There were a number of amendments offered to "perfect" the social statement. Here is an example to let you know what the future direction of the ELCA "might be".
Original wording:
The historic Christian tradition and the Lutheran Confessions have taught and recognized marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman, reflecting Mark 10:6-9:....
The amendment read:
The historic Christian tradition and the Lutheran Confessions teach and recognize marriage as a normative, lifelong covenant between a man and a woman, reflecting Mark 10::6-9:...
The good news is that the amendment passed, but the worrisome news is that 428 members voted against the amendment. That means they either have a problem accepting Lutheran confessions to be used as teachings today or they have a problem with the wording normative, lifelong.
On Thursday the voting members will take up the implementing resolutions. This is where some of the more difficult wording will be. You might want to read these resolutions at the back of the human sexuality social statement. It involves things like the development of teaching materials, "developing educational curricula with particular attention to the needs of children, middle school, high school youth, and their parents for understanding Christian values and making responsible choices.
