Same Sex Marriage resources for 2017 Australian plebiciste

The Australian government is holding a non-binding non-compulosry plebiciste in the form of a survey undertaken through the Australian Bureau of Statistics so that parliament can be informed about the communities view in relation to Same Sex Marriage.  
Australians over 18 before the 24 August 2017 who are registered in the Electoral Roll will be invited to take part in this survey.  
The survey will be mailed to people from the week beginning 12 September and need to be completed and posted by 6pm on 27 October.
The results of the survey will be made available by 15 November 2017.  
For comprehensive information relating to the survey visit the ABS website.

As Christians we are encouraged to respond to this survey in ways that are consistent with God's Word.   To do so this it means we are not just to rely on our gut reactions, what others feel or how others may respond to us, but we are encouraged to study, reflect on and gain an understanding from God's Word in relation to both the outcome and how we conduct ourselves during this period of discussion and debate. 

Some resources that may help you
Lutheran Church of Australia resources
August 2017 Bishop's statement
Homosexuality - what the LCA says - an article in the Lutheran magazine November 2016
Summary of LCA's Commission on Theology and Inter Church Relations paper: Human Sexuality 3 key issues
Background paper of LCA's Commission on Theology and Inter Church Relations paper: Human Sexuality 3 key issues
A Discussion paper -  Lutheran schools and Homophobia
LCA's Bible Study on Sexuality

Other resources from outside the LCA 
Coalition for Marriage - is led by the Australian Christian Lobby, Marriage Alliance, the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney and the Anglican Diocese of Sydney. 
Seven Christian response to Same Sex marriage article by John Dickson Centre for Public Christianity
Lutheran Church Missouri synod -  Bible Study:  Why Marriage matters!
Reconciling Works - Lutherans for full participation- Bible Study Your people shall be my people 

As we engage with this issue, please consider not just the outcome, but also also how you relate to others in relation to this issue, both those you agree with and those you disagree with.  Ephesians 5:1-2 reminds us to: Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children  and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.   

Responses to same sex marriage

The same sex marriage is creating significant discussion and debate in the broader community and the Christian community.  Even amongst Lutheran Churches there is no clear and consistent agreement on this issue.

A note:  the following resources will present different views of the arguments regarding same sex marriage and whether homosexuality is sinful or not sinful.  This entry is not about us defining or supporting a position but the information is presented so you can research the area.   

The following are some responses::
Lutheran Responses to same sex marriage
Lutheran Church of Australia's statement
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod
North America Lutheran Church
Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
Lutheran Church Canada
Evangelical Church in Germany
Reconciling Works - an advocacy site for LGBT in the Lutheran Church

Ecumenical summaries to same sex marriage
Pew Research - overview
A paper giving an ecumenical perspective
A summary of some Lutheran responses from around the world (Wikipedia) 

Articles relating to same sex marriage
Got Questions -  What the bible says!!
Bible.org
Christianity Today
Some advice from a Canadian church a helpful perspective for pastors
Australian Marriage Forum
Australian Christian Lobby
Reasonable Faith - A Christian perspective on homosexuality
In my opinion 
Religious Tolerance
Gay Christian Network
40 Questions for those who support same sex marriage - Gospel Coalition 

Bible Studies
What about homosexuality?
Changing Currents - The Bible and same sex marriage
Making Love Just
Gay (Same Sex) Marriage - Dr Andrew Corbett
What does the bible say about being gay?

If you have some further material to recommend regarding same sex marriage, from any perspective please feel free to email richardschwedes@gmail.com with the information.

Christian views and responses to Gay marriage

The topic of Same Sex/Gay/Homosexual marriage has become one the hottest discussion points not only in Australia, but in various other places around the world.   Below is a collection of resources that may help you as a Christian or Christian Lutheran to form an opinion, defend a position and hear the various voices for and against homosexual marriage so you gain a greater understanding of where Christian pastoral care is needed.   

If you have some other suitable resources that you believe will help others feel free to send them to me at richardschwedes@gmail.com  





Lutheran Church of Australia's position
Press release
Doctrinal Statement on Marriage
Theological opinions

Denominational perspectives on homosexuality

Centre for Public Christianity -  John Dickson's thoughtful discussion on Gay Marriage 


Gay Marriage? from CPX on Vimeo.

Australian Christian Lobby webcast recording of Defining Marriage
http://www.acl.org.au/2012/06/marriage-webcast/

Statement by 19 churches in Australia

From bible.org
a discussion on the biblical view of homosexuality including homosexual marriage

From ChristianAnswers God's plan for sexuality

Gay Marriage - one Christian's perspective

From the Gay Christian Network
Ron's view that gay people should remain celibant
Justin's view that God blesses gay marriage

Lutheran (LCMS) view of Gay Marriage
from Higher Things


Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
What does the bible say about homosexuality?
Views on Marriage and Human sexuality?

Should we support Gay Marriage?  NO Wolfgart Pannenberg

What does the theology of the cross say about gay marriage ban
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America support of Same Sex Marriage news report
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America report on Human Sexuality

Real Marriage by Peter Jensen from the Anglican Church Sydney Diocese
Andrew Corbett discussion on same sex marriage in the context of family

Gay Marriage in the bible - bible study from Christian Gays
Biblical arguments against Gay Marriage

Neil Hart -  A pastor of the Lutheran Church of Australia, thoughts and reflections