Sexuality

“Sexuality: Some Common Convictions” is the ELCA's social message on sexuality written and adopted at a time of considerable discussion and debate around several aspects of sexuality, especially homosexuality. In the midst of that discussion, it became clear that there were widely shared, theologically-based convictions even though a social statement regarding sexuality was not yet possible.

This message expresses the shared conviction that human sexuality is a gift of God for expressing love and generating life, for mutual companionship and for pleasure. Discussion in the message expresses how sin disrupts this fundamental goodness and calls people of faith to lives of responsible freedom within God's creation. “Sexuality: Some Common Convictions” was built upon the statements of predecessor church bodies that merged to form the ELCA, and its purpose was to provide guidance for members of the ELCA and articulate a public witness in society.

The social statement “Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust” adopted in 2009 now serves as the primary and comprehensive teaching and policy document of the ELCA. “Common Convictions” continues to serve as a social message understood in light of similar convictions developed with greater depth and breadth in the social statement.

You can read or download the full social message on “Sexuality: Some Common Convictions” in English or en español. This social message was adopted in 1996 by the Church Council of the ELCA.

To order multiple copies of the social message click here.