Posted on 09/13/2002 1:59:21 PM PDT by Tumbleweed_Connection
A gay couple is renting a home across the street from the Rev. Jerry Falwell's church to correct what they see as misinformation spread by the pastor and show that homosexuals can lead Christian lives. "We just want Lynchburg to see us - an old gay couple - and realize that we're as boring as they are," said the Rev. Mel White, 62, who moved into the cottage Tuesday with Gary Nixon, 52.
White, a minister with Metropolitan Community Church in Los Angeles, ghost-wrote Falwell's autobiography and has known Falwell for more than 15 years - before White announced his homosexuality.
White said he started planning a trip to Lynchburg after Falwell blamed the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks in part on gays.
"It broke our hearts to see what he was doing," White said. Falwell later apologized for the comments.
Falwell called the couple's move a publicity stunt but said they are welcome at his Thomas Road Baptist Church in Lynchburg, about 60 miles east of Roanoke.
"I can't think of anyone who needs it more," Falwell said.
White's activist group Soulforce plans several local events to support homosexuals and gay rights. He said he hopes his presence will soften Falwell's stance.
"We believe he'll be one of the first to say gays are God's children too," White said. "We just need to give him enough time to do it."
Mr. White proves nothing by displaying a boring life. If I commit sexual sin I still have to go to the grocery store. I still have to get my hair cut. I still have to go to the dentist, drive my car here and there, mow my lawn, etc... That doesn't make my sin right. Mr. White's argument is nothing more than a distraction. Homosexuality is a sin. I have a right to believe it. I have a right to raise my child believing it. I have a right to free association. He has no right to force me to think otherwise.
"We believe he'll be one of the first to say gays are God's children too,"
Well let me be the first. Homosexuals can become children of God, but they must repent of their sin. That repentance should lead them to have an abhorrence for their former lifestyle that will make them wish to walk away from it.
If I were Falwell, I would publicly invite them to church, if they are willing to hear the truth.
My guess is they'll just be the topic of Jerry Falwell's next sermon about how the moral degraders of America are literally on the doorsteps of Christian homes now and demanding acceptance JUST LIKE HE PREDICTED 30 YEARS AGO when the homosexuals began demanding their rights.
He is far more gracious and gentle than what is protrayed by his detractors. This is nothing more than a publicity stunt.
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