Memorials address immigration, communion, violence & more
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oting 787-41, the assembly approved en bloc memorials related to hydraulic fracturing (frack- ing), fossil fuels, gender identity dis- crimination, immigration detention and the Uniting American Families Act (a bill to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to permit perma- nent partners of U.S. citizens and of lawful permanent residents to obtain permanent resident status). Those singled out for separate consideration were: • Immigration: Advocated (828-40) that the U.S. adopt comprehensive immigration reform legislation as set forth by the ELCA message, “Immi- gration,” and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service. In a separate but related action, declared (851-24) June 22, 2014, “Refugee Sunday” and asked the presiding bishop to invite congregations to share their
stories of welcoming refugees and immigrants through ELCA commu- nication vehicles. • Communion practices: Asked (688-193) ELCA members, congre- gations, synods and the churchwide office to study “The Use and the Means of Grace” regarding who may commune among ELCA worshiping communities (for example, whether communion should be given to only the baptized). Requested a report and possible recommendations for consideration by the ELCA Church Council in April 2014. • Same-gender families: Encour- aged (825-68) congregations, lay and clergy leaders, and synod bishops to discuss and share resources on “changing family configurations and their impact on society and the minis- try of this church.”
In the same action, asked the
Church Council to authorize a group to explore pastoral care to same- gender couples and their families and bring a report and possible recom- mendations to fall 2014 meetings of the Church Council and Conference of Bishops. • Community violence: To help decrease community violence, asked (834-41) ELCA members “consistent with their bound consciences” to ask their elected officials to pass legisla- tion that promotes universal back- ground checks, prevents gun traffick- ing and requires reporting gun loss or theft to law enforcement. • Israel-Palestine: Reaffirmed (812-45) the church’s commitment to “awareness-building, accompani- ment and advocacy on behalf of a peaceful resolution of the conflict between Israel and Palestine,” as well as reading and discussing the Kairos Palestine document (issued by Pal- estinian Christians as a word of hope and a challenge for churches to work for the end of Israeli occupation). Referred to Portico Benefit Ser-
Worship was held daily during the Churchwide Assembly, with presiders and preachers from across the ELCA.
September 2013 27
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