Southeastern Minnesota Synod Submits Affirmation of Welcome for LGBT People

At their May 2009 assembly, the Southeastern Minnesota Synod voted to recognize that it "understands same-gender sexual orientation to be part of God’s good creation." The synod also voted to embody that understanding in an intentional, public statement of welcome to people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, voting to become a Reconciling in Christ Synod. A task force was formed to develop an “Affirmation of Welcome” that will serve the “work and witness of the synod in its assemblies, its synod council meetings, the committees, task forces, agencies and working groups related to the synod” and that will be made available as a model for congregations. The task force completed its work last month, submitting the following statement:

Affirmation of Welcome
Baptized into the waters of Christ and raised to new life by the strong word of God, fed and nourished by the body and blood of Christ, the people of God in the Southeastern Minnesota Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America decided in the 2009 assembly to be a Reconciling in Christ Synod. This synod, called by the Holy Spirit, is kept in unity with Jesus Christ in the one true faith. We are freely forgiven in Christ and we are in full service to one another. Whenever we meet in worship, prayer, deliberation and decision, as a large and diverse body of Christians, we recognize various ministries to ensure all people are welcomed into a transforming relationship with Jesus Christ. As baptized believers created in the image of God – including, but not limited to, people of every race, nationality, age, political affiliation, marital status, gender identity, economic or social status, sexual orientation, mental and physical abilities – our synod welcomes all people of all backgrounds to become Christ’s devoted disciples.

We celebrate the affirmation of welcome offered by the Southeastern Minnesota Synod and express thanks and appreciation for the work of the task force.