background and talking points for hearings on Draft Social Statement From Tim Fisher, LCNA Administration

Dear RIC Team Trainees and Friends of Lutherans Concerned/North America:

The hearings on the Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality have begun.

Commenting on the Draft Social Statement in the press, Bishop Peter Strommen, head of the task force that created it, said that this was only a draft social statement, that the last social statement, the one on education that was passed at the last churchwide assembly, was changed 40% by the comment process. 40%. Take a look at the draft social statement (www.elca.org/faithfuljourney) to see what 40% you would like to see changed, look to see what 40% you want left as it is, and understand that there are those out there who want to keep what you want changed and to change what you want to keep. They are sure to comment.

Don't cross your fingers, hoping this will turn out ok. Uncross your fingers, put them to a keyboard or on a pen and send the Task Force your comments. Tell them what you like: tell them the truth unfolded from the Gospel that you see in the document. Tell them to leave it in. Tell them what you would like changed so that the whole document becomes one with that truth. Use the form provided. Go to
www.elca.org/faithfuljourney/draft and you can even do it online.

Find out when the hearing is in your synod; go to it. Speak up.

It is extremely important that ELCA members supportive of the full inclusion of LGBT people attend and speak. The results of the process of hearings will rely heavily on our willingness and ability to take the time and sum up the courage to engage that process at every level. The hearings at Synod Assemblies and at other times in your synod will provide critical opportunities for LGBT Lutherans, our families, allies, and advocates to speak and be heard. If we do not speak, we leave the discussion to those who would talk about us rather than with us.

It is important all voices be heard so that the resulting feedback is more representative and produces a more consistent social statement recognizing the faithful vocations of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in all aspects of the life of the church.

There are over 90 hearings scheduled throughout the ELCA. Please go to the following link to see the full list: www.elca.org/faithfuljourney/synods/

See below for talking points and other background information. You may share these, but please do so only with those whom you know to be supportive of the full inclusion of LGBT people in the life of the ELCA. If you need us to send you the talking points in another format, please write to admin@lcna.org.

If you are planning on attending a hearing, please drop us a line to let us know, and include your name and what synod you are in. You can respond to admin@lcna.org. Also, it would be great to hear back from you about how your hearing went.

Grace and peace,
The Staff of Lutherans Concerned