[Hodar]

Just a thought...

Why does the church exist? Is it a JC fanclub with a bunch of hoopla, or does it exist to raise and inspire their fellow man? Does the church exist to condemn those who do not follow the rules, or does it exist to serve as an example to others?

I submit that if the world were full of sin-less people, there would be no need for a church. Who needs the church more than the sinners?

[cripplecreek]

I disagree with homosexual priests and ministers but it seems to me that the church is the one thing that homosexuals should not be denied.

[MaryFromMichigan]

Any member of that church guilty of pride, envy, anger, avarice, sadness, gluttony, and lust?
Hey, we all fall short.

[petitfour]

I think the church is supposed to be a support structure for folks trying to live the way Jesus taught. But it is more than that.

My earlier post was rather cynical because I so often have visited or been a part of congregations that were more social and athletic clubs than churches.

[sasafras]

"I submit that if the world were full of sin-less people, there would be no need for a church. Who needs the church more than the sinners?"

Sinners who are remorseful and repent - Satanists are sinners but if there is no repentance then the Church doesnt have to receive them. There is nothing in the bible which contradicts this.

Freerepublic is an open forum for discussion but we dont have to put up with liberals trashing the boards. If you allow deviant, perverted and unremorseful people into your Church then you have anarchy. I hope this is clear.

[Martin Tell]

AS I understand the story (and no surprise that the Wash Post does not give the whole story, at least in this excerpt), the gay man in question is living in an active "partnered" relationship. He loudly announced his status, that he has no intention of ever stopping his activities and that he does not consider them sinful. This is very different from someone admitting that he or she is a sinner, repents and wants to change. I'm sure if this fellow did that he would be welcomed with open arms.

I think this Methodist minister should be saluted, not fired.

In the Episcopal Church (which I recently washed my hands of) the situation was much the same. First gay lay members were welcomed, and once they were established and found to be "Holy", gay priests were next and now there is a gay bishop. And the official church teaching is now that gay sex, far from being a sin, is sacramental.

[hardworking]

Thank you for saying this. Do you suppose that many of us may be surprised to discover with whom we have to share heaven?

[WriteOn]

Repentant sinners wanted, unrepentant sinners need not apply.

[Mrs. Don-o]

You wrote: "I submit that if the world were full of sin-less people, there would be no need for a church. Who needs the church more than the sinners?"

You're absolutely correct on that one.

I myself am a habitual, repeat offender. But I deplore it. I repent it. And with God's help through His Church, I am struggling towards living a Christian life.

But the church cannot help sinners who do not repent. Accepting a member who says, "I don't regret my sins and I have no intention of turning away from them," would be the same as saying, "We don't care about your soul, all we want is your dues." And THAT would be religious hypocrisy at its worst.