Why ELCA congregational constitutions require a second vote

You can see the comment below posted in its entirety here. It’s dated October 2, 7:10 p.m. I wanted to make a few observations.

Anonymous said …
First off, instead of requiring a 2/3 vote on what was the most important issue of the life of ELCA (a vote which is required to call a pastor, by the way, because overwhelming consensus is important) , the ELCA church council manipulated it to a simple majority. That right there tells you what you need to know. In addition, if you view the tapes of the Assembly, greetings from major churches who URGED AGAINST voting for these were not done until AFTER the vote, a change from the agenda. Meanwhile, ELCA staffers and pastors and others urged pro yes votes from the PODIUM.

That is politics, sir, not a red herring.

The Missouri Synod is not shrinking faster than the ELCA. Read up on your facts. If we can't call the Bible the Bible or the Holy Scriptures than we have a bigger problem present.

If you want facts about the ELCA, see the numbers. Bible churches and non-denominational and community churches. Mainline Protestants die .

Lastly, La Casa is not split on this . The vote was 86 % in favor of leaving.

So deal with facts. I guess next we will debate the meaning of "is", like not being able to call a
bible a bible or Holy.

I’d remind people that the vote was 86 percent of the people who attended the first meeting, the actual numbers of which were 364 voting in favor of leaving the ELCA and 69 voting against; this is far fewer than seems right for a decision of this magnitude.

I think ELCA congregational constitutions require  a second vote so that people have more time to pray and deliberate. I'm encouraging people to do so, and to vote against leaving in the second meeting so we have time to conduct a full, frank exploration of the major issue of how we read and interpret Scripture.

If only one third plus one of the people attending the next meeting indicate they’re not ready to leave, that will keep our split from the ELCA from happening at this time. I hope people consider seriously the damage that splits and schisms cause to the body of Christ ... and the compromise they make to our witness to the world ... and decide not to split until we have had further, widespread consideration of the issues involved.

Thank you for your comments, and please remember to be present at the CONGREGATIONAL MEETING ON NOVEMBER 7, and vote your conscience.  Yours in service to Christ, Tom.