I grew up in the church, well aware of the tension that surrounded the topic of homosexuality. So when I began to feel the pull of same-gender attraction as a preteen, I didn’t feel there was anyone I could turn to. That was 20 years ago, but I’m afraid not much has changed for those in the church who struggle with same-gender attraction.
June 2010
- feature articlesFeaturesLife & Faith
Homosexuality: Blending understanding, compassion, and conviction
by Walter UngerA few years ago, I listened to the testimonies of two men who had been involved in homosexual relationships. Toni had grown up with an inordinate need for male affirmation. At age 20, he found that affirmation in the gay community.
Fred Rogers became a legend in children’s broadcasting prior to his death in 2003. He was ordained as a Presbyterian minister in 1962, and soon became host of the popular TV show, Mister Rogers’ Neighbourhood. At the beginning of each episode, Mr. Rogers would put on a cardigan sweater and sneakers, and sing the show’s theme song, “Won’t You Be My Neighbour?”
On Apr. 24, the Mennonite Brethren Historical Commission, Tabor College, and the Center for MB Studies (CMBS) in Hillsboro, Kan., sponsored a launch for a book celebrating a Mennonite writer with 2,000-plus published articles and books to her name: The Voice of a Writer: Honoring the Life of Katie Funk Wiebe.
Notice of CCMBC Motion; National mission to train pastors renewed; ICOMB staff transition; Effort to halve global poverty by 2015; MDS monitors oil spill; Africa most religious place on earth; New sex ed. curriculum withdrawn; MEDA offers savings accounts; Commercials for new Billy Graham Assoc. website win awards; MCC receives large donations for Haiti response; Tabor College takes environmental initiatives; Doomsday clock adjusted
- MB HeraldNewsPeople and Events
Gas station reborn as symbol of unity among prairie churches
by Karla BraunThe needs of youth take top priority for seven churches local to Herbert, Sask. In March, after months of planning, searching, renovating, and decorating, they officially opened a new drop-in centre in a former Texaco gas station – complete with a coffee bar, HDTV equipped with wifi and PS3, multipurpose room, and arcade room – for all the youth of the town of approximately 700.
- ColumnsFrom the editorMB HeraldViews
Homosexuality: Is our perspective too one-dimensional?
by Laura KalmarI finally saw Avatar for the first time last week. I avoided purchasing one of the movie’s 75-million North American theatre tickets, and chose to watch it on Blu-ray instead. I really didn’t want to wear those silly 3D glasses!
Two churches – who meet at a unique, shared site – hosted this year’s annual convention of the B.C. Conference of MB (BCMB) Churches. Richmond Bethel and Richmond Chinese MB’s co-host pastors told delegates that each church has its normal congregational life in the same building, but they do some things jointly or cooperatively. Pastors Peter Mau and Scott Tolhurst said those joint things must be intentional – they don’t “just happen.”
Do Hard Things: A Teenage Rebellion Against Low ExpectationsAuthors: Alex Harris and Brett HarrisWritten by teenagers for teenagers, this is one of the most inspiring books I have read recently: a rebellion against the low expectations adults have of teenagers (and they of themselves!).
God needed to do something drastic given the general Christian malaise in the state of Andhra Pradesh, one Indian leader surmised. A few months after devastating floods hit Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, Indian MB leaders found reconciliation through the waters of footwashing.
A New Kind of Christianity: Ten Questions that are Transforming the FaithAuthor: Brian D. McLaren
Brian D. McLaren’s 2004 book A Generous Orthodoxy was dubbed a “manifesto of the emerging church conversation.” His recent title A New Kind of Christianity is an all-encompassing work, mixing ancient, modern, and postmodern philosophy, theology, and Christian history with his commentary on affluent Western society. It will elicit a strong response from every reader – shocking some, refreshing others.Poetry by Angeline Schellenberg
Introverts in the ChurchAuthor: Adam S. McHughI hate the title of Adam S. McHugh’s book. I hate the title, but love the book. The title implies it’s for introverts only. Instead, it’s a book for everybody in the church.