Summary of Actions
Eighteenth Regular Synod
Assembly of the
Metropolitan New York Synod
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
SA2009.05.03 On a Justice for Women Social Statement
Resolved, That the Metropolitan New York Synod, meeting in Assembly, memorializes the 2009 Churchwide Assembly to initiate a study for a social statement on Justice for Women.
Resolved, that the Metropolitan New York 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; and be it further
Resolved, that the Metropolitan New York Synod, meeting in Assembly, memorialize the 2009 Churchwide Assembly as follows:
1. To adopt the following additional implementing resolution of the Social Statement on Human Sexuality: “To direct appropriate churchwide units to develop, in consultation with those most affected, resources for congregations or faith-communities and ministers that choose to do so to support same-gender relationships by holding them publicly accountable in the exchange of promises of lifelong love and fidelity”;
2. To adopt the following: “Resolved, that the Vocation and Education unit be directed to develop, and the Church Council be directed to approve, procedures for the reception from another Lutheran church-body and for the expedited reinstatement to the roster or to candidacy of those whose rostering was precluded by previous policies on same-gender relationships.”
Resolutions Adopted
SA2009.05.02 In Support of the Tour De Rev’s
Resolved, that each congregation of the Metropolitan New York Synod be encouraged to offer their support and prayers for the “Tour de Rev’s” by:
· lifting up the incredible story of what our church is doing on behalf of the poor and hungry, both here and abroad;
· educating the congregation on the needs of those who live in poverty and who are hungry; and
· urging the congregation to contribute to the ELCA World Hunger Appeal, with a goal of $5 per member; and be it further
Resolved, that as members of a Church that fervently cares for the poor and hungry, we individually support this effort with generous gifts of our own, to eradicate hunger in our world.
SA2009.05.04 To Become a Book of Faith Synod
Resolved, That the Metropolitan New York Synod declares itself a “Book of Faith” synod; and be it further
Resolved, That the Metropolitan New York Synod, gathered in assembly, invites and encourages all members, expressions, institutions and partners of this synod to commit themselves regularly and increasingly to hearing, reading, studying, sharing and being formed by God’s Word, and that specifically
o Its members covenant together to begin a regular practice of Bible study and prayer, gathering with others in their congregations and/or community to speak and hear the Word together; and that
o Its clergy and rostered leaders affirm their commitment to diligence in their study of the Holy Scriptures in their preparations to teach and preach, and in their daily devotional practices; and that
o Its congregations join the Book of Faith Initiative in order to become more fluent in the first language of faith, the language of Scripture, in order that we might live into our calling as a people renewed, enlivened, and empowered by the Word; and that
o Its bishop, as its pastor and teacher of the faith, shall provide leadership for the life and witness of this church—lead this initiative personally and through collaborative programmatic work with the synod staff, the deans and conferences of the synod; and be it further
Resolved, that as a “Book of Faith Synod” each synodical organization, commission, committee, or task force, together with each congregation council and committee are encouraged to begin each meeting by dwelling in the Word.
for ELCA Studies on Sexuality
Resolved, that the Metropolitan New York Synod, meeting in Assembly, memorialize the 2009 Churchwide Assembly as follows:
3. To adopt the proposed Social Statement on Human Sexuality and its implementing resolutions, as recommended by the ELCA Church Council;
4. To adopt the four parts of the proposed Recommendation on Ministry Policies, as recommended by the ELCA Church Council; and be it further
Resolved, that the Metropolitan New York Synod, meeting in Assembly, memorialize the 2009 Churchwide Assembly as follows:
3. To adopt the following additional implementing resolution of the Social Statement on Human Sexuality: “To direct appropriate churchwide units to develop, in consultation with those most affected, resources for congregations or faith-communities and ministers that choose to do so to support same-gender relationships by holding them publicly accountable in the exchange of promises of lifelong love and fidelity”;
4. To adopt the following: “Resolved, that the Vocation and Education unit be directed to develop, and the Church Council be directed to approve, procedures for the reception from another Lutheran church-body and for the expedited reinstatement to the roster or to candidacy of those whose rostering was precluded by previous policies on same-gender relationships.”
SA2009.05.08 To Establish a Metropolitan New York Synod
Theological Dialog
Resolved, That the 2009 Metropolitan New York Synod Assembly express its gratitude for the faithful service of the Christian Ethics Dialog Steering Committee: Mr. John Litke, Pr. Stephen Hultgren, Mr. Ashley Hall, Pr. Gary Mills, Bp. Stephen Bouman, Pr. James Krauser, Pr. Amandus Derr, and convener Pr. William Baum; and be it further
Resolved, That this Assembly establish an ongoing Metropolitan New York Synod Theological Dialog presenting minimally an annual opportunity for scripturally and confessionally focused conversation among the clergy and lay leaders of this Synod; and be it further
Resolved, That the bishop appoint a Metropolitan New York Synod Theological Dialog Steering Committee reflective of the diversity of this Synod and under the direction of the Assistant to the Bishop for Formation; and be it finally
Resolved, That an annual budget be provided consistent with the normal cost of staging a meeting of the Metropolitan New York Ministerium.
SA2009.05.09 In solidarity with all victims of torture
Resolved, that as followers and members of Christ who was beaten, mocked and crucified, we declare ourselves to be in solidarity with all victims of torture, and we call upon all nations and human institution, beginning with those of our government, to formally abjure all forms of interrogation and punishment which diminish the integrity of the human person through the willful application of extreme pain or psychological abuse. We call upon all nations and institutions, beginning with our own, to confess publicly and in detail the dehumanizing actions undertaken in their name and under their authority, so that the truth may be known and reconciliation may be possible
Financial Actions
SA2009.05.01 Adopted the Auditor’s Report
SA2009.05.10 Ratified a Revised Budget of $ 4,529,166 for F. Y. 2009
SA2009.05.11 Adopted a Budget of $ 4,658,542 for F. Y. 2010
Churchwide Assembly Voting Member – Lay Male Carlos R. Lopez, Jr.
Synod Council Member (term ending 2012) Pr. William Baum
Churchwide Assembly Voting Member – Clergy Pr. Rosalind Brathwaite
Adopted Changes to the Governing Documents
SA2009.05.12 To Strike Bylaw S8.12.01
To Amend Bylaw S10.02.01
To Reclassify S.12.01.08
To Reclassify all sub-sections of S12.05.00
To Reclassify all sub-sections of S14.50.00
Prepared by the Rev. James G. Krauser, Secretary