The Spirit
of Hope Church Council feels it is important to provide direction regarding the
passage of the Human Sexuality statement approved at the ELCA Churchwide
Assembly, August 2009.
Although we are aware of the diverse views within our congregation regarding
some of the aspects of the Human Sexuality statement approved at the ELCA
Churchwide Assembly, your Church Council recommends remaining a congregation
that cares for and expresses love for all. To facilitate that, the Church
Council at Spirit of HopeLutheranChurch affirms that we will continue our mission and
ministry in the Gospel of Jesus Christ as a congregation of the ELCA.
The following is an excerpt from the ELCA Human Sexuality Social Statement:
"We understand that . . faithful people can and will come to different
conclusions about the meaning of Scripture and about what constitutes
responsible action. We further believe that this church, on the basis of
"the bound conscience," will include these different understandings
and practices within its life as it seeks to live out its mission and ministry
in the world.
This church recognizes that, with conviction and integrity:
On the basis of conscience-bound belief, some are convinced that same
gender sexual behavior is sinful, contrary to biblical teaching and their
understanding of natural law. They believe same-gender sexual behavior
carries the grave danger of unrepentant sin. They therefore conclude that
the neighbor and the community are best served by calling people in same-gender
sexual relationships to repentance for that behavior and to a celibate
lifestyle. Such decisions are intended to be accompanied by pastoral
response and community support.
On the basis of conscience-bound belief, some are convinced that
homo-sexuality and even lifelong monogamous, homosexual relationships reflect a
broken world in which some relationships do not pattern themselves after the
creation God intended. While they acknowledge that such relationships may
beloved out with mutuality and care, they do not believe that the neighbor or
community are best served by publicly recognizing such relationships as
traditional marriage.
On the basis of conscience-bound belief, some are convinced that the
scriptural witness does not address the context of sexual orientation and
lifelong loving and committed relationships that we experience today.
They believe that the neighbor and community are best served when same-gender
relationships are honored and held to high standards and public accountability,
but they do not equate these relationships with marriage. They do, however,
affirm the need for community support and the role of pastoral care, and may
wish to surround lifelong monogamous relationships or covenant unions with prayer.
On the basis of conscience-bound belief, some are convinced that the
scriptural witness does not address the context of sexual orientation and
committed relationships that we experience today. They believe that the
neighbor and community are best served when same-gender relationships are lived
out with lifelong and monogamous commitments that are held to the same rigorous
standards, sexual ethics, and status as heterosexual marriage. They surround
such couples and their lifelong commitments with prayer to live in ways that
glorify God, find strength for the challenges that will be faced, and serve
others. They believe same-gender couples should avail themselves of
social and legal support for themselves, their children and other dependents,
and seek the highest legal accountability available for their relationships.
Although at this time this church lacks consensus on this matter, it encourages
all people to live out their faith in the local and global community of the
baptized with profound respect for the conscience- bound belief of the
neighbor. This church calls for mutual respect in relationships and for
guidance that seeks the good of each individual and of the community.
Regarding our life together as we live with disagreement, the people in this
church will continue to accompany one another in study, prayer, discernment,
pastoral care, and mutual respect." *("Human Sexuality: Gift
and Trust": A Social Statement of the ELCA)
