Many Members, Yet One Body: Committed Same-Gender Relationships and the Mission of the Church

Based on Dr. Nessan's acclaimed lectures, this book brings new perspective to this crucial ELCA issue. A welcome guide to open, careful discussion at the congregation level, Many Members, Yet One Body engages texts, theology, thoughtfulness, and heart.

Nessan's goal with this compelling and readable book, is to enable discussion at all levels of the ELCA in ways that help avoid dividing the community. A volume that is already in demand wherever Dr. Nessan has spoken, this is sure to be a valuable resource as we all explore this contentious issue.

''Dr. Nessan's stance is bold, humble, and hopeful—bold enough to risk speaking to a church deeply afraid of division; humble in the very proposals he offers for moving forward; and hopeful enough to believe that the love of Christ is powerful enough to overcome fear; that there is a way forward that avoids glossing over our differences while helping understand those with whom we profoundly disagree.''
— Kathleen D. Billman, Professor of Pastoral Theology, Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago

''Dr. Nessan has provided the ELCA and the whole church with another invaluable resource for the ongoing dialogue on the role of gays and lesbians in the life and mission of the church. I found his insights into Scripture, his commitment to preserve the God-given unity of the church, and his call to the church to be more 'catholic' in its loving embrace of all the baptized regardless of their opinions on this subject very instructive.''
— Bishop Dean W. Nelson, Southwest California Synod, ELCA

''Dr. Nessan reminds us of the value of teaching theologians as the church engages in its present-day studies. Nessan asks, what does it mean if both arguments are right?'' Does faithfulness demand being right? Does the 'best' decision have to use categories of 'right' or 'wrong?'''
— Bishop Harold L. Usgaard, Southeastern Minnesota Synod, ELCA

Preface


1. The Ultimate and the Penultimate: Can the Center Hold?
   The Article by which the Church Stands or Falls
   The Center under Attack
   Justification: Center of Our Unity and Mission
   The Ultimate and the Penultimate
   Questions for Reflection
    
2. The Root of the Present Impasse: Two Irreconcilable Hermeneutics
   Two Irreconcilable Hermeneutics
   Assessment of the Arguments
   Questions for Reflection
    
3. Conflict of Interpretations: How Catholic Dare We Become?
   Conflict at Corinth
   Conflict of Interpretations
   Questions for Reflections
    
4. Beyond Polarization to Common Ground: Fostering Charity
   Toward Common Ground
   A Proposal on Committed Same-Gender Relationships and the Mission of the Church
   Questions for Reflection
    
5. Beyond Fear to Mutuality: Attending to Congregational Process
   The Role of Pastoral Leadership
   Congregational Process
   Perfect Love Casts out Fear
   Questions for Reflection
    
6. Exploring the Possibilities: Giving Place to Each Other
   Responses to 15 questions concerning homosexuality and the ELCA
   Questions for Reflection
   
   Glossary
   Bibliography