Bishop's Statement about Sexuality Statement Reconsideration

I have been named to the ELCA Human Sexuality Social Statement Reconsiderations Task Force. This task force was mandated by the 2022 Churchwide assembly, with a call to reconsider our 2009 Social Statement on Human Sexuality. That statement redefined the ELCA’s understanding of human sexuality, including allowing for the ordination of LGBTQ persons. In 2009, a key piece of our statement was to hold four different ideas of “bound conscience,” that is, the way a congregation understands Biblical teaching on homosexuality, and how the congregation lives out that understanding. These stances range from full acceptance and celebration of LGBTQ persons to condemnation of any sexual acts outside of heterosexual marriage. Any of the four stances are acceptable in an ELCA congregation. 

This task force has two separate tasks. In the first task, we are to make editorial changes to the 2009 statement, to bring its language up to date with legal language about marriage found in our federal government laws. These editorial changes will come to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly for approval. 

The second point of business is to reconsider the social statement in its entirety for the 2028 Churchwide Assembly. This reconsideration may or may not alter the ELCA’s understanding of human sexuality. Social statements are created after extensive study and inquiry with various groups of people throughout the denomination. The task force does not make these statements from their own wisdom, but rather from the wisdom of people in the pews and pulpits. Any reconsideration would come before the 2028 Churchwide Assembly and must pass by a 2/3 vote. 

It is important for everyone to understand: this denomination is not going to insist on rostered leaders or congregations performing same-gender marriages in the coming months or even years. I know there is a rumor that the ELCA is just about to make this change. That is simply not the case. There will be no policy changes for at least four years, and even then, we do not know where the Spirit will lead us, as a task force, or as a denomination. 

The most painful part of this work is knowing in 2009, with the welcome of LGBTQ, many people felt this church was no longer for them. Other people, LGBTQ folks and their allies, celebrated that this church had finally made a place for them. Obviously, the 2009 decision made it possible for me to be ordained and to become bishop. I have very strong and happy feelings about this decision, but I know it came with a lot of struggle and many relationships were broken by this process. 

No matter what, I ask for this church to stand against hate of any kind. The world is suffering from so much discord and violence. I believe the church has a unique and critical role in speaking for love and justice in this time. I will work for a loving process on this task force. 

There are a lot of questions about what this task force is called to do. Many of your questions may be answered here. Please pray for the work of the church, on this task force and so many others who are trying to create the church of the future. 

Bishop Brenda Bos