The Task Force for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Studies on Sexuality released the "Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality" March 13 for study and response across the 4.8 million-member ELCA. Responses to the draft social statement are due to the task force Nov. 1, 2008.

Social statements are teaching documents that assist Lutherans in forming judgments on social issues. They provide theological and ethical framework for discussion, discernment and decision-making, set policy for the church, and guide the church's advocacy and work in church and society. Social statements are adopted by a two Thirds vote at ELCA churchwide assemblies. Held every other year, the churchwide assembly is the ELCA's highest legislative authority. The next assembly is Aug. 17-23, 2009, in Minneapolis.

The "Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality" of the ELCA is available on the ELCA's Web site.

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