
The Christian Church (Disciples
of Christ)
and homosexualityGay/lesbian clergy.
Events 1977 to 2001.
Sponsored link.

Gay/Lesbian ClergyThere are at least two geographical regions within the denomination that have
gone on record as stating that they will not ordain non-celibate gays and
lesbians. They
are the Northeast Region (New York state and the six New England states) and the Southwest Region (Texas & New Mexico). On
the other hand, the Northern California Region has declared itself "Open &
Affirming." This is a term used by the Disciples of Christ, the United Church
of Christ, and other denominations to indicate their acceptance of gay and lesbian people into full involvement
within the congregation as laity and leaders. Some regions have adopted a
"don't ask, don't tell" attitude towards candidates for ordination. 
Church activities: |
1977:General Assembly: Some major decisions were made:
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A resolution opposing homosexuality as an
alternative "lifestyle" for Christians was defeated. The term
"lifestyle" has since been used by conservative Christian denominations
to refer to homosexuality. It implies that homosexual orientation is
matter of choice that can be changed. Most gays, lesbians, bisexuals and
transsexuals (GLBTs) regard this as a denigrating term today.
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A resolution to prohibit regions and local congregations from
ordaining gays and lesbians was referred for further study.
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A "Study document on Homosexuality and the Church" was approved. It
suggested that the denomination's traditional interpretation of the
biblical, cultural, biological and
psychological aspects of homosexuality needed to be revisited. 1
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A "Resolution Concerning Civil Liberties
of Homosexual Persons" was approved. It supported human rights for
gays and lesbians and opposed "sodomy laws." 1 (In 2003,
these laws were subsequently declared
unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case Lawrence v.
Texas).
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1979: General Assembly:
The study report concluded that
ordination of persons who engaged with sexual behavior with same-sex
persons is not in accordance with God's will. They also concluded that
certification of candidates is the responsibility of the denomination's
regions. This resulted in a type of local option for sexually active gays
and lesbian candidates for ordination.
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1987: General Assembly: A resolution stating that all same-sex
sexual activities are sinful was defeated.
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1989: General Assembly: A resolution was approved calling on
the entire church to treat persons with AIDS as children of God and to
"... act as instruments of God's compassionate love, and tender care
where the seeds of fear, prejudice and alienation have been sown."
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1992: Northeastern Region Assembly: A resolution was passed
declaring a moratorium on the ordination of candidates in their region who were openly gay
or lesbians.
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1993: General Assembly: A "Resolution Concerning Civil
Rights" was passed. It reaffirmed the Assembly's 1977 position, and
noted that "various campaigns across the country conducted in the name of
'no special rights for gay, lesbian and bisexual persons' misrepresent
legitimate claims for persons who seek equal application of the law." It called on
governments to create laws protecting the civil rights of gay, lesbians
and bisexuals.
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1997: Assembly request: The Assembly asked the church to reflect on the
participation of gays and lesbians in the life of the church. One year
later, the Administrative Committee called for the development of a
discernment process that congregations could use to engage the question.
2
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2001:
Book published: Chalice Press published a discernment guide written by
the Disciples of Christ's Discernment Committee on the
Participation of Gay and Lesbian Persons in the Life of the Church. It was edited by William O.
Paulsell and is titled "Listening to the Spirit: A Handbook for
Discernment: What Is the Gospel Message to Our Church as We Relate to Gay
and Lesbian Christians?" This is one of the very rare books that
include the beliefs of people on all sides of the issue.
The Amazon.com book review states:
"One of the most divisive issues in the church today concerns the place of
lesbian and gay persons. Should the church sanction same-gender
relationships? Should gay and lesbian people be allowed to serve as
ordained ministers? These questions and many more spawn endless debate and
create winners and losers. A better way to respond to this pain and
confusion is to make use of a process of discernment. Listening to the
Spirit presents a process of discernment that helps us to listen to the
Holy Spirit for guidance as we consider the question, What is the gospel
message to our church as we relate to gay and lesbian Christians? This
question is addressed through a process that will help Christians approach
the issues thoughtfully, theologically, and prayerfully. There are no set
answers or preconceived outcomes. The book was written by the Discernment
Committee on the Participation of Gay and Lesbian Persons in the Life of
the Church. This committee represents a broad range of theological beliefs
surrounding the issue."
Read
reviews or order this book safely from Amazon.com online book store
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References:The following information sources were used to prepare and update the above
essay. The hyperlinks are not necessarily still active today.
-
Douglas Allen Foster, "The encyclopedia of the Stone-Campbell
movement," Wm. B. Eerdmans, (2005). Read
reviews or order this book safely from Amazon.com online book store
-
Curt Miller, "Disciples enter discernment process on gays and
lesbians," General Assembly, 2001-JUL-17, at:
http://www.synodassembly.net/

Copyright © 1997 to 2009 by Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance
Latest update: 2009-JUL-09
Author: B.A. Robinson

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