As iron sharpens iron,
one person sharpens another. (Proverbs 27:17)
“The Wesleyan Covenant Association released a statement last Thursday expressing their leadership’s support for the Indianapolis Plan for Amicable Separation, a proposal that will be considered at the UMC General Conference next year.” - Christian Post
“The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in three cases that could set important precedents about whether federal civil rights protections on the basis of sex also guarantee legal protections on the basis of gender identity and sexual orientation.” - Christian Post
“UM-Forward submitted their proposal called the New Expressions Worldwide Plan…. introduced as a way to resolve the years-long divisive debate within the UMC over the mainline Protestant denomination’s stance on LGBT issues.” - Christian Post
Read the series.
For the Roman Catholic thinker, the Moral Prohibitive View is a good fit. Historical tradition is clear about the moral illegality of homosexual activity:
Matthew Vines and others supporting the LGBTQ perspective have argued for a Moral Permissive View on sexual orientation. The argument has been two-tiered: (1) that the more traditional Moral Prohibitive View is based on six Scriptures that are ultimately not relevant to the present discussion, and (2) that in the absence of Biblical data for or against healthy homosexual relationships, Christians should choose the more inclusive, affirming approach rather than condemn such relationships.
The Young Life policy states: “We do not in any way wish to exclude persons who engage in sexual misconduct or who practice a homosexual lifestyle from being recipients of ministry of God’s grace and mercy as expressed in Jesus Christ. We do, however, believe that such persons are not to serve as staff or volunteers in the mission and work of Young Life.” - RNS
“In February… the delegates voted to uphold the denomination’s stance labeling homosexuality “’ncompatible with Christian teaching’ …. Another measure passed at the special session was Petition 90066, which allowed for a more gracious dismissal for congregations opposed to the UMC’s official position.” - Christian Post
“The Circles Conference announced this week that David Roark, the communications and resources director at The Village Church in Flower Mound, Texas [Pastored by Matt Chandler], would not be speaking at its conference Sept. 18-20 in Richardson, Texas.” - Christian Headlines
Discussion