ST. LOUIS (ELCA) – Scriptural authority is the foundational issue in dealing with the blessing of same-sex unions and qualifications for the professional ministries, according to a Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod (LCMS) statement in response to a report of the Task Force for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Studies on Sexuality.
The statement was shared during theological discussions here March 29 between leaders of the ELCA and Missouri Synod. Twice a year, representatives of both church bodies meet as the Committee on Lutheran Cooperation. The churches work together in disaster response, world relief, military chaplaincy and various social-ministry capacities.
"As the LCMS has wrestled with the sensitive issue of homosexuality, it has had to return time and again to the more fundamental question of how we go about addressing these questions in the first place: namely on the basis of the Holy Scriptures as God's inspired and inerrant Word," said the LCMS response.
Noting that the Bible identifies homosexual behavior as sinful, the LCMS statement said the authority of Scriptures guides consideration of other moral and ethical questions.
On Jan. 13 the task force for the ELCA Studies on Sexuality released a report on its first three years of work. The report included three recommendations for the 2005 ELCA Churchwide Assembly to consider in August, when it is expected to answer two key questions on homosexuality: Should the church bless same-gender relationships? Should the church allow people in such relationships to serve the church as professional lay and ordained ministers?
The ELCA task force offered three recommendations:
+ concentrate on finding ways to live together faithfully in the midst of disagreements.
+ continue to respect the pastoral guidance of a 1993 statement of the ELCA Conference of Bishops opposing the blessing of homosexual relationships but remaining open to pastors wanting to provide pastoral care for gay and lesbian Lutherans.
+ continue under current standards that expect unmarried ministers to abstain from sexual relations -- defining marriage as being between a man and a woman -- but, respecting the consciences of those who find these standards in conflict with the mission of the church, the ELCA may choose to refrain from disciplining gay and lesbian ministers in committed relationships and from disciplining those who call or approve partnered gay or lesbian people for ministry.
The ELCA Church Council will consider the report at its April 9-11 meeting in Chicago and will prepare a resolution for the ELCA Churchwide Assembly which meets Aug. 8-14 in Orlando, Fla.
The LCMS statement commended the report for its reaffirmation of the ELCA position that "marriage is a lifelong covenant of faithfulness between a man and a woman" and its decision not to recommend a revision of the current standards regarding sexual conduct for ministers in the ELCA.
"However, the report does not speak clearly and authoritatively regarding homosexual behavior and the ordination of those who are openly involved in such behavior," the LCMS statement said. "This goes contrary to the historic and universal understanding of the Christian Church regarding what the Holy Scriptures teach about homosexual behavior as contrary to God's will and about the biblical qualifications for holding the pastoral office."
The LCMS statement described the Missouri Synod's own efforts to deal with ministry to homosexuals. When a 1973 convention resolution set an official position that homosexual behavior is "intrinsically sinful," it also spoke of "ministering the forgiveness of our Lord Jesus Christ to any and all sinners who are penitent."
The statement also cites other LCMS convention resolutions and reports dealing with ministry to homosexuals and instances among professional church workers, and it reflects concern that the topic of homosexual behavior may further distance the relationship between the two church bodies.
_ _ _
The complete statement with the current list of signers is available at http://www.lcms.org/graphics/assets/media/Office%20of%20the%20President/CLC%20Memo%20to%20LCMS%20re%20ELCA%20Sexuality%20Report-March%202005.pdf
* Roland Lovstad is a freelance reporter from St. Louis.
- - -
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
