutheran.org


social statement “Genetics, Faith and Responsibility”; a number of recom- mended changes to the “ecology” of the ELCA from the “Living into the Future Together (LIFT) Task Force”; and amendments to the constitution, bylaws and continuing resolutions of the ELCA, both regular ones and those confirming a reconfiguration of the churchwide organization. Sexuality matters haven’t completely disappeared, however. Four memori- als or requests from ELCA synods go before the assembly, one to reconsider and remove the related actions of the 2009 gathering, with others seeking implementation or more study. In addition, there are suggested actions from synods on anti-bullying activity, campus ministry, investments in the Holy Land and energy stewardship.


The body will also consider a $15 million churchwide campaign to sup- port work aimed at ending malaria and a churchwide budget for 2012-13, plus elections to the ELCA Church Council and other churchwide committees and boards.


Microphones will be open at some point for a question-and-answer period with ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark S. Hanson. Worship with communion will be offered daily, as well as time for Bible study in groups of 10 voting members.


The assembly is being hosted by the Florida-Bahamas Synod. For more information, visit www.elca.org/assembly. M


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