An appellate court ruled in favor of California Lutheran High School, Wildomar, Calif., in an antidiscrimination lawsuit in February.

In 2005, the school expelled two students for engaging in conduct characteristic of a lesbian relationship, in violation of the school’s Christian Code of Conduct. The parents of the two girls sued, claiming discrimination based on sexual orientation.

The Fourth District Court of Appeal in San Bernardino ruled that California Lutheran High School—operated by an association of WELS and Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) congregations—is a social organization entitled to follow its own principles, not a business subject to state antidiscrimination laws. The ruling upholds a 2008 lower court ruling.

“Our prayers continue to be with California Lutheran High School as it defends our right to practice our faith and follow our beliefs,” says Mark Schroeder, WELS president. “WELS has clearly stated that we hold to the biblical teaching that homosexual practices are wrong and not in keeping with God’s Word. We have taken that position in love—both for God’s Word and God’s truth, as well as for those who have fallen into the sin of homosexuality.

“While some in our society would view this stand as bigoted and unloving, we maintain that our beliefs are drawn from the teachings of the Bible,” he says. “We also maintain that our goal is not merely to condemn sinful behavior, but to reach out to all sinners with God’s call to repentance and his assurance of forgiveness in Christ.”