CONCERNING CALLED TO COMMON MISSION

WHEREAS, the adoption of “Called to Common Mission” (CCM) has caused much discussion and dissension in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA); and

WHEREAS, Saint Paul Area Synod (SPAS) Resolution 01 07 addresses freedom of ordination practices namely that either a bishop or pastor can officiate at ordinations, a practice which has existed among Lutherans in the United States throughout their history; and

WHEREAS, over one-third of the members of churches in the Lutheran World Federation order their churches with their bishops in historical succession, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that congregations be encouraged to follow the guidelines suggested by the Joint Bishops’ Committee for Ecumenical Affairs of the Saint Paul Area Synod and the Minneapolis Area Synod as congregations discuss these issues in the congregation and that congregations use materials that represent positions both in opposition and in support of CCM; be it further

RESOLVED, that every attempt be made to give thoughtful, balanced, and fair presentations of CCM, and be it further

RESOLVED that congregations be encouraged to provide opportunities for study of CCM and related matters to inform members of the issues involved.