Social Statement on Human Sexuality
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of this study?
A: The purpose of the study “Free in Christ to Serve the Neighbor: Lutherans talk about Human Sexuality” is to invite the wider church “to the table” with the Task Force for the ELCA Studies on Sexuality. Together we can use the wisdom of our faith tradition to reflect on the complexities of sexuality in our lives and our culture.
Through this study, the task force hopes to:
- offer as a church of the Lutheran tradition a clear theological framework in which to carry out the discussion of sexuality.
- generate responses to gain a better sense of the concerns, issues, and urgency of the ethical decisions facing ELCA Lutherans.
- probe the resources members call upon to make decisions on these matters, including where they seek guidance from our church.
Q: Why are we writing a social statement on human sexuality?
A: Responding to a memorial from a synod assembly, the Churchwide Assembly in 2001 voted to request a social statement on human sexuality and reaffirmed that decision in 2003. The ELCA has two statements of predecessor church bodies on sexuality, but no social statement of its own on human sexuality. The ELCA’s message “Sexuality: Some Common Convictions” summarizes the areas of agreement of the predecessor church bodies.
Q: What will be in the study?
A: The core of the study is found in eight sessions devoted specifically to human sexuality and related topics. Participants are invited to engage in moral deliberation on these topics from the perspective of Paul’s letter to the Galatians and Martin Luther’s essay, “On the Freedom of a Christian.” Two resources in the booklet are provided to help interested readers understand the theological framework provided by Galatians and Luther’s essay. The eight sessions of the study invite participants to think about and discuss a range of topics such as marriage, the commercialization of sexuality, sexuality and power, widespread cohabitation, and human trafficking.
Q: Why does the study use the letter of Galatians and Luther’s essay, “On the Freedom of a Christian” as foundation and guide for our approach to discussing sexuality?
A: Lutherans take the Bible seriously. The task force’s previous study included sections on how we read the Bible. These were received very positively. Lutherans always intend to look at the Christian life through the lens of Scripture and Lutheran teaching. For this study, Galatians and “On the Freedom of a Christian” can help us think about the implications of the Gospel. We call this an “evangelical ethic.”
Q: What is the relationship of this study to the social statement?
A: “Free in Christ to Serve the Neighbor” is the third study resource produced for this church by the task force. The responses to “Free in Christ to Serve the Neighbor,” together with the responses from this church to the two previous studies, help the task force shape the social statement on human sexuality that will be considered by the Churchwide Assembly in 2009.
Q: How can I encourage others to use the study?
A: Tell people that the study aims to address the realities of sexuality in our society, engaging people with vexing issues they may face in their home and communities. Vignettes will evoke the kinds of conversations people have in their everyday lives.
Q: How should I plan for the study?
A: The task force recommends that participants plan for an educational setting such as a weekend retreat or a six-to-eight session format. This study can be particularly effective for:
- adult education series
- youth group discussions
- congregational bible study and retreats
- synod assemblies or breakout sessions
- any gathering of church leaders
Q: What about what’s not in the study?
A: Taken together, all three studies that the task force has prepared for this church have provided a fairly comprehensive survey of human sexuality, but it is impossible to include every aspect of human sexuality in a social statement. The task force anticipates that feedback from this church will help focus the social statement.
Q: How can I get a copy?
A: Visit www.elca.org/faithfuljourney to pre-order printed copies or to download the study beginning December 4, 2006. For multiple copies please call 1-800-328-4648. Each ELCA congregation will receive a printed copy in early December.
Q: What’s next?
A: Responses to the study are due to the task force on November 1, 2007. Respondents may fill in the form included with the booklet and mail it in or complete the form online at www.elca.org/faithfuljourney . The task force will develop the first draft of the social statement by early 2008. The proposed social statement will come to the church for consideration in the spring of 2009 and will be considered by the ELCA Churchwide Assembly in August 2009.
