A Call for the Acceptance of Homosexuals within the Christian Community
cluster was reliably larger in heterosexual men then in women and homosexual men” (3). Also, Laura Allen and Roger Gorski have found that “a section of the fibers connecting right and left hemispheres is one-third larger in homosexual men than in heterosexual men” (4). These researchers suggest, from their findings, that homosexuals are born that way and have no control over their sexual orientation. Other scientists would refute this belief, stating “perhaps biological factors predispose a temperament that influences sexuality ‘in the context of individual learning and experience’” (4). Perhaps then, people are not necessarily born that way but are more likely to “become” homosexual as a result of their biological makeup. Whether or not a person is born as a homosexual is sure to be disputed for years to come.
After taking into account the Biblical verses dealing with homosexuality and the latest scientific research, where do churches stand today on the issue? To answer that question, it’s
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helpful to identify the beliefs concerning homosexuality throughout all of the denominations. “In 1972 the (United Methodist Church) stated that homosexuality was incompatible with Christian teaching, but supported the civil rights of gays” (Summary 1). Same-sex unions are not performed and gay ministers risk being banned if their sexuality is found out. Similar perspectives are held by the Episcopalian, Lutheran, and Presbyterian denominations as well. Some congregations do perform gay ceremonies, but this is not the norm. The Roman Catholic Church condemns homosexual acts as being sinful; but they do distinguish between sexual orientation, which they are neutral on. Seventh-Day Adventists are explicitly against homosexuality along with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints that “has the most anti-gay policies of any religion widely practiced in the United States” (1). On the opposite end of the spectrum we find the Unitarian Church and the United Church of Christ. “The United Church of Christ became the first Christian denomination to ordain an openly gay person to the ministry” (3). Along with the Unitarian Church, they perform same-sex unions and take an active interest in protecting the rights of homosexuals. It’s intriguing to see such varying perceptions on homosexuality within the one religion of Christianity. The treatment of gay and lesbian people will differ according to the denomination. One might assume the church would have a specific belief concerning the treatment of homosexuals; however, the apparent disagreements prove otherwise. Who then is right, and what should Christians be expected to believe?
Perhaps a clear-cut solution will never be made regarding this issue, but a certain common ground can be established. It can be argued that the Bible does not overtly condemn homosexuality, as society perceives it today; however, the practice of homosexuality still goes against the intent God had planned when creating man and woman. Genesis 2:24 states that “a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one [next page]