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The Mennonite church and Homosexuality
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Background:
In general:
Conservative Christian groups generally teach that same-sex behavior is abnormal, unnatural,
and hated by God.
Further, most regard homosexual and bisexual sexual orientation to be chosen, and
with some effort, changeable.
They view all same-sex
sexual behavior to be intrinsically morally abhorrent, regardless of the nature
of the relationship. These are mainly settled teachings; little or no
dialog is underway either within the group or between Christian groups or
between Christian and other groups.
Liberal and progressive Christian groups and secularists generally teach
that minority sexual orientations are normal, natural, unchosen, and fixed.
Further, they consider both same-sex and opposite-sex sexual behavior
to be immoral if it is manipulative, coercive, unsafe, or perhaps outside of
a loving, committed relationship or marriage. Again, this is largely a
settled belief, and little dialogue is
being conducted
Mainline denominations are suffering through major internal dissention. Active
debate and some dialogue are being pursued.
One very interesting exception to this pattern are the Mennonite communities.
They have traditionally been conservative theologically. However, they also have
a long tradition of concern over human rights and pacifism. Even as they expel
LGBT members who are in loving, committed same-sex relationships, some remain in active dialogue
with their more liberal minorities. If they are able to eventually resolve their differences they may be able to give some guidance to other
groups -- in conservative and mainline denominations -- for whom
equal treatment of sexual minorities has become the principal issue dividing
believers.
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