Passed
RESOLUTION #1 TO THE 2007 OREGON SYNOD ASSEMBLY 
This resolution was received by deadline, but has not at the time of this printing been reviewed by the Reference and Counsel Committee. Reference and Counsel Guidelines and Process for Handling Memorials and Resolutions are printed in the front of this Bulletin of Reports.

Title : A MEMORIAL TO RESPOND TO THE DECISION OF THE DISCIPLINE HEARING COMMITTEE
Sponsors : Pastor Scott Dunfee (Dean, Oregon Trail Cluster), Pastor Dayle Askey Pastor Aimee Bruno , Pastor Jana Deiss, Pastor John Eide , Pastor Dale Jamtgaard Pastor Ron Nitz, Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church Council ( Portland , OR ) Pastor Susan Farley, Pastor Jim Liefeld, St. James Lutheran Church Council ( Portland , OR ) Pastor Mark Knutson, Augustana Lutheran Church Council ( Portland , OR ) Pastor Joan Beck, Bethlehem Lutheran Church Council ( Portland , OR ) Pastor Brian Brandt, Central Lutheran Church Council ( Portland , OR ) Pastor Terry Moe, Ted Gleichman (lay member), Redeemer Lutheran Church Council ( Portland , OR )

WHEREAS, the 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly urged every part of the ELCA to “concentrate on finding ways to live together faithfully in the midst of disagreements, recognizing the God-given mission and communion that we share as members of the body of Christ”; and

WHEREAS, a discipline hearing committee was constituted in the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA (Jan. 18-24) to consider charges against Pastor Bradley E. Schmeling of St. John’s Lutheran Church*, who is in a loving, mutual, chaste, and faithful lifelong same-gender partnership (Decision of the Discipline Hearing Committtee, pp. 1-2); and

WHEREAS, the discipline committee declared that, if permitted to decide the case only under the standards in chapters 7 and 20 of the ELCA Constitution, they “would find almost unanimously that Pastor Schmeling is not engaged in conduct that is incompatible with the ministerial office, and would find with near unanimity that no discipline of any sort should be imposed against him” (Decision, p. 12); and

WHEREAS, the discipline committee suggested that synod assemblies memorialize the 2007 Churchwide Assembly ** for the reconsideration and revision of the documents Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline and Vision and Expectations and the policy on reinstatement to the rosters of this church (Decision, p. 13); and

WHEREAS, Definitions and Guidelines may be amended by the Committee on Appeals, subject to approval by the Church Council, while Vision and Expectations and the policy on reinstatement to the rosters of the church may be amended by the Vocation and Education unit, with review by the Conference of Bishops and adoption by the Church Council (in accordance with ELCA bylaws 7.31.11., 7.31.13.f., 7.31.15., 7.51.03.b., 7.52.13., 20.71.11., and 20.71.12. and continuing resolution 16.12.C05.d.2); and

WHEREAS, the Churchwide Assembly, as the highest legislative authority of the ELCA, can “request or direct” that the steps be taken for the development by the Committee on Appeals and adoption by the Church Council of an amendment to Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline; and for the development by the appropriate churchwide unit, review by the Conference of Bishops, and adoption by the Church Council of an amendment to Vision and Expectations (ELCA Church Council, Minutes of April 9-11, 2006, p. 90, explanation by Secretary Almen): now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Oregon Synod Assembly submit the following memorial for consideration by the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly:

RESOLVED, that the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly direct the Committee on Appeals to develop an amendment to the definitions and guidelines established under ELCA bylaws 20.71.11. and 20.71.12. that removes provisions precluding “practicing homosexual persons” from the rosters of this church; and be it further

RESOLVED, that this Churchwide Assembly direct the Vocation and Education unit, in consultation with the Conference of Bishops, to develop an amendment to the policies established under ELCA bylaws 7.31.11., 7.31.13., and 7.51.03.b. that removes provisions requiring persons who are “homosexual in their self-understanding” to “abstain from homosexual sexual relationships”; and be it further

RESOLVED, that this Churchwide Assembly direct the Vocation and Education unit, in consultation with the Conference of Bishops, to develop an amendment to the policies established under ELCA bylaws 7.31.15. and 7.52.13. that permits the reinstatement to the rosters of this church, without the usual requirement of five consecutive years without call, of persons who have resigned or been removed from the rosters solely because they are in a mutual, chaste, and faithful committed same-gender relationship; and be it finally

RESOLVED, that this Churchwide Assembly direct the Church Council to take the necessary steps to amend the definitions and guidelines established under bylaws 20.71.11. and 20.71.12., the policies established under bylaws 7.31.11., 7.31.13., and 7.51.03.b., and the policies established under bylaws 7.31.15. and 7.52.13. in conformity to the preceding directions to the Committee on Appeals and Vocation and Education unit.

Passed
RESOLUTION #2 TO THE 2007 OREGON SYNOD ASSEMBLY
This resolution was received by deadline, but has not at the time of this printing been reviewed by the Reference and Counsel Committee. Reference and Counsel Guidelines and Process for Handling Memorials and Resolutions are printed in the front of this Bulletin of Reports.

TITLE: A MEMORIAL TO ENCOURAGE REFRAINING FROM DISCIPLINE
Sponsors : Pastor Scott Dunfee (Dean, Oregon Trail Cluster), Pastor Dayle Askey Pastor Aimee Bruno , Pastor Jana Deiss, Pastor John Eide , Pastor Dale Jamtgaard Pastor Ron Nitz, Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church Council ( Portland , OR ) Pastor Susan Farley, Pastor Jim Liefeld, St. James Lutheran Church Council ( Portland , OR ) Pastor Mark Knutson, Augustana Lutheran Church Council ( Portland , OR ) Pastor Brian Brandt, Central Lutheran Church Council ( Portland , OR ) Pastor Terry Moe, Ted Gleichman (lay member), Redeemer Lutheran Church Council ( Portland , OR )

WHEREAS, there is currently no consensus in this church regarding the rostered service of persons in committed same-gender relationships (Report of the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality, p. 5); and

WHEREAS, the 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly urged every part of the ELCA to “concentrate on finding ways to live together faithfully in the midst of disagreements, recognizing the God-given mission and communion that we share as members of the body of Christ”: now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Oregon Synod Assembly submit the following memorial for consideration by the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly:

RESOLVED, that in order to live together faithfully in the midst of disagreements, synods, synodical bishops, and the Presiding Bishop of this church are encouraged to refrain from disciplining those who – in good conscience and for the sake of outreach, ministry, and commitment to continuing dialogue – call, approve, ordain, commission, or consecrate otherwise-qualified candidates for rostered service who are in a mutual, chaste, and faithful committed same-gender relationship; and be it further

RESOLVED, that synods, synodical bishops, and the Presiding Bishop of this church are encouraged to refrain from disciplining those rostered leaders in a mutual, chaste, and faithful committed same-gender relationship who have been thus called, approved, ordained, commissioned, or consecrated.

 

Passed
RESOLUTION #3 TO THE 2007 OREGON SYNOD ASSEMBLY
This resolution was received by deadline, but has not at the time of this printing been reviewed by the Reference and Counsel Committee. Reference and Counsel Guidelines and Process for Handling Memorials and Resolutions are printed in the front of this Bulletin of Reports.  

TITLE: A MEMORIAL TO ENDORSE RESTRAINT
Sponsors : Pastor Scott Dunfee (Dean, Oregon Trail Cluster), Pastor Dayle Askey Pastor Aimee Bruno , Pastor Jana Deiss, Pastor John Eide , Pastor Dale Jamtgaard Pastor Ron Nitz, Mt. Carmel Lutheran Church Council ( Portland , OR ) Pastor Susan Farley, Pastor Jim Liefeld, St. James Lutheran Church Council ( Portland , OR ) Pastor Mark Knutson, Augustana Lutheran Church Council ( Portland , OR ) Pastor Joan Beck, Bethlehem Lutheran Church Council ( Portland , OR ) Pastor Brian Brandt, Central Lutheran Church Council ( Portland , OR ) Pastor Terry Moe, Ted Gleichman (lay member), Redeemer Lutheran Church Council ( Portland , OR )

WHEREAS, there is currently no consensus in this church regarding the rostered service of persons in committed same-gender relationships (Report of the Task Force for ELCA Studies on Sexuality, p. 5); and

WHEREAS, the ELCA policy documents Definitions and Guidelines for Discipline and Vision and Expectations are separate from the ELCA Constitution and pertain to rostered service in the ELCA; and

WHEREAS, the 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly urged every part of the ELCA to “concentrate on finding ways to live together faithfully in the midst of disagreements, recognizing the God-given mission and communion that we share as members of the body of Christ”: now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Oregon Synod Assembly submit the following memorial for consideration by the 2007 ELCA Churchwide Assembly:

RESOLVED, that the Churchwide Assembly of the ELCA endorses and calls for restraint in the application of provisions relating to the rostered service of persons who, in policies separate from the ELCA Constitution, are referred to as “practicing homosexuals” or as “homosexual in their self-understanding.”

Passed
RESOLUTION #4 TO THE 2007 OREGON SYNOD ASSEMBLY 
This resolution was received by deadline, but has not at the time of this printing been reviewed by the Reference and Counsel Committee. Reference and Counsel Guidelines and Process for Handling Memorials and Resolutions are printed in the front of this Bulletin of Reports.

TITLE: Just War Resolution - Provide Pastors and Congregational Members information on Just War Criteria

SPONSORS: Pastor Mark Knutson, Augustana Lutheran Church Council ( Portland , OR) Pastor Brian Brandt, Central Lutheran Church ( Portland , OR ) Pastor David Knapp, St. Luke Lutheran Church ( Portland , OR ) Gerry Foote & Cyndy Flock, St. Luke Lutheran Peace & Justice Group

Whereas, currently many Lutheran pastors and congregational members are not acquainted with “Just War” criteria developed by St. Augustine and early Church Fathers; and

Whereas, all “Just War” criteria are to be met before the Christian Church can support a nation going to war and all the criteria have to be met in order for Christians to be allowed to participate in a war. If any criteria are not met the war is unjustified and the killing is unjustified.  And unjustified killing is by definition murder and Christians cannot engage in it; and

Whereas, all the following criteria have to be met:

Just Cause: Force may be used only against a grave, public evil such as an invasion or a massive violation of the basic rights of a whole population. The cause must be defensive. Only defensive wars are just. An offensive war is an unjust war.

Comparative Justice: the injustice suffered by the party that goes to war must significantly outweigh the injustice suffered by the other party.

Legitimate Authority: Only a duly constituted public government may wage war i.e. you just cannot go out and engage in mass slaughter of human beings.

Right Intention : The aim of political and military leaders must be peace with justice.  The motivation must not be hatred or vengefulness.  This also applies once combat has begun. Conquest and economic benefit are also insufficient reasons.

Civilian Immunity : Civilians cannot be executed in war. Civilians are immune from attack.

Last Resort : Force may be used only after all peaceful alternatives have been seriously tried and exhausted; and

Whereas, the above are criteria that a nation has to meet in order for a war to be justified by the Church. Christians, of course are not excused from Jesus’ command to love enemies (which at a minimum means not to harm or kill them). Jesus authorizes none of his followers to substitute violence for love; therefore be it

Resolved, that the Bishop of the Oregon Synod (and appropriate staff) find means to communicate these criteria to congregational pastors and members in the Oregon Synod of the ELCA, to assist them in evaluating whether a particular war, such as US military action in Iraq and elsewhere, can be justified and supported by their congregation as well as the Church at large.

Passed
SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION #5 TO THE OREGON SYNOD ASSEMBLY
TITLE: OREGON SYNOD KURT RIZER MEMORIAL COFFEE FUND RESOLUTION

SPONSORS: Sunset Cluster Pastors, Mark C. Pederson, Matthew Eagan, Susan Kintner, Michelle Manicke, Steuart Holland, Bob McIntyre, Laurie Larson Caesar, Eric Burtness, Jeff Kallevig, Karl Pishaw, Mark Brocker, Tom Struck, Don Parsons

Whereas Kurt Rizer was a pioneer in the use of technology in pastoral ministry, particularly in the use of the cell phone, the palm pilot and the lap top computer, and

Whereas Kurt was one of those pastors with great intellect, deep compassion, and an appreciation for a good cup of coffee, and

Whereas Kurt Rizer had a passion for social justice, and

Whereas, the Sunset Cluster Pastors and congregations and individuals and throughout the Oregon Synod miss Kurt and wish to honor his life and ministry;

Be it therefore resolved: that the Oregon Synod create the Kurt Rizer Memorial Coffee Fund as a perpetual memorial account in his honor, and that individuals and congregations be encouraged to make donations at the annual synod assembly, as well as at other times, for the purpose of providing coffee at every synod wide gathering and Bishop's Convocation as long as this fund finacially supports it; and

Be it further resolved that the venues at which these gatherings take place would be encouraged to purchase Lutheran World Relief Fair Trade Coffee for these events.

Passed
Resolution of Thanksgiving

WHEREAS, the Oregon Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has met in assembly on May 18-20, 2007, under the theme of On the Road Together in Christ, looking back on 20 years of our journey together in mission and ministry and into the future as God’s people in the state of Oregon; and

WHEREAS, the success of the 2007 Oregon Synod Assembly represented the foresight, planning, hard work, cooperation, and perseverance of dozens of members and friends; and

WHEREAS, the assembly has been blessed by the presence of Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson, who shared his vision and enthusiasm regarding the mission and ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, who challenged us to be prepared to have our lives interrupted by the call of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to be sent in directions we cannot predict, and who shepherded us through the process for election of a new bishop; and

WHEREAS, the voting members of the assembly, following thoughtful consideration and prayerful reflection, elected Pastor David Brauer-Rieke as Bishop-elect of the Oregon Synod; and

WHEREAS, for 20 years the Oregon Synod has been served faithfully, with wit, wisdom, compassion, and steadfastness by Bishop Paul Swanson; and

WHEREAS, members of the Oregon Synod Assembly again reflected God’s abundant grace and goodness as the people of God in many and diverse ways, including worship, plenary meetings, and conversations; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Oregon Synod gratefully give thanks to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for the gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, and joy in God’s presence in the deliberations and actions of this 2007 Synod Assembly; and be it further

RESOLVED, that we gratefully give thanks to all who planned and facilitated the arrangements for this assembly – for the staff of the Office of the Bishop, for the Synod Council, for the officers of the Synod, for the task forces of the assembly, for the worship leaders, for the congregations and leaders – both rostered and lay – of the host City of Eugene, for the quilt makers and purchasers, for all the myriad of volunteers who participated, and for the Hilton Hotel staff; and be it further

RESOLVED, that we offer our prayers and profound thanks to Presiding Bishop Hanson and his wife Ione for their presence, their gracious and kind words, and their proclamation of living in God’s amazing grace; and be it further

RESOLVED, that we offer our congratulations to Pastor David Brauer-Rieke for his election as Bishop-elect of the Oregon Synod, as well as our promise of ongoing prayers and support as he begins this new chapter in his vocation as a bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; and be it further

RESOLVED, that in grateful thanksgiving for his 20 years’ service as its first Bishop and his leadership and unique contributions to the proclamation of the Gospel in this region, the Synod Assembly hereby declares Paul Swanson to be Bishop Emeritus of the Oregon Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America upon the installation of his successor and retirement; and be it further

RESOLVED, that members and guests of the 2007 Oregon Synod Assembly, as they now return home, joyfully give thanks for the camaraderie and spirit they shared during these days together, remembering that they are called, gathered, and sent for the sake of the world!

*The discipline hearing committee found as facts that Pastor Schmeling had informed the congregation of his sexual orientation when he was called, and informed them and the synodical bishop when he entered a lifelong partnership. Moreover, the committee found that, during Pastor Schmeling’s tenure, the congregation has grown in membership (52%), worship attendance (31%), participation in congregational life, and stewardship (70%).

**The discipline hearing committee, in fact, delayed the imposition of any discipline until after the 2007 Churchwide Assembly, to allow for consideration of such memorials from synod assemblies.

Resolutions may be submitted to the Reference and Counsel Committee by congregations of this synod, current assembly members, Synod Council, committees of the synod and the commission of this synod. Resolutions will be accepted for consideration by the Reference and Counsel Committee (be ‘accepted resolutions’) if received before the earlier of April 1 of the assembly year, or two months prior to the opening of the assembly, making the 2007 deadline March 16. The resolutions received after the foregoing date will not be accepted for consideration unless 2/3 of the Reference and Counsel Committee or the Synod Council shall determine that the resolution is 1) overriding importance, or 2) addresses a previously accepted resolution.