Goodsoil, a coalition of Lutheran organizations which advocates full inclusion for gays and lesbians, will articulate its position Aug. 17-23 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) convention in Minneapolis. Goodsoil is seeking the body to pass the Social Statement on Human Sexuality to give greater recognition to gay and lesbian Lutherans. It is also pushing for revised ministry policies which would allow gays and lesbians in committed long-term relationships to serve as clergy. Currently gay clergy must take a vow of celibacy. Emily Eastwood, executive director of Lutherans Concerned/North America, is aware these are potentially very contentious issues for the church to wrestle with. “Lutherans disagree on many significant issues,” she said. “Lutherans in the pews every Sunday have differing and strongly held opinions on abortion, capital punishment, the ordination of women, wine or grape juice in the service, war, apostolic succession, and differing interpretations of Scripture. “Allowing ministers to serve who are in committed, lifelong same-gender relationships will not be required of those congregations that do not wish it, nor will it be prevented for those that do. This is very Lutheran.” Link: Lutherans Concerned/North America: http://www.lcna.org/

Goodsoil, a coalition of Lutheran organizations which advocates full inclusion for gays and lesbians, will articulate its position Aug. 17-23 at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) convention in Minneapolis. Goodsoil is seeking the body to pass the Social Statement on Human Sexuality to give greater recognition to gay and lesbian Lutherans. It is also pushing for revised ministry policies which would allow gays and lesbians in committed long-term relationships to serve as clergy. Currently gay clergy must take a vow of celibacy. Emily Eastwood, executive director of Lutherans Concerned/North America, is aware these are potentially very contentious issues for the church to wrestle with. “Lutherans disagree on many significant issues,” she said. “Lutherans in the pews every Sunday have differing and strongly held opinions on abortion, capital punishment, the ordination of women, wine or grape juice in the service, war, apostolic succession, and differing interpretations of Scripture. “Allowing ministers to serve who are in committed, lifelong same-gender relationships will not be required of those congregations that do not wish it, nor will it be prevented for those that do. This is very Lutheran.” Link: Lutherans Concerned/North America: http://www.lcna.org/