UNWRAPPING BOUND CONSCIENCE

by Dennis D. Nelson

Note:  Many thanks to Larry Becker, NALC pastor in southern California and member of the board of Lutheran CORE, for gathering several of the references and resources that are used in this article. 

Last month I wrote an article for the July issue of our newsletter about the study guide from the task force that is reconsidering the 2009 ELCA human sexuality social statement. HERE is a link to that article.  The study guide focuses on the whole issue of bound conscience, which is the term the social statement uses to describe the fact that people in the ELCA hold different views on same sex relationships.  This month I would like to further explore the whole concept of bound conscience – where it came from, whether it has been helpful, is it being followed, and what we might anticipate for the future.

Pages 19-21 of the original 2009 (the social statement was revised in 2025) version of “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust” describe four different positions on same sex relationships that people within the ELCA hold “with conviction and integrity.”  It then says, “Although at this time this church lacks consensus on this matter, it encourages all people to live out their faith . . . with profound respect for the conscience-bound belief of the neighbor.”  It is this whole issue of bound conscience that the 2022 ELCA Churchwide Assembly voted overwhelmingly (708-93) to reconsider.

HERE is a link to a video from the 2009 Churchwide Assembly where Dr. Timothy Wengert explains the whole concept of bound conscience.  Dr. Wengert is professor emeritus at United Lutheran Seminary (Philadelphia) and was a member of the task force on human sexuality.  The whole motivation is clearly revealed in the comment made by the person who introduces him – to build a case that disagreement on human sexuality need not be church dividing.

When Lutherans think of bound conscience, they naturally first think of Martin Luther’s defense in 1521 at the Diet of Worms.  “My conscience is captive to the Word of God.  I cannot and will not recant anything, for to go against conscience is neither right nor safe.”  For Luther bound conscience was not about different people holding different views “with conviction and integrity” and we need to have profound respect for all.  Bound conscience is not personal conviction, subjective sentiment, political pressure, nor group consensus.  Rather it is submission to the authority of the Word of God. 

But Dr. Wengert – in his introduction – spends the larger portion of his time talking about what he describes as a second way in which bound conscience came up during the Reformation.  That second way had to do with specific, practical, ethical dilemmas such as whether to pressure lay people to receive both bread and wine at communion and rules regarding the practice of fasting.  Dr. Wengert compares the Reformers’ approach to these issues to the way the apostle Paul deals with eating meat offered to idols when he writes to the Romans and the Corinthians. 

Because of what Dr. Wengert places greater emphasis upon, he has reinterpreted bound conscience as giving permission for mutually exclusive moral positions.  As I see it, according to his way of thinking, my conscience becomes bound by my opinion of what the Word of God says (or should say), not by the clear message of Scripture.  As a worst-case scenario, the Word of God becomes bound to my opinions (and the values and beliefs of my culture) rather than my conscience is bound to the Word of God.  No wonder Paull Spring (former retired ELCA bishop, later chairperson of the Lutheran CORE steering committee and bishop emeritus of the NALC), said, “In its emphasis on conscience, the task force forgot that Luther was not talking about his own right to his own opinion.  He was declaring his commitment and allegiance to the Word of God.  It is exactly the opposite of the task force’s idea of conscience as one’s personal beliefs.  They are encouraging the strange notion of a bound conscience as nothing more than individualism.” 

There are four points that I would like to make regarding Dr. Wengert’s definition of bound conscience.

1. It does not make sense.
2. It has been rejected.
3. It is not the way the ELCA has been doing things.
4. What’s next?   

First, it does not make sense. 

If one person believes that a certain behavior is sinful and another person believes that it is holy, pleasing to, and blessed by God, they cannot both be correct.  Also, if the Church were to lift up two opposing practices as equally valid, how could or would it have any moral authority to proclaim truth?  Instead of having a prophetic voice, the Church would become a reflection of its culture.

Second, it has been rejected.

 Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries (ELM) and its predecessor organizations trace themselves back to 1990 when two San Francisco congregations extended calls to openly gay and lesbian pastors, in violation of ELCA policy.  In 1993, the Extraordinary Candidacy Project was created to provide a credentialing process for publicly identified LGBTQIA+ people.   After the ELCA changed its ministry policies in 2009, those who had been ordained outside of the ELCA structure and process were welcomed to the ELCA list of rostered leaders.  Some of these people, as well as many other members of ELM, are in positions of considerable power and influence in the ELCA.

In early September 2022 – shortly after the 2022 Churchwide Assembly which authorized the reconsideration of bound conscience – Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries put out a statement that said, “The ELCA must address our sins of racism and ‘bound conscience.’”  HERE is a link to that statement, which then goes on to say, “Many queer-rostered ministry leaders experience . . . harm in the ELCA with little recourse because of ‘bound conscience’.”  The 2019 Churchwide Assembly adopted a formal letter of repentance to commit to examine the church’s complicity in slavery and to acknowledge “the ELCA’s perpetuation of racism.”  At the 2022 Churchwide Assembly Bishop Eaton formally apologized to the worshiping community of Iglesia Luterana Santa Maria Peregrina in central California for both individual and institutional racist harm done to the congregation and the Latine community.  In the same way Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries believes that “queer people in the ELCA deserve an apology and behavior consistent with repentance for the harm caused by ‘bound conscience’ and policies like ‘Visions and Expectations.’”  This statement then ends by saying, “It is time for ‘bound conscience’ to go.” 

Here Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries basically is equating racism and bound conscience.  Since for the ELCA racism is the worst of the worst, then the provision for bound conscience also must be the worst of the worst.    

No “profound respect for the conscience bound belief of the neighbor” here.  Knowing the high-powered positions of many who are a part of Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries, no one with traditional views should feel welcome, valued, respected, and/or safe. 

Third, it is not the way the ELCA has been doing things.

 As I have mentioned in previous articles –

• ELCA youth gatherings have become grooming events for LGBTQ+, transgender, and non-binary ideology. Why would anyone with traditional views want their child or grandchild to attend an ELCA youth gathering?
• The Human Sexuality Reconsiderations Task Force recommended and the 2025 Churchwide Assembly approved by a vote of 742-46 changes to the social statement which they described as “simply editorial,” when actually they amounted to no less than a full embrace of every diverse form of sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Prior to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church recommended and the Church Council approved a number of Continuing Resolutions which are now part of the ELCA governing documents without ever having to be voted on by a Churchwide Assembly. Among these Continuing Resolutions are ones which make every diverse form of sexual orientation and gender identity a privileged and protected group within the church. 

It is interesting that the news release about the November 14-17, 2024 meeting of the Church Council did not give any specific information about the above.  Instead it just stated –

In key actions, the council:

Approved amendments to “Constitutions, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the ELCA” that were drafted in response to the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility (DEIA) Audit.

Recommended to the 2025 Churchwide Assembly certain amendments to “Constitutions, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of the ELCA” that were brought to the council by the Commission for a Renewed Lutheran Church (CRLC).

We did not learn anything specific until later – six months prior to the Churchwide Assembly – when the Church Council informed Synods of its recommendations.   

No “profound respect for the conscience bound belief of the neighbor” here if that neighbor has traditional views.  All those with traditional views need to realize that their position will continue to be eroded.  

Fourth, what’s next?

 I am going with the assumption that the language of “bound conscience” will be removed from the social statement.  The vote at the 2022 Churchwide Assembly to reconsider bound conscience was so strong (708-93).  Votes taken at the 2025 Churchwide Assembly on matters of human sexuality further eroded any standing that traditional views and those who hold them might still have.  Many people have spoken very critically about bound conscience because of the way they see it as allowing for traditional views. 

There certainly will not be in 2028 the “restraining influence” that there was in 2009 from those who hold traditional views.  They are simply no longer there. 

Some members of the task force have spoken very positively about the quality of communication and high level of trust among members of the task force – even among people who strongly disagree with each other.  Are there other members of the task force who would not say that?  

There definitely seems to be a desire to “get through this” with as little organizational damage to the ELCA as possible. 

On the other hand, if bound conscience is eliminated and some other wording that gives a place of dignity and respect for traditional views and those who hold them is not provided in its place –   

Why should or would anyone with traditional views ever trust the ELCA again?

Will synodical bishops be able to hinder a pastor with traditional views from being able to get another call and/or be able to hinder congregations with traditional views from being able to call another pastor?

Will seminarians with traditional views be blocked in their efforts to be certified for ordination and first call (so eventually there will be no traditional pastors left in the ELCA)?

If a pastor is sued for refusing to officiate at a same sex wedding and/or a congregation is sued for refusing to host a same sex wedding, will there be any backing and support from the synod and/or churchwide?

According to the schedule included in the study guide from the task force –

In 2027 a draft of revisions to the social statement will be released for public comment.

In 2028 the ELCA Churchwide Assembly will take action on any proposed revisions.

We will keep you posted as we learn or hear more. 

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VIDEO MINISTRIES

“PROPHECIES OF ISAIAH FOR MAMAS AND LITTLES”

Written by Hanna FitzGerald – Reviewed by James FitzGerald

Many thanks to Hanna and James FitzGerald for this video review of Hanna’s new book, “Prophecies of Isaiah for Mamas and Littles,” which will be published in August 2026 by the American Lutheran Publicity Bureau.  Hanna is a former English teacher who is now a full-time mother while serving her church, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fulton, Maryland (ELCA), alongside her husband, the Reverend James FitzGerald.  The FitzGeralds are the ones who provide the weekly, lectionary-based children’s messages on our website. 

A link to the FitzGeralds’ video review can be found HERE.  A link to our YouTube channel, which contains seventy reviews of books and videos on topics of interest and importance, can be found HERE.      

Isaiah prophesied about the coming of Jesus: Emmanuel, God with Us.  During the Advent and Christmas seasons, we remember the gift of Jesus as a baby born in a manger, and we wait for the return of Christ Jesus in glory with the Advent of a New Heaven and a New Earth.  Selected scriptures from Isaiah and the Gospels reveal Jesus in the Old and New Testaments.  Included in this devotional are stories of modern motherhood, prayers, and journal questions.  With each adult devotional for mama, there is also a devotional for children to complete with mama.  These shorter devotionals include prayer, scripture, and a family activity.  Grow closer in faith as a family while preparing for Christmas with each turn of the page.

“When some of the bystanders heard it, they began saying, “Behold, He is calling for Elijah.”  Someone ran and filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on a reed, and gave Him a drink, saying, “Let us see whether Elijah will come to take Him down” (Mark 15:35-36).

How often do people misunderstand what the Lord is saying?  Sinners like to put words in His mouth.  Our Savior was a real, ordinary, just like us person, yet also God in the flesh.  He felt the physical things – as we all do – and lamented the pain.  The mockery continues.  What more can God do to show His great love for us?  Let the mockery be crucified and accept His love.

Lord, the world around me still mocks You and will not believe.  Help me to come to the place where I accept that You are above all, yet You also understand fully what it means to be human.  You have come to lead all who will follow You into a life that is fulfilled beyond any expectation we could ever have in this world alone.  In and through You is love and life.  You have suffered, and in that suffering, united us with You.

Lord Jesus, You have cried out across the ages for the sake of all of those who, through You, will be given new life.  Here am I Lord; take me and make of me what You will.  Lead me according to Your purpose so that I may become what You will make of me.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy to live obediently according to the Father’s will.  Slay the sinner and resurrect me with You in Your time.  Amen.

“When the sixth hour came, darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour.  At the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is translated, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” (Mark 15:33-34)

This world is often forsaken.  The unbelieving roar like a lion, seeking whom they may devour.  Jesus felt the full weight of this world’s darkness and cried out.  Do we not often do the same?  God sustains all things, but in the horror of a world gone wrong, the lament is great.  Greater still is His love for us that He would suffer the darkness of this world so that we could see the glimmer of light which shows the One who created all things.

Lord, I confess that the full weight of what happened on the cross is a mystery to me.  Yet, I do know what it is like to feel abandoned.  Help me so that I learn how to call out to You at all times.  You have promised that You are with me.  In times of doubt, or when the world is pressing in, lead me to know that Your presence is always with me.  Help me transcend my fears.

Lord Jesus, You have told us that perfect love casts out fear.  Lead me to come to the place of Your perfect love.  When I feel alone, remind me that You are always with me.  When I doubt, grant me the ability to see that You are with me, and continue on.  When I am confused, remind me that all things have their purpose so that I may come to the place where I learn to live in Your love.  Through all things, guide me, my dear Savior.  Amen.

“In the same way the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were mocking Him among themselves and saying, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself.  Let this Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe!” Those who were crucified with Him were also insulting Him” (Mark 15:31-32).

There are those who say they will not believe unless certain signs and wonders are done.  One wonders, even if they were done, would they find another reason to not believe?  We have before us all that we need.  From the order and beauty of creation to all that has been written, along with the others who believe, is that enough?  For the world, it is never enough.  God is the Creator of all things.  Believe!

Lord, I have my doubts and fears which govern my thoughts.  The world around me promotes doubt and unbelief.  Guide me through the fog of this age to humbly and simply believe that You are God and You have a purpose for all things.  Lead me according to Your goodness and mercy to understand things as they are and not to be driven by the denials of those in this world who are unbelieving.

My Lord and Savior Jesus, You withstood the constant mockery of the unbelieving.  I often am at a loss for words and fall into silence when confronted by the hatred and derision of this world.  Lead me so that I follow You and the truth, no matter what those in the world say.  Guide me out of the malaise of this world to see and believe.  Help me in times of doubt so that I am not unbelieving but believing.  Amen.

“Those passing by were hurling abuse at Him, wagging their heads, and saying, “Ha! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself, and come down from the cross!” (Mark 15:29-30)

Sinners often mock God and are unable to understand what is really going on.  Would you really be so abusive even to a guilty criminal who was dying?  The give-away in this scene is the part mocking Jesus and demanding that He save Himself.  Narcissism is at the heart of pride.  Jesus did what He did for us.  He calls us out of ourselves.  He will resurrect us on the last day.  The mockery of the world will cease.  God will do what He has promised.

Lord, I have mocked others in their situation.  I have had times when I was not compassionate, and whether or not another deserved what was happening, I was glad for their suffering.  Take these things out of me for Your compassion and mercy have no room for mockery.  You suffered beyond anything I could ever imagine and You did so for our sake.  Grant me a new heart that seeks You and Your ways at all times.

Lord Jesus, You are compassionate.  Even while suffering You arranged for the welfare of Your mother.  Help me to follow Your example and not focus upon the moment but seek to have a character like Yours.  Guide me through those times where my sinfulness takes over and I speak without thinking.  Lead me to live according to Your word and the way of eternity.  Amen.

“They crucified two robbers with Him, one on His right and one on His left.  And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And He was numbered with transgressors.”] (Mark 15:27-28)

Our Savior has fulfilled all Scripture concerning Him.  It was the way God told us it would be.  The biggest struggle point for many is the seeming weakness God used to conquer sin.  But this is how He knows it must be.  For us, it is a matter of trust.  He has done all that is needed.  Our Savior came and He was always amongst sinners, for that is what we are.  In the end, it will be those who look to Him for salvation versus those who continue wanting to be their own god.

God of heaven and earth, help me to see the utter simplicity of the truth that we all need what only You can provide.  I will either turn to You or else continue in the hatred of this age because it is not what I want.  I do not even know what I want.  Help me to look to You, the source of my being and follow according to the way You have created me and all living things to live.  Guide me in Your grace.

Lord Jesus, You have eternally reconciled me to You through Your shed blood.  You have done all that is needed for me to leave behind the sin of this age of rebellion in order that I may humbly walk with You in all of Your ways.  Guide me in the way of everlasting truth so that I may learn from You and humbly follow You always.  Help me to understand more each day so that I may take those steps which lead me in the right direction.  Amen.

“The inscription of the charge against Him read, “THE KING OF THE JEWS” (Mark 15:26).

Pilate chose to give lip service to the Lord: a political decision.  It is the truth, but what did it mean?  Jesus is not just the King of the Jews, but He is the King of kings.  It is not a charge, but the truth.  If accused, would you be convicted of being a follower of Jesus?  The world hates God.  The world is constantly trying to be rid of the One through whom all things exist.  The world is insane.

Heavenly Father, I know that, because Jesus was crucified, I have been reconciled to You.  I do not understand all that this means, but I trust the truth that Your word is sufficient.  Lead me to accept what You have said such that when confronted, others will know that I trust You above all things.  Help me to not convict the Savior with my doubts and worries, but trust that You have done all that is necessary that I may be with You now and forever.

Lord Jesus, You suffered indignation such as I am unable to imagine.  You ask that I follow You through all that this world may heap upon me.  Guide me to humbly walk with You all the days of my life.  Lead me so that I simply trust that You have given me the words of eternal life.  Help me on the way You know I need to go and keep me faithful through every hour of trial and temptation.  Amen.

“And they crucified Him, and divided up His garments among themselves, casting lots for them to decide what each man should take.  It was the third hour when they crucified Him” (Mark 15:24-25).

About noon they lifted Jesus up on the cross.  He had been awake the whole night before, beaten, mocked, tried, and convicted.  Of what was He guilty according to those who condemned Him?  For “blasphemy;” they considered Him guilty for saying He was God.  He was and is.  The world does not want the order of our Lord.  It wants to be the master of its own destiny.  The world exists because it has been created, but it does not want the Creator.

Lord God Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, the insanity of this world is that it wants to exist apart from You who created all things.  That is not possible.  Take me out of this insanity so that I may humbly live as You created me to live.  Guide me in Your goodness so that I see things through the eyes of truth.  You have suffered so that I who suffer may have hope beyond this age of suffering.

Lord Jesus, You died for me.  I was the one who should have been on that cross.  I have sinned and the wages of sin is death, but You have taken my place in order to set me free to live a new way of living.  Help me to not forget or slip into old patterns.  Lead me to live intentionally knowing that in You alone is there hope and a future.  Guide me in Your goodness and mercy all the days of my life.  Amen.

Pastor: Good morning boys and girls! Let’s say good morning to our friend Sammy and see if she is there. Ready? One, two, three…Good morning, Sammy!

Sammy: Good morning everyone! Good to see everyone! Tell me about your summer so far? How was Vacation Bible School?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: I am glad that everyone is doing well and that you are having a great summer. What are some of the foods you’re enjoying this summer?

Sammy: Well, at the farm the grazing is delightful! There’s wonderful plants growing in abundance over the summer. I enjoy eating a lot.

Pastor: Me, too. I don’t graze like you, but I do eat special foods in the summer time.

Sammy: What kinds of foods?

Pastor: I eat BBQ, grilled foods, sweet corn, fresh watermelon, peaches.

Sammy: That all sounds delicious!

Pastor: Summer is a great time of year. The fresh food is in abundance and thanks to our local farmers and gardeners, there’s plenty to eat.

Sammy: In a week we will really get to see the abundance of food growing in our county at the County Fair! I can’t wait to go! I heard all about the fair on the farm.

Pastor: You know, all of this talk of food reminds me of the Gospel story for today. Jesus met with a large crowd and was healing the sick and talking with them for the day. When evening came, the people were hungry.

Sammy: Was there a meadow nearby?

Pastor: A meadow? 

Sammy: For grazing. 

Pastor: People don’t graze. They need food that’s not hay and grass.

Sammy: Oh. I forgot. Well, what did they eat?

Pastor: All the disciples had was five loaves of bread and two fish.

Sammy: That doesn’t sound too bad. That could feed a few people.

Pastor: That’s right, but Jesus wanted to feed more than 5,000 people. That’s more than a few. That’s more people than we have for church right now.

Sammy: Wow! How did Jesus feed all of the hungry people?

Pastor: Jesus blessed and broke the loaves and gave the food to the people to eat. All of the people ate and they were all full. And there were leftovers!

Sammy: I love leftovers!

Pastor: Me too! Does anyone else love leftovers?

[Allow time for responses]

Pastor: Thank you all for sharing this time with me. Jesus is God. He provides everything we need and he surely loves us. Will you all please fold your hands, bow your heads, and repeat after me? Dear Jesus, thank you for giving us good food. Thank you for miracles. Thank you for being with us and healing us. We love you. Amen.

“Then they brought Him to the place Golgotha, which is translated, Place of a Skull.  They tried to give Him wine mixed with myrrh; but He did not take it” (Mark 15:22-23).

Our Lord suffered physical pain beyond what most of us can imagine.  He suffered the spiritual rejection of all those who will continue their rebellion into the depths of hell.  He suffered the deprivation of all that sustains life in the physical body.  He did so willingly for our sake.  He reached the point where He was done.  We look, but do we begin to comprehend the depth of what sin has done?

Holy and Triune Lord, in the great mystery of Your love, I see that You went through all of this to give all who believe an opportunity to live life as You created it to be lived.  The deeper I go in thinking the more I see that You are there.  This world always stops short, for if true inquiry were made, they would all see that You are the answer for our longing.  Amidst the horror of this world, guide me to understand that You have called me to walk with You, my Creator, Lord, and God.

Lord Jesus, You took upon Yourself the sin of all of us.  You suffered in ways that I am unable to imagine.  You did so willingly in love for us whom You have created.  Lead me to understand more clearly each day the breadth and depth of Your love.  Guide me to live into the life You are offering me, thinking as You give me the ability to think, and living in the way that You set before me.  Amen.