Homosexuality and the
church
Homosexuality is often a divisive issue in church circles - yet we
believe the Bible is clear on this matter.... In some denominations the issue is
splitting congregations. Other denominations have accepted homosexuality as
normal whilst others are holding on to Biblical truth that says it is wrong.
As Joe Dallas of Exodus said in 1991, "The debate over homosexuality and the
Bible - specifically, whether or not the Bible condemns homosexual acts in all
cases - will do no less than rip the body of Christ apart in the next decade. It
will force believers to declare, in black and white terms, where they stand on
issues of sexuality and Biblical interpretation."
Information about some denominations and homosexuality follows:
Anglican Church
The Anglican
Church is currently battling over this issue. In the USA the Episcopalian Church
has ordained an active homosexual, Gene Robinson, as a bishop.
Other sections of the Anglican communion have objected. This is due to
be discussed at the official Lambeth Conference in 2008. In the meantime the US
Church has agreed not to ordain more homosexual bishops prior to the
Conference.
2003:
Anglican church approves gay bishop
BBC, 3 August 2003,
“The Anglican Church in America has
voted to approve the appointment of an openly gay bishop Gene Robinson….”
US Anglicans
reject gay bishops
BBC, 27 September 2007
Lambeth Conference
website
Uniting Church in
Australia
The Uniting Church has considered the matter of
ordaining homosexuals at its national Assemblies over the past 10
years.
The 1997 Assembly did not make a decision and the 2000 Assembly
did not discuss the matter. In 2003, the 11th Assembly passed a
motion. The Assembly of
Confessing Congregations within the
Uniting
Church in Australia (ACC) says
“Resolution 108 has moved the church closer to acceptance of the ordination of
practicing homosexual ministers even though this has not been decided as an
agreed matter of Church doctrine.”
The ACC was formed in July 2006 by combining the Evangelical Members within the
Uniting Church in
Australia
(formed after the 1997 Assembly) and the Reforming Alliance
(2003). Author: Jenny Stokes | Modified: 13 November 2007 |
