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| Q: | One of my friends is a deeply religious Wisconsin Synod Lutheran. They are also a homosexual. Could you tell me how someone can be both at the same time? Also, would they be accepted in their church or excommunicated? | ||||||
| A: | You describe a person who is apparently "deeply religious" in some ways, but whose lifestyle is contrary to God's revealed will. In short, there is a significant difference between his public profession and his (her) private convictions. There is a serious spiritual problem here. This is not acceptable and deserves loving attention. The first task is to try to determine why this is so. Is this simply hypocrisy, a self-chosen double standard? Or is the person remarkably ignorant about the issues involved, perhaps influenced greatly by shifting societal standards? If so, he needs to be taught. Or is the person struggling against the sinful lifestyle and inwardly repentant but lacking clearly observable fruits of repentance due to weakness? If so, he needs encouragement and firm yet patient help. The next task is to deal lovingly and firmly with the erring professing brother. The guidelines given by our Lord in Matthew 18:15ff. and elsewhere in the Bible will be followed. Private calls to repentance and renewal of lifestyle, with warnings against sin and a focus on Christ's saving work, will be central. If the person ultimately shows himself to be impenitent and unwilling to heed calls to repentance, he would then publicly be declared outside the fellowship of believers (excommunicated). | ||||||
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