Council News: Blessing of Same-Gender Unions
Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 at 1:37 pm
Council News: Blessing of Same-Gender Unions
As you are almost certainly aware, the Church Council has been considering for almost a year the question of whether the pastors should be allowed to bless same-gender unions in the context of their pastoral care of members and friends of OSLC.
Using the New England Synod Council’s definition of blessing “as a prayerful invoking of God’s care, mercy, and presence upon a couple for the strengthening of their lifelong promises of love and fidelity,” and heeding the NES Council’s encouragement for a “consultation between pastors and congregational councils prior to the first occasion for a Service of Blessing for the union of a same-gender couple in order to determine congregational policy for such blessings…” [NES Council, December 1, 2006, updated September 20, 2008], the OSLC council has thoughtfully studied this issue.
You may recall that we first studied such blessings under the rubric of the ELCA’s then draft statement on homosexuality in 2003-2004. Second, we have discussed it within the council this past year using a variety of resources. Third, we organized three congregational listening sessions this past summer which were well-attended. And finally, employing both reason and prayer, we have as individuals serving on the council sought insight and guidance in our deliberation.
At our meeting on Monday, October 20, 2008, the council voted eight to three to approve the following resolution:
The Church Council of Our Savior Lutheran Church and Student Center encourages our pastors to use their discretion to counsel and bless all couples seeking God’s presence in their committed relationships. Such blessings include both men and women seeking marriage and same-gender couples seeking committed unions. The pastors and congregation hope to encourage lifelong relationships of Christian love and fidelity.
The minutes from the council meeting will be posted on the bulletin board in the narthex.
It is our hope and prayer that God will continue to work in the hearts, minds and actions of Our Savior Lutheran Church and Student Center as we seek to be faithful and thoughtful followers of Jesus Christ.
In Christ,
Pastors Susan and Michael
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