According to the ELCA’s The Lutheran and other sources, at approximately 6:00 p.m. the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America voted 66.67% in favor of Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust, its social statement on sexuality that affirms same-sex relationships. A vote on ministry expectations and standards, i.e., whether clergy living in “committed” same-sex relationships may remain on the ELCA’s church roster, is forthcoming.
In other news, a tornado damaged nearby Central Lutheran Church (ELCA). Noted the Minneapolis Star-Tribune:
Central Lutheran Church in downtown had an old copper steeple damaged, and two tents used for entertaining also were struck. One was blown into the street and the other was collapsed, said church spokesman Joe Bjordal. The tents were set up in connection with the national gathering of about 2,000 at the Evangelical Church in America at the Convention Center. “We’re thankful that nobody was hurt,” Bjordal said.
According to its Web site, Central was to host a special Eucharist for pro-GLBT organizations Lutherans Concerned North America and Goodsoil, both of which have been strong advocates for the full inclusion of gays, lesbians, bi-sexual, and transsexual/transgendered person in the life of the church.
The tornado also damaged the roof of the Minneapolis Convention Center where the Assembly is meeting and a south-city music store called the Electric Fetus.
The tornado, however, is not being called an “act of God.”
