Learn and Discern Tue, 11 Aug 2026 14:27:05 -0500 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2623856 en-us © 2026 Learn and Discern yes de74592c-1b03-589a-bbe8-bef5d129ed31 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America episodic false Learn and Discern is an educational tool for the ELCA as we journey together through the reconsideration of the Social Statement "Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust" process.

The podcast’s episodes will explore the following topics:

  • A history of the ELCA’s social teachings and ministry policy on human sexuality.
  • The nuances of Lutheran theological ethics.
  • A deeper look at the history of the Lutheran understanding of “the bound conscience.”
  • The sources of agreement and disagreement on human sexuality in the church.
  • Lutheran approaches to faithful conversation.

This five-episode podcast is a companion to the study “Conscience and Conversation” Bible study that can be found at https://give.elca.org/s/5714954/jBSJPLJv

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Evangelical Lutheran Church in America https://storage.buzzsprout.com/xip9uu5l7ym4rhdvgoufqtemyeay?.jpg Learn and Discern https://www.buzzsprout.com/2623856 Bound Conscience, A Pastoral Calling Bound Conscience, A Pastoral Calling In episode 3 of the podcast Learn and Discern, our host Mitch McCartney discusses the concept of "bound conscience" with Professor Tim Wengert. Originating from Lutheran Reformation history and biblical tradition, this framework aims to foster pastoral care and mutual conversation amidst disagreements. Wengert explores its application in the ELCA's 2009 social statement on human sexuality, emphasizing the need for respectful dialogue to address polarization and ensure differing voices feel heard. Listeners are encouraged to visit elca.org/reconsiderations for more information.

]]> In episode 3 of the podcast Learn and Discern, our host Mitch McCartney discusses the concept of "bound conscience" with Professor Tim Wengert. Originating from Lutheran Reformation history and biblical tradition, this framework aims to foster pastoral care and mutual conversation amidst disagreements. Wengert explores its application in the ELCA's 2009 social statement on human sexuality, emphasizing the need for respectful dialogue to address polarization and ensure differing voices feel heard. Listeners are encouraged to visit elca.org/reconsiderations for more information.

]]> Jayne Shimko Buzzsprout-19603967 Tue, 11 Aug 2026 14:00:00 -0500 1852 1 3 full false Lutheran Ethics, Nuances in Context Lutheran Ethics, Nuances in Context This episode of Learn and Discern features host Mitch McCartney and guest, the Rev. Dr. Kathryn "Kit" Kleinhans discussing the nuances of Lutheran ethics. The discussion covers several key themes regarding how Lutheran theology informs ethical decision-making: faith and works; the “both/and” perspective; love of neighbor including justice; public ethics; and community discernment. Listeners are encouraged to visit elca.org/reconsiderations.

]]> This episode of Learn and Discern features host Mitch McCartney and guest, the Rev. Dr. Kathryn "Kit" Kleinhans discussing the nuances of Lutheran ethics. The discussion covers several key themes regarding how Lutheran theology informs ethical decision-making: faith and works; the “both/and” perspective; love of neighbor including justice; public ethics; and community discernment. Listeners are encouraged to visit elca.org/reconsiderations.

]]> Jayne Shimko Buzzsprout-19487887 Mon, 13 Jul 2026 12:00:00 -0500 1285 1 2 full false ELCA Social Teaching on Sexuality, Then and Now ELCA Social Teaching on Sexuality, Then and Now This episode offers a brief history of ELCA social teaching and its influence on ministry policy concerning sexuality, marriage, and same-gender relationships. Your host, Mitch McCartney, visits with Dr. Roger Willer, the recently retired Director of Theological Ethics for the ELCA churchwide organization, about how the ELCA got to where it is now in its social teaching on these topics. Roger and Mitch also discuss the current "reconsideration" process for the social statement, Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Listeners are also pointed to the current study Conscience and Conversation: A Study During the Reconsideration of the Social Statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust.

]]> This episode offers a brief history of ELCA social teaching and its influence on ministry policy concerning sexuality, marriage, and same-gender relationships. Your host, Mitch McCartney, visits with Dr. Roger Willer, the recently retired Director of Theological Ethics for the ELCA churchwide organization, about how the ELCA got to where it is now in its social teaching on these topics. Roger and Mitch also discuss the current "reconsideration" process for the social statement, Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust. Listeners are also pointed to the current study Conscience and Conversation: A Study During the Reconsideration of the Social Statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust.

]]> Jayne Shimko Buzzsprout-19420226 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 14:00:00 -0500 2001 1 1 full false