Christ makes you free.
So if you are free, what are you going to do with all your free time? –Timothy Wengert, Reformation History and Lutheran Confessions Professor at LTSP
Professor Wengert of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia led today’s Bible Study on Galatians (5:1-26). Galatians has been called the Magna Carta for Christian liberty, and was well-loved by Martin Luther. One of Professor Wengert’s question was: if the Galatians were captive to circumcision, and the people of Luther’s day were captive to guilt, how are we captive to sin, and if we are free, in what aspects of our lives is this freedom hard to believe?
Professor Wengert and yesterday’s Bible Study leader, Dr. David Tiede, are both on the ELCA Task Force for Sexuality, so their questions have sought to bring reflection to bear on the issues at hand for our assembly.
There was considerable discussion in both the morning and the afternoon on the Memorials related to sexuality. Bishops spoke on both sides; voting members from the same synods spoke on both sides. A substitute motion to change policy for rostering gay and lesbian pastors did not have enough votes to be put forward. A subsequent substitute motion was moved to allow bishops to exercise restraint in certain cases of pastors who are homosexual and in committed relationships. Time to debate this motion was cut short, and will continue tomorrow.
In action, all amendments to the Social Statement on Education were dealt with, and the statement itself with amendments passed. This newest ELCA Social Statement serves to interpret both public and Lutheran education emerging as a primary vocation from our baptisms.
Three top candidates for secretary made speeches: Michael Cooper-White, current president of the Lutheran Theology Seminary at Gettysburg, Paul Schreck who is the current Executive Assistant to the Secretary, and David Swartling, who is a litigation attorney from the state of Washington. The third ballot was cast, and a later report indicates that the next ballot will be for two, Pastor Schreck and Mr. Swartling.
Approval for the 2008-2009 budget happened without discussion!
We heard reports from the President of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, officers of the Lutheran Youth Organization and the CWA Youth Convo (of which Samantha Claussen of Triumphant Cross in Salem, NH is a part), and the President of the Women of the ELCA.
The rest of our late afternoon and evening were spent celebrating the 20th anniversary of the ELCA and honoring the 20 year service of retiring ELCA secretary Lowell Almen. Accolades were given and a prolonged ovation followed. Lowell Almen said “not many people get the chance to hear their own eulogy!” Pr. Almen received the Servus Dei award, given to those retiring from service to Churchwide.
At a festive banquet back at the hotel, the New England Delegation enjoyed a variety of food, from sausage to salmon, and pierogies to sweet potatoes.
The close of the evening was a delightfully humorous presentation by the Bottle Band of St. Luke’s in Park Ridge, Illinois. Their songs were PDQ-esque, including a number that substituted E-L-C-A for the Village People song Y-M-C-A. The Bottle Band has appeared twice on David Letterman, and utilizes the techniques of blowing, plucking, and banging on bottles filled with various volumes of water. It was hilarious!
After a long day of presentations and debate, this entertainment helped us to release our weariness with laughter.
Tomorrow is our last day of being church in churchwide assembly in 2007!
Tim Keyl
Christ the King Lutheran Church
Nashua, New Hampshire
Christ the King Lutheran Church, 3 Lutheran Drive, Nashua, NH 03063 (603) 882-6142
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