RESOLUTION OF REAFFIRMATION TO GAYS AND LESBIANS

WHEREAS LSM-USA has recognized and stated, in resolution 1985-6, “participation of gays and lesbians in the whole life of the church is compatible with the gospel and Luther’s teachings,” and LSM-USA has endorsed the Reconciled-in-Christ program of Lutherans Concerned/North America (LC/NA) “as a program of preaching the gospel to the whole people of God,” and

WHEREAS in 1982, LSM-USA when on record as “supporting the ordination of all qualified ministerial candidates, regardless of sexual preference,” and

WHEREAS the bishops of the Lutheran Church in America (LCA) has set a precedent of ordaining homosexual clergy; for the bishops have recognized that sexual orientation is part of an individual’s given reality and not an individual’s choice.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT LSM-USA affirms “that gays and lesbians share with all people the worth that comes from being unique individuals created by God” (res. 85-6), affirms their desire to-share love and affection in committed partnerships and that these partnerships be recognized and respected by the church, and affirms their desire to serve in lay and ordained church positions,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT LSM-USA continue to encourage all affiliated groups to explore the issues of gay and lesbian reality and recommend in that study “Call for Dialog” and the other resources of LC/NA, “Now the Silence Breaks” from (Nation Lutheran Campus Ministry (NLCM), and “A Study of Issues Concerning Homosexuality” from the Division for Mission in North America, LCA.

BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT LSM-USA continue to strengthen working relationships with LC/NA by continuing to endorse the Reconciled-in-Christ program and by putting to use the information, resources, and representatives provided through the LC/NA Task Force on LSM.

Lutherans Concerned/North America, P.O. Box 10416, Ft. Dearborn Station, Chicago, IL 60610.

Sponsors:  Patrick H. Moen, Bemidji State University, P.O. Box 1554, Bemidji, MN 56601; Paul Gibson, University of Miami; Laurel hays, Union Theological Seminary; Laurie A. Larson, Stanford University