In the course of various discussions concerning mainly the ordination of homosexuals, I have repeatedly stated that we have not had the full discussion on this topic. I have proffered my local practices for consideration. I have likewise spoken about this issue on the denomination level.
I am not sure that I have the best
answers, but I will have the discussion. I will listen to my fellow believers.
I will try to understand the crux of every issue. I’m not going to retreat to
my battle lines without seeking a true discussion.
I know how I see this issue. It’s
clear-cut but complicated. The more clear-cut it becomes the more complicated
it gets.
Some say that we have discussed this. Committees at various levels of our judicatory system have had some discussions, but the denomination as a whole has not. We have done an injustice to many by avoiding it.
The
more that I know I am right and in agreement with God, the more I see my
hypocrisy.
The discussions that we have
entertained have mostly been the dialogue of the deaf. We draw battle lines and
set up philosophical camps without talking much about the subject.
Some talk of leaving the denomination.
Some talk of taking some folks with them. For a connectional church, we seem to
be as divisive as our nation. Should we not have more accord among us?
Are we seeking God’s will or just
seeking to have our own way? Is anyone other than me sick of this age when
civil discourse seems to be dead, buried, and without hope of resurrection?
We launch amendments and memorials
that address a slice of this issue while leaving the rest unaddressed. We have
done an excellent job of putting this off for longer than most denominations. We
as Cumberland Presbyterians have become Practiced Procrastinators.
Let’s just see where we stand and what
we need to discuss.
Homosexual Questions
Basic Questions
May they attend services?
May they sing a special?
May they join and become members?
May they serve on teams and
committees?
May they serve as ushers and greeters?
May they serve as acolytes?
May they sing in the leading choir?
May they lead a team?
May they chair a committee?
May they serve as missionaries?
May they serve as Sunday School or VBS
teachers?
May they hold denominational offices?
May they be ordained as deacons?
May they be ordained as elders?
May they be ordained as ministers of
word and sacrament?
Groupings
If your answers were not all yes
or all no, where is the dividing line and what are the criteria?
Repentance and Continuation
of the sin. I think most will find that God’s
word declares homosexual practices to be a sin. We all have sinned and fallen
short of the glory of God, so why is this sin disqualifying some from certain
positions or roles in the church body?
Most would say because there is no repentance and the continuation of
the sin following ordination (or other position of trust and service).
This begs the question, how is this
different than other sins that continue in the life of the believer?
Divorce?
Divorce and Remarriage?
Gluttony?
Drunkenness?
Laziness?
No repentance
How do we test or measure repentance?
How is the believer’s struggle with
the old self different here than in other areas?
Relapse
Perhaps the church term is
backsliding. How do we deal with someone
who said that they had left sin behind them but has relapsed?
Counseling?
Disciplinary action?
Suspension?
Some theology
queries
Does God’s grace reach beyond the sins
of homosexual conduct?
Can I truly believe and take the yoke
of my Master and learn from him if I am homosexual?
Does the repentant homosexual have a new
identity in Christ even if he/she relapses?
Following repentance, is it one and done
for the homosexual, three strikes you’re out, or some other formula not
applied to other believers who give in to the old self?
We understand that the only way we can be perfect (complete) is through and
with Christ. We all continue to have some sin in our lives but have the
assurance of pardon when we confess. Must the homosexual correct his behavior
completely before receiving the grace of God that we know in Christ Jesus?
To Wrap Up, Not Really
I am sure these questions will lead to others.
That is the nature of discussion. Are
our hearts so hard that we can’t even discuss this topic?
Discussion does not mean we abandon what we
believe. It means that we are confident enough in our belief in God and trust
him enough to listen to others, present what we believe, and do our best to be
faithful to God and his directives which are all rooted in love as we go
forward.
Comfort lies in insisting on our own way. Do
we have the courage to have a discussion?
.
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