Despite the vote at last year’s National Convention, this church continues to face questions concerning the blessing of same-sex relationships. That situation has been heightened by the recent action taken at this year’s Eastern Synod Convention declaring that congregations in the Eastern Synod have the authority to decide whether or not to conduct such blessings. Prior to last year’s national convention vote on a ‘local option’ for same sex blessings, three pastors in the Alberta Synod prepared a series of eight brochures providing answers to common arguments or questions put forward by those who are advocating a change in the church’s teaching on same-sex lifestyles. In light of the on-going strife in our church, intensified by the Eastern Synod Convention’s actions, these brochures are still very much relevant and continue to speak the truth in love with respect to the challenging issues before this church.
August 3, 2006
Truth in Love - Responses to Questions Concerning Same Sex Blessings
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. - Ephesians 4:14-15
Clicking on the titles for the various brochures below, will bring them up as PDF documents. For a foldable-brochure format, print the two pages back-to-back.
WWJD?
What About Old Testament Law?
by Rev. Brad. Everett, Nazareth Lutheran Church, Standard, AlbertaDivorce and Remarriage: A Good Analogy?
To Bless or Not to Bless?
Natural Homosexuality?
by Rev. Phil Gagnon, St. Albert Lutheran Church, St. Albert, AlbertaTwo-Tiered Christianity?
Is Everyone Welcome or Not?
What Makes Pastoral Care Pastoral?
by Rev. Karl Johnsen, currently serving Calvary Lutheran Church, Edmonton; was serving Sharon Lutheran Church, Calgary, Alberta at the time that the brochures were written.
