It took me forever to figure out how to get online...but here we go. Last evening, in what can often be the most boring part of a church assembly, there was the issue of whether or not the votes for teh ministry recommendations would have to have a 'super-majority' in order to pass. This had to be ironed out before the Assembly could really go on with the rules that would cover the whole week of Assembly action. Though the vote on these four recommendations is not due until Friday of this week - the "rules" must be set. I once again simply admire the way Bishop Mark Hanson presides at these meetings. What a gracious presence. He is able to work his way through the almost "legal" working of Robert's Rules and he is also able to listen, respect, honor, and show no bias when people are presenting their arguments. One example of his leadership was the simple ability to remind the Assembly of the limits of his role and that the decisions were to be made by the body. He was always able to demonstrate that presence - a leader.
Back to the 'super majority' issue. The ELCa church council had already made the decision that the vote on the ministry recommendations about Gay and Lesbians in the church and as rostered leaders and in committed relationship would be decided by a simple majority. This was being contested. As the voting members were taking part in the arguments and discussions, it was quite clear that this vote could be a precurser to how the votes later in the week would go. As it turned out, the motion to change the voting procedures to a 'super majority' was defeated (approximately 42% for the 'super majority' and 58% for a simple majority as recommended by the Church council. As it turned out, another vote dealing with other procedural issues around this vote again was decided by a vote of the same percentage.
What could this mean? Well anything could happen. Then again, it may mean that when the ELCA votes on ministry recommendation, we may see the ELCA passing the recommendations by this kind of percentage. For those of us in the room who would like to see the ELCA step into this new way of seeing ourselves together, there was a bit of excitement in the room...but as I always say, let's wait until the vote is complete.
This morning as I talked with someone who is very much opposed to such new directions in the ELCA (and he voted and spoke in favor of the super majority), he said that it looks like we will be going in a new direction and that it will take some deliberate work with some congregations in every Synod to make the best of our future.
Several points in the argument around the 'super majority' were quite good. One that was repeated several times was that in 1970 when the ALC voted for the inclusion of women in the clergy, the church in many countries were lifted up as a concern...they would not stay in relationship to us...it would slow down if not end ecumenical relationships - all repeated almost verbatim today. Well, the vote on women was a simple majority...and we are blessed by that historic vote. It was also noted that a 'super majority' is never used for such issues. It has it's place in the functioning of the ELCA constitution and to move for such change of voting policy over this issue could send the message that we are always willing to set aside the rules by which we govern the ELCA whenever the a hot-button issuse arises among us.
Well, that enough for now. Christ's peace! pastoral
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