After the U.S legalized same-sex marriage in June, 2015, the Executive Committee decided it was time for the Council to discuss what that might mean for St. Matthew, and so the Council has been discussing it on and off since last fall. In the process, Council desired to include voices from the congregation. Also, Council found some things I presented to be helpful, and encouraged me to lead adult forums in the only 2 dates that
remained unscheduled before summer. One session already took place in April: “Church and government: What is the church’s role in weddings?” and the next session (moved to 5/1) was an update on what is happening in the ELCA & our Lutheran mission cluster (in Burlington and Camden counties), and will allow time for conversation, reflection and questions.
After leading the first session and speaking with people the week afterwards, I’ve realized that it would also be helpful to offer a review of the whole sexuality statement and also how Lutherans interpret scripture. So, here are two more opportunities for learning and discussion:
- June 5, 12 – Led by Pastor Ingrid Wengert
“2009 ELCA Social Statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust” (elca.org + copies available)
The social statement encompasses the breadth of human sexuality, with the helpful understanding that it is both God’s good gift to us, and that God entrusts us with it, as stewards, given that all human beings are “east of Eden” (broken/out of kilter) when it comes to intimacy and relationship – because of sin. - July 24, 31 – Led by Prof. Timothy Wengert
“Human Sexuality in Light of Scripture”
In the first session, we will look at varying approaches to the interpretation of scripture, and in the second session, at particular texts that deal with human sexuality.
The purpose of any of these sessions is not to try to persuade people or change their minds. The purpose is to offer conversation, clarification, and hear what’s on the hearts of parishioners. The reason that the scripture sessions are later in the summer is because my husband returns from Germany only then, and I thought it would be worth the wait as he is such a gifted and knowledgeable teacher. I very much want folks to know that there have always been varying ways to interpret scripture (i.e., St. Augustine, Bishop of Hippo, in the 4th century debated different ways to interpret the creation stories and found some ways unhelpful). Most importantly, I wish that folks might be aware of and even conversant in how Lutherans approach scripture. That is, for the sake of the gospel, there is a heart and center for Lutherans when it comes to interpreting the Bible – in order to ensure that the good news of the crucified and risen Christ remains clear and unbound.