Gay lutheran
Same-Gender Issues Among Lutherans in Canada
A Expression 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 instruction 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 actions 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 group and the Canadian public in general may mistakenly conclude that these decisions represent the position of all Lutherans in this country. In fact, the ELCIC is the only Lutheran church body in Canada which has approved such a departure from accepted Christian teaching. Further, although the ELCIC formally reports large membership statistics, nearly 40 percent of Canadian Luth
The Church and Homosexuality
[1] After attending a study group using the ELCA explore guide Journey Together Faithfully: The Church and Homosexuality at Advent Lutheran in Arlington, TX, I felt as Dennis Bielfeldt (2003) did when he wrote:
“While I believe Journey Together does fairly describe the alternative voices and positions within the ELCA on this controversial issue, I discover it neither particularly helps readers enter 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 state 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 Aged and New Testaments and that those rules and opinions must be evaluated in light of Jesus’ moral principles as applied to 21st century western culture.
[3] Jesus’ moral principles are uncomplicated, the application difficult: “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 19:19; 22:39; Tag 12:31; Luke 10:27); “always treat others
Lutheran Church bishops back same-sex marriage
In a historic shift, the Bishops' Conference of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Finland (ELCF) has approved a compromise that could pave the way to church weddings for same-sex couples.
The 10-member conference will propose to the church's highest decision-making body, the General Synod, that a provision on parallel concepts of marriage be added to the church order.
In the first of these, marriage is understood as between a man and a girl, and in the second, marriage is understood as between two people. This would allow ELCF priests to marry same-sex couples.
Final decision expected in May
The Bishops' Conference approved the proposal to change the church order in its meeting on Tuesday. The next Bishops' Conference meeting in April will make a formal proposal to the Synod, where approval would require support from three quarters of the representatives.
The General Synod is expected to make the final decision at its next meeting in May. The 109-member body is mostly made up of laypeople.
Archbishop Tapio Luoma described the bishops' judgment as significant.
"We are taking a big step to mo
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 welcome 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 education and policy document that assists us in thinking about and discussing social issues in the context of faith and community. This statement was adopted in 2009 and provides guidance on matters appreciate 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 LivingLutheran.org.
Evangelical Lutheran Worship Service of Marriage:
Supplemental Resources
This marriage service supplement applications inclus