The
eorgetonian G
October 29, 2014 Volume CXXXIV Issue 7
Panel talks on homosexuality and Christianity GC Fairness sponsored an event that discussed how Christians view homosexuality
By ANDREA BELLEW Staff Writer On Tuesday, Oct. 28, GC Fairness and Campus Spectrum sponsored the event “Gay and Christian across Denominations,” which was a panel discussion about different denominations’ stances on homosexuality. There were speakers from four denominations: Reverend Bob Fox (Baptist), Bryan Langlands (United Methodist), Eric Thompson (Catholic) and Bishop Douglas Hahn (Episcopal). The discussion was moderated by Doctor Terry Clark, Associate Professor of the Religion Department. Nathan Pritzer, President of GC Fairness, gave the opening statement. Then Dr. Clark began by giving some statistics about how many people identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual and/or transgender. He also said, “There are major shifts in attitude towards this issue [Christianity and homosexuality, and gay marriage] in the last decade.” Then each of the panelists was given the opportunity to tell their denomination’s stance on homosexuality and gay marriage before the ques-
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tions began. largest group of Baptists Hahn said that the would be in the camp Episcopals look at Scripof condemning homoture, traditions and sexuality as against the experiences of current Scripture and against Christians for guidance. God’s will.” Some Baptist He used the experiences churches condemn homoof a homosexual couple, sexuality completely, Michael and Charley, while others are open and who have been married The Georgetonian/ANGEL WOODRUM affirming towards homofor 22 years and are strong The panel for the GC Fairness event. sexuality. There can even members of their congrebe diversity within each gation as an example of Epis- there is no ordination of homo- congregation because Baptists copalian theology. He said that sexual people. He said the encourage each individual there is understanding in the Catholic Church challenges to read the Bible and come to Episcopalian church that con- homosexuals to chastity. their own conclusion. versation with God and the Bryan Langlands read After there being statechurch is always changing. He from the 2008 edition of “The ments on theology, the quesended by saying in reference Book of Discipline of the tions began. The first question to homosexual people, “This is United Methodist Church” to was on what the different why our doors are wide open.” tell what the United Methodist denomination’s opinions were Eric Thompson, who works stance is. The books says that on transgender identification, at St. John’s Catholic Church, only heterosexual sexual activ- faith and church involvement. began explaining the Catholic ity while married is accepted. Reverend Fox said that the standpoint by saying, “Per- It also says that all people Ky. Baptist convention, which haps most importantly, this is should have civil rights and is meeting soon, will be putan exciting time for the Cath- should not be treated with vio- ting out a resolution saying olic church.” He is referring lence, and that all people are of that transgender people are to the gathering of the Senate worth. It says that God’s grace living sinfully, but must be of the Family, which is when is for all, so people are encour- treated with love. Bryan Langcardinals and bishops gather aged to not reject or condemn lands said that he was unsure, to pray and discuss where the any person. but that it would most likely church is currently and where Reverend Fox said that be open for United Methodists. it is going. He said, “It is a very there is no overarching author- Thompson also said he was exciting time to be Catholic, ity for Baptists to follow, so unsure. Hahn said that ordinanot because we necessarily see there is a lot of diversity within tion is not barred to transgenchange, but because there is the Baptist denomination. He der people and that they are a new openness.” Currently, said, “To be fair, probably the accepted.
Another big question was whether homosexuality was considered an affliction that a church can fix. Hahn said that God made people diversely and what should be more focused upon is whether a relationship is faithful or healing. Thompson said that the inclination to homosexuality is not a sin, but acting upon it is a sin, so he reemphasized the call for chastity and self-control. Langlands said that the affliction seems to come more from the rejection, condemnation and loneliness that comes from revealing homosexuality and that he challenges everyone to walk with homosexual people through their journey and not condemning them. Fox said that Baptists generally see it as a lifestyle choice that society wants to make a normal, accepted thing. The final question presented to the panel was whether homosexual Christians could get into heaven. Each panelist said yes to this question. Hahn mentioned the Bible said that when people are born the angels sing out in order to emphasize that we are all loved in the Lord’s eyes.
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