What does this mean? As one on the outside (Mo Synod) it rather seems to me that it is too early to tell.
The motion urging "restraint" in discipline until the process for discernment has run its course (task force report and CWA 2009) was a victory of sorts for Good Soil and LC/NA. But on the other hand, the defeat of motions that would have made official changes in V & E now (or directed that changes be made) were defeated which was a victory of sorts for Lutheran CORE and Solid Rock et al. You win some, you lose some (you have to decide what goes in which column).
I've read numerous posts that affirm that this changes everything, with some good reasoning attached. I've also read numerous posts that affirm that this changes nothing, with some good reasoning attached. It does affirm the discretion that Bishops' already had and apparently at least some were using. It shows an openness on the part of the Assembly to at least consider the possibility of full acceptance of homosexual clergy under terms similar to that of heterosexual. But note, they specifically did not call for that to be the policy of the ELCA, that was refered to 2009. The question is not settled yet for the ELCA which should give all sides reason to pause and consider carefully their next moves. Proclaiming complete victory could be as premature and foolish as accepting complete defeat.
Emotions are running high at this time, as well they should, this is an important issue. But before proclaiming what these actions really mean it would probably be well to wait and see what the actual results will be. Let none gloat nor despair over much - the result of this Assembly are not clear cut for either side.
What this should probably do (well, what I think people should do, but as I said I have no dog in this fight so what do I know?) is encourage people from all sides of this issue to start working toward 2009. Participate fully in the Task Force deliberations. As I understand it, it is the Task Forces' mandate to listen to the church as they prepare their report. So talk to them! Search and explore the Scriptures for what God is telling His people at this time in history. It probably is also necessary to explore how we are to read Scripture, what the proper hermeneutical tools are to understand and apply Scripture. May this be decided among you not on the basis of emotional appeals, nor clinging to tradition but clear eyed engagement in trying to discern from the sources God has given us what His will is. (Of course, I realize that part of the argument is over just what those sources are. You do not have an easy task before you if you do it right.)
Pray. And may all your brothers and sisters across Christendom hold you up in prayer. Pray that all ears may be open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit and that He would guide everyone into the truth (especially me).
I pray for you. The stakes are very high for the next two years no matter where you sit in this discussion. I pray for you that this may be decided not on the basis of enemies to be defeated or positions vindicated, nor as political or beaurocratic battles to be won, but as God's people to be served and His Kingdom advanced. (And yes, I know that all sides are sure at this point that their victory will do just that. That is part of the problem, no one - at least I hope and pray that no one - is engaging in this process with the idea of destroying God's people.)
I do not envy you the jouney, even though my denomination has its own troubles as have been well discussed in these fora. May God bless you on your way.
Dan
