Sometimes, the culture in which we live contradicts God's will and expects the Church to change or be labeled, among other things, irrelevant. Unfortunately, various groups within the Church do coalesce and make unclear the Church's stance on certain 'hot-button' issues. But, the Scriptures are clear; and God's people have, throughout history, determined to confess the Truth of God's Word in the face of opposition.
In the Old Testament, Joshua said, "But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).
And, two thousand years later, Peter confessed, "we must obey God rather than men." And now, two thousand years later, the Church continues to stand steadfast in the faith of Christ. Unless we are convinced by the Scriptures that we are wrong or have erred, here we stand.
Please read the statements below to be introduced to the Lutheran confession on some 'hot-button' issues. We would be happy to dialogue with you regarding these matters; please feel free to e-mail Pastor Bestul at pastor@clce.org.
"'Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion'? or 'Unity and Uniqueness'?"
"Pandemic: A Time for Eucharistic Feast"
"Why do Lutherans practice Closed Communion?"
"True Love for our Transgender Neighbors."
"What about homosexuality and 'gay marriage'?"
Statement on June 2015 Supreme Court ruling regarding Gay Marriage