77-4 Resolution Regarding Homosexuals and the Church
The Church’s attitude towards homosexual persons frequently is an example of structural social injustice. The question of homosexual Christians relationship within the Church has been highlighted by conflicting interpretation of Scripture, by concerns for what is sexually natural and how homosexuality is to be understood in the light of God’s Word.
Jesus Christ still affirms human life and still shows us that the ultimate test of our love of God and of our commitment to value lies in our attitudes toward treatment of other human beings. LSM-USA’s statement of purpose includes a commitment to support and advance the strengthening and development of the faith life of the believer through his/her participation in the community of Word and Sacrament.
All members of the Church are called on to be prophetic in championing the civil rights of individuals and groups that are treated in unchristian manners and in calling for an end to all forms of injustice. This must include the injustice of our attitudes towards our homosexual brothers and sisters in Christ, lest we keep them from the fullness promised to us. But before the Church makes prior statements concerning the morality and lifestyle of homosexuals, a serious effort at dialogue with our gay brothers and sisters and sound Biblical scholarship should occur.
Be It Resolved That
1) Members of LSM-USA set an example for the churches by careful and serious study of this issue in order to avoid the emotionalism that can cloud our view of God’s true Word.
2) LSM-USA respectfully request that the Lutheran churches follow our example by not formulating their statements regarding the Church and homosexual persons without thorough study, including sound Biblical scholarship, especially at the congregational level. (This request shall be made by sending copies of this resolution to the Church Presidents).
3) LSM—USA authorize an ad hoc committee to draft a proposed statement on homosexuals and the Church for consideration at the 1978 Legislative Assembly, as well as to provide us with more understanding of the issues to ensure responsible decisions on our part. Said committee is to be chaired by Mike Gardner of Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, and membership is to be open to all concerned members of LSM-USA.
Actions Taken
+ Actions taken by local groups to study and evaluate this issue varied from place to place. For example, Kansas State University LSM started subscribing to THE GAY LUTHERAN. They had a group of discussions centered on Bible passages, personal feelings, opinions, experiences, examination of books and articles on the subject and dialogue with a homosexual person. They looked into organizations for gays in Manhattan, Kansas, (where Kansas State is located) discussed Anita Bryant’s stand, and the different Lutheran church bodies’ statements on homosexuality.
+ An article appeared in the Spring ’78 issue of the LSM-USA NEWSLETTER suggesting resources available for those interested in studying this issue.
+ A committee, chaired by Mike Gardner, has been formed to study this issue for LSM-USA and will be proposing a statement on homosexuals and the Church to the 1978 Legislative Assembly.
+ There are two files in the LSM-USA national office on this issue, one entitle Homosexuality and the Church and the other containing copies of THE GAY LUTHERAN from August 1974 to the present. (published by Lutherans Concerned for Gay People.)
One Year Later
+ The April 19, 1978 issue of THE LUTHERAN, the magazine of the LCA, contained an article entitled “Homosexuality and the Christian Community,” by Lewis B. Smedes, designed to “create enlightened discussion of the issue.”
+ An American Lutheran Church unit has withdrawn a negative proposed statement on gay sexuality, following a Consultation on Human Sexuality in Minneapolis, April 6-7, 1978. Gay issues will now be dealt with in a new statement on human sexuality, to succeed, the ALC’s 1966 position. This statement should be ready for adoption at the 1980 national convention.