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So the LCMS does not ordain homosexuals at all? Why? I can understand not ordaining those who are sexually active, as they obviously are not repentant for their sins. But we are all sinners, so it seems odd to me to not ordain one type of sinner and not all the others.
Note, I never said never practicing. And considering homosexual is about who you are attracted too, yes you can call yourself a homosexual even if you don't have sex with somebody of the same gender. By your logic, people who have never had sex and ever intend to can't say they are heterosexual. And I just realized that you aren't even Lutheran, so I'll go with the earlier answer given to me.
Speaking for myself, I am a celibate male with exclusively same-sex attractions. As a sinner justified by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, however, I do not consider myself to be a 'homosexual person', a 'gay person', or anything but a 'human person'. In the eyes of God, I am nothing but His Son.
Whether you want a man, a woman, or a goat, celibacy is celibacy. I do wish normal, healthy heterosexuals who oppose the ordination celibate homosexuals would understand that. What's in the deepest heart is visible only to God and -in most cases, though not all - to the sinner.
Most homosexuals are probably unable to control their attraction. That's not to say the condition is genetic; rather, that trauma, abuse, or neglect of early life caused great confusion in the mind & soul of the homosexual. I understand this from experience. I think most homosexuals shouldn't be ordained. It's not about the sexual attraction, per se, but more because they are supremely wounded people, and often not emotionally mature enough to be shepherds to a flock.
Those who overcome their wounds by the help of God are blessed indeed, and it will be known by their strength of will, nobility of spirit, and courage.
I would like to ask the LCC about this issue myself. I'll have to wait a while, though, since my first LCC Service will be on Sunday. Mustn't make bad impressions on the first of it.
. I asked my former Pastor about this very thing. There are all sorts of temptations that we all face. According to a former Pastor of mine, celibacy is the only acceptable way for a Pastor to deal with this issue, and therefore a person with same sex attraction that has chosen celibacy can be a Pastor. Certainly, there is no issue with you attending and even becoming a member of one of our Congregations.I'm LCC
What part of Canada are you from?
Most Christian churches today wouldn't be so ogre-like.
I wasn't worried about becoming a congregant. Don't think that!
I am from Halifax, N.S., and currently live there. From what I can see, there's only one ELCA church, and one small LCC mission.
He speaks very highly about the Congregations, missions and preaching stations in the East.The Maritime Missions and congregations are calling a "Circuit Rider" Pastor to serve them right now. My Pastor just recently declined a call to the Maritime Missions; he has been out there a number of times preaching over the last few years.
The Bible also speaks out against slander, gossip, jealousy, lust, etc... If the Church were to exclude people with sinful inclinations from all positions of leadership, then there wouldn't be any candidates for any type of leadership. You can't just flip a switch and determine who you are sexually attracted to. You can choose if you want to act upon that or not. If you believe that sexual action between two men is sinful, and thus refrain from it, regardless of if you are sexually attracted to other men, wouldn't that be a good role model for the church?
