Responses to approval of “Human Sexuality: Gift & Trust”

Here's a quick roundup of some of the recent responses to the approval of the ELCA social statement on human sexuality, “Human Sexuality: Gift & Trust”. Oh, and there was a tornado. Anyway, if you know of any great responses/articles/etc., leave a comment and let me know. Here you go:

Minneapolis Star-Tribine: ELCA validates 'chaste' same-sex relationships

The margin was so close that Bishop Mark Hanson, the ELCA leader who presided over the vote, hesitated before announcing the outcome. Rules required the social statement to pass by a two-thirds vote; the final result was 66.67 percent.

Queerty: God Sent a Tornado to Deal With the Evangelical Lutherans' Gay Vote. Yes, Really

Well, it's good news — but not OMG AMAZING news. It's sort of an "agree to disagree" statement, but it's particularly notable because its wording took a more inclusive approach to gays (i.e. can't we all just get along?) rather than exclusionary (i.e. get the F out).

The Lutheran Forum: The Dissenters Speak

The ELCA is a church deeply divided on the issue of human sexuality. The recommendations of the majority of the task force represent a radical change that not only is contrary to Scripture and the apostolic faith, but is one that will splinter our congregations, alienate many of our members, further divide the unity of this church and, we believe, grieve the heart of God. We pray this tragedy will not occur.

Erik Ullestad: Sex or Scripture?

Based on what I've heard and read, the Lutherans seem to find themselves in one of three groups...

Don Heatley: So We Still Believe In A Storm God?

If God uses tornados for this sort of thing, why wasn’t there one at a similar meeting the Episcopal Church had last month? For that matter, why do tornados seem occur in areas of the country where people are more likely to be Evangelical Christians? We rarely see them in "liberal strongholds" like NY, California, or Europe.

Adam Walker Cleaveland: John Piper Contributes to Culture of Fear

And then leave it to John Piper to help explain exactly why the tornado came to Minneapolis. And of course, it was because of the gays.

Christian Scharen: Mass prayer and discernment

Whatever the outcome on Friday, if this atmosphere continues, the media will loose interest. They were expecting an ecclesiastical food fight. So far, the church is doing its deliberation on the toughest of subjects with great respect and prayer. It's been a strong witness so far - especially to ourselves.

Word Alone: ELCA assembly passes social statement by one vote

A supporter of the social statement typified the storm as a mighty wind of the Holy Spirit and as a positive message. Some WordAlone Network members heard a different message, a warning of God’s anger at the ELCA in the wind.

Goodsoil: Social Statement on Human Sexuality Adopted

We celebrate in particular the emphasis of the Social Statement on the centrality of family in the life of the church and society – all families without differentiation. For too long the church has failed to recognize the centrality of family and acceptance in the lives of its LGBT members. Now, the healing of the rift that leads to wholeness can begin.

Religion Dispatches: Lutherans Reap the Whirlwind (HT: Blake Huggins)

If this was a warning from God, the ELCA didn't hear it – or they deeply understand it when the Bible says that God is not in the whirlwind, but instead in the still, small voices that seek full inclusion in God's realm.

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