In an unprecedented social statement on human sexuality, a task force of the US's largest Lutheran denomination said the church should continue to uphold marriage between a man and a woman.
It is the first draft – released Thursday for review by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America – of a long-awaited statement on family, marriage, sexual morality and the Bible.
"This church recognises the historic origin of the term 'marriage' as a life-long and committed relationship between a woman and man, and does not wish to alter this understanding," the Draft Social Statement on Human Sexuality stated.
Although the draft upholds traditional marriage, it did not condemn same-sex unions. The panel – comprised of Lutheran clergy, lay people and academics – acknowledged that the denomination had yet to reach consensus on such unions even after years of study and conversation.
Recognising that there are congregations that regard same-gender sexual relationships as sinful and others that do not, the panel encouraged mutual respect and for congregations to welcome and care for "same-gender-oriented" people and their families.
"In their pastoral response, some pastors and congregations will advocate repentance and celibacy. Other pastors and congregations will call our same-gender-oriented brothers and sisters in Christ to establish relationships that are chaste, mutual, monogamous, and lifelong. These relationships are to be held to the same rigorous standards and sexual ethics as all others," the statement said.
The document further expressed regret that some have used Lutheran historical teachings concerning homosexuality to "tear apart families with gay or lesbian members."
"This church must work toward more understanding of the varieties of sexual identities, seeking for that which is positive and life-giving while protecting from all that is harmful and destructive."
Both a pro-gay group and theological conservatives expressed disappointment in the ELCA draft statement.
Emily Eastwood, executive director of Lutherans Concerned/North America, which represents gays and lesbians, said the draft merely urges respect and tolerance and does not provide religious rites for homosexual couples to make a lifelong commitment, as reported by The Associated Press.
Mark Chavez, who heads the conservative WordAlone Network, argued that the document could be used to let local synods set their own policies on gay clergy.
