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.

Spiritual Care for people when spouses are ill or life is changing

Changes in life or unexpected life events have an impact on us emotionally and spiritually.

When a spouse becomes ill or needs special care not only is your life disrupted, but plans are put on hold, dreams may seem further away or even impossibile or your life path may take a turn you never expected or prepared for. When retirement looms life also changes. Such situations can result in resentment, disappointment and even uncertainity with God, your spouse and even yourself.

There are a number of resources that help when such situations arise:
How to find grace for caregiving is an article that is based on the book AMBUSHED BY GRACE: HELP AND HOPE ON THE CAREGIVING JOURNEY
Prepare-Enrich Australia through local counsellors offer a counselling using diagnostic tool that help couples enrich and improve their marriage. It helps to identify those areas where there are strengths and those areas which are possible growth areas in a married relationship. This is a good way for couples to begin to understand where to focus. For further information contact myself or Prepare-Enrich
Where is God now? offers a number of excellent devotions, suggested bible readings and prayers relating to situations where there is disappointment and discouragement.
The Lutheran Handbook on Marriage has a section relating to older and retiring couples and suggestions on how they can enrich and enhance their marriage during later years.