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Predecessor Body Statements

of the American Lutheran Church and the Lutheran Church in America

These documents were voted on by a church body which preceded the founding of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Any such statement has the status of a “historical document.” These documents may guide and inform the work of the ELCA and act as policy when sufficient agreement exists and the ELCA has not adopted another statement on the same subject. However, social statements of predecessor church bodies do not constitute ELCA policy, as they have not been voted on by a Churchwide Assembly. When quoting or referring to these documents, please take care to make the non-binding nature of this relationship clear.

Teachings and Practice on Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage
A Social Statement of The American Lutheran Church, a predecessor church body of the ELCA (1982)

Human Sexuality and Sexual Behavior
A Social Statement of The American Lutheran Church, a predecessor church body of the ELCA (1980)

Sex, Marriage, and Family
A Social Statement of the Lutheran Church in America, a predecessor church body of the ELCA (1970)