Reflections on NCC's Proposed Resolution

In the recent (April) issue of The Forum, a publication of the Synod of Alberta and the Territories, various individuals provided their reflections on the National Church Council's resolution that will come before the 2007 National Convention - a resolution which would give synods the option to make decisions on matters such as the blessing of same-sex unions and the ordination of pastors in such relationships. Included in this issue is an article (page 5) by Rosalynn Tubbe entitled "An Eastern Layperson's Perspective". According to Rosalynn, "Those who haven't yet confronted the current divisive matters will soon have to decide where they stand." "Same-Sex Blessings - Two Year Later" (page 4) provides the perspective of Robert Schmidt who is a lay member of the National Church Council, representing the Synod of Alberta and the Territories. Robert concludes his article saying, "The ELCIC must respect and comply with its own Constitution and doctrine; and as long as the Constitution and Social Statement (on Sex Marriage and the Family) remain in effect, in their current form, synods cannot be granted the authority to bless same-sex relationships". With respect to the latter, one has to wonder about the willingness of National Church Council to act in accordance with the church's constitution and teaching. Contributing to such concern are the actions of the Council at its recent January meeting (see page 3 of January minutes). At that meeting the following amendment to the motion to come before the 2007 National Convention was proposed: "That all synodical mission strategies and ways to minister to people who live in a committed same-sex relationship must be in accordance with the ELCIC mission, by-laws, constitution and the current social statement(s) on human sexuality". Astonishingly, the NCC rejected this amendment! In doing so, the Council, in essence, rejected the proposition that the ELCIC should respect and comply with its constitution and statements of church doctrine.