The ELCA people have joined us (updated as of 7.20 PM EDT)

[5.45 PM EDT] They just voted 55% yes to approve seeking the way for partnered GLBT to be rostered clergy.

RESOLVED, that the ELCA commit itself to finding a way for people in such publicly accountable, lifelong, monogamous, same-gender relationships to serve as rostered leaders of this church.

[6.30] So they have just amended their fourth resolution to allow for what I would call a 'conscience clause' to allow those churches who don't want to have a LGBT pastor.

Yes, they speak of 'bound conscience.'

Wonderful line in the prayer: 'May the airlines not charge us extra on Monday for the bags under our eyes.'

Seems like a bishop from North Dakota is trying to stall the vote on resolution 4 until tomorrow, by moving onto the next item in the agenda. It failed massively.

And now we are hearing the litany of those saying how much suffering will happen if the church dare to accept LGBT people.

Gee, sounds familiar.

[7.01] They are praying before voting on resolution 4. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only knowing that your hand is leading and supporting us....

And someone has asked for supplemental liturgical materials for those who will leave.

The motion has been adopted with a solid majority.

To my ELCA brothers and sisters we stand with you. God's blessings with you as you move forward on this new path. This life-long Episcopalian is very, very proud of you.

Bishop Hanson reads from Romans 8 for those who are against this resolution and feel as though the church has abandoned them: Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Now he speaks to those who have received a clear affirmation and feel as though they are finally being recognised by the church. To them he would read from Ephesians: You who once were far off have now been brought to the love of Christ... he has broken down the dividing wall....

Finally he speaks to those in the middle, reading from Colossians: Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. Bear with one another...

Bishop Hanson seems almost in tears and so, so weary.

[7.12] Now comes the opposition's remarks of capitulating to the culture, surrendering to the latest fad, and repudiating 2000 years of Christian witness.

Also so, so familiar.

Given their time crunch, only one such statement is read.