1. Christianity & HOmosexuality

2. What the UMC believes The United Methodist Book of Discipline states the following: No homosexual unions shall be performed in our churches. Paragraph 332.6 says, “Ceremonies that celebrate homosexual unions shall not be conducted by our ministers and shall not be conducted in our churches.”

3. What the UMC believes The United Methodist Book of Discipline states the following: Self-avowed, practicing homosexuals may not be ordained. Paragraph 304.3 says, “Since the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching, self-avowed practicing homosexuals are not to be accepted as candidates, ordained as ministers or appointed to serve in the United Methodist Church.”

4. What the UMC believes The United Methodist Book of Discipline continues: No church funds shall be given to organizations that promote the acceptance of homosexuality.

5. What the UMC believes The United Methodist Book of Discipline continues: United Methodist are committed to supporting civil liberties and human rights of homosexuals. Paragraph 162.H “Certain basic human rights and civil liberties are due all persons. We are committed to supporting those rights and liberties for homosexual persons…Moreover, we support efforts to stop violence and other forms of coercion against gays and lesbians…”

6. What the UMC believes The United Methodist Book of Discipline continues: All persons, including homosexuals, are individuals of “sacred worth.” We are committed to ministry for and with all persons. “Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth…Although we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching, we affirm that God’s grace is available to all. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn their lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons.

7. What Does Scripture Say???? Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 are part of what is known as the “holiness code” where God conveys to Moses all types of practices in which He does not want his chosen people to participate.

8. What Does Scripture Say???? I Timothy 1:10 lists categories of sinners which includes the Greek word “arseokoitai” which is usually translated “homosexual.” I Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul offers another list of those who are living contrary to God’s plans including male prostitutes and homosexual offenders.

9. A History lesson from the New Testament Period The culture in which the New Testament was written…Greco-Roman culture…generally accepted homosexuality as it also accepted the practice of adultery. The Greek army encouraged it’s soldiers to have a homosexual lover. They believed that a person would defend someone they loved more than they would just a friend.

10. Mark’s opinion I believe that if we truly are seeking to be the church of Jesus Christ…the church modeled after the One who welcomed all sinners into his midst, then we must be accepting of all who are seeking grace. This doesn’t mean that we accept the actions, but we ALWAYS ACCEPT THE PERSON!

11. Mark’s opinion Whatever your personal area of struggle—your egos, your love of wealth and riches, your anger, your prejudices, your lust, your sexual struggles, your secret thought life, your self-centeredness— all have found a place in Paul’s list of behavior that can dishonor God. I believe that homosexuality is not God’s will for anyone and it is contrary to the teachings of Scripture. Yet, I do believe that in order for us to truly be the church, we must welcome each and every sinner into our midst. For you see, my friends, each of us, as sinners, were welcomed so why should we do no less for others…whatever their sin.