There’s a saying in Geneva. “There are no permanent friends, only permanent interests.” –Dr. Ishmael Noko, Lutheran World Federation
Dr. Noko provided a counter to the above statement in his address to the assembly today by pointing out that through the ELCA’s Department for Global Mission, the Division for Church in Society, and the ELCA’s Companionship Synods, we are saying that there are permanent friends.
Partnerships in mission, ministry, and service were the order for the day. Bishop Mounib Younan, of New England’s Companion Synod the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Holy Land and Jordan, heartily thanked Bishop Hanson and the ELCA for our accompaniment with and advocacy for Palestinian Christians. He said he is often asked, “how can we help?” His response is 1) to support education, as the ELCJ-HL schools promote tolerance and mutual understanding; 2) to engage in prophetic interfaith dialog (the Al Raja Dancers are still marveling about their experience in New England during the 2006 Global Mission Event in Massachusetts); and 3) to secure the continuity of Christianity in the Middle East (currently less than 2% of the population. Bishop Younan concluded his remarks by saying, “I have no hope in politics or politicians, but I do have hope in the living Lord and your accompaniment!” Our companion bishop got rousing applause and a standing ovation.
We heard from many other partners with the ELCA, from the World Hunger Appeal, Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, the Lutheran World Federation, the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches in the USA, and from our full communion partners, the Moravian Church, the Reformed Churches, and the Episcopal Church. Many responded to how their churches are “dwelling in the Word,” as the ELCA is renewing its understanding and appreciation for the gift of the Scriptures.
We took action on the World Hunger Appeal recommendation, and continued deliberation on the Memorials related to Sexuality. The Memorials related to blessings of same-sex partnerships were referred to the Task Force on Sexuality. The Memorials related to rostered leaders who are same gender in committed relationship got significant discussion and procedural maneuvering. Though the recommendation of Reference and Counsel is to refer to the Task Force on Sexuality, a substitute motion was put on the floor to change policy. While the debate to support the substitute motion alternated with the motion to refer, the orders for the day ended debate for the day without a vote.
After the second ballot for ELCA Secretary was cast, the top seven candidates were to be introduced. Since the seventh was tied with the eighth, we heard from eight candidates who had 90 seconds each to respond to three questions. Tomorrow morning we will cast the third ballot.
A bit of time was spent by the voting members filling in circles next to those nominated for positions of service at the Churchwide level, those to serve on committees that relate to a variety of units.
A very pleasant evening was spent sharing a meal with our partner ELCA Synod the Southeast Minnesota Synod. Its bishop, Huck Usgaard, had an unexpected heart procedure last week and is unable to attend the assembly. Bishop Margaret prayed for him during table grace. Margaret noted that our partner synod is famous for “Minnesota niceness,” the home of the Hormel product SPAM (Austin, MN), and the renowned Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN).
Two more days in the Windy City, continuing to be the church in assembly. May the Spirit guide our continuing prayer and decision-making!
Tim Keyl
Christ the King Lutheran Church
Nashua, New Hampshire
Christ the King Lutheran Church, 3 Lutheran Drive, Nashua, NH 03063 (603) 882-6142
If you have problems with this web page contact:
webmaster@ctknashua.org
