The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is inviting congregations, ministry groups, and individual members to participate in a new churchwide study as part of the ongoing reconsideration of the social statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Feedback gathered through this process will help shape a draft statement that will be released for churchwide review in 2027 and considered by the 2028 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
The newly released study, “Conscience and Conversation: A Study During the Reconsideration of the Social Statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust,” is designed to foster thoughtful, faithful dialogue across the church. Participants are encouraged to complete the accompanying survey, which remains open through September 30, 2026. Feedback received through the survey will be reviewed by the ELCA Human Sexuality Reconsiderations Task Force as it continues its work.
The study explores the Lutheran understanding of conscience, Christian freedom, and life together amid disagreement. Drawing on Scripture, church history, prayer, discussion, and reflection, it invites participants to consider how the church can pursue justice, peace, and unity while engaging difficult questions. The task force notes that the goal is not predetermined outcomes, but faithful discernment across the church.
The resource is ready to use in congregations, adult forums, small groups, councils, and ministry settings. Each session includes prayers, hymns, Bible readings, discussion questions, and options for adapting the study to different schedules. The task force specifically encourages participants to share their perspectives through the survey, emphasizing that broad participation will help inform the next stage of the reconsideration process.
This current phase addresses the second reconsideration authorized by the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. The first reconsideration, which updated language in the social statement to reflect changes in church teaching and civil law, was completed and adopted by the 2025 Churchwide Assembly. The present work focuses on the section commonly referred to as “bound conscience” and how the church understands differing convictions regarding same-gender relationships.
As Lutherans, we trust that the Holy Spirit works through prayerful conversation, careful listening, and communal discernment. Whether you participate as an individual or lead a group study in your congregation, this is an opportunity to contribute to the church’s ongoing reflection and witness.
The study materials, timeline, FAQs, and additional resources are available through the ELCA’s Human Sexuality Reconsideration process. Congregations and ministry leaders are encouraged to prayerfully engage the study and submit feedback before the September 30 deadline.