Issues in the Church

We are all brothers and sisters in Christ, united in Christ's church as followers of the theology of Martin Luther. Yet there are issues that divide us. Without taking sides, this page briefly outlines some of these issues and provides links for Lutherans who want to know more.

Called to Common Mission and the Historic Episcopacy

The 1999 "Called to Common Mission" (CCM) ecumenical agreement between the ELCA and The Episcopal Church has caused much controversy within our church, most of which focuses on the ELCA's acceptance of The Episcopal Church's historic episcopacy doctrine. To read the ELCA's answers to some common questions (a "pro CCM" view), click here. To see the arguments of the "anti CCM" opposition, start here.

ELCA Study of Sexuality and Homosexuality

The 2001 ELCA Churchwide Assembly mandated that the church engage in a study on homosexuality and a study on sexuality. The homosexuality study is to deal with the blessing of same-sex unions and the acceptance of persons in committed gay or lesbian relationships into the rostered ministry of the church. The sexuality study is to lead to the development of a social statement on sexuality. You can read about the progress of these efforts here.