“For what human knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? So also no one comprehends what is truly God’s except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world but the Spirit that is from God, so that we may understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we speak of these things in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual things to those who are spiritual.”
1 Corinthians 2:11-13
Dear SD Synod,
The above scripture was part of the second reading for our Monday morning worship at Churchwide Assembly in Phoenix, AZ. It was an honor to be one of the 19 voting members from the South Dakota Synod at this Assembly, which was themed “For the Life of the World.”
- Inside the latest Synod e-newsletter, you will find news about our newly elected Bishop-elect Rev. Yehiel Curry (see the link to the videos from the Assembly below) and ELCA Secretary-elect Rev. Lucille “CeCee” Mills.
- We also elected ELCA Church Council members, including Emma Witt from Peace Lutheran in Sioux Falls, SD.
- We adopted our newest Social Statement: Faith and Civic Life.
- We approved updates to the Human Sexuality Social Statement. Two SD Synod voting members met with the ad hoc committee on separate occasions to discuss their concerns and suggested amendments.
- We reviewed the final report from the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church and the ELCA Church Council’s response. The CRLC’s work also influenced some of our Constitution revisions. In preparation for the assembly, the voting members listened to feedback from worshipping communities across the synod, especially regarding the proposed changes to chapter 22.11.b of the churchwide constitution. The original amendment was defeated, and a new one was referred to the church council. I used my two-minute speaking time to express the SD Synod’s concerns. It was evident that God’s people throughout the ELCA shared your worries. Thank you for participating when invited to give input. Your feedback helped those attending the assembly and representing the synod to speak confidently and clearly.
- We adopted a Memorial that has us standing for the End of the Occupation of Palestine.
- We received the Common Statement on the Filioque, which bridges the gap between the Western and Eastern Christian Churches.
- Many of your voting members actively participated in the assembly by providing worship assistance and speaking at the microphones about items before the assembly.
- We adopted another Memorial on Indian Boarding School Remembrance.
- One evening, we participated in an educational Powwow, and later in the week, AMMPARO held a Candlelight Prayer Vigil for refugees and immigrants.
- Our synod sat next to voting members and guests from the Sierra Pacific Synod (our domestic companion synod) for shared conversation and snacks.
- Every day was grounded in excellent worship services. We were fed by sermons by Bishop Elizabeth Eaton, Rev. Imad Mousa Dawood Haddad, bishop-elect of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jordan and the Holy Land, Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, General Secretary and President of the National Council of Churches, and Rev. Wyvetta Bullock, ELCA executive for administration.
- We heard a fantastic presentation from Professor Chad Rimmer from Lenoir-Rhyne University and Southern Seminary. He introduced me to/reminded me of this excellent quote by Martin Luther:
“This life, therefore, is not righteousness but growth in righteousness, not health but healing, not being but becoming, not rest but exercise; we are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it; the process is not yet finished, but it is going on; this is not the end, but it is the road; all does not yet gleam with glory, but all is being purified.” Luther, Defense and Explanation of All the Articles (1521)
I don’t know how long the recordings of the plenaries and worship services will be online, but if you can, please watch some of them! You can also watch Living Lutheran online for the next print edition.
Live video of the plenary sessions and materials from the Assembly are accessible at www.elca.org/CWA.
Journeying Together in Christ with you,
The Rev. Constanze Hagmaier,
Bishop of the South Dakota Synod, ELCA
