It’s time for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America to take a stance on the issue of homosexuality. After seven long years of discussion, last week the ELCA indefinitely postponed developing a 1997 policy statement on homosexuality.

The ELCA has been a forerunner among churches in devising statements on controversial issues, such as abortion, capital punishment and masturbation. It is disappointing and disturbing that the church has chosen to back down from forming an opinion on one of the most divisive issues of our time.

And while the church certainly has a right to not comment on an issue, the fact that the church has felt it necessary to publicly comment on other issues in the past is indicative that they feel a responsibility to share their ideology. Why they could now not comment on the basic rights of homosexuals is disappointing and alarming.

Bishop Herbert Chilstrom said he sensed in the church “a certain weariness” of sexual issues and that he, himself, is “tired” of the discussion. The ELCA should realize that as “tiring” as it may be, the issue of homosexuality will not go away.

After seven years of discussion, supporters of gay rights are also tired. They are tired of waiting for the leaders of the ELCA to take a stand.