LCMS Convention Proceedings St. Louis, Missouri — 2019, Page 216

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11. CHURCH AND CULTURE
issues, and has too often failed to address the sins of
heterosexual members; and
WHEREAS, “There is therefore now no condemnation for
those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1); and
WHEREAS, The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
(LCMS) parochial schools, congregations, seminaries, the
Concordia University System, and individuals in our Synod
are experiencing mounting pressure as a result of cultural
and legal changes; and
WHEREAS, LCMS church workers and laity have asked for
guidance in pastoral care for individuals and families
struggling with matters of same-sex attraction and gender
identity issues; and
WHEREAS, Many faithful Christian individuals who
experience sexual orientation or gender identity confusion
have not accepted the common assumptions that same-sex
acts and sex change therapies are moral, or even God
pleasing; and
WHEREAS, The LCMS has produced resources such as the
following CTCR reports: Gender Identity Disorder or Gender
Dysphoria in Christian Perspective (Sept. 2014); Human
Sexuality: A Theological Perspective (Sept. 1981); Response to
Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust (April 2012); and The
Creator’s Tapestry: Scriptural Perspectives on Man-Woman
Relationships in Marriage and the Church (Dec.2009); as well
as the treatment of these matters in Luther’s Small Catechism
with Explanation (Concordia Publishing House, 2017);
therefore be it
Resolved, That the LCMS in convention affirm and
faithfully confess the biblical truth that God created
humanity as male and female; and be it further
Resolved, That we regard all those who experience sexual
orientation and gender identity issues as our neighbors,
beloved of God, and therefore condemn acts of abuse
committed against them; and be it further
Resolved, That the Synod in convention gives thanks for
those individuals who, despite same-sex attraction or
gender identity confusion, continue to live chaste and
decent lives in repentant faith, and that LCMS
congregations, districts, and Synod entities seek the
counsel and leadership of such individuals in developing
faithful approaches to minister to those who experience
same-sex attraction and gender identity confusion; and be
it further
Resolved, That pastors and congregations of the Synod be
encouraged to minister compassionately to those who
experience sexual orientation and gender identity issues
through prayer, the proclamation of Law and Gospel, the
Sacrament of Holy Baptism, corporate and individual
confession and absolution, the proper administration of
the Lord’s Supper, the mutual conversation and
consolation of the brothers and sisters, and pastoral care;
and be it further
216 | PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2019 (67TH) LCMS CONVENTION

Resolved, That pastors and congregations of the Synod be
encouraged to minister compassionately to the families,
friends, and all others impacted by those who experience
same-sex attraction, those who are involved in same-sex
relationships, and those whose sexual self-understanding
is shaped by a distressing conflict between their biological
sex and their perceived gender identity through prayer, the
proclamation of Law and Gospel, the Sacrament of Holy
Baptism, corporate and individual confession and
absolution, the proper administration of the Lord’s Supper,
the mutual conversation and consolation of the brothers
and sisters, and pastoral care; and be it further
Resolved, That church workers and congregations in the
Synod be encouraged to utilize the following CTCR reports:
Human Sexuality: A Theological Perspective; Response to
Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust; The Creator’s Tapestry:
Scriptural Perspectives on Man-Woman Relationships in
Marriage and the Church; and Gender Identity Disorder or
Gender Dysphoria in Christian Perspective; as well as the
treatment of these matters in Luther’s Small Catechism with
Explanation (Concordia Publishing House, 2017); and be it
further
Resolved, That the CTCR be directed to prioritize the
updating of the 1981 study, Human Sexuality; and be it
finally
Resolved, That the Synod in convention direct the Office
of National Mission, Concordia Publishing House, the
seminaries, and the Concordia University System to
continue to provide resources that enable the church to
confess the truth boldly and minister compassionately both
to those who experience sexual orientation and gender
identity issues and those who care for them.
Action: Adopted as amended (5)
With consent of the body, the committee modified the list of
resources commended for use to include the Synod’s Luther’s
Small Catechism with Explanation (Concordia Publishing
House, 2017). The chair put the close of debate to a vote, which
carried [Yes: 671; No: 254]. The resolution was adopted as
amended [Yes: 916; No: 30].

To Affirm the Common Humanity
of All People and Ethnicities
RESOLUTION 11-04A
Overtures 11-13–14 (CW, 546–47)

WHEREAS, All humanity shares a common origin in Adam
and Eve (Gen.1; 2); and
WHEREAS, Scripture affirms that God “Made from one
man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the
earth” (Acts 17:26); and

Resolutions