“Church is Society: A Lutheran Perspective,” is the first social statement adopted by the ELCA and both calls congregations to be communities of moral deliberation and provides foundational perspective on the role of social statements in the life of this church.

“Talking Together as Christians about Tough Social Issues,” provides guidance and a curriculum for cultivating the sort of conversation and community life that facilitate the moral deliberation discussed in the social statement and which also honors one another’s deep, differing commitments and conscience.

Read the final versions of the four adopted Recommendations on Ministry Policy.

ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson’s concluding message.

Read a summary of actions regarding the social statement and its recommendations, prepared by the Office of Bishop Stuck, August 2009.

Response to "Lutherans in Search of a Church," by Rev. Dr. William Gafkjen, Bishop-Elect, Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA; July 2010

Reflections on the ELCA Churchwide Assembly and the Bible
The Rev. Dr. Timothy J. Wengert

In The Aftermath: Reflections Following the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, by Dr. David Yeago

The Bible, The Church, and Faithful Discernment, by Dr. Brian Peterson

A Life Worthy of our Calling, a sermon by Bishop Herman R. Yoos

FAQs About Recent ELCA Decisions by Peter Keyel

Welcoming in the Gentiles: A Biblical Model for Decision Making

The Bible and Our Ethics: A Discussion with Ralph W. Klein

Books to read:

The Gospel of Grace: Tools for building a positive understanding of the Bible, by Dr. Mark Wickstrom
This book is about the process of deciding how we determine our use of any particular biblical text. It gives, “A way of understanding how two people can use the same book to justify conflicting opinions.” Each chapter concludes with exercises and questions which will help small groups interact with the scriptures and with one another. Chapter seven includes several case studies including one which looks at the issue of homosexuality and the scriptures.

Making Sense of Scripture: Big Questions about the Book of Faith, by David J. Lose
This study is a beginning course which addresses questions like “How is the Bible the word of God?” and “What kind of authority does the Bible hold?” It is written in an easy to use format, with questions and answers at the heart of each chapter. This book/study would be helpful for Sunday school classes, Bible Studies and other congregational small groups.

Download a two-page bulletin insert about the social statement and its recommendations.

We ask that you continue to pray for our Church and its congregations, pastors and bishops, and for one another as we find ways to “bear one another’s burdens.”

Please remember that as we continue to work to build up the body of Christ, we are committed to moving forward in mission.

Trusting in God and one another,

Bishop Jim Stuck