Emmaus Conversations
Questions related to family, marriage and sexuality have been a part of LWF member churches’ reality for many years as they have been proclaiming the Gospel, serving the needy and advocating for peace and justice.
Since 1995, the LWF has engaged in a dialogue and discernment process on family, marriage and sexuality issues at the governance level, most recently through the “Emmaus Conversation.”
LWF governing bodies have chosen not to take a position on family, marriage and sexuality issues.
Rather, the LWF sees as its role to accompany and bring together its member churches in open, respectful dialogue on their ongoing journey as a communion of churches.
This dialogue is an expression of the LWF’s commitment to find ways better to discuss potentially dividing issues. The LWF wants to deepen understanding of member churches’ different contexts and the different theological perspectives that shape their discernment on questions like these.
![Communion-hands-2col Communion-hands-2col](/sites/default/files/styles/ino_plain_1x_xs/public/2024-04/Communion-hands-2col_1.jpg.webp?itok=g-pKYI9V)
Photo: LWF
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Photo: LWF/M. Haas
![Evening Prayer on June 13, during the The Council 2013 meeting (13-18 June) at the Ecumenical Center in Geneva, Switzerland, under the theme, "Called to be disciples in today's world" Photo: LWF/Maximilian Haas Evening Prayer on June 13, during the The Council 2013 meeting (13-18 June) at the Ecumenical Center in Geneva, Switzerland, under the theme, "Called to be disciples in today's world" Photo: LWF/Maximilian Haas](/sites/default/files/styles/ino_plain_1x_xs/public/2024-04/0613-06-Evening%20Prayer-7.jpeg.webp?itok=kS9-AiXD)
Photo: LWF/M. Haas
- A Chronological Compilation of Key Official LWF Discussions and Decisions on Family, Marriage and Sexuality (1995-2013)
- Claiming the Gift of Communion in a Fragmented World (Council 2013)
- Post-Council 2012 Letter to LWF Member Churches, National Committees and Recognized Congregations
- Task Force Report & Proposed Guidelines and Processes for Respectful Dialogue (Council 2007)
1995 | Council decision | Consultation process on human sexuality begins |
---|---|---|
2003 | Assembly message | Re-affirms dialogue process and advocates dignity of all people |
2004 to 2006 | 8-person task force | Appointed by Council to reflect and advise on the issue |
2007 | Task force report | Council adopts guidelines for respectful dialogue over 5 years |
2009 | Church decisions | Some member churches take decision on human sexuality issues |
2012 | Council message | Issue not to be communion-dividing, no positions taken at global level |
2013 | 3-churches in rift | Council mandates Communion Office to offer accompaniment |
2014 | Journeying together | Dealing with difference, accompanying each other |
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