RESOLUTION #3:
To Memorialize the Churchwide Assembly
Concerning Human Sexuality

PASSED

SPONSORS:
Atonement Lutheran Church, Newport
Carol Baker, John Baker, Alice McCain, Bruce McCain, Pastor Ed Milliken, Alan Paulsen, Daniel Roumagoux, Sandra Roumagoux;

Central Lutheran Church, Portland
Central Lutheran Church Council, Pastor Brian Brandt, Sarah Carolus, Vicky Charlston, Karen Jolly, Paul Jolly, the Rev. Solveig Nilsen-Goodin;

Creator Lutheran Church, Clackamas
Tamara Amick, Pastor Dayle Askey, Gretchen Brauer-Rieke, Kelly Carlisle, Nancy Carlisle, Craig Edberg, Janice Edberg, Sara Gross, Toni Hartung, Debra Hibbs, Kim Hyder, Linda Kruse, David Lee, Karin Maier, Diane Mattox, Ann Miles, Laura Miller, Michelle Miller, Joel Mobley, Sue Mobley, Susan Nolte, Peter Overvold, Randy Peterson, Shirley Peterson, Samantha Petshow, Gary Schulstad, Mary Schulstad, Larry Sink, Mary Steinberg;

First Immanuel Lutheran Church, Portland
First Immanuel Lutheran Church Council, Pastor Aaron Couch, Pastor Melinda Wagner;

Mission of the Atonement, Beaverton
The Steering Team 2008-2009, Jennifer Bash, Christie Bernklau Halvor, Dave Bernklau Halvor, Jabke Buesseler, Pastor Laurie Larson Caesar, Mica Coffin, Chad Darby, Lois Delcambre, Mary Follen, Marie Gettel-Gilmartinv, Michael Gettel-Gilmartin, Bill Howell, Judith Howell, Benneth Husted, Mike Maidl, Ngare Maidl, Carol Marshall, Lara Minor, John McSwigan, William Parry, Christopher Predeek, Mary Smalley, Eileen Sorensen, Joan Spearing, Fliegle Walters;

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Hood River
Audrey Bentz, AIM, the Rev. Myrin Bentz, Pastor Andy Wendle;

Redeemer Lutheran Church, Portland
Redeemer Lutheran Church Council, Paul Fox, Ted Gleichman, Pastor Melissa Reed, Viola Webb;

St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Beaverton
Lawrence Bliesner, Patricia Christiansen, Steve Grover, Judy Guist, Pastor Robyn Hartwig, Paul Navarre, Suzanne Warnes;

St. James Lutheran Church, Portland
Keith Amundson, the Rev. William Arbaugh, Carol Auger, the Rev. Dr. Jules Auger, Valarie Brown, Charlotte Cook, Kirky Doblie, Ann Fruechte, W. R. Grogan, Gerry Grover, Myron Grover, Julia C. Hatch, Michelle Kisinger, Donald Nielsen, Judy Nielsen, Linda Rickert, Shirley Roggen, Harriett Stevens, Stan Stevens, L.W. Strand, Lynda Strand, Ann Tohlen, Charles Tohlen, George Zoesch;

Scott Brazieal, Enterbeing Director, Portland;
Pastor Aimee Bruno, King of Kings Lutheran Church, Milwaukie;
Pastor Scott Dunfee, St. Stephen Lutheran Church, Gladstone;
Pastor Jim Flachsbart, St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Portland (interim);
The Rev. Dawn Gregg, Springfield Lutheran Church, Springfield (on leave);
Laurie Hackney, Christ the King Lutheran Church, Milton-Freewater;
Pastor Katherine Hellier, First Lutheran Church, St. Helens (interim)
Pastor Tom Hiller, Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Portland;
Pastor David Knapp, St. Luke Lutheran Church, Portland;
Pastor Mark Knutson, Augustana Lutheran Church, Portland;
Pastor Ron Nitz, Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church, Portland (former);
Ron Pittman, Trinity Lutheran Church, McMinnville.

WHEREAS dating back seventeen years to 1992, the Oregon Synod has repeatedly spoken against discrimination of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people and in favor of full inclusion in ELCA congregations; and
WHEREAS in 2005 the Oregon Synod voted to become a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) synod that intentionally welcomes gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people in the life of the synod; and
WHEREAS the Task Force for ELCA Studies in Sexuality has earnestly studied and struggled with these matters for eight years, and their work models and invites mutually respectful dialogue about sexuality throughout this church; and

WHEREAS the proposed Social Statement powerfully proclaims this church’s teachings on trust, love, and service to the neighbor as the proper foundation of sexuality, while honestly recognizing that there is no consensus regarding same-gender relationships or the rostered ministry of people in them; and

WHEREAS the ELCA Church Council, at its March 2009 meeting, voted by an overwhelming margin to recommend to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly the proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality, its implementing resolutions, and a Recommendation on Ministry Policies; and

WHEREAS the Recommendation on Ministry Policies allows a way to maintain a uniform standard and process for candidacy and call throughout this church while respecting the bound consciences of all; and

WHEREAS many people believe that the time has come for both those in this church who support publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous same-gender relationships and those who oppose them to join together in creating a means to continue living together faithfully in the midst of disagreement; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED that the Oregon Synod, meeting in Assembly, memorialize the 2009 Churchwide Assembly as
follows:

1. To adopt the proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality and its implementing resolutions, as recommended by the ELCA Church Council.

2. To adopt the four parts of the proposed Recommendation on Ministry Policies, as recommended by the ELCA Church Council.