Posted on 05/11/2004 11:47:02 PM PDT by Jeff Chandler
No Longer Silent Phoenix Declaration
As Christian clergy we believe it is time to share our perspective concerning Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and Transgendered (GLBT) persons. We celebrate the end of the debate. The verdict is in. Homosexuality is not a sickness, not a choice, and not a sin. We affirm that GLBT persons are distinctive, holy, and precious gifts to all who struggle to become the family of God.
We stand in solidarity as those who are committed to work and pray for full acceptance and inclusion of GLBT persons in our churches and in our world. GLBT persons are condemned and excluded by individuals and institutions, political and religious, who claim to be speaking the truth of Christian teaching. This leads directly and indirectly to intolerance, discrimination, suffering, and even death. Political and religious rhetoric has monopolized the public perception of the stance of Christian persons on this issue. This stance continues to cripple the spirit of innocent people. The Christian faith compels us to be part of the healing for the souls wounded by this tragic, violent, and destructive hatred. Therefore:
We stand with the countless Christian ministers, scholars, and laity who, from prayerful study of the scriptures and Christian tradition, find no rational biblical or theological basis to condemn or deny the rights of any person based on sexual orientation. The essence of Christian life is not focused on sexual orientation, but how one lives in relationship with God with compassion toward humanity.
We gratefully affirm our GLBT brothers and sisters, already a part of the church, who have been born, baptized, confirmed - many serving as leaders -- and apologize for their ill-treatment by many church leaders. We joyfully welcome GLBT persons, as we welcome all people, into our communities of faith.
We recognize GLBT persons have painfully suffered long enough from social inequality, from religious rhetoric and political leaders. We are tired of appalling, hurting, and violent actions toward GLBT persons. This violence must stop. Let us clear the air and move ahead to begin the healing process for the wounded souls who are victims of this tragic and violent abuse.
We celebrate the courage of all people who have refused to let the voice of intolerance and violence speak for Christianity. The determination of these people, especially GLBT persons, to meet hatred with love and to answer violence with compassion is an inspiration to us all, and prophetic witness of God's activity in our world.
And so we call for an end to all religious and civil discrimination against any person based on sexual orientation. All laws must protect the freedoms, rights, and equal legal standing of all persons. We will continue to work for and promote the dignity of GLBT persons and their inclusion in our socio-political, cultural and economic life.
If you are a clergy person in Arizona, and would like to add your signature to this declaration, please send an e-mail message to phoenixdeclaration@nolongersilent.org with your name, your organizational affiliation (and your *role* within that organization), and city. For example, "Pat McGillicuddy, Pastor, Church of What's Happening Now, Phoenix." The list of signatures will be updated as time permits.
Signers as of 11 May 2004
Note: The Declaration is primarily the statement of clergy members in Arizona, but we are also glad to hear from others who support our statement, such as lay persons, groups, and even those outside of Arizona.
Click here for a list of signers. PCUSA and UMA pastors are present in large quantities.
Where do they get that?
I think what they state is contrary. And certainly the verdict is NOT in as they want us to believe "fait accompli". The Church through the Catechism would beg to differ with them."
What they fail to mention is that GLBT are called to chastity, just as we all are. And without that the mission is not accomplished, and the rest is just words.
How could God's Priests put their name to an anabomination like this?
Absolutely correct.
In order to do so, you have to rewrite what is written in the Bible.
Actually, they just "re-interpret."
Have you heard the one about how Sodom was destroyed because they were inhospitable (mild word for "rape," if you ask me) to God's angels when they came to warn Lot? Yeah, just skips right over the part about the angels coming because Sodom was going to be destroyed for its sins. Later, they skip over the part where Jesus says this was a just punishment and try to say the He never addresses the sin of homosexuality.
There's very few of them, so they're very countable.
And some day they will be acCOUNTable before the bema seat of Almighty God. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Quit adding to the Gospel.
Because they are not really God's priests?
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