(The Christian Post) The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, which was recently criticized for addressing God as “Mother” instead of Father, has now published a handbook on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression to “deepen and expand” its welcome of LGBT members.
Titled “Lutheran Introduction To Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity, & Gender Expression,” the handbook is aimed at “dismantling barriers between people,” says ReconcilingWorks, a Lutheran ministry “affirming God’s love for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities,” which has drafted it.
“The perception that LGBTQIA+ people are exotic oddities does not serve that goal,” adds the ministry, which advocates for “the full welcome, inclusion, and equity of” LGBTQIA+ Lutherans “in all aspects of the life of their Church, congregations, and community.”