Lutherans and gays

Churchwide Assemblies are held every three years, with elected representatives establishing policy and addressing the concerns of the larger church body. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) announced this week that they would preserve and protect the consciences of Lutherans who cited scripture and history opposing gay marriage.

Social Statements set policy for the ELCA and guide its advocacy and work as a publicly engaged church. The Lutheran World Federation, a worldwide 'communion of churches' and the largest global body of Lutherans, contains member churches on both sides of the issue.

Inthe Churchwide Assembly passed a resolution stating that, "Gay and lesbian people, as individuals created by God, are welcome to participate fully in the life of the congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Formed in with the merger of three smaller Lutheran organizations, the ELCA is based in Chicago and encompasses nearly 10, gays and more than 3.

Shop Now. You are leaving HRC. Lutheran viewpoints concerning homosexuality are diverse because there is no one worldwide body which represents all Lutherans. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, with approximately 3. The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod overwhelmingly passed a resolution reaffirming its traditional stance on gender identity and sexual orientation, while also calling for churches to “minister compassionately” to people who identify as LGBT.

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, with approximately million members, has passed repeated resolutions to welcome LGBTQ+ people since Lutherans and Anglicans are on opposite sides of the fence over conscience protection for gay marriage.

While the Churchwide Assembly has not come to agreement on the issue of marriage equality, the ongoing debate has prompted a policy that gives autonomy to individual ministers and their congregations, resulting in the celebration of same-sex marriages at many ELCA churches across the country.

Love conquers hate. Discover the Lutheran Church's stance on homosexuality and explore its theological and spiritual perspectives. However, church policy, like that for same-sex marriage, gives individual congregations autonomy in calling ministers to serve.

Gain insight into the intersection of faith and LGBTQ+ issues. Donate Today. Women have been ordained in the lutheran since its founding in and were ordained in the Lutheran churches that formed the ELCA beginning in By clicking "GO" below, you will be directed to a website operated by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, an independent c 3 entity.

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