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United Lutheran Seminary is called to minister with and affirm all people, knowing that the world is often a place of alienation and brokenness. Indeed, the Church and even this institution have participated in and perpetuated harm to many marginalized persons.
We lament the painful alienation that many have experienced from the church and institutions of the church, including ULS and its predecessor institutions, because of what we have done and left undone. However, we firmly believe that Christ calls us to repentance, reconciliation, and wholeness. We are challenged by the Gospel to be agents of healing within our society.
We affirm the apostle Paul when he states, “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28 NRSV). Christ has made us one. We acknowledge Christ’s reconciliation extends to people of all races, ethnicities, national origins, languages of origin, immigration statuses, mental illnesses, physical attributes or abilities, ages, family structures, gender identities, gender expressions, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds, former incarcerations, recovery statuses, religious affiliations, and socio-economic statuses.
All too often, society scorns, and the Church alienates, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and non-binary persons. Therefore, we are called to action and to concretely show our support, inclusion, care, solidarity, and concern. It is for this purpose that we affirm that people of all gender identities, gender expressions, and sexual orientations are of sacred worth as unique and genuine individuals created by God and are full participants, beloved members of our community.
Moreover, society, the church, and other institutions marginalize and discriminate against persons of color. Therefore, we are called to action and to concretely show our support, inclusion, caring, solidarity, and concern. It is for this purpose that we affirm that people of all racial and ethnic groups are of sacred worth as unique and genuine individuals created by God and are full participants, beloved members of our community. Our seminary community commits to the acceptance and affirmation of all persons. While not everyone in our community is like-minded in the theological and cultural understandings included in this statement, we commit to speaking in love and agreeing to treat our siblings in faith equitably and with affirmation and welcome.
The United Lutheran Seminary community commits to changing the world through the transformative grace of God, inclusive hospitality, and radical welcome. We commit ourselves to making this place open, welcoming, accepting, and affirming to all of God’s children. We pledge to provide a place of comfort and safety. We promise to teach that the Gospel of Christ is for everyone equally. We will strive to advocate for systemic change within the policies and practices of church and society. We will work to alleviate not only the painful symptoms of oppression and exclusion, but also to eliminate their root causes.
As a community embodying these values, we will do our utmost to translate our convictions into transformative action in all aspects of our life together. We commit to the important work of repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation within our community life.
