Sexuality

[RileyG]

Are those with same-sex attraction, but are celibate/don't live the gay lifestyle welcome? Are they welcome to receive the sacrament, etc?

This is geared towards LCMS, but please state whether if your LCMS or WELS etc.

Also, is it a requirement for your pastors to be married?

Thanks!

God Bless

 

[Resha Caner]

Hmm. We seem to have a spate of such questions.

Are those with same-sex attraction, but are celibate/don't live the gay lifestyle welcome?

It depends on what you mean by "welcome." Anyone is welcome to visit an LCMS church at any time.

More specific to what you're probably asking, any single person can seek membership in the LCMS as long as they are celibate. That doesn't apply just to homosexuals. The LCMS only recognizes marriage as one man and one woman, and only recognizes sexual relationships in the context of marriage. Any others, whether hetero or homosexual are expected to remain celibate.

Are they welcome to receive the sacrament, etc?

Only "members in good standing" may receive the Eucharist. So, the homosexual hurdle would have already been crossed before this ever came up.

Also, is it a requirement for your pastors to be married?

No.

 

[RileyG]

Hmm. We seem to have a spate of such questions.



It depends on what you mean by "welcome." Anyone is welcome to visit an LCMS church at any time.

More specific to what you're probably asking, any single person can seek membership in the LCMS as long as they are celibate. That doesn't apply just to homosexuals. The LCMS only recognizes marriage as one man and one woman, and only recognizes sexual relationships in the context of marriage. Any others, whether hetero or homosexual are expected to remain celibate.



Only "members in good standing" may receive the Eucharist. So, the homosexual hurdle would have already been crossed before this ever came up.



No.

Thank You!!!!

 

[Tangible]

Only sinners should receive the sacrament.

 

[MarkRohfrietsch]

Only sinners should receive the sacrament.

Indeed; only sinners need to receive the sacrament.

 

[RileyG]

Thanks!!!!