December 22, 2006

MOSCOW, Russia/GENEVA – The 13th Synod of the (ELCER) has rejected a proposal for blessing same-sex couples. According to a report by the ELCER church office in Moscow, Russia, the synod members adopted a resolution to this effect after a "lively discussion." They also approved a statement by ELCER Bishop Siegfried Springer ‘on same-sex relationships and so-called marriages.' Diakonia was the theme of the 5 to 7 November synod meeting in Moscow's Puschkino suburb.

The ELCER said it was not reacting to a problem existing in its own congregations. The church, it noted, had wanted to "take a position within the global Lutheran family." The criteria for admission to the Lord's Supper had also been raised in the discussion on this resolution. In working groups, delegates discussed a number of topics including mission, children's and youth work, marriage and family, and women's ministry. There was intensive debate on the issue of women's ordination, the report stated.

The synod agreed to improve the ELCER's organizational structure with an aim to achieving greater stability. In this respect, the synod members voted for a new version of the legal statute of the church and for the establishment of a church council (Konsistorium) as a governing body besides the synod presidium and bishop's chancery. The future church council will consist of the bishop, his deputy, the director of the bishop's chancery, the synod president and his deputy, as well as two elected representatives of the superintendents' conference.

The church's current diaconal activities are to be integrated into a central structure in the future. Establishing a church social service agency like the Diakonisches Werk was a long-term goal, delegates noted. They emphasized the need for the ELCER to face up to the 21st century missionary challenges. The conference of superintendents was asked to draw up ideas for sustainable activities.

The ELCER is an independent regional church of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Russia and other States. It encompasses 170 congregations and congregational groups structured in 12 districts (Propsteien). Springer has been the church's bishop since 1992.

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