Quote:
Originally posted by Cerek the Barbaric:
I'm not sure how the Episcopal Church can resolve the inherent differences in the Biblical view of homosexuality and the act of confirming an openly gay Bishop. I agree that the Bishop's sexual preference is his own business, and I also agree that is God's place to judge his actions, but I don't agree with promoting him to a leadership role in the church. The Bible clearly speaks against homosexual acts, so I feel it is wrong to choose a leader living that lifestyle.
One of the questions on the survey gave the option of saying "Yes, as long as he presents an accurate version of the Bible's stance on homosexuality" (or words to that effect). But how could he honostly do that? If he does speak out against homosexuality, he will be called a hypocrite and will weaken the Anglican Church's overall position on the subject.
Before I get accused of being an intolerant, homophobic zealot...let me say that I would feel the same way if the Bishop were an admitted and unrepentant adulterer. It would be no different for the the Anglican church to promote an adulterer who planned to continue cheating on his wife to a position of authority. Both are acts of sexual immorality according to the Bible.
I also hold the same view on the Catholic bishops that are proven pedophiles. The should be completely removed from the positions of authority, not just moved to another parish.
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This is good reasoning.
I included the "yes with teaching" option, because it's possible that he could teach it as being a sin, yet something which is his version of Pauls "thorn in his side" as it were. Consequently taking a "follow Jesus, not me" approach.
I have no idea what his practices are. He may abstain, he may have a partner I have no idea. I don't know how he resolves the issue.
I have an abstaining yet open homosexual involved in leadership on my music team. I personally have no problems with him or his lifestyle whether he's practicing or not. HOWEVER. I think I would have problems if the Pastor I was UNDER was a practicing homosexual. It would affect my ability to trust his judgement on both biblical interpretation for starters.
But here's where it all get's really funky.
If I remarry, am I in the same position as a homosexual? I've either resolved living in a way the bible speaks against, or I'm living in a state of rebellion against the will of God. Am I expecting people under me to do what I cannot?
There are many churches that will not ordain divorced people, let alone remarried people.
YET... a former minister who had lost his parish because his wife left him, was of incredible help and healing to me when my wife and I initially split. His wisdom and counsel still ring in my ears years later. When I knew him he was in another church as a cousellor/pastor, not a head pastor. But the same church does allow remarried men to be senior pastors. Actually a couple of sundays ago a divorced and remarried man, a guest speaker was preaching. He was incredible. An incredible speaker full of the Holy Spirit. Very powerful.
All that said, I am not a preacher or pastor, but it's a conundrum. In restricting a homosexuals leadership potential I in effect restrict myself.... "judge not, lest you be judged".
The "yes with teaching" element is something I myself would do. I completely agree with the sanctity of marriage, and believe you shouldn't divorce, but of course acknowledge the reality of human existence and our flawed state. Marriage is an intended state, not a prison.
How far do we go in requiring moral fibre from our church leaders? On one hand we acknowledge that "all have sinned in the eyes of God" and that "all sins are equal" and that salvation is past present and future, yet on the other, place sexual sin, and visible sin above hidden sins, and sins of attitude and thought.
What of a covetous Bishop? A drunkard Bishop? We may never know.
Are we expecting church leaders to be "Jesus" when in reality they are simply a cog in a Jesus loving communitiy wheel like any other person.
Leaders ARE given a higher standard to follow in the Bible, but how far do we go in applying those standards to OTHERS rather than ourselves?