Posted on 06/22/2006 12:39:38 PM PDT by sionnsar
Wrong about the United Methodist Church. While there is considerable discussion and rebellion, the church rule is the same as always; "Homosexuality is INCOMPATIBLE with Christian teaching."
This was evidenced twice last year, when a pastor admitted to her homosexual lifestyle and was removed from the pulpit, and then that removal was upheld by the Judicial Council.
Second, the Judicial Council ruled twice that a pastor could exclude an unrepentent homosexual from membership.
Finally, the last General Conference saw approx. 70% of the delegates vote AGAINST approving homosexuality. That vote has been getting higher every 4 years, not lower.
So, this author does not know our church.
The very fact that a vote is taken, every 4 years or whatever, seems somewhat problematic to me. It implies that the issue is not settled and that the terrain needs to be surveyed every 4 years in case opinion has shifted.
Thus, it leaves open the possibility that a future vote could turn out in favor.
Which is just fine by the homos. Rejection is simply approval delayed in their view of things.
There is no way to avoid voting on issues that come up, and there is no way to preserve free speech by not allowing free motions to come forward.
is it as problematic that various creeds were combatting gnosticism ?
I see it as a reaffirmation of a principle
That seems a rather tenuous foundation on which to construct a religion.
Consistency, people! Consistency!
ZC is absolutely right.
Why does a Christian (or other) denomination feel the need to put a man made, opinionated "vote" out every four years, for a law that G-d made thousands of years ago?
I find the whole thought rather curious.
For some books on homosexuality and the call to chastity from a Catholic perspective, here are some additional resources:
Same-Sex Attractions: A Parents' Guide - edited by Fr. John Harvey, OSFS & Gerard V. Bradley, St. Augustine's Press, South Bend , IN, 2003, to order call: 1-800-621-2736
The Truth About Homosexuality: The Cry of the Faithful,(Catholic) Rev. John F. Harvey OSFS, Ignatius Press, 1997: To place a credit card order, call Ignatius Press at 1-800-651-1531.
The Homosexual Person: New Thinking in Pastoral Care,(Catholic), Rev. John F. Harvey, OSFS, Ignatius Press, 1987: To place a credit card order, call Ignatius Press at 1-800-651-1531.
The Courage to be Chaste, (Catholic), Benedict Groeschel, CFR: Paulist Press, 1985, to order call:1-800-218-1903
A Spiritual Plan to Redirect One’s Life (Catholic), pamphlet: to order, contact Paulines Books & Media
Pastoral Care and the Homosexual - (Catholic), pamphlet: to order, contact Catholic Information Service, Knights of Columbus, P.O. Box 1971, New Haven, CT 06521
Beyond Gay, David Morrison.
Courage website: http://couragerc.net/
Do you have anything constructive to say, or are you just here to bash Christians and Christianity?
I think you don't understand.
Let me explain it to you in terms of your denomination. As a retired military chaplain, I'm pretty familiar with a large number of denominations. Sometimes comparisons help.
What is your denomination?
That which has been is that which will be,
And that which has been done is that which will be done.
So there is nothing new under the sun.
- Ecclesiastes 1:9
Her? I think women in positions as pastors is also "incompatible with Christian teaching." Methodism is moving down the same road, although not as far along, as the Episcopal Church.
Seeing this, the grief John Wesley would be experiencing would shatter his heart.
Catholic.
Do Catholics have Articles of Religion or a (standard) Confession of Faith?
Different subject, but it certainly is debatable. She was not the first, though. There have been a couple removed over the last few years.
Progress.
So far as female elders and deacons are concerned, I do not oppose any who hold to a no-female viewpoint. I think there's a limited case to be made for female deacons and elders.....that for deacon being stronger than that for elder.
It's called the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
This is a compendium of all the Church officially teaches.
The standard confession of faith recited at all Masses is called the The Nicene Creed.
And I did.
The church I was a member of (Community of Christ) had (and continues to have) official statements regarding the standing of active homosexuals, specifically that they cannot be ordained, but, in real life, it is another story. They ordain them, they "marry" them, they put them in charge of youth programs. And when someone speaks against it, it is that person who receives corrective action.
I left that church a few years ago. It is appalling to see how far from the scriptures a church can depart and still call itself "Christian".
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