Homosexuality
Biblical Position
The biblical position on homosexuality is straightforward and consistent throughout. The Scriptures declare that God created us male and female (Gen. 1:27). Furthermore, the biblical record shows that sexual union was established by God exclusively within the context of a male-female relationship (Gen. 2:24), and formalized in the institution of marriage. The partner for man was woman. Together they were to be one flesh. This union between a man and his wife was to be kept inviolate. For a man to have sexual union with another man is considered by Scripture as detestable (Lev. 18:22).
In the New Testament, the Word of God is even more explicit in condemning the practice of homosexuality as sinful (Rom. 1:18-32). On the other hand, everywhere in Scripture the sexual relationship between man and woman, within the bonds of marriage, is viewed as something natural and beautiful.
The Apostle Paul, while strong in his condemnation of the practice of homosexuality, also testifies that those who once engaged in homosexuality were now among those who were forgiven and changed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 6:9-11). This declaration offers hope both for forgiveness and for healing, for redemption and change.
Societal Considerations
In today’s society we are being asked to reinterpret biblical revelation and accept the following considerations: homosexuality is genetically and biologically based; is a healthy, normal lifestyle which harms no one; is an orientation which cannot be changed. Further, that human sexuality is a private matter, a civil rights issue and not a moral issue. That gay and lesbian orientation is to be considered alongside race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, sex, marital or family status as a protected ground against discrimination.
Fellowship Conclusions
We believe that homosexuality is not an inherited condition in the same category as race, gender or national origin, all of which are free from moral implication. We believe that homosexuality is a sinful deviation from the Creator’s plan for human sexuality.
While homosexuals as individuals are entitled to civil rights, including protection of the law, the Fellowship opposes legislation which would extend special consideration to such individuals based upon “their sexual orientation.” Such legislation inevitably is perceived as legitimizing the practice of homosexuality and elevates that practice to the level of an accepted moral standard.
With respect to speech and other expressions, the Fellowship defends our rights as a religious body to express our sincerely held religious beliefs in a manner consistent with guidelines applicable to all other speech.
Since the position and practice of the Fellowship regarding homosexual behavior is determined by biblical teaching and religious conviction, it will not be the practice or the position of the Fellowship to ordain a practicing homosexual or to allow that individual to pastor a Fellowship church. The religious liberty of the Fellowship may not be infringed upon by the requirement of acceptance of homosexual conduct on the part of an individual while carrying out the duties of the Fellowship, since such conduct is in clear violation of biblical teaching as well as the statement of beliefs and practices of the Fellowship.
Individual and Corporate Responsibility
Individual Christians, ministers and congregations within the Fellowship should compassionately proclaim the Good News of forgiveness and redemption in Christ Jesus and encourage those involved in homosexual practices to cease those practices, accept forgiveness and pray for deliverance. Further, we should accept them into fellowship upon confession of faith and repentance, as we would any other forgiven and changed sinner (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
We further call upon our pastors and Fellowship leaders to work with others in the Christian community to expand research on the factors which give rise to homosexuality and to develop therapy, pastoral care and congregational support that will lead to complete change and restoration.
The biblical position on homosexuality is straightforward and consistent throughout. The Scriptures declare that God created us male and female (Gen. 1:27). Furthermore, the biblical record shows that sexual union was established by God exclusively within the context of a male-female relationship (Gen. 2:24), and formalized in the institution of marriage. The partner for man was woman. Together they were to be one flesh. This union between a man and his wife was to be kept inviolate. For a man to have sexual union with another man is considered by Scripture as detestable (Lev. 18:22).
In the New Testament, the Word of God is even more explicit in condemning the practice of homosexuality as sinful (Rom. 1:18-32). On the other hand, everywhere in Scripture the sexual relationship between man and woman, within the bonds of marriage, is viewed as something natural and beautiful.
The Apostle Paul, while strong in his condemnation of the practice of homosexuality, also testifies that those who once engaged in homosexuality were now among those who were forgiven and changed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 6:9-11). This declaration offers hope both for forgiveness and for healing, for redemption and change.
Societal Considerations
In today’s society we are being asked to reinterpret biblical revelation and accept the following considerations: homosexuality is genetically and biologically based; is a healthy, normal lifestyle which harms no one; is an orientation which cannot be changed. Further, that human sexuality is a private matter, a civil rights issue and not a moral issue. That gay and lesbian orientation is to be considered alongside race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, sex, marital or family status as a protected ground against discrimination.
Fellowship Conclusions
We believe that homosexuality is not an inherited condition in the same category as race, gender or national origin, all of which are free from moral implication. We believe that homosexuality is a sinful deviation from the Creator’s plan for human sexuality.
While homosexuals as individuals are entitled to civil rights, including protection of the law, the Fellowship opposes legislation which would extend special consideration to such individuals based upon “their sexual orientation.” Such legislation inevitably is perceived as legitimizing the practice of homosexuality and elevates that practice to the level of an accepted moral standard.
With respect to speech and other expressions, the Fellowship defends our rights as a religious body to express our sincerely held religious beliefs in a manner consistent with guidelines applicable to all other speech.
Since the position and practice of the Fellowship regarding homosexual behavior is determined by biblical teaching and religious conviction, it will not be the practice or the position of the Fellowship to ordain a practicing homosexual or to allow that individual to pastor a Fellowship church. The religious liberty of the Fellowship may not be infringed upon by the requirement of acceptance of homosexual conduct on the part of an individual while carrying out the duties of the Fellowship, since such conduct is in clear violation of biblical teaching as well as the statement of beliefs and practices of the Fellowship.
Individual and Corporate Responsibility
Individual Christians, ministers and congregations within the Fellowship should compassionately proclaim the Good News of forgiveness and redemption in Christ Jesus and encourage those involved in homosexual practices to cease those practices, accept forgiveness and pray for deliverance. Further, we should accept them into fellowship upon confession of faith and repentance, as we would any other forgiven and changed sinner (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
We further call upon our pastors and Fellowship leaders to work with others in the Christian community to expand research on the factors which give rise to homosexuality and to develop therapy, pastoral care and congregational support that will lead to complete change and restoration.