CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Lutheran young people from across the country used the Internet April 29 to connect with each other for a live interactive chat. High school, college and seminary students of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America talked about how the church can minister with gay, lesbian and bisexual youth. More than 45 young people and youth advisors participated in "A Day on the Internet."
Young people and church leaders also prayed and took part in a 24-hour fast that day for the "personal and faith issues facing gay, lesbian and bisexual youth."
"The focus for the discussion was exclusive to the topic of ministry with their peers," said the Rev. Kelly Chatman, ELCA director for youth ministries. "The forum was not equipped to discuss issues of sexuality or engage in moral deliberation. Lutheran youth solicited response about engaging in ministry together."
In 1995 the ELCA's Churchwide Assembly affirmed "that gay and lesbian people, individuals created by God, are welcome to participate fully in the life of congregations." The young people used that action to frame the context of their online conversation.
Youth advisors participated in the chat to help guide conversation. Chatman set the conversation "on a good path" with an opening statement. He said, "We are seeking a positive outcome from this discussion on the Internet. We believe during this time of prayer and fasting the Spirit of Jesus will be revealed. There are no other foregone conclusions. This is a time to challenge ourselves regarding what it means to be the baptized body of Christ."
A young participant said, "I think the best way to be in ministry with gay, lesbian and bisexual people is to educate teenagers and adults ... education is primary." Youth had the opportunity to participate anonymously.
Another way is "to find people who are willing to talk to groups or the congregation and tell their story. At my congregation, a gay couple visited and talked about their lives. It was important for students to hear real stories from real people," said a young person.
"Having people share their stories is important because it makes the issue take on a human face ... it is no longer just a thought," wrote another.
"It would be great if youth leaders could sit down with adult leaders and talk openly and honestly, behind closed doors, of course. I believe adults hold the power and youth hold the future. The two are mutually dependent," wrote an adult participant.
"My church has a gay couple in union. We remember their anniversary in the prayers like other anniversaries. Rare, I'm sure, but hopeful," said a teenager.
The interactive online event was part of "A Year of Prayer," a year-long emphasis for homosexual and bisexual youth, established by the ELCA's Lutheran Youth Organization board. The approximately 500,000 members of the youth organization and others in the ELCA are called to pray for the "personal and faith issues facing gay, lesbian and bisexual youth" through Oct. 1998.
For information contact:
Ann Hafften, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://www.elca.org/co/news/current.html
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About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
