Below is the text of a letter that Bishop Michael Pryse sent to The Honourable David Lametti Minister of Justice and Attorney General or Canada on November 12, 2020:
Dear Minister Lametti:
On behalf of the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC), I write to express support for Bill C-6.
In 2011, the ELCIC National Convention adopted a Social Statement on Human Sexuality that commits the church to:
• Upholding the dignity of all people;
• Entering into relationships with a core sense of respect for the value of each person as a unique child of God;
• Engaging in practices that more fully enable all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, to live as members of the body of Christ and as co-workers in ministry;
• Ongoing learning and growth in understanding of the diversity of people in our society and churches;
• And forming a truly diverse and inclusive community.
The ELCIC does not support so-called conversion therapies that purport to change a person’s sexual orientation. We sense a deep need to provide safe opportunities to listen to diverse experiences, to learn from each other, and to honour people’s identity. We are called to form families, communities and societies where all are welcome and where all make a meaningful contribution. We are committed to standing with our LGBTQ2SIA+ siblings in Christ, both inside and outside of our church. As such, I thank you for putting forward Bill C-6 and taking this important step in protecting Canadians from the damaging effects of conversion therapy.
With all best wishes,
Rev Dr. Michael J. Pryse
Bishop of the Eastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada
cc: Hon. Rob Moore, Justice Critic for the Official Opposition
Randall Garrison, MP, NDP Justice Critic
Rhéal Fortin, MP, Bloc Québécois Justice Critic
Tara Howse, Green Party Gender Justice Critic
Eastern Synod Council