Session II Highlights
Nominating Committee Report
Report from Presiding Bishop
Book of Faith Church
Not a dying church - holy spirit leads our work
Another subtle warning for those who wish to leave the church
Need more persons of color
Reduce poverty locally
Fair and just immigration reform
Healthcare reform
HIV and AIDS funding
LMI-Luther Malaria Initiative
Completely green CWA 2013
Social statement for women
Reduce religious extremists in the world
Jerusalem should be a shared city
Human Sexuality - a very participatory process over last eight years
First presentation of the budget
Presentation of HIV and AIDS strategy. Raise $10MM over the next three years. Our catch phrase will be that the ELCA will be HIVA positive (meaning that we are taking actions).
Presentation of Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust - one of the key points was around the idea of bound conscience. This is the plan for keeping the church from dividing over the issue. The idea is that even though there is disagreement on the subject we should respect each other no matter how we view the issues. Bishop Hanson said there would be 60 minutes of a quasi committee of the whole. The speeches were passionate on both sides.
This afternoon and tonight there are hearings on the various issues. Unfortunately the Middle East and Human Sexuality are at the same time this afternoon. I plan to attend the ministry policy hearing tonight after dinner.
