homosexuality

Title: Two Views on Homosexuality, the Bible, and the Church
By Preston Sprinkle (Editor), Stanley N. Gundry (Editor), William Loader (Contributor), Megan K. DeFranza (Contributor), Wesley Hill (Contributor), Stephen R. Holmes (Contributor)
Zondervan

Generous Spaciousness: Responding to Gay Christians in the Church
Author: Wendy VanderWal-Gritter
The October 2013 MB study conference on human sexuality highlighted our church’s need for serious engagement on the topic of homosexuality.

As someone who holds a confessional MB perspective on homosexuality, I cling to this quote. It gives me hope for the future of my beliefs – and for my witness.

It was my fifth week as lead pastor at The Meeting Place, Winnipeg. Every face was a new face, every story a new story. A young man named Paul* approached me after the Sunday service, beaming, “Pastor John, I got engaged yesterday evening! Would you officiate our wedding?”

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.

A 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?”

Dear Dad, Do you remember potato planting time in Spring?