12/4/09 Bishop Aitken's Reflections 

 

So, how are we doing with post-Churchwide Assembly reactions and responses to votes concerning the sexuality issues? To date, we've had three congregations in the Northeastern Minnesota Synod that have taken votes on leaving the ELCA over the decisions made at the Assembly in August. All three of those failed to get enough votes to leave. I know of five other congregations that are seriously discussing this possibility. There could be more. I have personally spoken at three congregations, and no doubt will be speaking at the others as time goes by. What have I observed? I've seen that there is no consensus in these congregations, just as there was not in our church overall.  
At the congregational meetings I've attended, there have been comments both for and against the way we voted at the Churchwide Assembly. For the most part, folks have been polite, respectful, and decent at the meetings I've been at. This says something good about our church as a whole - and reflects my observance of the way folks behaved at the Assembly in Minneapolis. Here is what I think is important to remember: people are talking! People are talking not only about gay and lesbian issues, but they are talking about Scripture and how we interpret it. They are talking about what to do with the very real, and honest differences we have concerning how we approach Scripture, theology, and the meaning of "church" itself.  
From my perspective, our ELCA is engaging in the good Lutheran question, "What does this mean?" - and that cannot be a bad thing for us. Remember, the Lutheran church was born out of both a church and a university. "What does this mean?" should be our ongoing question as we journey with the risen Christ through life. Why should this period of time be any different? So let's continue to talk, to pray for one another, to respect one another, to bear the burden of being a church that allows for questions.

Carry on with the Gospel, Bishop Thomas M. Aitken, NEMN Syno