The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has confirmed it will retain conscience protections for members who disagree with same-sex marriage.

Concerns had arisen after the denomination voted in 2022 to revise its 2009 social statement Human Sexuality: Gift and Trust, which recognises a diversity of theological views on sexuality and marriage.

Critics feared the revision process might threaten existing safeguards for those holding traditional beliefs.

However, Ryan P Cumming, programme director for Theological Ethics at the ELCA, assured The Christian Post that the "reconsideration is editorial only" and the proposed changes "do not alter the substantive meaning of the 2009 social statement".

He added: "Discussions of human sexuality and marriage naturally raise significant concerns among many throughout the church."

Proposed edits focus on updating language in light of social changes.

According to the Rev Roger A Willer, director for ELCA Theological Ethics, phrases such as "husband and wife" have been updated to "both spouses" or "the couple", while references now speak of "sex, gender, and sexuality" rather than "sexual orientation and gender identity".

Willer stressed that the original meaning of the sentences remains unchanged from 2009.

The 2009 statement recognised four "conscience-bound" positions on homosexuality, ranging from full opposition to same-sex relationships to full affirmation of same-sex marriage.

The ELCA Church Council has recently voted to recommend that the 2025 Churchwide Assembly take action on the task force’s proposed editorial changes when it meets this summer.