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Wesley-Luther has been a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network and Lutherans Concerned since 1994. In keeping with our reconciling statements and the beliefs of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Wesley-Luther is fully affirming of all of member’s gender identities and orientations, believing that it is far more important how we love than who we love. Respectful, healthily, and uplifting relationships are celebrated fully within our community. We believe that our body and our sexuality are both sacred, and that physical intimacy should exist in long term, supportive and loving relationships.
Wesley-Luther does not segregate nor discriminate based on gender. No specifically men’s or women’s group exists within the ministry. While we acknowledge the benefits of fellowship based on commonality of identity, we believe the possible harms done by the exclusion of some individuals out-weighs the possible benefits.
While we know that some of our fellow Christian’s hold the sincere and heart felt belief that women are to be subservient to men a matter of God’s design, we believe that all people are created as equal reflections of the divine, and that no gender identity is inferior to another. In the wholeness of the Trinity, God clearly reflects both the masculine, the feminine, and even beyond. To say that God is male is to limit God and violate the most basic tenants of our beliefs.
It is not an expectation that all of our student members will share all of the above beliefs. We know that these issues are complicated and difficult for many; however, Wesley-Luther requires that all of its students fully respect each other as precious children of God. We believe all people are worthy of love. Wesley-Luther is not a place for intolerance. It is a place for questioning and for searching and respectful conversation is always welcomed. While the church remains divided on many of these issues, we at Wesley-Luther believe that many of our friends and neighbors have waited long enough for justice and acceptance in our church. We believe ours should be the place of outspoken advocacy, for what is the place of the church if not between the oppressor and the oppressed – even if the oppressor does so claiming the name of God.
The following is from the United Methodist Book of resolutions:
We affirm our belief in the inestimable worth of each individual because we are human beings created by God and loved through and by Jesus Christ, and we affirm all persons as equally valuable in the sight of God (Preamble to Social Principles). Baptism is God’s gift of unmerited grace through the Holy Spirit and marks the entrance of persons into the church and its ministries of love, justice, and service (¶ 305, 2008 Book of Discipline), and we affirm that through baptism God has made us members of one body of Christ so that all who follow Jesus have spiritual gifts to share for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:4-27).In addressing the nurturing function of Christian fellowship, our United Methodist Social Principles assert that human sexuality is a complex gift of which we have limited understanding (¶ 161F). We also believe that homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth and that all persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self (¶ 161F). An individual confronting his or her own minority sexual orientation and/or that of a close family member, friend, or associate often experiences isolation, confusion, and fear when he or she needs information, guidance, and support (“Teens at Risk,” 2000 Book of Resolutions); and we recognize that teens dealing with questions about sexual orientation are at a greater risk for suicide (“Teen Sexual Identity and Suicide Risk,” 2004 and 2008 Book of Resolutions). The teachings and actions of Jesus demonstrated radical inclusion of those rejected by mainstream society, we are called to renew our commitment to become faithful witnesses to the gospel, not alone to the ends of the earth, but also the depths of our common life and work (Preamble to the Social Principles).Therefore, be it resolved, that The United Methodist Church dedicate itself to a ministry of Christ-like hospitality and compassion to persons of all sexual orientations, and to a vision of unity through openness to the spiritual gifts of all those who have been baptized into the Body of Jesus Christ. Such ministry and openness may include: welcoming sexual minorities, their friends, and families into our churches and demonstrating our faith in a loving God; a willingness to listen and open our hearts to their stories and struggles in our churches, districts, annual conferences, and General Conference; encouraging study and dialogue around issues of sexuality; and praying for all those who are in pain and discord over our Christian response to this controversial issue.
ADOPTED 2000
AMENDED AND READOPTED 2008
Resolution #2041, Book of Resolutions
Resolution #33, 2004 Book of Resolutions
Resolution #28, 2000 Book of Resolutions
See Social Principles, ¶ 161F
Read more about Lutheran beliefs about homosexuality here.
We believe that everyone is made in the image of God and, therefore, deserves to be fully included in our community. This includes members of the LGTBQ+ community. We strive to create a safe and welcoming environment where all individuals can come as they are, free from fear of judgement or exclusion. We believe that diversity is a strength and that our community is enriched by the unique perspectives and experiences that LGTBQ+ individuals bring. Our commitment to inclusion extends beyond a statement of belief. We actively seek out ways to listen to and learn from the LGTBQ+ community, and to work towards creating a church culture that truly reflects God’s love for all people. We recognize that this is an ongoing process and that we still have much to learn, but we are committed to doing this important work together.
