wfn.org | [LCMSNews] Synod affirms man-woman marriage

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	July 13, 2004 .. LCMSNews -- 04-SC21-DM3

	Missouri Synod affirms marriage
	as lifelong one man-one woman union

	ST. LOUIS  By a nearly unanimous vote, delegates to the 62nd
Regular Convention of The Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod today (July 13)
affirmed, on the basis of Scripture, marriage as the lifelong union of
one man and one woman (Gen. 2:24; Matt. 19:5-6).

	More than 98 percent of the delegates supported the resolution,
which was adopted 1,163 to 22.

	The resolution urges members of the Synod to give a public
witness from Scripture against the social acceptance and legal
recognition of homosexual marriage.

	Noting that there are calls in American society for legal
recognition of same-sex unions as marriages, the convention said, For
our Synod to be silent, especially in the present context, could be
viewed as acceptance of the homosexual lifestyle.

	The resolution notes that homosexual behavior is prohibited in
the Old and New Testaments as contrary to the Creators design, citing
Lev. 18:22,24; 20:13; 1 Cor. 6:9-20; 1 Tim. 1:10; and Rom. 1:26-27. An
amendment attached to the resolution without debate adds that God gave
marriage as a picture of the relationship between Christ and His bride,
the Church (Eph. 5:32).

	The convention urged Synod members to deal with sexual sins
with the same love and concern as all other sins, calling for repentance
and offering forgiveness in the Good News of Jesus Christ when there is
repentance.

	The convention noted that the Synod already in 1973 said that it
recognized homophile behavior as intrinsically sinful. The convention
continued that the churchs proper evangelical work is to proclaim the
reconciliation of the sinner to God in the death of Jesus Christ (2 Cor.
5:18-19).

	A Plan for Ministry to Homosexuals and Their Families,
published by the Synod is 1999, was commended by the convention as a
resource and guide for pastoral care. The document is may be downloaded
at www.lcms.org/minhomfam.

	The resolution adopted today also resolves that husbands and
wives give thanks to God for the blessings of marriage, lead a chaste
and decent life, and each love and honor ones spouse.

	There was no real debate on the resolution. Several speakers
encouraged a unanimous vote, noting the current debate on same-sex
unions, including current discussions in the U.S. Senate on a
constitutional amendment addressing the issue.

	The convention is the highest legislative authority in the 2.5
million-member Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod. It is meeting through
Thursday morning at Americas Center here.

	********************

	If you have questions or comments about this LCMSNews release,
contact Joe Isenhower Jr. at joe.isenhower@lcms.org or Paula Schueter
Ross at paula.ross@lcms.org.

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