Your Voice is Needed! ELCA Engages in Reconsideration Process for Human Sexuality Gift and Trust Social Statement
In 2022, the Churchwide Assembly authorized two reconsiderations of the Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust (2009) social statement:
Reconsideration #1: A review of specific text references that “would consider the import that marriage legally is now a covenant between individuals;” review specific wording “in light of public acceptance of marriage of same-gender and gender-non-conforming couples;” and “consider references to diversity of family configurations;” and
Reconsideration #2: A fresh consideration of the “church’s current concept of the four positions of bound conscience” found on pages 19-21 of Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust.
In Spring 2024, the ELCA Church Council Executive Committee seated a task force to lead work on both reconsiderations. The task force represents a diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
The first reconsideration process was completed at the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Edits to Section IV were amended and adopted by a two-thirds vote (724-46). The task force has now started the process for the second reconsideration. Resources related to the reconsideration will be made available throughout the process. As with the first reconsideration, the task force will provide a draft statement for public feedback.
The task force is asking congregations to review the two reconsiderations, and then participate in a survey to provide feedback. As we read through the Bound Conscience positions, we came to the conclusion that at Gloria Dei, we fully welcome, embrace, celebrate, accept, etc. into the full life of the congregation all God’s people, especially our LGBTQIA+ siblings. For us, we concluded, that “bound conscience” does not reflect our collective stance as a congregation, and feel it does not go far enough to bear into full community all God’s people. We also recognized that other congregations are not where Gloria Dei is. Indeed, Gloria Dei leads the ELCA in many ways as it relates to LGBTQIA+ inclusion - as evidenced by our Reconciling in Christ status, which we celebrate and claim. A phrase which was often repeated is “We know who we are, and we reaffirm that identity.” Therefore, we felt the study materials provided by Churchwide for this process did not pertain to Gloria Dei, as we are already ahead of “the curve,” and continue to be progressive in this way.
All of that being said, however, it is still important for us as a congregation to lend our voice to this conversation. Please take time to browse the class materials, refresh your memory regarding the Human Sexuality Gift and Trust statement (click the bookmark to be taken to the highlighted Bound Conscience positions), and then take this survey.