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| Author | Topic: ELCA Sexuality Statement |
| Pastor Eric |
posted 3/9/05 1:05 AM
The synod council has asked us to respond to the recommendations of the ELCA task force on Human Sexuality.We will be discussing this at our next council meeting on March 14 and making a statement of some sort then.the recommendation (condensed)1. The ELCA concentrate on finding ways to live together faithfully in the midst of our disagreements.2. The ELCA continue to respect the pastoral guidance of the 1993 statement of the Conference of Bishops (There is basis neither in scripture nor tradition for the establishemnt of an official ceremoney by this church for the blessing of a homosexual relationship. We therefore, do not approve such a ceremony...nevertheless we express trust in and will continue dialogue with those pastors and congregations who are in minstry with gay and lesbian persons, and affirm their desire to explore the best ways to provide pastoral care foa all to whom they minister.)3. The ELCA continue under the standareds regarding sexual conduct for rostered leaders as set forth... but that as a pastoral response to the deep divisions among us, this curch may choose to refrain from disciplinig those who in good conscience, and for the sake of outreach, ministry, and the commitment to continuing dialogue call or approve partnered gay or lesbian candidates whom they believe to be otherwise in compliance...(The full document can be viewed at www.elca.org )Any houghts? |
| anonymous |
posted 3/15/05 9:58 AM
I've read pastor's posting here a couple of times trying to figure out exactly how I feel about this. I haven't came to any concrete opitions. I feel that for our community, we may be too conservative to be open to such things. However I feel that that may be unfair. Basically it boils down to this: I am accepting of homosexuality,but I'm not sure how to talk to my children about it should they have questions and that makes me hesitant to be openly accepting to them in church. There are some people who find it acceptable to hold hands, rub shoulders, etc. in church and I know that my kids would ask questions if they saw two people of the same sex doing such things. I personally know some homosexaul people and would welcome them to our church, but I would be uncomfortable if they were affectionate with their partner. This doesn't really answer the questions, but maybe it will generate more response. |
| anonymous |
posted 3/20/05 4:30 AM
Anonymous 1 had some interesting thoughts to share, in order to open up conversation, which is what our congregation needs. I would guess that we already have homosexuals in our congregation but it isn't obvious. Is that because its a natural Lutheran tendency to not show affection in public?! Kidding aside, the elca document is long but probably reflects the general consensus of our congregations thoughts on homosexuality and its place in the church. |
| Trish |
posted 4/9/05 2:11 AM
I am always a little surprised that people seem hesitant to call homosexuality a sin. There is no scripture that condones it. On the contrary, all scripture that talks about homosexuality is negative. The problem is, we have difficulty separating the sin and the sinner.A group of our members met awhile ago to go over the ELCA task force's forum for congregational discussion on this matter. We get so worried about offending someone, we forget how we are to treat sin.All of us sin everyday. No sin is less or worse than another to GOD. He doesn't care what our option is or what society is accepting to - His WORD stands for all ages! We have no right to try to sway GOD's WORD to our feelings, we are to work toward changing ourselves to GOD's will.The homosexuality controversy is really about sinners wanting to be told they are not sinners. Would we accept an adulterer who does not repent? Or a child molester who thinks they are doing nothing wrong? We must call sin sin! It is the only way to help save souls. What good do you do your brother or sister in Christ if you don't try to correct their errors? They are still in their sin. Who of us goes before GOD and tells Him that our behavior is not sinful? Each Sunday we ask for forgivness of our sins - which ones need forgiveness, only the ones we feel we committed? If we justify one sin, should we justify them all? Then for what did Jesus die?There would be no need for salvation and Christ died in vain.We need to handle this debate as Paul did when Peter faltered (Galations 2) - boldly confront the one who allows fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to say they have no sin - because it is only the repentant sinner who is forgiven.But we must remember to correct in love. Love the sinner, not the sin.Sorry, I've rambled too much, I really worry about what the ELCA will be telling our members and the world if they don't stand behind scripture and try to appease society for fear of turning some away. I think it is our responsibility as Christians to stand firm in our beliefs and not change to the world's view. Jesus never changed his message to gain a body, he was worried about their eternal souls and so should we.Ok, I'm done rambling now. |
| Anonymous |
posted 7/28/05 5:42 PM
Trish,You really hit the heart of the matter. It's about salvation. It's about the forgiveness of sins. If there are no sins to forgive, then why did Jesus die and who is this God we worship? And this faith that works through love does not say that we are without sin but receives the forgiveness of sins from God who is faithful and just.You sound like Martin himself! Leading back to the gospel! The gospel's at stake!Sincerely,A visitor |
| Trish |
posted 7/29/05 4:22 PM
Thanks for the vote of confidence! I appreciate it. |
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