JUST WOW!

I want to say a sincere and hearty THANK YOU to the LCMS in convention this last week for passing Resolution 11-03A.  The resolves read as follows:

• 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
• 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 andsisters, and pastoral care; and be it further
• Resolved, That church workers and congregations in the Synod be encouraged to utilize the following CTCR reports: HumanSexuality: 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; 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.

Two points raise this resolution far and above any I have seen from any denomination so far  1: the willingness to condemn abuse of LGBT people and 2: the resolve to listen to and pay attention to the voices of those in the Church who are same sex attracted or experience gender dysphoria.  If the LCMS follows through on this resolution then I think the LCMS will truly be a leader in ministering to those of us who gender minorities and yet who wish to live according to the Biblical standards of sexuality as well as provide outreach to others who need to know the love of Christ in a compassionate yet non-compromising manner.

Thank you to those who worked on the resolution and to the synod in convention for passing it with more than 90% affirmative votes.