Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Canada

Synod Assembly 2004

Reconciling in Christ Resolution

Bishop's Pastoral Letter
Questions for Discussion (HTML / PDF)

Resources for Study (see below for Resource Listings)

Guidelines for submission
- Any member of our synod can identify up to three resources related to this issue. Each listing would need to identify the name and congregational membership of the person making the listing, and include the title, author, publisher, as well as a one-paragraph annotation for each resource. Material will be screened to ensure a common format. (Hard copies of the accumulated listing will be made available later in the year.)
Information submission form (Rich Text File / PDF)

Books

Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality: Gay People in Western Europe from the Beginning of the Christian Era to the Fourteenth Century; by John Boswell; 1981 » An historical look at how homosexuality found deep acceptance within institutional Christianity. (Submitted by Rev Dr Oscar Cole-Arnal, Christ Lutheran Church, Waterloo, Ontario)
Daring To Be United: Including Lesbians and Gays in The United Church of Canada; by Alyson C. Huntley; United Church Publishing House, 1998. » From the back cover: "Stories of hope, change, healing and transformation in the decade since the United Church decided not to exclude gays and lesbians from ministry. The heart of this sensitive and compassionate account is its engaging, deeply moving stories of how change is possible in individuals, institutions and society when the church dares to express God's inclusive love. Daring to be United tells the story of a church renewing itself in a struggle that shook it to the core, and left it stronger and more hopeful." These are indeed poignant stories of very real people. It is important for us to read them to be prepared for the fact that, when the church takes action on "The Issue", whether ameliorative, bold, inclusive, or healing, there is ahead a journey of pain, of hiding, of difficult process. But when ears and hearts are opened to listening, much is learned about the Christ-like virtue of grace, about living together while holding differences, about being transformed. (Submitted by Elaine Scott-Thomas, Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Belleville, Ontario)
Dirt, Greed, and Sex: Sexual Ethics in the New Testament and Their Implications for Today; by L. William Countryman; Publisher: Philadelphia: Fortress Press, c1988, paperback ed. 1990. » Countryman contextually examines scripture through the lenses of ancient Israelite (and cultural) codes of purity and property. Countryman writes in his Introduction: "Controversies over sexual ethics have pervaded the Western world in our century, and the Bible has been an important factor in them. Some voices invoke its authority; others attack it as a baleful influence. Some hold that it lays down a clear-cut sexual ethic; others hear in it a multiplicity of messages not always in agreement with one another... Such a situation calls for fresh and careful reading of the Scriptures... We should read carefully, in the sense of attending closely to the details of the text, particularly those that seem odd or alien to our way of thinking. ... In studying the biblical documents, we shall often find that we are dealing with morality, with what is permitted or forbidden; the biblical authors, like all people, conducted most of the business of ethics on the level of moral rules. But we must also ask of these texts, "Why?" The why is critical, for it alone will enable us to understand the precise language of the tests, to perceive the reasons for changes in biblical morality, and to interpret the sexual ethics of the New Testament in terms that will have comparable meaning in our own very different world." (Submitted by Rev Michael Hackbusch, St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, (Bridgeport) Kitchener, Ontario)
Discerning the Word: The Bible and Homosexuality in Anglican Debate, by Paul Gibson; Publisher: Toronto: Anglican Book Centre, 2000. » The question of homosexuality is often focused, in the church, around competing views of the Bible. For example, of the 14 questions advanced by Synod Council for discussion around the 2004 RIC motion, at least five hearken explicitly to the matter of biblical interpretation. In 1998, Lambeth Conference bishops passed a resolution which said, in part, "while rejecting homosexual practice as incompatible with Scripture, [this conference] calls on all our people to minister pastorally and sensitively to all irrespective of sexual orientation..." (See www.anglicancommunion.org/lambeth/) In Discerning the Word, Paul Gibson, former liturgical officer of the Anglican Church of Canada and editor of the Book of Alternative Services, challenges the resolution and takes up the matter, among others, of how the Scriptures ought to inform our conversation around homosexuality. Gibson rejects both the extreme which makes much of themes about which the Bible says little, and the extreme which makes little of themes about which the Bible says much. Gibson comes down in a place congenial to Lutherans who claim an appreciation for the role of larger themes –gospel, grace, love and so forth– in matters of Christian thought and conduct. [We must search] "for the spirit of the tradition, rather than the letter." Gibson's book is especially timely given our recent adoption of the Waterloo Declaration. Paul Gibson will be a keynote speaker at Breaking Bread... Breaking Boundaries, the 2004 ELCIC National Worship Conference www.worship.ca/. (Submitted by Rev André Lavergne, Trinity, New Hamburg, Ontario)
Faithful Conversations: Christian Perspectives on Homosexuality; by James M Childs Jr. (Editor); Publisher: Fortress Press, 2003. » Looking for a fresh approach and some common ground? This collection of essays by ELCA seminary faculty is aimed at promoting real reflection and faithful conversation. The authors help us to move beyond polarization of positions and to reframe the conversation in light of things that Christians (and Lutherans) hold in common, such as baptism-based identity and mission. While each author holds an opinion on the "hot issue" (and not all hold the same one), their writing clearly intends to provide us with basic tools to engage the question for ourselves and with each other. Based on sound scholarship but readable, this resource would be great for a group study with both lay people and pastors. Submitted by Jackie Nunns, (St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Kitchener, Ontario)
Homosexuality and Christian Faith: Questions of Conscience for the Churches, Editor: Walter Wink; Publisher: Minneapolis: Augsburg Fortress, 1999. » The plea of this small, accessible anthology is that the church must somehow become a more loving and just place for gays and lesbians. Here, Walter Wink, Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Auburn, gathers a collection of short articles –essays, sermons, devotional pieces and more– by a number of well-known Christians including Morton Kelsey, John Cobb, William Sloan Coffin, Paul Wennes Egertson and Peggy Campolo. The book includes (1) accounts in which people speak movingly about friends, family members and others who are gay; (2) essays which offer biblical interpretation and wisdom from the disciplines of ethics and the human sciences; (3) pieces which invite us come to terms with important elements of Christian tradition; (4) items which challenge our churches to find a prophetic voice; (5) pieces which deal with the practical implication of the full acceptance of gay and lesbian people in our churches. Wink's volume is a helpful introduction to the kinds of issues and inquiry which must be entertained by those who would take seriously the conversation around the Eastern Synod's RIC motion. For a sense of Wink's own mind, see his online essay Homosexuality and the Bible available on the Bridges Across the Divide website www.bridges-across.org/ba/wink.htm. (Submitted by Rev André Lavergne, Trinity, New Hamburg, Ontario)
Living by Grace, by William Hordern; Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1975. » William Hordern is the most prominent Lutheran theologian in Canada. He served as President of Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon from 1966 to 1985. In Living by Grace Hordern focuses on what Lutherans claim is the central doctrine of Scripture, i.e. that we are justified by grace alone through faith alone. He demonstrates that in many ways the practice of our churches has the effect of blurring or even denying the meaning of justification. In this way the book also provides wonderful clarity in understanding the doctrine of justification and its implications for our lives individually and for the ELCIC. In my view, if there is one book (besides the Bible, of course!) which is essential reading for all Lutherans it is William Hordern's Living by Grace. (Submitted by Rev Dr Tim Hegedus, St. Mark's, Kitchener, Ontario)
Same-Sex Unions in Premodern Europe; by John Boswell; 1995 [1994] » A study of how Eastern & Western churches sanctioned & blessed same-sex couples (until modern times). (Submitted by Rev Dr Oscar Cole-Arnal, Christ Lutheran Church, Waterloo, Ontario)
Straight and Narrow, by Thomas. Schmidt; InterVarsity Press, 1995. » Of the twenty some books I've read on the topic before us, Straight and Narrow is in the top three. A Professor of Greek and New Testament, Dr. Schmidt offers a compassionate approach underscoring the need for attitudinal change on the part of Christians in general, e.g. "If we neglect faces, we neglect the gospel." Challenging readers to both the right and the left, his progression of thought is easy to follow. He begins by addressing the applicable Bible passages in detail, starting with Genesis 1 and 2, as the foundational texts for marriage and sexuality. He then addresses the questions which in turn affects questions of health, therapy and wholeness. He ends on two relevant notes, 'The Price of Love' and 'Straight and Narrow.' Recognized scholar and former Lutheran, Richard Neuhaus gives high praise, concluding, "the reader will greatly benefit from the thoughtful arguments offered." (Submitted by Rev Harry Q. Vibe, St. James, Renfrew, Ontario)
Studies on Homosexuality and the Church, by Erwin Buck; Publisher: ELCIC, 2001. » Some time ago, the Rev. Dr. Erwin Buck, Professor of New Testament at the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, was invited by the ELCIC to revise an earlier volume of his entitled Six Studies on Homosexuality. The result was the most-helpful Studies on Homosexuality and the Church published in 2001. The volume contains five studies: Study 1 offers "Information About Homosexuality." Study 2 probes "The Message from the Old Testament." Study 3 investigates "The Message of the New Testament." Study 4 asks "How Does One Apply Biblical Teaching?" Study 5 asks "Where Do We Go From Here?" An appendix contains a "Guide for Caring Conversations " and additional material. Studies on Homosexuality and the Church will prove especially valuable for congregational council, leadership or adult studies and is available online at . Look for the link to "Caring Conversations." Bound copies are available from Augsburg Fortress Canada for a modest $ 4.98. Look for product number 0968844502. (Submitted by Rev Paul F. Bosch, Christ Lutheran Church, Waterloo, Ontario)
The Bible and Homosexual Practice: Texts and Hermeneutics, by Robert A.J. Gagnon; Publisher: Abingdon Press, 2001. » Gagnon offers a thorough analysis of the biblical texts relating to homosexuality. His clearly articulated argument establishes that the Bible contains a unanimous witness defining same-sex intercourse as sin. He does so while rigorously engaging biblical scholars and historians who have written both for and against this understanding. He demonstrates systematically why attempts to classify as irrelevant for our contemporary context the Bible's rejection of same-sex intercourse fail to do justice to the biblical texts. His conclusions are clear and compassionate, as he cautions readers on all sides of the debate against a truncated gospel, and challenges all to strive for a holistic view of the command to love God and neighbour. (Submitted by Rev Peter Hincke, St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Cornwall, Ontario)
The Church and Homosexuality, by Merton Stommen; Kirk House, Minneapolis, MN. » This effort is among the very best: thoroughly researched, concise and clearly articulated. Dr. Strommen, a Lutheran Pastor, Psychologist and Author, sticks to his sub-theme, 'Searching for Middle Ground' throughout and most effectively. All the chapter headings are valid questions often on the minds of concerned people, e.g. 'Who are the Homosexuals?', 'What causes Homosexuality?', 'Can a Homosexual Orientation be changed?', 'What does the Bible say?', etc. In each chapter Strommen addresses the question head on, but with unusual compassion. Sharing clearly the views of both sides, he then offers either a possible answer or a relevant question or two for the reader to further ponder. Whether for individual study or as a guide in group studies, it is clearly a fresh approach from a pastor's heart and yet clearly documented with a bibliography of over a hundred sources from both views. (Submitted by Rev Harry Q. Vibe, St. James, Renfrew, Ontario)
The First Stone: Homosexuality and the United Church; by Michael Riordon; 1990 » A journalist looks at the controversy in the United Church through the eyes of its members from laity through those most involved in the debate. A poignant and compassionate work. (Submitted by Rev Dr Oscar Cole-Arnal, Christ Lutheran Church, Waterloo, Ontario)
What's So Amazing About Grace; by Philip Yancey; Publisher: Zondervan Publishing House » Yancey is editor-at-large for Christianity Today, and describes himself as someone "who represents the evangelical establishment." He writes a chapter in this book titled "Grace-Healed Eyes" where he discusses his experiences after learning that a friend is gay. Yancey does not condone many of the decisions his friend has made but continues to love him and is distressed by the lack of grace shown by so many Christians. He writes, "Conservatives will lambaste me for coddling a sinner, and liberals will attack me for not endorsing their position. Again, I am not discussing my views of homosexual behavior, only my attitudes toward homosexuals.". (Submitted by Rev Thomas P. Arth, First Church, Port Colborne, Ontario)

Articles

A Response to Lutherans Concerned and Motion 2004, by Harry Q. Vibe; available at Sperling's Church Supply, Waterloo, ON. The purpose of this 35 page essay is fourfold. One, to expose the weaknesses, theological and otherwise of the agenda and claims of Lutheran Concerned, specifically their brochure, 'Reconciled in Christ.' Two, to re-affirm the traditional view of Scripture as the final authority in all matters of faith and ethics, including the question of homosexual lifestyle, in keeping with Luther's statement, "… the Scriptures are to be retained in their simplest meaning whenever possible, unless the context plainly forbids." Three, to re-affirm the witness of the Lutheran Church, from the Reformation until the present day including quotes from such scholars as K. Barth, R. Jacobson, W. Pannenberg, D. Pul and M. Strommen, etc. Finally, to challenge our synod to realize that in adopting this motion, we simply cannot refuse requests to bless same-sex unions and ordain practicing gays and lesbians, without being guilty of both being inconsistent and hypocritical. (Submitted by Rev Harry Q. Vibe, St. James, Renfrew, Ontario)
Rethinking the Churches Involvement in Weddings, by Liturgy Canada; online at http://www.liturgy.ca/archive/Lent03.pdf. This fine article addresses the issue of the church's involvement in weddings, and asks the question whether the church should leave marriage to the state to, instead, be concerned with the blessing of relationships, be they heterosexual or homosexual. (Submitted by Rev Mark Harris, Mount Zion Lutheran Church, Waterloo, Ontario)

Study/Workshop Documents

A Lutheran Approach to the Bible, by Tim Hegedus; online at www.telc.ca. Lutheranism has always stood for the centrality of grace: we are not saved by any good deeds ("works") of our own but solely by the grace of God (sola gratia) through faith alone (sola fide). Because we Lutherans believe that this message of grace is founded in Scripture we have also always held to the principle of "Scripture alone" (sola Scriptura). Indeed, Lutheranism proposes that the proper way to understand the Bible is to read and to interpret it in terms of Law and Gospel. Law is the "bad news" that we are condemned apart from God's grace in Christ, and Gospel is the "good news" that in Christ God loves and forgives us by grace. In this study document I suggest that the best way that Lutherans can read the Bible is by focussing on the Gospel: whenever we read the Bible let us pay primary attention to the "good news" of God's love in Christ in the text. This approach to the Bible affirms the authority of Scripture without falling into a fundamentalist or legalistic reading of the Bible. (Submitted by Rev Dr Tim Hegedus, St. Mark's, Kitchener, Ontario)
Annotated Bibliography from the workshop "Preaching the Hard Texts," by David Schnase-Jacobsen; online at www.telc.ca. A few years ago, Pastor Mark Harris and I were involved in offering "Caring Conversations" in our parishes. "Caring Conversation" refers to the model commended by National Church Council, and affirmed by the 1999 Regina convention, wherein "members of the ELCIC... are able to listen to the experiences of gay and lesbian people and their families." Since then, Pastor Harris and I have been organizing K/W Conference events to help pastors and lay people to initiate Caring Conversations in their own congregations. (For details, visit Trinity's website at www.telc.ca - click on Caring Conversations.) Early on, we discovered a fine resource in the WLS faculty, several of whom have led Caring Conversations workshops. Among them, David Schnase-Jacobsen has helped pastors to engage and to preach on "the hard texts." He [assumes] "that preaching the ‘hard texts' is part and parcel of an ongoing caring conversation set within the pastoral theological task that is preaching" and ventures to list a few helpful resources in that regard. His Annotated Bibliography is a useful tool for the parish pastor. Ordained in the United Methodist Church and attending St. Peter's Lutheran Church, Kitchener, Dr. Schnasa Jacobsen is an Associate Professor of Homiletics at Waterloo Lutheran Seminary. He is the author of Preaching in the New Creation: The Promise of New Testament Apocalyptic Texts (Westminster John Knox, 1999) and, together with The Rev. Dr. Guenter Wasserberg, Preaching Luke-Acts (Abingdon, 2001). (Submitted by Rev André Lavergne, Trinity, New Hamburg, Ontario)
Biblical Passages Relating to Same Sex Relations, by Tim Hegedus; online at www.telc.ca. In this study document I examine a number of passages of Scripture that are sometimes considered relevant to the topic of gays and lesbians in the Church. In fact, whether these (surprisingly few) texts are actually relevant to people with a homosexual or lesbian orientation as we understand it today is disputed: some Lutherans believe that these texts are relevant, others do not. The fundamental point of my article is that we should practice Christian love and grace towards all people, including gays and lesbians as well as those within the Church who hold views that are different than our own. (Submitted by Rev Dr Tim Hegedus, St. Mark's, Kitchener, Ontario)
Bibliography of Resources on Homosexuality, by Loretta Jaunzarins; online at ww.telc.ca. Updated in October 2003, this is one of the most up-to-date bibliographies of gay-friendly materials to be found on the internet. (Submitted by Rev Mark Harris, Mount Zion Lutheran Church, Waterloo, Ontario)
Disputed Issues in Christian History: Their Scriptural and Historical/Cultural Settings, by Harold Remus; online at www.telc.ca. The place of homosexuals in the church is not the first issue on which Christians have strongly disagreed and held diametrically opposed views. Over the centuries Christian views on a number of important issues have changed, sometimes markedly, sometimes even reversing what were once considered unshakeable teachings grounded in scripture. This document offers examples of such disputed issues–slavery; the place and role of women in church and society; eating, clothing, farming, and sex; divorce; the origin and nature of the universe and humans–and the Bible passages cited by the disputants. (Submitted by Rev Dr Harold Remus, St. Mark's, Kitchener, Ontario)
Same-Sex Bible Passages, by Harold Remus; online at www.telc.ca. A survey of Bible passages commonly cited as bearing on same-sex relations, showing differing translations and interpretations of each. Included at the end are Bible passages reporting and reflecting on what was likely the most disputed issue in early Christianity–whether Gentiles could be accepted into the Judaism of the Jesus movement as Gentiles, that is, without ethnic, dietary, or physical restrictions–with suggestions on how that might bear on inclusion of homosexual persons in Christian congregations today. (Submitted by Rev Dr Harold Remus, St. Mark's, Kitchener, Ontario)
Significant References in the Bible (More Than Mere Mentions) to the Sodom and Gomorrah Story (Gen. 19), by Harold Remus; online at www.telc.ca. What does the Bible say that Sodom and Gomorrah did to call down God's wrath? Was it "sodomy"? idolatry? social injustice? pride? overeating? affluence unheeding of the poor and needy? inhospitality? "depraved lust"? All of these, or any one (or more) of them? This documents looks at each of the Bible passages that offer significant mention of "Sodom and Gomorrah" and what reasons, if any, are given for the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. (Submitted by Rev Dr Harold Remus, St. Mark's, Kitchener, Ontario)

Videos

Is Ex-Gay a False Hope? . Available from Lutherans Concerned North America InfoX, 409 Roland Hills Drive, Mogadore, OH 4260-9796; http://www.lcna.org/infox. Ministries and therapies that try to change a person's sexual orientation do not work and indeed do incredible harm, says this video. (Submitted by Rev Michael Hackbusch, St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, (Bridgeport) Kitchener, Ontario)
The Gay Issue: The Challenge of the '90's, Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, Willowdale, Ontario, 1993. » Although prepared ten years ago, this 48 minute documentary is still current in its scope, application and relevance. It offers a candid look at homosexuality in relation to the Bible and modern culture. Interviews with former homosexuals help to balance the information presented as this documentary carefully assesses the homosexual movement from a psychological, legal, political, social, and theological perspective. The goal is not just to reinforce the traditional understanding of homosexuality, but to do so with clarity and compassion. (Submitted by Rev Peter Hincke, St. Matthew's Lutheran Church, Cornwall, Ontario)
What Do You Say When Someone Who Loves You Says, "I'm Gay?" Available from Lutherans Concerned North America InfoX, 409 Roland Hills Drive, Mogadore, OH 4260-9796; http://www.lcna.org/infox. In this video the Rev Paul Egertson, former Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Southwest California Synod, tells about the journey he and his wife Shirley took to understand what it means to have a gay son. (Submitted by Rev Michael Hackbusch, St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, (Bridgeport) Kitchener, Ontario)

Web Sites

Bringing Caring Conversations to Our Congregations; by André Lavergne et al; http://www.telc.ca/conversations.html. In the spring of 2002, Pastors Mark Harris (Mount Zion, Waterloo) and André Lavergne (Trinity, New Hamburg) spoke at the monthly gathering of Kitchener-Waterloo clergy on their positive experience initiating and leading "Caring Conversations" in their parishes. ("Caring Conversation" refers to the model commended by National Church Council and affirmed by the 1999 Regina convention, "where members of the ELCIC ... are able to listen to the experiences of gay and lesbian people and their families.") Out of this meeting, a number of subsequent K/W Conference Caring Conversations events were created. These will take place through March, 2004. The Caring Conversations web page details these K/W Conference events; supplies online versions of some of the workshop materials; provides an online edition of Erwin Buck's Studies on Homosexuality and the Church; offers links to selected online resources; more. (Submitted by Rev Paul F. Bosch, Christ Lutheran Church, Waterloo, Ontario)
How 44 Denominations Respond to Homosexuality; by the Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance; http://www.religioustolerance.org/. This article gives an overview of the manner in which 44 different denominations, across North America, have responded to issues pertaining to homosexuality. (Submitted by Rev Mark Harris, Mount Zion Lutheran Church, Waterloo, Ontario)
Journey Together Faithfully; Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; http://www.elca.org/faithfuljourney/. The 2001 ELCA Churchwide Assembly mandated that the church engage in two studies: a study on homosexuality and a study on sexuality. The first is to deal with the blessing of same-gender unions --about which the ELCA has no current policy-- and the rostering of persons in committed gay or lesbian relationships. The second is to lead to the development of a social statement on sexuality. The Journey Together Faithfully website offers an interesting collection of official ELCA policy materials, online study resources and more. The website provides a helpful overview of what our sister church is doing around matters of sexuality. (Submitted by Rev Paul F. Bosch, Christ Lutheran Church, Waterloo, Ontario)
Solid Ground; various contributors; http://www.solid-ground.ca. This web site contains a variety of resources for those investigating the issue of homosexuality and the church. There are lists of books, videos and papers by respected theologians and pastors; some of these resources could provide a basis for a study within local churches. There are also links to other web sites; these include groups which help and support those struggling with same-sex attractions and Lutheran organizations in Canada and the United States which advocate a positive approach based on the redemptive and healing power of God for all who seek forgiveness, renewal and restoration. (Submitted by Kira Onysko and Sharon Schoenhals, St. John's Lutheran Church, Waterloo, Ontario)
Your Church is Reconciling in Christ: Now What?; by Lutherans Concerned/North America; »The description of the "Reconciling in Christ" program at the Lutherans Concerned web site http://www.lcna.org/ric.shtm contains a section entitled "What will happen if we participate?" Within that section there is reference to the availability of a document entitled "Your Church is Reconciling in Christ: Now What?" which lists "34 Action Steps for congregations to consider who wish to become even more effective advocates for inclusive ministry." This document is provided http://www3.sympatico.ca/rvoss/RIC.html in the interest of helping Synodical members acquire a fuller understanding of the Reconciling in Christ program as they deliberate on how to respond to the motion that is to come before the Synod Assembly in 2004. (Submitted by Ron Voss, Christ the Redeemer, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec)

Other

Understanding the "Reconciling in Christ" (RIC) Motion - A Layperson's Perspective; by Ron Voss; A PowerPoint presentation (in PDF format) is availableonline at http://www.christ-redeemer.qc.ca/Understanding the RIC Motion.pdf. The RIC motion passed by the 2002 Eastern Synod Convention has two parts. The first part relates to the adoption of the "Affirmation of Welcome" statement. The second part indicates that, "the Eastern Synod Council encourage learning, education, discussion and dialogue on this issue throughout the synod during the next biennium." So what exactly is "this issue?" It is clear from the juxtaposition of the two parts of the motion that quite simply "this issue" is: Do the delegates to the 2004 Synod Convention adopt or not adopt the Lutherans Concerned/North America's "Affirmation of Welcome" statement? To the author, the mountain of resources that are being offered at the Synod's "Reconciling in Christ page" appears overwhelming and seemingly out of proportion to "this issue". For example, does it make sense that one should have to read John Boswell's 448-page tome on "Christianity, Social Tolerance, and Homosexuality: Gay People in Western Europe from the Beginning of the Christian Era to the Fourteenth Century" in order to decide whether or not to accept the RIC motion? Apart from Pastor Harry Vibe's article entitled, "A Response to Lutherans Concerned and Motion 2004," few, if any, of the resources directly address the issue at hand. In an effort to refocus and simplify matters, the author offers a slide deck that can be used for individual learning and reflection or could form the basis of information sessions for Synod congregations wanting to gain a better understanding of "this issue." (Submitted by Ron Voss, Christ the Redeemer, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec