Assembly adopts all memorials V
oting 897-36, the assembly adopted en bloc 20 memorial responses. Memorials are proposals
for action involving broad policy issues submitted by synod assemblies to the churchwide organization. Topics ranged from gun violence to gender identity and youth mission trips to becoming a sanctuary denomination. Memorials singled out for individual consideration included: Historic Black Churches. Called for (929-8) a
strategy to deepen relationships with Historic Black Churches; encouraged synods and congregations to strengthen and expand such partnerships. Holy Land: Reaffirmed (751-162) the ELCA’s
commitment to continue with awareness-building, accompaniment and advocacy for peaceful resolution between Israel and Palestine; urged all expressions of the ELCA to call on political leaders to require that Israel comply with U.S. human rights standards and stop settlement building and end occupation of Palestinian territory in order to continue receiving U.S. financial and military aid. In a related memorial, the assembly directed
(card vote) the ELCA’s Corporate Social Responsibility team to develop a human rights social criteria investment screen; encouraged members, congregations, synods and agencies to increase positive investment in Palestine. African Descent: Requested (846-73) that ELCA
Domestic Mission increase the number of African descent leaders, congregations and communities served by at least 10 percent; urged seminaries, colleges and universities to develop anti-racism resources; and acknowledged, with regret, that the ELCA as an institution contributes to racial discrimination against people of African descent
Amy Blumenshine, Minneapolis Area Synod, was among several voting members who rose to present amendments and speak in favor of or against memorials considered by the assembly.
through corporate action and policy and requested a review of ELCA governing documents. Military: Invited(card vote)the church to a time
of prayer and discernment to examine expanded U.S. war efforts since 1990, requesting that a task force be formed to study effects of war on the well-being of all military personnel, veterans, contractors, affiliates and their families. In a related memorial, the assembly, encouraged
(card vote) ELCA members, congregations and synods to offer care and support for returning veterans and to help incarcerated veterans access benefits to assist in successful transition upon release. Encouraged synod bishops, candidacy committees and seminaries to make known the need for military chaplains and urged contribution to the ELCA Federal Chaplaincy Ministries Fund for Leaders Scholarship.
More on memorials, including those on clean energy, the doctrine of discovery and refugees, will be posted soon at
LivingLutheran.org or visit
guidebook.com/ guide/38501 and click “Legislative Updates.”
Worship highlight
Kevin Strickland, ELCA executive for worship (left), Eaton and George Edward Battle Jr., senior bishop of the American Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, lead worship on Aug. 11. During the week, worship was in the middle of each day’s events, positioned as the center of the work and heart of the assembly.
20 SEPTEMBER 2016
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52