by Al Shaw

Created on: January 31, 2007   Last Updated: May 11, 2007

We might not all agree on the answers, but let's at least clarify the key questions in this controversial topic:

Is a gay lifestyle compatible with an authentic Christian faith?

How are local churches to respond to those from a gay background?

What is a Christian view of gay rights in the wider society?

What is our source of authority for answering any of the above questions?

Despite being last on the list, I'll start with the final question what is our source of authority for this debate?

1. Simply put, a Christian response to this issue must begin with the Bible. What are its direct statements? What are its examples and what do they reveal? What are the principles it contains which apply to this issue? In starting with the Bible, we recognize and honour its authority as the word of God. As the final authority in all matters of faith and practice, it is our ultimate source for understanding this or any other issue.

2. What is our view, then, of gay rights in the wider (non-Christian) society? Our view must be, surely, to affirm that gay people do indeed have rights, rights not derived from their sexual behaviour but from their humanity. These rights include the freedom to hold certain beliefs and practice them. The right to hold such beliefs and engage in such practices should be seen as comparable to religious or political rights they are rights which have to do with beliefs and opinions rather than inherent matters of a person's humanity. Equating gay rights with those of women, ethnic minorities or the disabled is surely to confuse the issue. One cannot choose one's race; one can choose one's lifestyle.

3. How, then, are local churches to respond to those from a gay background? The answer is, in the same way as churches are to deal with any individual as a sinner loved by God. This means that we see beyond the obvious sins to the person them self, made in God's image, and loved by him. This is outworked, practically, by telling people the good news of salvation through Christ and calling them to repentance and faith in him. This in turn is expressed through the individual being baptized in water and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Obviously, as part of the expression of conversion, we would look for a turning away from all known sin whether it is sexual, economic or social. For a person living a gay lifestyle, this would include stopping all sexual activity outside of heterosexual marriage. This change of behaviour which is quite possible and achievable

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