A Brief Analysis of the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly

Proposals and Potential Consequences

Lutheranism is rooted in the “Solas” of the Reformation: Grace Alone, Faith Alone, and
Scripture Alone. For 500 years, The Lutheran Church has affirmed the Holy Scriptures as the
inspired, infallible, and inerrant Word of God and the Lutheran Confessions (the Book of
Concord) as faithful and true interpretations of biblical truth because they fully agree with the
Scriptures. As we consider the direction of the ELCA, these foundational tenets must remain our
guiding light. As Martin Luther himself declared, “I and my neighbor and, in short, all people
may err and deceive. But God’s Word cannot err.”1 Luther considered that it was impossible that
Scripture should contradict itself and if it appeared to, the blame was on the one reading Holy
Scripture through faulty reason.2 This unwavering commitment to the inerrancy and authority of
God’s Word is a hallmark of traditional and confessional Lutheranism and requires Lutherans to
“…not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false
prophets have gone out into the world.” (1 John 4:1).

Overview of Key Proposed Ideas for the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly

This section outlines the significant proposals slated for consideration at the 2025 ELCA
Churchwide Assembly, providing a foundational understanding for the subsequent impact
analysis.

1. Revisions to the “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust” Social Statement

The 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly authorized two reconsiderations of the Human
Sexuality: Gift and Trust social statement. The first reconsideration specifically focuses on
reviewing text references to “consider the import that marriage legally is now a covenant
between individuals,” to “review specific wording in light of public acceptance of marriage of
same-gender and gender-non-conforming couples,” and to “consider references to diversity of
family.”3 This indicates a deliberate effort to align the church's official language and theological
understanding with contemporary legal and societal norms regarding LGBTQ+ relationships and
diverse family structures instead of Holy Scripture. The proposed edited text for this first

1
Martin Luther, Large Catechism, IV, 57.
2
Hermann Sasse, “Luther and the Inerrancy of the Scriptures (1951),” ALC.edu.au, accessed June 21,
2025, https://alc.edu.au/assets/ltj/2017dec/1951-Sasse-Luther-and-the-Inerrancy-of-the-Scriptures.pdf.
3
ELCA, “Human Sexuality - Gift and Trust Study Process.” Accessed June 21, 2025,
https://www.elca.org/faith/faith-and-society/current-social-writing-projects/human-sexuality-gift-and-trust-
reconsiderations.

1
reconsideration has already been recommended by the ELCA Church Council for adoption by
the 2025 Churchwide Assembly.4

The second reconsideration, which concerns a “fresh consideration of the ‘church’s current
concept of the four positions of bound conscience,’” is scheduled to begin in Fall 2025.5 This
phased approach highlights the sensitivity surrounding the “bound conscience” issue, which has
historically provided a theological space for differing views within the ELCA, allowing for a
variety of perspectives to be held in good conscience.6 The proposed revisions to the social
statement signal a move from a position of merely permitting or tolerating same-gender
relationships to one of explicit affirmation and normalization within the ELCA’s official
theological and policy framework. The 2009 Churchwide Assembly decision initially opened the
way for people in same-sex relationships to serve as pastors.7 The 2025 revisions, by explicitly
considering the legal and societal acceptance of same-gender marriage and same-gender parent
family structures, move beyond simply allowing same-sex relationships to exist within its church
body; the ELCA is actively seeking to integrate and affirm them as normative expressions of
covenant and family. This represents a deeper theological and institutional shift. The delayed, yet
planned, reconsideration of “bound conscience” becomes even more critical in this context. If the
official statement fully normalizes same-sex marriage, the space for “bound conscience” to hold
traditional views without consequence, which was already perceived as “bogus” after 2009, will
likely diminish further.8 This indicates a clear direction towards a more uniform, progressive
theological stance on sexuality within the denomination with no room for other or opposing
views regardless of conscience.

2. Adoption of the “Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Well-being of All” Social Statement

The proposed social statement, “Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Well-being of All,” authorized
by the 2019 Churchwide Assembly, is recommended for adoption in 2025.9 While not “official
ELCA teaching,”10 it articulates the ELCA’s understanding of civic life and faith, emphasizing
several key commitments. A central tenet is its explicit opposition to Christian nationalism,
asserting that the ELCA’s understanding of civic life and faith is at odds with Christian
nationalism because the latter “seeks to fuse selected Christian ideas with a comprehensive
cultural framework and crosses into idolatry. It also subverts the U.S. constitutional sovereignty

4
ELCA, “Recommended Proposed Edited Text – Human Sexuality,” April 16, 2025. Accessed June 21,
2025, https://resources.elca.org/faith-and-society/recommended-proposed-edited-text-human-sexuality/.
5
“Human Sexuality .
6
Robert Benne, “ELCA Hits Bottom,” First Things, October 1, 2018. Accessed June 21, 2025,
https://firstthings.com/elca-hits-bottom/.
7
ELCA, “ELCA Assembly Opens Ministry to Partnered Gay and Lesbian Lutherans” ELCA News. August
21,2009. Accessed June 25,2025, https://www.elca.org/news-and-events/6587.
8
Benne.
9
ELCA, “ELCA Church Council Takes Action for 2025 Churchwide Assembly,” ELCA News, April 10, 2025,
accessed June 21, 2025, https://www.elca.org/news-and-events/elca-church-council-takes-action-for-2025-
churchwide-assembly .
10
ELCA, “Faith and Civic Life: Seeking the Well-being of All.” April 24, 2025. Accessed June 26, 2025,
https://resources.elca.org/faith-and-society/faith-and-civic-life-seeking-the-well-being-of-all/ ,1.

2
of ‘we the people.’”11 The statement further clarifies that the U.S. is not a “Christian nation” and
was not founded on specifically Christian principles.12

The ELCA views advocacy as a fundamental part of how it understands missional work, working
to influence public policies that advance what it understands as the common good, particularly
for the poor, powerless, and those who suffer, and to protect creation.13 The “Faith and Civic
Life” statement solidifies the ELCA’s identity as a denomination deeply committed to social
justice, public advocacy and lobbying government officials. This commitment potentially
deepens its engagement in public policy while simultaneously risking further alienation of
members who perceive this as an over-politicization of faith. Mainline Protestant churches,
including the ELCA, have historically emphasized social justice and tended to be more liberal
politically.14 This statement is not a new direction but a formal articulation and reinforcement of
this long-standing commitment. The explicit rejection of “Christian nationalism” is a strong
political statement that aligns the ELCA with one side of a highly polarized contemporary
debate, moving beyond general calls for justice to specific ideological positioning. Some, who
identify as former members have expressed that they left the ELCA because they feel that
according to the ELCA, the gospel is defined “in strictly social justice terms,” and that “you can
do social justice without a church.”15 This suggests a possible trade-off: while this stance may
resonate with a segment of society and enhance the ELCA’s moral authority in certain
progressive circles, it simultaneously risks alienating members who hold more conservative or
less than progressive political views or who believe the church should primarily focus on Christ
Jesus and salvation rather than political advocacy. This creates a lasting impact on how the
ELCA is perceived externally and how it shapes its internal theological discourse, potentially
leading to a more standardized progressive political leaning within its remaining membership.

3. Recommendations from the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC)

The Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) was established to examine the
ELCA’s structures, which many believed were “built for a former reality” and needed to adapt to
the current mission context, including addressing systemic racism.16 The CRLC’s final report,
released ahead of the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, outlines 13 recommendations for renewing

11
Ibid, 3.
12
Ibid, 3.
13
ELCA, “Why Advocacy?” Accessed June 21, 2025, https://www.elca.org/our-work/publicly-engaged-
church/advocacy/why-advocacy.
14
Clergy and Congregations in a Time of Transformation: Findings from the 2022-2023 Mainline Protestant
Clergy Survey, Public Religion Research Institute, Aug 13, 2023. Accessed June 26, 2025,
https://prri.org/research/clergy-and-congregations-in-a-time-of-transformation-findings-from-the-2022-
2023-mainline-protestant-clergy-survey/ .
15
“Thoughts on Membership Decline,” Reddit. Accessed June 21, 2025,
https://www.reddit.com/r/LCMS/comments/14kgqur/thoughts_on_membership_decline/.
16
ELCA, The Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church. Accessed June 26, 2025,
https://www.elca.org/about/leadership/church-council/crlc.

3
the ELCA’s purpose, structure, and governance.17 The most significant calls to action within
these recommendations include increasing accountability through changes to governing
documents, policies, and procedures, with a specific focus on dismantling racism.18

A significant focus is placed on empowering lay leadership, including the establishment of the
ELCA Association of Synod Vice Presidents.19 Furthermore, the ELCA Church Council
authorized its Executive Committee to create a handbook with recommendations for Diversity,
Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) standards for congregations.20 This is explicitly seen
by some conservative members as a mechanism to enforce progressive views and remove
dissenters.21 Other structural and governance changes recommended include creating new task
forces (on interdependence and purpose, financial coordination, congregational management)
and streamlining processes to amend governing documents.22 The commission also considered,
but ultimately declined to recommend, an ELCA name change.23 The CRLC recommendations
represent a strategic institutional restructuring aimed at centralizing and enforcing a progressive
theological and social agenda. This approach is likely to further erode congregational autonomy
and accelerate the disaffiliation of conservative elements.

While the CRLC’s stated purpose is to adapt structures to a “mission context” and address
“systemic racism,”24 the specific recommendations, particularly those related to DEIA standards
for congregations and increased accountability,25 carry deeper implications. The creation of a
DEIA handbook with “recommendations for diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA)
standards for congregations” is not merely advisory. Minimal proposed DEIA standards include
mandatory training and “required relationship with opposite demographics” of a congregation.26
There are no specific instructions for discipline if the required standards are not followed. The
streamlining of governing document amendments further facilitates this top-down control.27 The
emphasis on “increasing accountability” and “dismantling racism” through changes to governing
documents implies a shift in power dynamics, where the churchwide body gains more authority

17
Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA “Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC) Annual Report:
2025.” Accessed June 21, 2025, https://www.gcsynod.org/news/commission-for-a-renewed-lutheran-church-
crlc-annual-report-2025.
18
ELCA, “Response of the Church Council to the Recommendations in the Report of the Commission for a
Renewed Lutheran Church and the Report of the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church.” Accessed
June 26, 2025, https://elcamediaresources.blob.core.windows.net/cdn/wp-
content/uploads/FINAL_CRLC_Final_Report_Recommendations_and_Church_Council_Response.pdf .
19
Ibid, 51.
20
Ibid, 3.
21
Lawrence D. Becker, “February Candle,” Westchester Lutheran Church and School, February 2025.
Accessed June 26, 2025,
https://dwscbcy9jc8hm.cloudfront.net/sites/493/comfy/cms/files/126620/files/original/02_2025.pdf .
22
“Response of the Church Council.
23
Ibid, 56.
24
Michael Rinehart, “The Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church: Myths and Facts,” November 9, 2024.
Accessed June 27, 2025, https://bishopmike.com/2024/11/09/the-commission-for-a-renewed-lutheran-
church-myths-and-facts/ .
25
“ELCA Church Council Takes Action.
26
“ELCA DEIA Overview,” Lutheran Congregation Support Network, accessed June 27, 2025,
https://lutherancongregationalsupportnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/ELCA-DEIA-Overview.pdf .
27
“ELCA Church Council Takes Action.

4
to enforce ideological conformity, thereby reducing the traditional congregational autonomy that
has historically allowed for some theological diversity within the ELCA. This suggests a more
centrally controlled and ideologically homogenous denomination as a lasting impact.

5. Other Notable Proposals

Beyond the major social statements and structural reforms, several other significant proposals are
on the agenda for the 2025 Assembly. These include bylaw amendments to allow for the
exchange of deacons with certain full communion partners and to establish additional standards
for rostered ministers.28This reflects the ELCA’s ongoing commitment to ecumenical
relationships and the evolving roles within its ministry. Another notable item is the reception of
the 2024 Lutheran-Orthodox “Common Statement on the Filioque”29 from the Lutheran World
Federation. The common statement calls for the modification of the Nicene Creed from “who
proceeds from the Father and the Son” to read “who proceeds from the Father” or “who
proceeds from the Father through the Son”. 30This statement addresses a historical theological
point of division between Eastern and Western Christianity, marking a continued effort in
broader Christian ecumenism and reconciliation.

Furthermore, the agenda includes virtual hearings on “Memorials Concerning Palestine &
Israel.” 31 Draft resolutions from synods, such as the Rocky Mountain Synod, propose advocating
for human rights, justice, and peace for all Palestinians and Israelis. These calls include
recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state, supporting its full UN membership, halting military
assistance to Israel, investigating the use of U.S. military aid, and rejecting schemes to remove
Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank.32 These diverse proposals, while seemingly
disparate, collectively reinforce the ELCA’s identity as an ecumenically engaged and globally
conscious denomination, particularly through its active participation in social and political
advocacy on international issues. The Filioque statement demonstrates a commitment to
theological dialogue and reconciliation with other major Christian traditions, specifically the
Orthodox Church, aligning with the ELCA’s stated goal of manifesting Christian unity.33 The
Palestine/Israel resolutions are highly specific and politically charged. By considering calls to
recognize Palestine, halt military aid to Israel, and oppose “genocide,” the ELCA is taking a
definitive stance on a complex international conflict. This is not merely a pastoral concern but a
direct political advocacy position.34 When combined with the “Faith and Civic Life” statement’s
opposition to Christian nationalism and the broader emphasis on social justice, these proposals
solidify the ELCA’s image as a denomination that actively translates its faith into public and

28
Ibid.
29
“Lutheran-Orthodox Common Statement on the Filioque,” The Lutheran World Federation, accessed June
27, 2025, https://lutheranworld.org/resources/document-lutheran-orthodox-common-statement-filioque .
30
Ibid.
31
“2025 Churchwide Assembly Pre-Events,” ELCA, accessed June 21, 2025,
https://www.elca.org/about/leadership/churchwide-assembly/2025-cwa-pre-events.
32
Rocky Mountain Synod ELCA, “Memorial - Rocky Mountain Synod.” Accessed June 21, 2025,
https://rmselca.org/sites/rmselca.org/files/media/memorials_resolutions_assembly_handbook_1.pdf.
33
ELCA, “The Vision of the ELCA.” Accessed June 21, 2025, https://resources.elca.org/wp-
content/uploads/The_Vision_Of_The_ELCA.pdf.
34
ELCA, “Why Advocacy?” Accessed June 21, 2025, https://www.elca.org/our-work/publicly-engaged-
church/advocacy/why-advocacy.

5
global policy advocacy. While these stances may strengthen ties with like-minded ecumenical
partners and human rights organizations, they could further strain relationships with Christian
denominations or political groups that hold different views on these international issues,
particularly those with strong pro-Israel stances or those who prefer a less overtly political
church.

6. Election of a New Presiding Bishop and Secretary

While not a “proposal” in the same vein as social statements, the election of new church
leadership is always a significant event that can generate tension. Different factions or
theological perspectives within the church may back different candidates, leading to spirited
campaigns and debates about the future direction of the ELCA. The outcome of these elections
can indirectly influence the approach to other controversial issues.

Lasting Consequences

The aftermath of the 2025 Churchwide Assembly, should these proposed ideas be adopted, is
expected to manifest across several critical areas, influencing internal cohesion, membership
trends, financial stability, and erosion of congregational authority.

1. Internal ELCA Cohesion and Factional Responses

The adoption of these proposals, particularly the revisions to the “Human Sexuality: Gift and
Trust” statement and the implementation of DEIA standards, is likely to further exacerbate
internal theological polarization within the ELCA. The 2009 Assembly’s decision on human
sexuality already led to significant departures of congregations and pastors, fundamentally
reshaping American Lutheranism.35 This historical precedent suggests that similar, if not
intensified, reactions are probable. The concept of “bound conscience,” which theoretically
allowed for differing theological views within the ELCA, was perceived by some is misleading36
with progressive verdicts being enforced at higher levels and public dissenters finding it difficult
to secure or maintain positions.37 No doubt, the 2025 reconsideration of “bound conscience” will
be closely scrutinized by conservative factions.

This situation suggests that the ELCA is moving from a model that nominally respected a
“variety of perspectives” to one where adherence to “progressive orthodoxy is fatal” for
dissenters.38 Charles Porterfield Krauth, a prominent 19th century American Lutheran accurately
described the stages of error entering the Church: “It begins by asking toleration... error goes on
to assert equal rights... From this point error soon goes on to its natural end, which is to assert

35
Adam DeHoek and Kenneth Inskeep, “The Supply of and Demand for Clergy in the ELCA,” March 2016,
accessed June 27, 2025, https://www.centrallutheranchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/The-Supply-of-and-
Demand-for-Clergy-in-the-ELCA-32816.pdf .
36
Ken Ranos, “Why ‘Bound Conscience’ Is a Lie,” April 2021. Accessed June 27, 2025,
https://ecumenicallife.com/2021/04/17/why-bound-conscience-is-a-lie/ .
37
“ELCA Hits Bottom,” First Things, accessed June 21, 2025, https://firstthings.com/elca-hits-bottom/.
38
Ibid.

6
supremacy.”39 The immediate effect will be increased tension, public statements of concern, and
potentially the initiation of formal disaffiliation processes by congregations and individuals who
perceive that their theological positions are no longer tolerated or affirmed within the ELCA.
This will severely test the ELCA’s ability to manage internal conflict and maintain a semblance
of unity, even as its core identity becomes more explicitly defined by its progressive stances.

2. Membership Trends and Disaffiliation

The ELCA is already facing a rapid decline in membership, with projections indicating a near
end of the ELCA by 2050 based on current trends.40 The adoption of the 2025 proposals could
accelerate this decline, particularly among the conservative congregations and pastors. The 2009
decision on human sexuality directly resulted in many congregations and pastors who believed
that such relationships were contrary to Holy Scripture and left the ELCA. The current proposals,
especially mandatory DEIA standards and the explicit rejection of “bound conscience” as a
shield for traditional and conservative views, directly target the theological and practical space
conservative Lutherans previously occupied. This will likely trigger a new wave of
disaffiliations, as conservative congregations, individuals and pastors may seek denominations
that align more closely with their theological beliefs and roots such as the American Association
of Lutheran Churches (AALC).

While the broader decline in mainline Protestantism is multi-faceted, driven by cultural shifts,
anti-institutionalism, and a perceived lack of relevance,41 these specific policy shifts could act as
a direct catalyst for those who hold fast to the authority of Holy Scripture and the certainty of the
Lutheran Confessions. The proposed DEIA changes are seen by some as closing “loopholes” that
previously allowed conservative congregations and pastors to remain, making disaffiliation a
more pressing and unavoidable issue for them. The immediate impact will be a measurable
decrease in overall membership numbers, disproportionately affecting congregations with more
traditional theological leanings.

3. Financial Implications

The ongoing membership decline within the ELCA already exerts significant pressure on
churchwide and synodical budgets.42 The anticipated acceleration of disaffiliations following the
2025 Assembly will immediately intensify these financial challenges. Each departing
congregation or individual represents a direct loss of tithing and financial support for the wider
denomination. Other mainline Protestant denominations, such as the United Methodist Church

39
Charles Porterfield Krauth, Conservative Reformation and Its Theology, (Philadelphia: Lippincott),1875,
195-196.
40
Dwight Zscheile, “Will The ELCA Be Gone in 30 Years, Faith Leads, September 5, 2019. Accessed June 27,
2025, https://faithlead.org/blog/decline/ .
41
Carlos Miguel Lemos, “Disakiliation from the Evangelical Lutheran Churches in the Nordic Countries:
Mistrust in the Churches, Changing Worldviews, or Something else?” June 2024. Accessed June 27, 2025,
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/381761592_Disakiliation_from_the_Evangelical_Lutheran_Churc
hes_in_the_Nordic_Countries_Mistrust_in_the_Churches_Changing_Worldviews_or_Something_else .
42
Zscheile.

7
(UMC), have faced “financially disastrous” splits, with conservative factions leaving with
substantial property and financial settlements.43

While the ELCA’s specific policy allows departing congregations to retain their buildings if they
follow a prescribed protocol including securing two separate 2/3 majority votes from their
members, potentially justifying some of the protracted and costly property battles seen in other
denominations like the Episcopal Church,44 this policy does not eliminate financial impact. Even
with this rule, “in polarized congregations, dissenters may face legal and denominational
battles,”45 incurring legal costs for both the local church and the synod.46 Furthermore, some
conservative critics voicing their opinions that the ELCA leadership of strategically running
down churches and selling off their properties to support the deficit budget of the ELCA.47 While
this is a strong critique, it underscores the severe financial pressures the denomination faces and
the potential for asset liquidation as a strategy, which would have long-term financial and
structural implications. The immediate financial consequence will be a further tightening of
budgets, potential cuts to programs and staff, and increased pressure on remaining members to
sustain the denominational infrastructure.

4. Erosion of Congregational Authority

According to Lutheran Congregational Support Network (LCSN), the ELCA has transitioned
from a congregational orientation to a more corporate and institutional mindset.48 This shift has
led to an erosion of control for local congregations. While congregations are supposedly in
control of their own constitutions, the ELCA has gradually imposed its model constitution.
Initially, the ELCA required congregations to accept all mandated changes found in the model
constitution even for minor amendments. More recently, the ELCA claims that the model
constitution overrides any provisions voted on or approved by a local congregation, regardless of
what the congregation's own documents state. Although the ELCA’s model constitution states
that local congregations have sole authority over their property and endowments, exception
clauses, particularly rooted in a synodical constitution provision (S13.24)49, allow synods to take
control. This “synodical administration” can be applied even to healthy and financially sound

43
Yonat Shimron, “United Methodists OK New Schism Plan to Settle LGBTQ Debate,” Religion News Service,
March 3, 2020. Accesses June 27, 2025. https://religionnews.com/2020/03/03/united-methodists-ok-new-
schism-plan-to-settle-lgbtq-debate/.
44
Tracy Gordon, “Lutheran Dissidents Mull a Separate Future,” Religion News Service, September 17, 2009.
Accessed June 27, 2025, https://religionnews.com/2009/09/17/lutheran-dissidents-mull-a-separate-
future1/.
45
Ibid.
46
“Lutheran Synod Finally Speaks Out About Bethlehem Church Battle,” Brooklyn Paper. Accessed June 21,
2025. Accessed June 5, 2025. https://www.brooklynpaper.com/lutheran-synod-finally-speaks-out-about-
bethlehem-church-battle/.
47
“The ELCA’s Billions of Dollars,” Exposing the ELCA, April 24, 2025. Accessed June 27, 2025,
https://www.exposingtheelca.com/exposed-blog/the-elcas-billions-of-dollars .
48
Lutheran Congregational Support Network, “ELCA & Control: Structural Changes,” November 2024.
Accessed June 27, 2025, https://youtu.be/3zz1Klj3bUk?si=fXfPAGU35DWq7kbE .
49
ELCA, Constitution for Synod 2022. Access June 27, 2025, https://resources.elca.org/okice-of-the-
secretary/constitution-for-synods-2022/?_ga=2.249159303.1035128182.1751137096-
1800059394.1749578646 .

8
congregations, leading to the synod seizing property, assets, and replacing leadership. A 2019
amendment to the model constitution, adding the vague clause that a congregation “no longer
fulfills the purposes for which it was organized,”50 further enables this synodical intervention.

Finally, according to LCFN, the ELCA’s code of conduct for rostered pastors has been
amended. While initially focused on misconduct, legal, and ethical issues, it now includes
provisions that allow for discipline and removal of a pastor if they raise questions or concerns
about ELCA policy or procedures, or if they encourage a congregation to leave the ELCA. This
represents a shift from a system where the congregation had control over a pastor’s call to one
where the synod can actively pursue discipline and remove a pastor without any say by the
congregation who issued the call to the pastor.51

Conclusion

The proposed changes at the 2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly signal a profound shift towards
a more progressive theology and centralized power of the ELCA. Revisions to the “Human
Sexuality: Gift and Trust” social statement aim to explicitly affirm same-gender relationships,
potentially diminishing the theological space for traditional Lutheran views. The “Faith and
Civic Life” social statement solidifies the ELCA’s commitment to social justice and public
advocacy, including a strong stance against Christian nationalism and specific political positions
on international issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Furthermore, recommendations from the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC)
suggest structural changes that centralize authority and enforce Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and
Accessibility (DEIA) standards, which some perceive as a mechanism to suppress dissenting
voices and erode congregational authority. These proposed changes, coupled with amendments
to the ELCA’s model constitutions and the code of conduct for pastors, indicate a significant
move towards increased top-down control and ideological uniformity.

The immediate impacts of these proposals are likely to include heightened internal theological
polarization, an accelerated decline in membership, and increased financial strain on the
denomination. The historical precedent of disaffiliations following the 2009 Churchwide
decision on human sexuality suggests a similar or intensified exodus remaining conservative
Lutheran congregations, individuals and pastors who feel their theological positions are no
longer welcomed nor tolerated. This ongoing shift may lead to a more ideologically uniform,
50
Synod’s constitution provides for oversight of its congregations, including their ongoing viability, as Section
13.24 states: “If any congregation of this synod is disbanded, or if the members of a congregation agree that it
is no longer possible for it to function as such, or if it is the opinion of the Synod Council that the membership
of a congregation has become so scattered or so diminished in numbers as to make it impractical for such
congregation to fulfill the purposes for which it was organized or that it is necessary for this synod to protect
the congregation’s property from waste and deterioration, the Synod Council, itself or through trustees
appointed by it, may take charge and control of the property of the congregation to hold, manage, and convey
the same on behalf of this synod. The congregation shall have the right to appeal the decision to the Synod
Assembly.”
51
Lutheran Congregational Support Network, “ELCA & Control: Structural Changes,” November 2024.
Accessed June 27, 2025, https://youtu.be/3zz1Klj3bUk?si=fXfPAGU35DWq7kbE .

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though smaller, ELCA, while simultaneously compelling disenfranchised congregations and
pastors to seek affiliation with confessional church bodies such as The American Association of
Lutheran Churches (AALC) which share theological conservative Lutheran beliefs about the
authority of Holy Scripture and the reliability of the Lutheran Confessions, and roots in the
authority of Lutheran congregations.

Rev. Dr. Cary G. Larson

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