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November 21, 2007

Atlanta, GA---On Saturday, June 2, 2007, at the 20^th Annual Southeastern Synod Assembly, Resolution 07-07  “Resolution Advocating Fair Employment Legislation in the Four States of the Southeastern Synod” was presented to the voting members of the assembly. 

 The assembly heard Mr. Bob Geibling, a sponsor of the resolution, speak to resolution for a few moments and debate on the resolution began.  The resolution passed with one amendment. 

 RESOLUTION ADVOCATING FAIR EMPLOYMENT LEGISLATION IN THE

FOUR STATES OF THE SOUTHEASTERN SYNOD

(as adopted by the Southeastern Synod June 2, 2007)

WHEREAS, the Gospel of Jesus Christ calls for us to love justice and serve the Lord, and 1 Corinthians 12: 26-27 connects us together as the body of Christ by stating, “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”; and

WHEREAS, the 1997 Southeastern Synod passed a memorial to the ELCA calling for support of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, Federal legislation which would outlaw job discrimination based on sexual orientation; and

WHEREAS, the 1997 Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America passed that memorial by an 80% affirmative vote; and

WHEREAS, ten years later the Congress of the United States has still not passed any such legislation; and

WHEREAS, the four states of the Southeastern Synod are among those that offer no legal protection in employment practices based on sexual orientation; and

WHEREAS, the 2000 Southeastern Synod Assembly passed a resolution of welcome to people of all sexual orientations, making us a Reconciling in Christ Synod; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America go on record as favoring fair employment practices by supporting state laws which ban employment discrimination based on sexual orientation; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Southeastern Synod direct the Bishop of the Synod and the Synod Council to actively work with other ecumenical partner denominations in the Southeast who have passed similar resolutions, gay and lesbian members of the Southeastern Synod and to advocate for passage of such legislation; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Southeastern Synod send a Letter to the governors and key leaders of the legislatures of the states of Georgia. Alabama. Mississippi and Tennessee expressing our support for employment non-discrimination laws which include sexual orientation, either as an expression of the Southeastern Synod or as a part of a larger ecumenical effort; and be it further

RESOLVED, that the Southeastern Synod write and send out a news release to major news media, including news media serving the gay and lesbian community, in the four states of the Southeastern Synod reporting on the passage of this resolution.