Mary Elise Lowe and Mary J. Streufert call us to think together about the ELCA's 2019 statement on faith, sexism, and justice. What does it mean to embody Lutheran convictions to resist patriarchy and sexism, embrace multidimensional sex and gender, and envision a world that is life-giving for all humans?
ReEngaging ELCA Social Teaching on Faith, Sexism, and Justice delivers a clarion call to action. Social and religious systems of patriarchy are sinful. God intends for God's diverse creation to flourish. We are called, therefore, to resist all barriers to lives of flourishing and abundance for everyone.
With helpful definitions sprinkled throughout, Lowe and Streufert explain how this social statement is grounded in the Scriptures and rooted in Lutheran teachings regarding Christian freedom, neighbor justice, and the body of Christ. Informed by insights from the sciences, this social statement brings evolving understandings of sex, gender, and sexuality into conversation with the Scriptures and Lutheran teachings. Readers will be equipped to understand and witness to the biblical vision of abundance that God intends for all humanity.
In addition to discussion questions and links to recommended resources, this book includes heartfelt letters from Lutherans from various walks of life written to girls and women, the church, Lutheran educators, LGBTQIA+ siblings, men and boys, and rostered leaders of the ELCA.