Free Republic

Compared to the last several ELCA churchwide assemblies, the Orlando 2011 assembly was in some respects uneventful. There were very few con- troversial and heated discussions. The assembly overwhelmingly approved all recommendations from the churchwide organization, including all of the amendments to the constitution that make it more difficult for congregations to disaffiliate with the ELCA. The lack of controversy may account for far fewer visitors or con- gregational observers this year. There appeared to be at most about two dozen people seated in the congregational observers section, propably at least less than half the number at the last several...

With very little controversy, the ELCA Churchwide Assembly met August 15-19 in Orlando. The assembly overwhelmingly approved all rec- ommendations from the churchwide organization, including all of the amendments to the constitution that would make it more difficult for con- gregations to disaffiliate from the ELCA. Also approved were the anti- bullying legislation proposed by Lutherans Concerned/North America, the proposed genetics social statement, and the LIFT (Living into the Future Together) ELCA reorganization plan. Memorials from South Carolina, South Dakota, and Western Iowa re- questing the ELCA rescind the 2009 sexuality decisions were not brought to the floor for discussion....