Ann’s important reminder brought to mind a comment I heard made by a Theological College lecturer (in a conservative evangelical college) in the context of the discussion over the role of women within the Church. I think it is equally applicable to the issue of homosexually oriented people and I paraphrase from memory with the appropriate change...
If I am mishearing the Spirit of God in this debate and am wrong in my convictions, and those convictions sway the day, then some people who feel and evidence the call of God in their lives, who demonstrate God’s gifting, and who are personally dedicated to loving and serving God and wanting to do so in the demanding context of ordained ministry – some of these people will be ordained and will serve God in that way despite living in a state of sinfulness. And I will answer to God for that at the final judgement.
But if I were on the opposite side of the argument, and was mishearing the Spirit of God in this, and my wrong convictions won out, then I would be part of a system perpetuating gross injustice on people made by God in God’s image, I would be part of a system which has led to oppression, vilification, abuse, physical violence and even death for some. I would be standing directly in the way of God’s calling and God’s plan for some people’s lives and ministries. And I will answer to God for that at the final judgement.
I have no doubt, if I were to be wrong, which of those two wrong choices I would rather be defending before the throne of God.
Cheers
Linz
Psssst! Did you hear that Ann Wansbrough ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) said this:
I feel the need to repeat something that I said a few weeks ago - the issue is not "homosexual ministers" - it is Christian members of the UCA who have demonstrated the gifts and graces of ministry, who have satisfied all academic and other requirements in training for ministry, who are recognised by the church as being called by God to ministry in a particular placement, and who understand and are willing to adhere to the code of ethics and conduct for ministers, that is, who satisfy all the requirements for ordination and ministry, but whose sexual orientation happens to be homosexual. As long as we refer to "homosexual ministers" we are playing the same game as EMU - accepting that homosexuality, rather than Christian faith, discipleship and commitment, defines who people are in the church. I say this as much to remind myself as anyone else.
Ann
(Rev. Dr.) Ann Wansbrough
UnitingCare NSW.ACT
PO Box A 2178 Sydney South 1235
Phone (61) (02) 8267 4280 Fax (61) (02) 9267 4842
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
----- Original Message -----
From: Andrew Prior <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: Tom Stuart <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> ; insights <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 14, 2003 8:11 PM
Subject: RE: A real concern for Christianity
...
And as for the good archbishop; I reckon Jesus would be pissed off with him. The homosexual man who gave me a ride home tonight would be my favoured company any time. I hear that people of ""evangelical"" persuasion are often deeply distressed about gay people in the church. The damage and pain I see them causing leaves me wanting to walk away from the whole deal. None of them are being asked to accept a homosexual minister; simply to allow that others may have a different opinion.
Andrew
Microsoft Windows: Betchya can't install it just once!
--
Rev. Lindsay Cullen
Email : [EMAIL PROTECTED]
An old(!) website... www.lindsaycullen.com
