Our church vote in Phenix City, Alabama went 190 to disaffiliate and five to stay. I was pleasantly surprised by the margin. A two-thirds vote was required for separation from the UMC. Alabama’s Truman Capote would be welcome in our church ... but not as a minister.
When I explained to a friend what the Bible says about homosexuality, he went into a rant about how abused they have been.
I told him that I agree that abuse is wrong. In fact, I encourage homosexuals to fill the pews. Then, like the rest of us, they can hear the Gospel and repent.
But I don't think they should be in the pulpit or in leadership any more than an unrepentant adulterer or alcoholic should be.
And I don't think we should tell them that homosexuality isn't a sin. It seems to me that lying about the sin of homosexuality to a homosexual is almost as great a sin as being an active homosexual.
If we do that, we are basically telling them that if they take the road to hell it will somehow lead them to Heaven.
Back when I used to drive from UGA to visit friends at Auburn, we used to sometimes pass through Phenix City. Back then it was known as the Las Vegas of the South for its gambling, prostitution, and drugs. Is that still the case?