[lightman]

We all know where this is going, don’t we? ELCA provides the example.

Not exactly...the key difference as I quoted in bold in the initial post is that the African churches are part of the voters of this Conference.

Or, put another way, would the ELCA have been able to vote as it did by a razor thin margin if the Voting Members in Minneapolis had included Tanzanians and Ugandans?

I don't know whether the votes require a simple majority or supermajority...my memory is hazy but I believe ammending the Book of Discipline requires 2/3. Since the Africans are unlikely to vote to remove the "incompatible with Christian teaching" language the only chance for change would be if every single US delegate voted to amend. Unlikely.

[gogeo]

If a supermajority, then I predict that the 'reformers' will either call alittle vote every conference until they win, then declare the matter settled...or withdraw.

I recognize the weaselwords, as I'm sure do you. I think it likely that they'll allow each congregation/area to set their own policy. That means it will be optional...until it becomes mandatory.