Bishop Ann Svennungsen, Minne- apolis Area Synod, received 36 votes. On the third ballot after a question- and-answer session, it was 345 votes for Eaton, 271 for Hanson and 171 for Crist. That ballot narrowed the field to the top three candidates. “Our challenge is to reclaim our distinctive Lutheran voice, our con- fessional heritage,” Eaton said dur- ing a question-and-answer session before the assembly cast its fourth ballot. “We really have something to say with the theology of the cross in a culture infused with glory.” Referring to the losses the ELCA has experienced since the 2009 deci- sion to allow partnered gays and lesbians to be ordained, she said, “This church took an important and momentous decision which turned out to be a costly decision. I happen to think it was the right decision.” She then told the 952 voting mem- bers: “I thank you for your faithful- ness when so many have decided they could not move on with this body.” Eaton gained more votes on the fourth ballot, with 523, 300 for Han- son and 84 for Crist, which meant the name of the Montana bishop would not be on the fifth ballot.
On her election, Eaton showed one of several flashes of quirky humor when she explained that she had left her name in consideration after the first ballot because “I wanted us to have this conversation.” Then she added: “I did not think it would get this far out of hand.” Hanson’s re-election to a third six- year term had been expected, but the continued balloting seemed to fuel support for electing a new presid- ing bishop. Hanson received several standing ovations and was widely praised throughout the assembly. All had effusive praise for his expertise in ecumenical and interfaith relations, his engagement with social issues and his personal dedication to faith.
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Many at the assembly noted that the meeting’s theme, “Always being made new,” may have played into a desire for new leadership.
In her first words to the assembly as bishop-elect, Eaton praised her predecessor for bringing the church through “12 of the most tumultuous years of our history.” The ELCA can handle controversy, she said, adding, “We’ve always been a church that not only lives with paradox but also thrives on paradox. We say we’re sin- ners and saints at the same time and believe in law and gospel.” “There is a lot of work to do,”
she said, winning applause from the assembly when she added, “We are an overwhelmingly European American church in a culture becom- ing increasingly more pluralist, and we need to find ways to get out of the way and welcome those who come from other cultures.” Eaton said she can’t be sure what lies ahead for the ELCA. “God only knows,” she said, “and that’s a faith statement. We don’t know what the church is going to look like, but if it’s God’s will that there will be evangeli- cal witness to the gospel raised up, we’ll be there.”
Ione (Agrimson) Hanson gives her husband, Mark S. Hanson, a hug on the assem- bly stage following the fifth ballot for presiding bishop.
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