Resources and Links
Denominational Resource and Discussion Papers
CSBQ Discussion Paper
In 2010 the LCA's Commission on Social and Bioethical Questions developed a discussion paper on human sexuality. It provides an analysis and interpretation of homosexuality in the life of the church, outlines basic theological and ethical perspectives related to it, and was approved by the Commission to offer pastoral guidance for the Lutheran Church of Australia, its individual members, its agencies and institutions. An excerpt from it and link to it appears below.
Because each of us is united with Jesus Christ in his death and resurrection (Galatians 2:19-20) we share our baptismal identity in common. We are the body of Christ, with each individual a valued part of the body (I Corinthians 12:12-26). We are called to bear one another’s burdens, and in this way fulfil the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). All of us are called to pray for one another, to practice hospitality (Romans 12:13), and to accept one another, just as Christ has accepted us, in order to bring praise to God (Romans 15:7).
We will, therefore, exclude no one from attending services in God’s house on the basis of their sexual orientation. Homosexual people will be welcome participants in the worship life of the church and assured of God’s love for all people. As baptised members of the body of Christ, we meet together to hear God’s Word and receive the body and blood of Christ, which reassures us of the forgiveness of sins and brings healing and wholeness through the work of the Spirit. Read More
CTICR Report
Rather than making the paper widely available to the church, the hierarchy of the time requested the Commission for Theology and Inter-Church Relations to look at the issue. The resultant report may be read by going to their page on the LCA website and looking for it under Volume 3.H Ethical and Social Issues.
Uniting Church in Australia
The Uniting Church has been engaged in conversation regarding marriage, and specifically, same-sex marriage, over the past three years. At their Assembly in July a report will be received from Standing Committee, which incorporates the work of the Doctrine Working Group, and will provide a basis for discussion and potential decision making. Resources, including the report may be found Here.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The document Human Sexuality: gift and trust, as adopted at the 2009 Churchwide Assembly, may be found here.
Our 2016 workshop
Please choose the 2016 workshop menu item for the page which has links to the keynote address on Radical Inclusion, to a presentation on the science of homosexuality, and to the group outcomes from that workshop.
Advocacy and Activity in other places
Reconciling Works has existed within the Lutheran Community in North America since 1974, to work at all levels towards the full participation of LGBTIQ+ people in the life of the church. Their ongoing mission is to embody, inspire, advocate, and organize for the acceptance and full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities within the Lutheran communion and its ecumenical and global partners, striving to dismantel injustice and oppression.
Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries began as a resistance movement to the celibacy requirement for gay people in ministry in the ELCA. It now exists to affirm and support LGBTQIA+ Lutheran rostered leaders and those pursuing a call to rostered leadership, while engaging allied congregations and ministries to proclaim God’s love and seek justice for all.
Social Media
Click for the All Are Included FB page
Click for Lutherans for Marriage Equality FB page
Click for Lutherans for Marriage Equality and Unconditional Acceptance FB Page
Book Reviews (click here)
CSBQ Discussion Paper
In 2010 the LCA's Commission on Social and Bioethical Questions developed a discussion paper on human sexuality. It provides an analysis and interpretation of homosexuality in the life of the church, outlines basic theological and ethical perspectives related to it, and was approved by the Commission to offer pastoral guidance for the Lutheran Church of Australia, its individual members, its agencies and institutions. An excerpt from it and link to it appears below.
Because each of us is united with Jesus Christ in his death and resurrection (Galatians 2:19-20) we share our baptismal identity in common. We are the body of Christ, with each individual a valued part of the body (I Corinthians 12:12-26). We are called to bear one another’s burdens, and in this way fulfil the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2). All of us are called to pray for one another, to practice hospitality (Romans 12:13), and to accept one another, just as Christ has accepted us, in order to bring praise to God (Romans 15:7).
We will, therefore, exclude no one from attending services in God’s house on the basis of their sexual orientation. Homosexual people will be welcome participants in the worship life of the church and assured of God’s love for all people. As baptised members of the body of Christ, we meet together to hear God’s Word and receive the body and blood of Christ, which reassures us of the forgiveness of sins and brings healing and wholeness through the work of the Spirit. Read More
CTICR Report
Rather than making the paper widely available to the church, the hierarchy of the time requested the Commission for Theology and Inter-Church Relations to look at the issue. The resultant report may be read by going to their page on the LCA website and looking for it under Volume 3.H Ethical and Social Issues.
Uniting Church in Australia
The Uniting Church has been engaged in conversation regarding marriage, and specifically, same-sex marriage, over the past three years. At their Assembly in July a report will be received from Standing Committee, which incorporates the work of the Doctrine Working Group, and will provide a basis for discussion and potential decision making. Resources, including the report may be found Here.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
The document Human Sexuality: gift and trust, as adopted at the 2009 Churchwide Assembly, may be found here.
Our 2016 workshop
Please choose the 2016 workshop menu item for the page which has links to the keynote address on Radical Inclusion, to a presentation on the science of homosexuality, and to the group outcomes from that workshop.
Advocacy and Activity in other places
Reconciling Works has existed within the Lutheran Community in North America since 1974, to work at all levels towards the full participation of LGBTIQ+ people in the life of the church. Their ongoing mission is to embody, inspire, advocate, and organize for the acceptance and full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities within the Lutheran communion and its ecumenical and global partners, striving to dismantel injustice and oppression.
Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries began as a resistance movement to the celibacy requirement for gay people in ministry in the ELCA. It now exists to affirm and support LGBTQIA+ Lutheran rostered leaders and those pursuing a call to rostered leadership, while engaging allied congregations and ministries to proclaim God’s love and seek justice for all.
Social Media
Click for the All Are Included FB page
Click for Lutherans for Marriage Equality FB page
Click for Lutherans for Marriage Equality and Unconditional Acceptance FB Page
Book Reviews (click here)