Some nifty news releases from the ELCA Churchwide Assembly.

Book of Faith, Bible Study Initiative

Full Communion with the Moravian Church

Concern for Genocide in Darfur

Opposition of escalation of Iraq War

Support for World Hunger Appeal

Pondering Pastor blogged many of the events, his blog is a must read.

Also voting results are located at the assembly website.

I also debated whether to discuss the relatively controversial Landahl substitution concerning pastors in same gender relationships. On the one hand, its pretty newsworthy, on the other, it has the potential to be pretty polarizing. Even more so, that the news media seems to be confusing this as a change in standards, rather than interim guidance for Bishops.

Sadly though, depending upon how it comes across, it has the potential to cause significant division. This morning is going to be a tough one in some pulpits, thus prayer for our leaders and pastors is critical. No doubt much midnight oil is being burned rewritting sermons and in prayer as to what to say tomorrow.

Be encouraged and trust God