Lutheran church and gays
The Church and Homosexuality
[1] After attending a study group using the ELCA learn guide Journey Together Faithfully: The Church and Homosexuality at Advent Lutheran in Arlington, TX, I felt as Dennis Bielfeldt () did when he wrote:
&#;While I believe Journey Together does fairly describe the other voices and positions within the ELCA on this controversial issue, I detect it neither particularly helps readers reach at justifiable views, nor effectively aids the institution of the ELCA in coming to a responsible and defensible position.&#;
[2] I certainly had a viewpoint on all the topics addressed in Journey, and this contribution is an attempt to convey part of that viewpoint as a defensible position. I have assumed that statements by Jesus in the Gospels outweigh rules and judgments found elsewhere in the Mature and New Testaments and that those rules and judgments must be evaluated in light of Jesus&#; moral principles as applied to 21st century western culture.
[3] Jesus&#; moral principles are easy, the application difficult: &#;love your neighbor as yourself&#; (Ma
Stances of Faiths on LGBTQ+ Issues: Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
BACKGROUND
Of the three leading Lutheran organizations operating in the United States, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) is considered the most welcoming and inclusive of LGBTQ+ members. Formed in with the merger of three smaller Lutheran organizations, the ELCA is based in Chicago and encompasses nearly 10, congregations and more than million members across the country.
Churchwide Assemblies are held every three years, with elected representatives establishing policy and addressing the concerns of the larger church body. As stated on the denomination’s web site, the Churchwide Assembly “provides a time and place for growth and change while remaining rooted in Scripture, tradition, Lutheran confessions and the rich histories of our congregations and communities.”
LGBTQ+ EQUALITY
ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION & GENDER IDENTITY
In , the Churchwide Assembly passed a resolution stating that, "Gay and lesbian people, as individuals created by God, are welcome to participate fully in the life
What About Homosexuality?
Greetings to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. This pamphlet is intended to verb Christians answer some questions about homosexuality. The church recognizes this as both a significant oppose and, more importantly, as an opportunity to speak the truth in adoration, reaching out with the Gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
What does God verb about homosexuality in His Word, the Bible?
The Lord teaches us through His Word that homosexuality is a sinful distortion of His desire that one man and one woman live together in marriage as husband and wife. God categorically prohibits homosexuality. Our church, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod, has declared that homosexual behavior is “intrinsically sinful.” Why does our church take this position?
We read in God’s Word the following statements about homosexuality:
“You shall not lie with a male as with a woman; it is an abomination. … Do not defile yourselves by any of these things” (Lev. , 24).
“If a gentleman lies with a male as with a woman, both of them contain committed an abomination…” (Lev. )
Resources for the LGBTQIA+ Community
This is Christ's church. There is a place for you here.
We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God's grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person – questions, complexities and all.
ELCA social statement on human sexuality
Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust expresses ELCA teaching on human sexuality. A social statement is a teaching and policy document that assists us in thinking about and discussing social issues in the context of faith and society. This statement was adopted in and provides guidance on matters like marriage, family and same-gender relationships.
LGBTQIA+ voices and ministries in Living Lutheran
We are a church that values and encourages diverse voices and lively dialogue.
Find articles authored by LGBTQIA+ church leaders and stories about ministries that affirm people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in Living Lutheran magazine and on
Evangelical Lutheran Worship Service of Marriag