Unmarried and living together
A middle-age unmarried man and woman recently moved into the neighborhood and expressed interest in joining our church. Would they be welcome to join a WELS congregation and allowed to receive Holy Communion? Thank you.
It would be good if you could put your pastor in contact with these individuals. Your pastor will be able to talk with this man and woman about issues related to this situation of living together without the benefit of marriage (Matthew 18:6-7; 1 Corinthians 6:18; Ephesians 5:3; Hebrews 13:4). Where sin is confessed, he will gladly announce God’s gracious forgiveness in Jesus his Son. God willing, the individuals will then resolve their living arrangements so that church membership can be established. And church membership—as you indicated—furnishes the privilege of receiving the Lord’s Supper.