1998-3
Proposed Resolution to LSM-USA

Purpose:         The purpose of this resolution is to reaffirm LSM-USA's welcoming the participation of Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, and Transgender persons both nationally and locally; encourage LSM-USA's members to examine issues of sexuality; publicize LSM-USA's participation in the Reconciling in Christ program; and ensure that at least once every four years, a resolution reaffirming the Reconciling in Christ Affirmation of Welcome be presented by the LSM-USA liaison to Lutherans Concerned/North America.

WHEREAS, LSM has historically shown concern for Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender (LBGT) people -- including those who understand themselves only as "queer"' -- (Resolutions 72-6, 77-4, 82-5, 83-4, 88-7 and 93-2, and Position Paper 78-A) and is a "Reconciled in Christ" community (Resolutions 85-6 and 91-3); and

WHEREAS, Lutherans Concerned/North America (LC/NA) has changed the name of its Reconciled in Christ program to "Reconciling in Christ" to highlight that reconciliation is a continual process; and

WHEREAS, By the nature of being a community of college students, LSM enjoys the participation of new individuals each year, who may be unaware of the Movement's history of concern; and

WHEREAS, LSM has periodically reaffirmed its resolutions concerning issues of sexuality (73 Human Sexuality Resolution and Resolution 87-2); and

WHEREAS, The message of the LSM Position Paper on Homosexuals in the Church (78-A) that

"As members of the `Priesthood of Believers,' and as Lutheran Christians,

we are called to the ministry of reconciliation. Furthermore, we hold central

to our faith the affirmations of Saint Paul when he says to the Romans (3:22b-25a): `There is no distinction; since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they [and we] are justified by (God's) grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as an example by his blood, to be received by faith.

"....As the Priesthood of All Believers we are to be deeply concerned for all people. But at times we must take special consideration for certain, specific groups within the priesthood. In these instances the Church must become involved. As a community, we are troubled and concerned for the many homosexual persons who are our neighbors, associates, church members and friends. The Church must be troubled and concerned. For through its silence and apathetic attitudes the church has been deeply implicated in the fostering of attitudes hostile to gay people. Both `on the basis of our understanding of