Social Statements As Ritual
In a previous post, we noted how the Church, when struggling, turns to adjusting a rite or ritual to create an illusion of accomplishment.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America has a ritual that exists outside of worship. It is called the Social Statement.
Social Statements, Messages and Resolutions
Social Statements are treatises explaining the official position of the Church on topics of concern to both the Church and secular society. They are designed to facilitate discussion in hopes that congregations address issues on their own but in keeping with the teachings of the Church.
Lutherans value individual belief and diversity, so the Statements, for the considerable work put into them, carry no real weight.
The ELCA has been in existence since 1988. It has issued 11 Social Statements. Topics include: abortion, Church in Society, the death penalty, economic life, education, the environment, genetics, health and healthcare, peace, culture and sexuality.
For situations requiring more expediency, the ELCA Church Council adopts Social Messages. In the past 23 years, they have addressed 12 issues.
Carrying less weight is a third level of statement: Social Policy Resolutions. There are tons of these sitting on the ELCA website.
Drafting Social Statements in the Digital Age
The process of drafting Social Statements began before the full power of the internet was realized. Individuals are named to a commission that creates a draft document. Discussions are held at the regional level with the commission drafting the final document to be voted on by the Churchwide Assembly.
It is now possible to have ongoing debates without scheduling geographic meetings with their limitations.
Discussion could take place regionally or on the denomination’s magazine site. This site is open to all by subscription only, which limits its effect as a forum and evangelical tool. The internet eliminates logistical restraints but the Church creates new ones!
The documents, even in draft form are available on the web. It would be interesting to know the statistics of how many times these documents are downloaded, shared, tweeted, etc. This could only increase readership and effectiveness and should be easy to do. Comments should not only be allowed, they should be encouraged. Without interaction, they sit on the national church website gathering cyberdust.
The Current Effort
The ELCA is currently developing a statement on Criminal Justice for consideration in 2013. The Church’s view on this topic should be interesting as it has exempted itself from the laws its members are expected to follow. When challenged, it cries “Separation of Church and State” but does not hesitate to use the courts to force its will on congregations as evidenced in the Southeastern Pennsylvania Synod and its treatment of the members of Redeemer congregation. On this issue, where the church is a lead player, there has been no room for diversity. Members have been denied voice and vote by decree. Open discussion is discouraged.
The Church addresses issues with minimal impact. There is the illusion of caring and involvement.
Now what? Work done?