Southeastern synod assembly passes LGBT justice resolution

The Southeastern Synod (ELCA) assembly passed 2016-07, “A Resolution Concerning Justice,” addressing recent anti-LGBTQ laws passed by several of its state assemblies.

ReconcilingWorks affirms the synod’s action as it continues its journey as a Reconciling in Christ (RIC) synod.

2016-07-resolutionThe resolution cites the 1997 ELCA Churchwide Assembly memorial calling for the US Congress to outlaw workplace discrimination based on sexual orientation, the 2000 Southeastern Synod decision to become a RIC synod, and the 2009 ELCA Churchwide Assembly memorial to permit congregations to offer blessings to same gender couples.

“RESOLVED that the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America implore Governor Phil Bryant and the legislators of Mississippi to repeal House Bill 1523 which prohibits state government from taking any discriminatory action against a person, religious organization, business or government employee for refusing services to LGBT people because of “sincerely held religious beliefs” or “moral conviction” against same-sex marriage, extra-marital sex and/or transgender people; and be it further 

RESOLVED that the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America call upon Governor Bill Haslam and state legislators of Tennessee to repeal House Bill 1840 which gives therapists and other mental health professionals the right to refuse to treat patients whose lifestyles go against the professional’s “sincerely held principals;” and be it further

RESOLVED that the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America place a statement on the synod website asserting that the synod will not condone, or support, any legislative action that would discriminate against individuals based on race, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or ethnicity in the name of religious freedom; and be it further.”

The Southeastern synod is made of up 161 congregations in Southeastern Synod located in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee.