In reply to Morticia.

Just because the LCMS church (and Christians) have righteous discernment in regard to sin does not make us less “loving or welcoming”. Acknowledging murder or rape as a sin does not mean that we would deny sharing Christ’s love or worship alongside a repentant murderer or rapist. We are to hate the sin, not the sinner. Yes, it is our humanity that causes us to associate stigmas to these sinful acts, but we as Christians (and the LCMS members) believe that the blood of Christ is able to wash away any sin. As for me, I will gladly love and welcome a fellow brother or sister in Christ who is struggling with sexual attraction to the same gender. The point is that we ALL sin and fall short. I have habitual sins and desires that condemn my soul as well. Let’s quit with the “God made me this way” argument… you know what - we were all made sinful through the fall of Adam. Likewise, we as believers are all saved through the loving sacrifice of Jesus Christ. “I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.” - Luke 5:32