ELCA General Assembly to Vote on New Sexuality Statement

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will vote on a proposed social statement, "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust," and a Report and Recommendation on Ministry Policies, at its 2009 Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis, 17-23 August 2009. The statement and report were developed by the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality, and recommended by the Church Council in March 2009. If adopted, the statement will "reaffirm [the ELCA’s] welcome of all people regardless of sexual orientation and its commitment to the need for equal protection, equal opportunities, and equal responsibilities…for those with varied sexual orientation and gender identity." If approved, the statement will be published in November 2009.