Editorial
March/April, 1992
Volume 27, Number 2
The issue of homosexuality has not been laid aside in the Church of the Brethren. Some look at homosexuality as a sin; others see it as a gift from God. The pages of Messenger frequently have letters from readers that express points of view pro and con. There continues to be a great deal of polarization concerning the issue. The 1983 Annual Conference decision on human sexuality is being interpreted in many ways.
The printed message featured on the pages just ahead was delivered more than 1 1/2 years ago, but the facts continue to be relevant. More recently, in the Winter, 1991 issue of Brethren Life and Thought, more than forty pages were devoted to a discussion of homosexuality in the Church of the Brethren. The purpose of the fourteen articles in the special Brethren Life and Thought issue, was to determine whether or not the church is “extending Christlike comfort and grace to homosexual and bisexual persons” (as recommended in the 1983 Human Sexuality Report).
Nearly all of the fourteen essays in the Brethren Life and Thought magazine suggest that a homosexual lifestyle is to be accepted as normal, and that the way to extend comfort and grace is to affirm homosexual relationships as gifts of God’s grace. One writer describes a wedding service in her Church of the Brethren congregation, in which two lesbians entered into a marriage ceremony. Another writer appeals for an exhibit area at Annual Conference for the Brethren/Mennonite Gay Caucus. Another writer explains that the District Board in her district has twice voted to license a homosexual to the ministry, but the delegates voted against the procedure. The writer expresses hope that someday the homosexual person can be licensed in the Church of the Brethren.
One dissertation (in Brethren Life and Thought) urges using the model in Acts 10–where Peter came to accept the Gentiles because he saw in them the working of “the same Holy Spirit”–as a way to embrace the concept of homosexual acceptance. Another suggests recognizing homosexual commitment between two persons, in a manner similar to that of marriage between heterosexuals, through a pledge of congregational support and “affirmation of the couple.” One writer even offers willingly to officiate at a “commitment” (marriage) service for gay men or lesbian women.
I was asked to write one of the articles published in the Winter, 1991 Brethren Life and Thought publication, and that essay seems to stand alone in stating that homosexual practice is sin, and calls forth the displeasure of God. My paragraphs explain further that just as homosexuals in the ancient city of Corinth were changed by Christ, so our Saviour’s love and power can change the lives of despairing people today. However, because homosexual desire seems to grip some lives with an unusual strength and fury, much love and prayer and patience must be shown by the Christian community toward those who are caught up in homosexual relationships.
It is my firm conviction (as stated in the Brethren Life and Thought article), that in the realm of human sexuality–heterosexual immorality and homosexual activity–both are impulses and activities which must be brought under control. All sexual expression outside heterosexual monogamous marriage falls under the wrath of God. The issue for strongly-committed biblical Christians–is not homosexuality–but instead, it is the entire area of morality.
Instead of calling for acceptance of homosexual relationships as valid, our churches need to reinstate procedures for exercising church discipline to deal with all open and flagrant and glaring violations of God’s laws. In some of our Church of the Brethren congregations, persons who engage in open and commonly known sin (such as drunkenness, fornication, adultery, etc.)–are confronted, given counsel, and given help. But if there is no evidence of repentance, the processes of excommunication are set into motion. Homosexual conduct should be dealt with in the same way.
It is true that some immoral people do attend our churches. Their immorality is not open; it is hidden. It is not hidden by the church board, or by the congregation at large, but by the immoral people themselves. They know that disclosure will result in discipline (as in 1 Corinthians 5:1-13). But when immorality is open and commonly known the church must deal with it. The church must act with compassion, but not with indifference.
The loving thing to do for any person who attempts to justify a sinful practice, is to counsel with the person, show respect for the individual, and call the man or woman to repentance. The greatest favor we can show toward those persons whose besetting sin is homosexual practice, is to invite them to join the rest of us at the foot of the Cross–in repentance toward God–in order that we might know His forgiveness and His resurrection power to liberate us from slavery to an evil practice.
Two additional facts need to be stated:
1) The message delivered by James Eikenberry (and printed here in the WITNESS) points out many discouraging examples of how attempts are being made to get Brethren to accept homosexual relationships as normal. But in fairness to our Brotherhood’s Parish Ministries Commission, and to the Central Committee (now called The Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee), an “Annotated Bibliography List on Human Sexuality and the Church” has been distributed to Annual Conference exhibitors. The list does include a number of books, a video, and several pamphlets which view homosexual practice as sin.
2) Too many Brethren, in my judgment, are vociferous on the issue of homosexuality, but are almost totally silent on the issue of sexual immorality between those of opposite sexes. Most sexual offenses in our society (and in our churches) are heterosexual in nature. Fornication and adultery are both monstrous evils which must be condemned as wickedness in the eyes of God.
Brethren Revival Fellowship has spoken clearly on fornication and adultery (see “The Vice of Sexual Immorality,” BRF WITNESS, Volume 14, Number 2). We have spoken frankly on the adultery which the remarriage of divorced persons entails (see “Examining Loopholes for the Remarriage of Divorced Persons,” BRF WITNESS, Volume 24, Number 4). In this issue of the WITNESS we speak forthrightly about the theme of homosexuality.
Homosexuality and
the Church of the Brethren
By James O. Eikenberry
In 1983, the Annual Conference of the Church of the Brethren adopted the paper entitled “Human Sexuality from a Christian Perspective.” The paper deals with the whole realm of human sexuality, but the most discussed section of the study has been the one dealing with homosexuality. A key statement in that section reads: “Covenantal relationships between homosexual persons is an additional lifestyle option, but in the church’s search for a Christian understanding of human sexuality, this alternative is not acceptable” (page 580, 1983 Annual Conference Minutes).
In just plain language, the Annual Conference decision means that the church does not accept homosexual marriage as legitimate for the Christian. The church does not recognize any occurrence of homosexual intercourse as proper activity for the Christian. The only two legitimate options which the church recognizes for the homosexual person are celibacy (refraining from sexual activities), and conversion to a heterosexual orientation. The paper says that the church best ministers by “stating clearly that all antisocial, sexually promiscuous acts are contrary to Christian morality” (page 580, 1983 Annual Conference Minutes).
Some of those who are in leadership in our denomination do not accept this statement of Annual Conference. I have heard them make statements which express the following views:
1) Homosexual desires and attractions are not something which people choose, but rather, something which they discover in themselves, and which they are powerless to change. Therefore homosexuality should be accepted as a good gift from God and the church should recognize that homosexual marriage is all right.
2) Since homosexuality is all right and a natural variation in God’s creation –like having black skin rather than white skin–it is unjust to forbid homosexual practice or homosexual marriage, just as it is wrong to discriminate against a person who is black.
3) The homosexual issue is at root a justice issue. Christians need to seek justice for homosexual persons by working for the acceptance of homosexuality as a legitimate lifestyle.
Some people hold such views of homosexuality with a great deal of emotion and fervency. They approach the issue with the commitment of a holy crusade. It is understandable that not every Brethren leader will be in complete support of every Annual Conference statement. I do not know of anyone who is, but I expect that when denominational leaders are opposed to a decision of Conference, they will either work in accordance with the decision of the larger church, or have the integrity to resign their positions of leadership. I would expect that such persons would have the integrity to not use their positions to work against the church’s decisions. But working against the Annual Conference decision is exactly what has been happening. Some of our denominational leaders are using their positions to undermine the Annual Conference statement, and are working to get the church to accept homosexuality as a legitimate lifestyle.
CASE 1
When I became a member of the General Board, and of Parish Ministries Commission, Annual Conference had only recently passed the statement on Human Sexuality. Because that paper calls the church to be “engaging in open, forthright conversations with homosexuals” (page 580), we members of the Parish Ministries Commission were asked to engage in a series of experiences to help us think about homosexuality. I became concerned when I discovered that the only outside resource people who were going to share with the Commission were from the Brethren/ Mennonite Council for Lesbian and Gay Concerns. This group (which is often referred to as BMC) believes that homosexual attraction and behavior is not perversion, but rather, a variation of God’s creation; that homosexuality is to be celebrated rather than repented of; and that homosexuality should be accepted as legitimate rather than rejected as sinful. I expressed my concern to our leader–a member of the General Board staff–that the only viewpoint we were hearing was one opposing the position of Annual Conference. I said that if we were going to proceed with these discussions about homosexuality, we should also be hearing from people who testify to having been set free from homosexuality by the power of Jesus Christ. The staff member replied that if I would go along with the sessions as they had been set up, then opportunity would be given later for such testimonies.
I reluctantly went along with the proceedings, grieved that the Parish Ministries Commission was being fed a one-sided story. Representatives from the Brethren/ Mennonite Council were brought in at General Board expense. After the third of these sessions, our staff leader then presented to the Commission a request that we enter into a liaison relationship with the Brethren/ Mennonite Council for Lesbian and Gay Concerns. I was horrified. We had still only heard one side of the story. I objected, but I was overruled. I asked what this liaison relationship would mean. I was told that among other things, this relationship would allow Brethren/ Mennonite Council to have Parish Ministries Commission sponsorship when applying for insight sessions and booth space at Annual Conference (PMC Minutes, March, 1987). The motion passed by one vote for Parish Ministries Commission to enter into an official liaison relationship with BMC.
I returned home feeling sick. I still hoped that the Commission would hear of the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. However, soon I received a letter from our staff leader informing me that Parish Ministries Commission had spent enough time discussing homosexuality. The Commission would not have time to hear the testimonies which I had requested.
To make matters worse, at Annual Conference that summer, some of the delegates were concerned when they heard about this liaison relationship. One of the delegates asked from the Conference floor: “Does this liaison relationship affect the ability of Brethren/ Mennonite Council for Lesbian and Gay Concerns to have insight sessions or booth space at Annual Conference?” The person from Parish Ministries Commission who answered, denied that the liaison relationship would have any affect on BMC requests for insight sessions and booth space.
After this matter was pursued by a number of people, Parish Ministries Commission, while maintaining the liaison relationship, redefined that relationship as not automatically assuming that Parish Ministries Commission would give sponsorship for insight sessions or booth space at Conference.
CASE 2
A few years ago in the mid-80s, Bethany Theological Seminary decided to have a weeklong emphasis focusing on homosexuality. Those who spoke all presented the perspective that homosexuality should be accepted as legitimate. No speakers were scheduled who spoke about homosexuality as sin or addiction. No one presented the students who were preparing to be pastors, with the research of those who are helping people to be freed from homosexuality. No testimonies were heard about the life-changing power of Jesus Christ to deliver people from homosexuality.
CASE 3
At the 1989 Annual Conference, Brethren Renewal Services (BRS) presented in their booth, literature which shared the testimonies of people who have been freed by Jesus Christ from homosexuality. Other literature offered instruction and encouragement from people who are working in the area of homosexual deliverance. Still other literature provided lists of ministries around the country which are helping people to leave homosexuality. Brethren Renewal Services also scheduled at their insight session to have Sy Rogers share his testimony of transformation from homosexuality to heterosexuality. Central Committee notified Brethren Renewal Services that if Sy Rogers spoke, BRS would lose their privilege to have an insight session. Further, Central Committee ruled that BFIS must remove the literature on homosexuality from their display booth. After repeated conversations, Central Committee still refused to change their ruling. Finally, BRS appealed the ruling of Central Committee (regarding the literature at the display area) to Standing Committee of Annual Conference. I am glad to report that Standing Committee reversed the action of Central Committee regarding the literature. But I am sad that it was necessary to make such an appeal in order to be allowed to present materials which are designed to help people leave homosexuality.
CASE 4
Two weeks ago I received a phone call from an anguished Brethren mother who was surprised and grieved by the report her children brought back from the Church of the Brethren National Youth Conference held in Colorado. These teenagers had attended the session entitled “Sin, Sickness, or Just the Way It Is.” Among the adults who shared in this workshop, were persons from the Brethren/ Mennonite Council for Lesbian and Gay Concerns. They told the young people that if they find themselves being sexually attracted to people of the same sex–that’s okay–it’s natural. That is the way God made you. They were told not to believe it if someone tells you that those desires are wrong.
I could give more examples to illustrate my concern. Time does not permit that. Some people are very unhappy with me for telling these things, but I love the Church of the Brethren too much to remain silent. I am not trying to generate bad feelings toward the General Board, Bethany Seminary, or the Central Committee (Editor’s note: now called the “Annual Conference Program and Arrangements Committee”)–but I am trying to hold them accountable. As stated at the beginning of this presentation, some of our denominational staff do not accept the statement of Annual Conference concerning homosexuality. These people believe that Christians need to seek justice by working for the acceptance of homosexuality as a legitimate lifestyle. Unless something is done, they will continue to use their positions to seek to persuade our youth and our students preparing for the pastoral ministry-not to accept as valid the testimonies of deliverance from homosexuality. They seem unwilling to hear other evidence which contradicts their point of view, with the hope of finally persuading the church to accept homosexual desires and behavior as all right.
This leads to my greatest concern: That is a concern for the men and women (our brothers and sisters) whose lives the devil has scarred with homosexuality. The devil hates those who seek to live for the Lord and he wants to destroy all who make that commitment. Our Lord Jesus loves human beings, and died for all. Thus, in all the furor about proper sexual behavior, let us not forget those who are caught up in homosexuality. These are people whom Jesus wants to set free. These are people to whom Jesus sends us to love unconditionally. It is our duty to share with them the good news of Jesus’ love and cleansing power, to stand with them, to pray with them, to love them with the kind of love which refuses to let go. You who have squarely faced your own besetting sin, know very well that the battle against sin is real. Our Lord has given us one another to help and encourage each other. Many times we are told to encourage one another. We are never to condemn one another. Therefore I call all of us to action as members of the Body of Christ:
- Educate yourself on homosexuality. This is a real issue facing the church today.
- Pray for those caught up in homosexuality. Make yourself available to the Holy Spirit to be a channel of God’s love and good news in Jesus Christ.
- Send the most spiritually mature people from your congregation to Annual Conference and District Conference every year. Hold our leaders accountable for their actions. Support our leaders who are doing a good job.
- Be willing to serve in the larger church. And when you serve, do not rely on your own strength and wisdom. Look to the Lord. Then speak what God shows to speak and do what God shows to do. Don’t seek glory for yourself, It is amazing how much good you can accomplish if you are willing not to get any credit for it.
The passage in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 is a fitting conclusion for our meditation. “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolators nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God” (NIV).