A note about these resources, from the Office of the Bishop, SC Synod, ELCA
 
Several congregations and Councils from the South Carolina Synod have asked for resources to help them study and deepen the conversation around the issues involved in the 2009 Churchwide Assembly decisions. Listed here are some resources that may be helpful for individual or small group study and reflection. Newer resources are added at the top of the list as they become available.

 

NEW: Address by The Rev. Dr. James R. Crumley, given January 9, 2010 to Orthodox Lutherans of SC
 

NEW: Address by The Rev. Dr. Brian Peterson, given January 14, 2010 to a gathering at Incarnation Lutheran Church, Columbia, SC,
 

"Reflections from the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly" (By Bishop Herman R. Yoos -- in Microsoft Word format.)


"Brief Summary of Actions"  from the 2009 Churchwide Assembly (on the ELCA Website)


 Letter from the SC Synod Council concerning structured flexibility - Sept. 2009
 

More resources for you:

(Book) Making Sense of Scripture: Big Questions about the Book of Faith, by David J. Lose
          This study is a wonderful beginning course which addresses questions like “How is the Bible the Word of God?” and “What kind of Authority does the Bible hold?” It is written in  an easy to use format, with questions and answers at the heart of each chapter.  This book/study would be helpful for Sunday school classes, Bible Studies and other congregational small groups.  Click here to find out how to order. 


(Book) The Gospel of Grace: Tools for building a positive understanding of the Bible, by Dr. Mark Wickstrom
          This book is about the process of deciding how we determine our use of any particular biblical text. It gives, “A way of understanding how two people can use the same book to justify conflicting opinions.” Each chapter concludes with exercises and questions which will help small groups interact with the scriptures and with one another. Chapter seven includes several case studies including one which looks at the issue of homosexuality and the scriptures. Small groups interested in getting a discount on quantities of “The Gospel of Grace” can call (702) 458-2241 for pricing. Click here for information on ordering this online.


A Timeline from 2001- 2010 that describes the ELCA Process of Study and Discernment on the issues of homosexuality and the development of the Social Statement: Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Click here to read/download the timeline.

The Social Statement: Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust

Sections from the Social Statement which reflect understandings of Marriage and understandings of Homosexuality. Click here for excerpts from pages 9-12 of Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust.



Remarks concerning ‘Bound Conscience’, by The Rev. Dr. Timothy Wengert



Reflections on the ELCA Churchwide Assembly and the Bible, The Rev. Dr. Timothy Wengert

 

Frequently Asked Questions about the 2009 Churchwide Assembly actions regarding human sexuality

In The Aftermath: Reflections Following the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, by Dr. David Yeago     
     "Lutherans Persisting" blog site:  http://lutheranspersisting.wordpress.com/ 

The Bible, The Church, and faithful discernment, by Dr. Brian Peterson

A Life worthy of our Calling, a Sermon by Bishop Herman R. Yoos