ELCA Youth Vote: Jesus Makes Gay OK

By: Rev. Jack Cascione
ELCA NEWS SERVICE

July 28, 2003

ELCA Youth Discuss Topics Important To Them 03-149-MR/JC

ATLANTA (ELCA) -- Human sexuality and ethnic diversity were among a variety
of topics addressed by some 255 high-school-age Lutherans at the Sixth
Triennial Convention of the Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) here July
20-23 at Georgia Institute of Technology.

The LYO is the youth organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA), Chicago.  Under the convention theme, "N-2-1:  Joining in
Weakness, We are Strong," delegates -- Lutherans between the ages of 15 and
18 or who are in grades 10 through 12 -- from the 65 synods of the church
conducted the business of the LYO.

The organization represents 500,000 young Lutherans from across the country,
U.S. Virgin Islands and Caribbean.  The organization's board provides a link
between young people and churchwide units, bringing youth representation to
traditionally adult-led boards and groups.
. . .

The LYO held its triennial convention in conjunction with the 2003 ELCA
Youth Gathering -- held in two back-to-back events July 16-23 and July
23-27 -- at the Georgia Dome and Georgia World Congress Center.
. . .

RESOLUTIONS: Delegates passed resolutions on a variety of topics, including
human sexuality.  At the convention, youth discussed education about human
sexuality in the church, the blessing of same-gender unions, and the
welcoming of people of all sexual orientations into the organization.

Delegates called for the LYO board to advocate for the development of
educational programs promoting disability awareness and urged congregations
and synods of the ELCA to hold events in facilities that meet the needs of
definitely-abled participants.

Resolutions passed at the sixth triennial convention call for LYO members
to: encourage discussion on the topic of human sexuality in confirmation
classes and at synod-led youth events.

Delegates also adopted a resolution supporting the blessing of "same-sex
unions" and the ordination of "non-celibate individuals" of "all sexual
orientations" in "committed relationships."

In a separate resolution, delegates moved to welcome people of all sexual
orientations, encouraging youth of all sexual orientations to share in the
life of the organization.  They also voted to seek formal recognition as a
"Reconciling in Christ" organization.

July 30 , 2003