Oldposts On Homosexuality
Submitted by Ray on February 22 1999 at 08:04:23
In reply to Re: On Homosexuality Submitted by d on February 21 1999 at 21:59:30
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most Christian churches make a clear distinction between thoughts and behaviors ... neither a celibate homosexual, celibate unmarried heterosexual, or celibate pedophile violate any mainline Christian denomination's interpretations of God's commands of sexual behavior. I think there is more variation within denominations than across denominations, but as far as I know, the United Church of Christ and Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches are accepting of gays and lesbians as a denomination. However, four years ago I attended a District Conference of the UFMCC and told the District Coordinator after opening worship and the keynote speaker (Mel White) after the closing worship that I didn't like what they preached: "And the irresponsible and unloving sexual behaviors that the Bible condemns -- gang rape, prostitution, pedophilia -- responsible gays and lesbians condemn as well." Many denominations are in the midst of bitter "wars" over the issue and have people of good conscious on both sides of the issue. Some like the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and several conferences of the Mennonite Church have thrown out (disassociated/disfellowshiped) congregations for their acceptance and inclusion of, or ordination of gays and lesbians. Most denominations have some form of "Open and Affirming" program for congregations and institutions within the denomination and/or some form of support/advocacy group such as Brethern Mennonite Council, Lutherans Concerned, Dignity (Roman Catholic), Integrity (Episcopal). And there are many congregations such as the one of which I'm a member which hasn't really begun to deal with the issue. If you want to argue that God feels otherwise, ... Personally, I think I'm pretty much in a class by myself in what I think God thinks of the issue. Below is a pointer to a post (12/27/98 in CBF: Oldposts) in response to F.O.D.'s request: "Ray, I would appreciate it if you would participate and amplify why it is you think the Bible does not in fact stand against homosexual sex." (Golly gee, F.O.D., that was almost 2 months ago and all I've succeeded in doing so far is getting you depressed and confused over thinking about it and having you ask a lot of questions that I haven't answered! Sorry 'bout that!) Ray |