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Can a Person Be
Homosexual
and Christian Too?
Churches are increasingly accepting homosexuals
into their folds, even ordaining homosexuals into
their ministry. What's the cause behind this mod–
ern trend? What does the Bible say about homo-
sexuality?
by
Patrick
A.
Parnell
I
T IS
time we pulled back the cur–
. tain of secrecy and took a look
at the upsurge in homosexuality!
Recently, a Protestant denomina–
tion ordained a declared homosex–
ual into its ministry. Sorne shocking
questions and answers were asked
and received prior to approving the
ordination.
The ministerial candidate was
asked by one of his examiners: "Do
you regard homosexuality as a gift
from God and a good gift?"
"1
regard
ALL
sexuality as a gift
from God and a good gift," replied
the candidate, an admitted homo–
sexual.
In answer to another question,
this one concerning his attitude
about marriage, he quickly re–
sponded: "1 think love between any
two people is beautiful and should
be celebrated. 1 know that two roen
34
or two women can share such a
love."
Following these eyebrow-raising
questions and answers, a debate and
vote were held. In less than an hour,
a final decision was reached. Repre–
sentatives of 19 San Francisco Bay
area churches of the United Church
of Christ approved the ordination of
an acknowledged homosexual into
their ministry.
A Sign of the Times
Accepting homosexuals into rec–
ognized churches and church mio–
istries is not just a localized
phenomenon. It is worldwide in
seope.
In
a 4,000-word report, a commis–
sion on Social Principies of the
United Methodist Church recom–
mended that their eleven-million–
member body accept homosexuals
as "persons of sacred worth" and
welcome them "into the fellowship
of the church."
The Evangelical Lutheran
Church of the Netherlands recently ·
endorsed a commission report
saying that homosexuality should
not be a barrier to a person who
wishes to become a pastor.
The commission report recom–
mended the acceptance of the "spe–
cial form of life" practiced by
homosexuals. Such persons should
be equally eligible for any position
in society, concluded the report,
provided they have the training and
necessary professional quali–
fications.
The growing attitude among
many ministers and lay people alike
is that practicing homosexuals
should be welcomed into member–
ship in the churches. One minister
explained that he already knew of
severa! homosexuals in his congre–
gation, anyway.
An Anglican rector of Bob-
GAY LIBERATION
Movement members
picket the
Los Angeles
Times bui lding in
protest. Placard carried by gay minister
depicts a t rinity of sex - lesbianism,
male homosexuali ty, and hetero–
sexuality.
Dove
Conn -
Plain Truth
PLAIN TRUTH April 1973