In reply to Steve.

Steve, to play devil's advocate a moment, of course there is no ranking of sin in scripture, but there is a big difference in those sins we do unwittingly and for which we repent, and those that we do openly, purposely, and without repentance. Homosexuality falls into the latter category.

But as you have pointed out, there seems to be a bit of hypocrisy in the LCMS decision. It is my understanding that even though the BSA was forced into accepting practicing homosexuals into their organization, the individual church sponsored troops are not required to do so. According to the BSA, their new policy allows church-sponsored units to choose leaders based on the congregation’s religious convictions.

So, it seems to me that the action by LCMS is more of a protest against the acceptance of homosexuality than about "protecting' its young members. However, how far does this go? Will we now disassociate ourselves from organizations that allow its member to live together without marriage, or from organizations that do not censer the members who do not list all of their earning on their tax reports? These are usually willful and unrepentant sins.

Has anyone noticed that, as the LCMS continues down its historic road of isolation, we hold our heads high with our feelings of righteousness, even as our numbers grow smaller and smaller?