Lutheran Assembly: Neils Motion Decisively Defeated

Recommendation 2,[on the blessing of same-sex unions] of course, was the first real issue. First amendment to be taken up was that by Grand Canyon Synod Bp. Michael Neils, which would give permission for congregations to authorize their pastors to perform same-sex blessings. In the course of the discussion, more than thirty voting members spoke. Bp. Hanson presided with skill and fairness, with one significant exception which we’ll get out of the way first: in the midst of the discussion, he observed that two of the “resource persons” with voice but not vote wished to speak—the two being Ralph Klein of LSTC and former PB Herb Chilstrom—and he asked the house’s permission to allow them to speak, which of course the house granted. But then he slotted them in as if they were “neutral resources” when in fact each of them gave speeches which were very specifically in favor of the Neils substitute. This amounted to two “extra” speeches in favor of the motion. What Bp. Hanson should have done, in my opinion, was either to ask them to stand in line at the mic like anyone else (the most appropriate thing) or, realizing that they were not offering “expertise” but making speeches for the motion, he should have called it a speech in favor and then called on a speaker against. I’m not willing to say that this was a deliberate ploy on the bishop’s part, but it was definitely not a fair ruling.

The speeches were pretty much what one would expect. Some told emotional stories. Some bounded the Bible. Some addressed procedural questions. I thought one interesting point was made by a Pennsylvania layman: if this is approved, every pastor is hung out to dry, forced to make his or her own decision with no support from bishop or church. Of course the other side of that coin is Bp. Chilstrom’s plea to allow pastors to make their own decisions in their own situations. (He got a laugh when he referred to synod bishops as “walking declarations of independence.”)

After a debate that seemed to go on quite a bit longer than necessary, the assembly was up against the worship hour. The previous question was moved and approved, and the vote was taken: The Neils substitute lost, 334 to 665. A couple of procedural motions set a 20-minute limit on debate on further substitutes and amendments (but not the main motion), and the Assembly adjourned for worship.

So count 334 as the votes available for the most “radical” proposal. This supports the view that Recommendation 3 is going to have tough sledding. When the Assembly returns after lunch, the next amendment up is that of Robert Benne, which would express the Assembly’s view that “solemnizing and blessing of sexual unions is a rite of the church to be reserved for the marriage of a man and a woman.” My guess is that this one will have trouble getting a majority, and that the Assembly will opt for the ambiguity of the task force report; but that’s only a guess, I have no strong evidence for it.

One delightful moment this morning took place when someone protested that the transcription for the hearing impaired had talked about “rights” rather than “rites.” The bishop explained that the transcriber had to rely on phonetics, and that she was doing a fantastic job—which she is; far better than most of the people who do this on national television. The Assembly applauded. The running text commented, “I thank you!” It was a needed moment of relief.

Nearly real time Assembly news from Lutherlink, mispellings theirs, not mine:

To: 2005 CWA IN ORLANDO (Add to your address book)
From: MIM WOOLBERT (Add to your address book)
Date: 08/12/05 13:37 CDT
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Plenary #9, part 1

Continuing with Sexuality Second recommendation:

Second Substitute
that ELCA "elieves the solemnizing and blessikng of sexal uions is a
rite of the church to be reserved for the marriage of a man and a woman.

After 20 minutes of discussion, motion failed 418-581.

-----

Third - an amendment, not a substitution, to add "other than the blessing
of unions" to sentence ends: "trust pastors and congregations to discern
ways *other than the blessing of unions* to provide faithful pastoral care
to same-sex couples."

Before discussion, someone moved all questions before the house, which
would close all discussion on this amendment, then on the main motion.
Motion failed 503-485 so it failed to achieve two-thirds.

At the end of the 20 minutes of discussion, amendment failed 415-580.

-----

Fourth - amendment to resolution #2 - after the bord"the guiance of the
1992 statement of the Conference of Bishops" in the first resolved, add:
"Which is received as a statement of advice to congregatiolns and pastors,
and therefore shall not be used as grounds for discipline in the church."

Question was called after about 10 minutes of debate.

Amendment failed 382-612

------

Five: To amendby substitution: "For all to whom they minister" for the
words "to same-sex couples."

Amendment passed 491-484

(They're getting impatient; again, queston was called after only a few
minutes of debate.)

------

Six - to remove the end of the second resolve in column 2 (after listing
of
the years CWA resolutions have affirmed welcome): Words to be removed are
"and trust pastors and congregatons to discern ways to provide faithful
pastoral care to same-sex couples.

Amendment was withdrawn by the maker, since previous action negated the
necessity.

Plenary #9, part 2

The main motion as amended.

Question for a biblical scholar to define "blessing."
(I missed the explanation because lightning strike caused a brief
blackout but it was recorded and broadcast ...)

Question called after only about 10 minutes again.

Bishop Larson called to silent prayer before the vote

Recommendation #2 passed 670-323

Latest Churchwide Assembly news: “Recommendation # 3 is DEFEATED!!!”

Message #249
Subject: PLENARY #9, PART 3
To: 2005 CWA IN ORLANDO
From: MIM WOOLBERT
Date: 08/12/05 15:15 CDT

Plenary #9, part 3

One person made a motion to reconsider #2; Bishop Hanson put that off
until
Recommendation #3 has been dealt with, and then assembly will be asked if
it wishes to recall #2 for reconsideration.

This was to have been a night off at the Magic Kingdom and I understand
about 300 people had signed up for that trip. It's now 3:00 and
Resolution
#3 has eight substitutions and amendments ...

Recommendationm #3

First proposed change:
Thatthere be no policy barrier to rostered service for otherwise
qualified persons n same-gender, covenanted relationships that are
"mutual,
chaste and faithful," and that the appropriate churchwide unit, in
consultation with the Cnference of Bishops and through action of the
Church
Councik accordikngly revise "Viksion and Exp;ections," "Definitin and
Guidelines for Discipline" and all other related documents governikng
policy and practice on the matter.

Requires two-thirds. Failed 374-617
------

Second proposed change:

That congregations that choose to call or not call ... candidates ...
shall both be seen as beinkg faithful to the word of God, and that the
appropriate churchwide unit effect such modificatikolns as may be
necessary
to bring the policies and practices of this church into confirmity with
this action by the April 2006 Church Council meeting.
------

Motion to allow Anita Hill to speak defeated 306-688.

Motion to recess until the house is cleared and only votng members be
allowed to be seated. Recess can be dealt with now, but second part is a
change of order, so will have to be dealt with when reconvened. Motion to
recess defeated. Back to Anita Hill motion.

Motion to extend the boundaries of the assembly to allow visitors to stand
in front of the stage in silent witness. Failed 350-601. (Goodsoil was
engaged in a silent demonstration.)

Bishop Hanson has asked the visitors to move back to the visitors' section
twice, but is willing to keep the debate going despite their attention.

Motion to suspend all discussion related to human sexuality decisions for
the remainder of this session; continue with other business and come back
to Recommendation #3 Saturday. failed 357-619

Hanson's motion expressing disappointment that guests have ignored the
rules of the house and resume discussion of Reclution #2, second proposed
change: passed 869-117
------

Back to second proposed change:

Resolution read.

Motion to close debate on this and all matters before the house, which
would also close debate on Resolution #3: failed 461-511

Question called, which would end debate only on this substitute - passed
872-106

Second proposed change failed 297-681
------

Third proposed change:

That the assembly express complete confidence and trust in synodical
bishops, councils and dandidacy committees to apply policies and practices
of this church regarding candidacy, ordination, consecration,
commissioning
and mobility of its rostered leaders appropriately.

Maker withdrew motion.
------

Fourth proposed change:

Amend #3, Part 3, 7.31.18 after the phrase "a synodical bishop shall' in
the first complete sentence of the first paragraph, delete the phrase
"seek
an exception from the Conference of Bishops"; in the sentence starting
with "likewise," delete the phrase "seek through the Conference of Bishops
to"; delete the word "to" before "maintain"; and make tjhe same chamnge
sin 7.52.16.

Requires two-thirds.

Fourth proposed change failed 369-617

-----

Fifth proposed change:

Amend part 3, 7.31.18 after the phrase "a synodical bishop shall" in the
first complete sentence of the first paragraph, remove the following
phrase
"seek an exception from the Conference of Bishops" and insert "consult
with the presiding bishop," and in the sentence starting with "likewise,"
delete the phrase "seek through the Conference of Bishops' and insert
"consult with the presiding bishop," and make the same change sin 7.52.16.

Requires two-thirds: failed 367-617

-----

Sixth proposed change:

Amend Part 5 of Recommendation #3 by adding "by April 30, 2006" after
7.52.16

Requires majority passed 499-482

-----

Seventh proposed change:

Remove paragraphs 2-6 under "resolved" and replace by:

2. Acknowledge the broad spectrum of points of view and deeply held
beliefs of members of our congregations regarding the ordination of
homosexual persons n same-sex, committed relatonships and the absence, as
yet, of a social statement upon which to base a change in current policy;
3. Commit to continued study and dialogue, and to a process for changing
policy in response to churchwide-adopted social statements.

Requires majority failed 184-808

-----

Move to extend the session until all matters related to sexuality
recommendations and ecumenical guests have been heard.

Majority required: passed 838-138

-----

Eighth proposed change:

Resolved that the 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assemblycontinue to accept the
standards for rostered leaders in "Vision and Expectations" and
"Definitions and Guidelines' and call for their fair and consistent
application for all rostered leaders of the ELCA.

Requires majority. Failed 444-535

-----

Back to Recommendation #3 as amended:

Assembly had voted not to have it read at the beginning of the session

Question was called immediately -

Bishop Roy Riley led silent prayer

Recommendation #3 as amended failed 490-503

House reminded not to show any emotion, no matter the outcome.

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