A Live Blog from the SD Synod Assembly

I am sitting in the back of the Elmen Center on the campus of Augustana College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We are just getting into the whole business of discussing and passing resolutions. There is palpable tension in this room of 749 people (by the most recent official count). I do not have my neat packet of red, green, and white cards - as I am a visitor here working with the youth delegates. Instead of readying my voting cards, I'm at a table in the back labeled Advisory/Visitor, listening and trying to type fast enough to do this live blog. We are, of course, talking about the ELCA Proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality. Resolution 6, which is in discussion, seeks to reject the statement and affirm current teaching documents.

Opposed to resolution

"...I urge you not to support resolution number 6. This is not the first time the Christian Church has wrestled with asking What does God want us to do?....I think we really need to wrestle with a new vision here..."

In favor of Resolution

"...This decision will have serious repercussions, not only within the ELCA, but will have serious repercussions with our ecumenical relationships across the world and with other Lutherans..."

Opposed to resolution

"...we realize these people [the people who differ with our opinion on that issue] are also making their decisions based on study of the bible...The social statement says we respect one another and we honor one another, we just can't agree on this....it is a truthful and faithful document as to where we stand right now..."

In favor of Resolution

"...our culture today is duping millions into thinking that our fundamental identity is our sexuality...our fundamental identity is a child of God..."

Opposed to resolution

"...I wonder how many people who are opposed to to passing any homosexual have ever known any homosexual person enough to say more than their name and their sexual preferences?...we have gotten to know each and realize we are the same sinful people..."

In favor of Resolution

"...I have struggled with this issue for close to 35 years...it has left me in an awkward place...it [the sexuality statement] does not give me guidance on sexuality for my children...it does not help me help others in discernment..."

Opposed to resolution

"...Scholars who read carefully agree that we cannot agree...we are not of one mind, Biblical scholars are not of one mind, as to how to interpret the Biblical text..."

Opposed to resolution

"...We're not ready, I don't know if we'll ever be ready because we do not agree. Resolution 6 will cut 1/4 of our members off...and hurt our ability to minister to each other..."

Bishop Dave Zellmer: "There is a division of the house." [hand count follows by elections committee]

[brief break to look at photos of synod staff's grandchildren and check out some parliamentary procedure details]

"green 362, red 238, abstentions 12"

Resolution 6 is carried.