The Reformed Church in America (RCA) has expressed its concern about the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America's (ELCA) policies regarding homosexuality and has requested dialogue with the group.

During proceedings at its 204th General Synod at Northwestern College in Iowa the RCA adopted two resolutions calling for engagement with the ELCA and other Protestant churches regarding the ordination of openly gay clergy and the interpretation of Scriptures addressing homosexuality.

The first resolution expressed the RCA's concern over the ELCA's "action to allow the possibility of service in church office by persons in 'publicly accountable lifelong monogamous, same-gender relationships,'" and directed the group's Commission on Christian Unity to engage in a dialogue with ELCA representatives "in the spirit of 'mutual affirmation and admonition…in order to discuss and explore with them the recent social statement adopted by the ELCA."

The second resolution invited the ELCA, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the United Church of Christ, and the Christian Reformed Church to "engage in a consultation on the interpretation and use of Scripture in moral discernment and ethical decision-making." Both resolutions were adopted by an overwhelming majority.

The Rev. Donald J. McCoid, executive for the ELCA's Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations department, called the actions of the RCA General Synod "timely," adding that RCA is a "very good full communion partner."

"We treasure the relationship that we have with the RCA and have a deep appreciation for its witness and ministry," McCoid said, adding that the two churches have pledged themselves to "living together under the gospel in such a way that the principle of mutual affirmation and admonition became the basis of a trusting relationship in which respect and love for the other will have a chance to grow."

"The (RCA) Christian Unity Commission is pleased that the spirit and vote of the General Synod was to honor the 'full communion' that exists between the ELCA and the RCA," said the Rev. Douglas Fromm, RCA associate for ecumenical relations.

"We look forward to the bilateral dialogue and a larger multi-lateral consultation on Scripture in relationship to moral and ethical decision-making," he added.