Study Sessions: Conscience and Conversation

For some, this study may bring back too many difficult memories that seem better avoided. Others will feel this study is a matter of, ‘It’s about time.’ And for still others, this study is too little, too late. Wherever you might find yourself, consider joining in.  

As Lutherans, we believe that study and conversation are important. Your input for the survey at the end of this study will make a difference for the draft social statement study to be published for public comment in early 2027, and then a proposed draft, revised in light of public comment, that will be brought to the 2028 Churchwide Assembly.  

Back in 2009-2011, I had the privilege of chairing the churchwide task force, “Living into the Future Together: Renewing the Ecology of the of the ELCA.” It was a turbulent time! And one of the many issues our task force wrestled with was the process by which social statements of this church are adopted. Recognizing this tension, one of the recommendations of the LIFT report, involved reviewing the process for the development and adoption of social statements. Over the past 15 years, I have seen the fruits of this recommendation evidenced in the development of social statements that followed. The process for reviewing specific portions of this social statement is a living example of a task force formed by people holding many different perspectives, prayer, respect mutual discernment, and this: broad, grassroots input from people across this church that will inform final recommendations. I hope that you will join in this time of study as we pray, listen, and hold holy conversations together. 

Here is a summary of the process thus far:  

1) The 2022 Churchwide Assembly authorized two reconsiderations of the social statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust: 1) an edit of specific subsections that allowed wording changes for clarity and accuracy; and 2) a reconsideration of the section on “bound conscience.” The full text of both authorizations is in the FAQs posted at ELCA.org/reconsiderations.  

2) This authorization does not specify a particular outcome of the process. Authorization is the first step in a process of reconsideration, not the last step.  

3) Neither authorization requested that the whole 2009 social statement be re-written or changed. Both reconsiderations are focused on specific sections of the statement.  

4) The first reconsideration concluded with the adoption of the edited social statement by the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. The same task force began work on the second reconsideration immediately following this. 

Summer 2026  

5) Each social statement process includes publication of a study. The purpose of a study is to foster conversation throughout the church and to generate feedback to guide the task force as it prepares a draft for public comment. 

6) The task force has felt called to share with the church the ways the Holy Spirit has been present in the task force’s work and relationships. The task force also feels called to a spirit of transparency and invitation with the wider church. A video released in Spring 2026 for synods was requested and developed by the task force in this spirit. The task force will continue seeking ways to communicate with the church and to encourage ELCA members to participate.  

7) “Conscience and Conversation: A Study During the Reconsideration of the Social Statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust.” is the study for the current reconsideration. It was published online on June 11, 2026. 

8) The activities in the study are divided into two sessions. The study contains excellent resources to use the study in two or four sessions.  

9) Survey responses are critical for guiding the work of the task force. This is not a done deal. The task force will rely on responses like yours to shape the draft reconsidered social statement that will be released in early 2027.  

9) The survey will remain open until September 30, 2026, however individuals can continue to send feedback, questions, and comments to the task force at [email protected]. 

10) A draft social statement will be published for public comment in early 2027. This public comment period, per policy, will remain open until Fall 2027.  

11) A proposed draft, revised in light of public comment, will be brought to the 2028 Churchwide Assembly, following review by bishops and the ELCA Church Council.  

Communications  

1) Questions, comments, or prayers can be shared with the task force at [email protected]. Not every email will receive an individual response, but all emails will be shared with members of the task force.  

2) The latest updates and resources can always be found at ELCA.org/reconsiderations.  

How our Synod can help  

1) Please pray for the church and the task force.  

2) Maybe you are not sure if or how you might share the study with your congregation. Come and be part of the synod study sessions Thursday, August 13 and Thursday, August 20—1:00-3:00 p.m at the synod office in Redwood Falls. 

3) Check out the video from the task force available at ELCA.org/reconsiderations.  

4) Participate in the process now and in 2027.  

5) Direct other ELCA members to [email protected] to get accurate, up-to-date information.