Posted on 01/27/2007 7:29:03 PM PST by Rb ver. 2.0
GREENSBORO — Episcopalians meeting in Greensboro this week gave strong preliminary support for a resolution apologizing to gays and lesbians for how they’ve been treated by Christians.
The resolution, which is expected to go before the full Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina this morning, would also affirm homosexuals as "children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance and pastoral concern and care of the Church."
A similar resolution was passed this past summer by the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, which has been racked with division since the affirmation of its first openly gay bishop.
The North Carolina resolution comes after the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina, the state’s largest religious group, approved a resolution this summer that would remove member churches that endorse or affirm the homosexual lifestyle.
"I would wish it were as simple as saying 'My congregation is open to anybody who wants to come,’" Chaplain Kevin Matthews of St. Mary’s House in Greensboro, who submitted the resolution, said during Friday’s hearing.
"The reality is that sometimes we have to say and do things for people who won’t get to your door for you to be welcoming and friendly because they might already believe you are going to be hostile. … This is an evangelism and mission-minded resolution."
While the discussion never grew heated, some delegates made it clear they wanted the church to stop talking about sex.
Most of those who stood up to be heard spoke in favor of the resolution.
"Yes, it will hurt people," said Steve Gee of All Saints Episcopal Church in Greensboro. "Being a gay man, myself, I see this as part of the ongoing civil rights struggle that started in the ’40s when the churches had to make statements for racial equality. There were people who left churches because they would not drink from the common cup with people of color.
"There are people who will not drink from the common cup if they know they are drinking next to a gay person."
Earlier on the first day of the convention, Bishop Michael Curry emphasized to the gathering of about 600 people the need for ministry and outreach in the community despite distractions.
The sea — beautiful and blue one moment, troubled and tempestuous the next — is a metaphor for life, he said.
"We know that 'sea,’ even now," said Curry, who is the spiritual leader of 48,000 Episcopalians in North Carolina. "We know the winds and the waves — sometimes it’s called 9/11, terrorism, global warming, Darfur, schism, Anglical Communion, Iraq, Afghanistan, genetic engineering, HIV/AIDS.
"I know we can’t do everything, but for God’s sake, we can do something, and that something can make a difference."
More gay propaganda invoking equality of discrimination blacks suffered.
Well, gee....I wonder why...........
"We're sorry you're gay, please accept our apology." Think it will work?
"I would wish it were as simple as saying 'My congregation is open to anybody who wants to come,’"
Actually, that's about as simple as you can say it, without specifying how and with whom.
Is this apology on the behalf of ALL Christians? Some Christians? Pretend Christians? Huh? How does one make an apology for another person anyway? Last I saw the Bible didn't say anything about being a certain race as being abominable but on being an active homosexual it is plenty clear...in both the first and second testaments.
Quick, who's got that clip of the "Aw, geez, not this sh*t again!" guy?
"Yes, it will hurt people," said Steve Gee of All Saints Episcopal Church in Greensboro. "Being a gay man, myself, I see this as part of the ongoing civil rights struggle that started in the ’40s when the churches had to make statements for racial equality. There were people who left churches because they would not drink from the common cup with people of color."
Do these Episcopalians worship God or their egos?
I wish more people paid attention to all of the prohibitions on sex - pre-marital, philandering, etc. Not just the homos.
Here we go again
I like this. Add, "Bless your heart!" and it's perfect.
This church prided itself in putting branches in the poor part of town. Of course, they did it so the poor people wouldn't use the main church downtown...
"children of God who have a full and equal claim with all other persons upon the love, acceptance and pastoral concern and care of the Church."
Unrepentant people, including Gays, will not see Heaven
But will be sent into Hell for eternity. and No amout of appologys will change that. God says he will separate the "Goats from the Sheep" the "Wheat from the Chaf"
and the Liberal Episcopals can't change that, not now, not ever.
There are people who will not drink from the common cup if they know they are drinking next to a gay person."
what if the Gay has an open sore on his lip? perhaps a little blood?
Ill bet even Elton John wouldn't take a sip.
When did homosexualism stop being a sex act and become a race?
Oh, more do than you probably realize. It's just that those offenders haven't organzied as effectively to tear the church down. Although there was a church that put out an adulterer a year or so ago and got sued for it I think. You are correct that the Bible states that those participating in all the immorality you listed should not hold office in the church. Please note that I have used the words "active" and "participating" in the present tense. Thankfully everyone can be forgiven if they repent.
Egos.
These Episcopalians have wandered so far away from Biblical scripture that they can't tell the difference between the Word of God and new age liberal propaganda.
For those conservatives left in the fold, the Episcopalian leadership is just rubbing their nose in it. How can any true Christian be affiliated with that denomination.
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