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Beyond Theology: The Social Construction Of Compliance Within The Evangelical Lutheran Church In America, Iain Johnson
Beyond Theology: The Social Construction Of Compliance Within The Evangelical Lutheran Church In America, Iain Johnson
Sociology Honors Projects
Insights from sociology of law have seldom informed sociology of religion, despite the ability of congregations to construct practical meaning and application with church doctrine. In August of 2009 the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) lifted its ban on "active homosexuals," allowing for the ordination of homosexuals within committed same-sex relationships. How do individual congregations within the ELCA interpret and implement this new social statement? I have conducted semi-structured interviews with pastors from ELCA congregations concerning the social statement and homosexuality. Interviews demonstrate the ability of actors to construct compliance and to interpret ambiguous policies in a way beneficial …