LGBTQIA+ Affirmation & Advocacy
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.
Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust expresses ELCA teaching on human sexuality. A social statement is a teaching and policy document that assists us in thinking about and discussing social issues in the context of faith and society. This statement was adopted in 2009 and provides guidance on matters like marriage, family and same-gender relationships.
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.
Resources for LGBTQIA+ Life in the Church
These resources can help better understand where the ELCA stands on LGBTQIA+ issues, as well as resources to help provide a fuller, more embracing, experience in the church.
This marriage service supplement offers inclusive language for all couples who seek to be married within this church.
A four-part series that supports congregations as they minister to and with same-sex couples and their families.
This statement was adopted in 2009 and provides guidance on matters like marriage, family and same-gender relationships. The ELCA is currently under its second of two reconsiderations.
In recognition of Transgender Day of Visibility, ELCA Presiding Bishop Yehiel Curry calls on the church to recognize and affirm the humanity of our transgender and nonbinary siblings and faithfully advocate for their dignity.
ReconcilingWorks Resources
ReconcilingWorks is an independent Lutheran, membership-supported organization for the full welcome, inclusion and equity of LGBTQIA+ Lutherans in all aspects of the life of their church, congregations and community.
The Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program is for congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, and other Lutheran organizations and ministry communities that have made a public commitment to welcome, include and celebrate LGBTQIA+ people.
Interested in learning more? ReconcilingWorks offers educational resources for Lutheran congregations. The best place to begin the Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Journey is with the Building an Inclusive Church (BIC) toolkit and training.
