Evangelical lutheran church gay
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 discover it neither particularly helps readers verb 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 verb 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 Former 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 basic , the application difficult: &#;love your neighbor as yourself&#; (Ma
Same-Gender Issues Among Lutherans in Canada
A Statement from the Council of Presidents/Bishops of Lutheran Church-Canada
Recent years have brought separation and discord among Lutheran Christians around the world as various church bodies have departed from historic Biblical teaching and practice by approving same-gender relationships, both within their churches&#; membership and even in the ranks of the ordained clergy. This disruption will now spread in our country through the decision of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) to authorize its pastors to conduct same-gender marriages, as well as by its finding that sexual orientation is no longer an issue in certifying candidates for the ministry.
Because these decisions will be covered in the media, members of the larger Christian community and the Canadian public in general may mistakenly conclude that these decisions represent the position of all Lutherans in this land. In fact, the ELCIC is the only Lutheran church body in Canada which has approved such a departure from accepted Christian teaching. Further, alt
Resources for the LGBTQIA+ Community
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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 Human Sexuality: Gift and Trustexpresses ELCA teaching on human sexuality. The statement is grounded in the biblical witness to the relationship God establishes with creation as a model for relationships between human beings. God is absolutely trustworthy and loyal, and, therefore, with regard to sexuality, both human behavior and social structures are considered in relation to how they foster believe, commitment and protection for the flourishing and well-being of all people. In light of human sexuality as a gift and a trust, the statement considers the ways social structures and institutions shelter, sustain and protect personal, family and social relationships of treasure and trustworthiness. The statement provides guidance on key matters, such as marriage, family, same-gender relationships, protection of children and youth, sexuality and the self, sexual intimacy and cohabitation. It addresses issues of sexuality in the public square, the work place and within the church. This social statement was adopted by the ELCA Churchwide Assembly. SOCIAL STATEMENT (
Human Sexuality