Source: Chicago Tribune, Associated Press, ECLA press release
The first draft of an unprecedented social statement on human sexuality by the nation's largest Lutheran denomination does not discuss whether the church should permit gay and lesbian clergy to serve, but emphasizes the importance of trust at the center of people's relationships with friends, family, sexual partners and God.

While the statement, long-awaited by members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ECLA), stresses traditional marriage as between a man and a woman, it also acknowledges the significance of committed same-gender relationships and other unconventional family structures in the life of the church.

"It's shifting the focus from the form [of family] to what's at stake and what's the purpose," said Rev. Roger Willer, one of the authors of the statement. "Rather than list the do's and don't's, the focus should be on helping people understand why."

The panel did not condemn same-gender relationships. The committee expressed regret that historic Lutheran teachings have been used to hurt gays and lesbians, and acknowledged that some congregations already accept same-sex couples.

Chicago Bishop Wayne Miller praised the task force for keeping the conversation alive.
"There's no recommendation or prescription for changes in policy," Miller said. "But those things may grow out of it. There's room for us to grow, but it doesn't dictate that for us.

"What it's really reflecting accurately is we're not done talking about this," he added.

The report released by ECLA is part of the denomination's yearslong effort to bridge internal differences over the Bible and homosexuality.

"We are sexual creatures from the moment of birth to the time of death. This draft social statement takes that seriously and addresses sexuality in relation to the various situations of our lives. The common question at all times is what serves the good of the neighbor, what creates and sustains trust, and what protects from harm," said the Rev. Rebecca S. Larson, executive director, ELCA Church in Society.

Larson said that while "not all members of the task force agree with all parts of the document," it represents the "best thinking" of the group.

"The task force hopes to learn what in the draft is helpful, what might be changed, and what is missing," said Larson.

More than 90 church hearings on the draft are scheduled nationwide. The national church assembly will vote on whether to approve the statement in Minneapolis in August 2009.

Most of the ELCA's 65 synods plan to host hearings between March and November as an opportunity for Lutherans to discuss the draft social statement. At least one representative of the task force is to attend each hearing. The ELCA has 10,549 congregations organized into its 65 synods. The draft document contains a form for other responses.

The 4.8 million-member church, which is based in Chicago, is the nation's largest Lutheran denomination. The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod and the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod are separate, smaller denominations. They are both theologically conservative and teach that same-gender relationships violate Scripture and do not ordain gays.

Called a "Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality," the report is a wide-ranging study of Christian views on sexual morality, premarital sex, domestic abuse and families.

ECLA social statements are teaching documents that guide parishioners in forming judgments on social issues and setting churchwide policies.

But the most anticipated part of the document was whether the task force would recommend equal standing for gay and heterosexual couples in the church.

The document released Thursday repeatedly states that sexual intimacy should be reserved for married couples, and condemns sex for personal gratification alone.

The document also condemns exploitation, promiscuity and the abuse of children.

Next year, the panel will decide whether to suggest changes in current clergy standards that bar gays and lesbians from being ordained if they are sexually active. Bishop Peter Strommen, chairman of the task force, said the issue of gays in the clergy will be taken up in a separate document.

After revisions, both proposals will be presented for a vote to the 2009 Churchwide Assembly in Minneapolis.

Full article: Proposed Lutheran sex statement stresses trust -- chicagotribune.com
Lutheran Group Addresses Marriage Issue | Associated Press
ELCA 'Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality' Now Available | Worldwide Faith News (press release),