Journey Together Faithfully ELCA Studies on Sexuality:  Part Two

Timothy P. Larson 

 

Why? Why do this? Why engage in this study?

 I have… dreaded putting effort and energy into this very emotional and potentially explosive and divisive subject…  Some of the dread more than likely is rooted in my own lack of understanding with respect to how we as people of faith can faithfully respond to the issue of homosexuality and to those who understand themselves as homosexually-oriented without sounding presumptuous, judgmental, or hypercritical... although hesitant, I know I need to put effort into this in order to avoid what happened a few years ago with Called to Common Mission.   So I forge ahead and in the course of my preparations have discovered some ‘positives’ that can come to light with this effort:

 JTF, II (Journey Together Faithfully, Part Two, The Church and Homosexuality) clarifies what this issue is NOT about.

It is not about whether we welcome gay/lesbian people into the church or not (see p. 5 of JTF).  Here we are reminded that as the church we (all) understand ourselves as sick sinners; therefore, the church is understood always as a hospital for sick sinners rather than a country club for the elite, outwardly pious… All people are welcome in ELCA congregations. There is no one in greater need of God’s grace than me!  

JTF, II clarifies the grounds/basis of our decision-making as the church.

…This study says that the basis for any discussion and possible change in practice and policy within the Lutheran church is derived from Scripture and informed by the Creeds, Lutheran Confessions, traditions, and experience led by the Holy Spirit.  While this statement does concern me that "experience" is ambiguously placed on somewhat equal footing as Scripture and Confessions (I am suspicious of this!), I appreciate the acknowledgement here that the study gives to Scripture and Confessions. 

JTF, II articulates varying understandings in regard to the homosexual issue.

This can be helpful in understanding other people and especially those with whom we disagree… It is also a good test of our love.  It forces us to ask the question, can I love someone who is different than I am?

 I would … categorize the position(s) represented in this study into two camps:  1) the traditional, Biblical, historical understanding of sexuality, and 2) the Revisionists. The latter are called revisionists because many things (including our understanding of Scripture and it’s authority) will have to be “revised” in order to justify the blessing of same-sex unions and the ordaining of “actively” gay/lesbian people.   In turn, we, as leaders in congregations across the USA, will have to justify these “revisions.”  How can one do this if one is not on the “revisionist” side?

 Finally, this ELCA sexuality study JTF, II moves us all to live out the love of Christ as we are mindful of people/families/individuals who have had deep and agonizing struggles over this issue.

None of us have a monopoly on “normal” sexuality in eyes of God.  We are all crooked people, often bruised and confused in our sexuality.  Therefore the need is great to put on the love of Christ and “clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience... and whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  (Col. 3:12ff.)    

 Tim P. Larson is senior pastor at Calvary Lutheran, Willmar

 

For the complete text of this article, go online to:

www.calvarylutheranchurch.com/TheChurchandHomosexuality.htm