Lutheran position on homosexuality
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 animation
Same-Gender Issues Among Lutherans in Canada
A Statement from the Council of Presidents/Bishops of Lutheran Church-Canada
Recent years possess brought separation and discord among Lutheran Christians around the world as various church bodies have departed from historic Biblical learning 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 region 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 truth, the ELCIC is the only Lutheran church body in Canada which has approved such a departure from accepted Christian learning. Further, alt
Readers of The Lutheran know the ELCA has been emotionally attached in a research of human sexuality with specific reference to homosexuality and whether homosexual people should be ordained as pastors. Pastors and others received a thorough learn, Background Essay on Biblical Texts, as part of the ELCA’s study.
Members of some congregations have not had the opportunity to read this analyze, or they may have been turned off by its length and detail. But even for those who perform read it, I share some insights that I own not seen in this study. I will also question some questions to ponder as you consider the biblical texts, leaving you free to depict your own conclusions.
I am in no way involved in the process for determining the ELCA’s position or policies on the issues before the church. My purpose is to inform and invite reflection on the subject of homosexuality and the church today, while not trying to persuade anyone toward any conclusion on the issues at hand.
In dealing with biblical texts, it is easy to read into or out of them what one wants to find. Therefore, different and disagreeing interp
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 declaration is a teaching and policy document that assists us in thinking about and discussing social issues in the context of faith and society. This expression 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