SHOULD THE UNITED CHURCH BE NiAEING HOMOSEXUALS?

Qod loves homosexuals, but not their llfestjLies* He tells us this clearly in scripture, Beason, tradition and inspiration. Some have tried to make the Bible fit their preconcleved ideas. Some claim that science and ream indicate that sexual orientation^is based on genetic origin. In ^ite of misleading reports, the reverse is trtie. They often quoted John Money on prenatal hormones, but he tells us that orientation is not fixed until several years after birth. He also shows tnat is vast areas of the South Pacific, young males are made to live together as gays. At age 12 they are married and become heterosexual. Both these facts indicate the effect of the environment and society.

Elizabeth Moberly and many others have proved tiiat sexual orientation can be changed. A break in family relationships may be a prime cause, and again, society must snare tne blame. In many cases there appears to have been a break in father-son or mother-dauguter bonding, and homosexual partners are sought to make up for a felt loss of family love. Church traoition has consistently considered homosexual activity a sin, and tuis remains true for most of our partner churches, both developed and developing. In Korea and China, witn very strong family ties, homosexuality is rare. In our pri^e of being modern we have returned to the morality of pagan Greece and Rome.

If the United Church encourages same sex Liarriages to make homosexual activity respecti^id , while abandoning Biblical morality and evangelism, we compounding tne problem.

It is not loving or respectful if we neglect to tell our gay and lesbian brotheis and sisiters that thay and v/e are all in need of God^s forgiveness and mercy.

Ian 3 Robb, I-.D.

6040 Soutn 3t Halifax, i.’.S. B3H 157

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