Sexuality

1. Homosexuality is a reality which the church has to take into account in our world. There are different interpretations concerning how the term “homosexuality” is understood and used. For the sake of clarity a difference is to be made between “homosexual tendencies” and “homosexual practice”. Having homosexual tendencies does not necessarily lead to homosexual practice.
2. The measure to which people are aware of their homosexual tendencies varies. Becoming aware of these tendencies is a great shock in most cases, and it results in deep feelings of guilt and self-condemnation.
3. Different explanations are given for the emergence of homosexual tendencies: Genetic predisposition & Socially conditioned character.
4. For both explanations (and their variants) there are examples and verifiable evidence supporting the standpoint. There is no need for the church to take an either-or standpoint in this regard.
5. Amongst Christians there are also people with homosexual tendencies. As with all other believers, they form part of the Church of Christ as sinners saved by God.
6. Owing to a lack of information, homosexuality is regarded as particularly reprehensible. There are those who believe that people with homosexual tendencies made an active choice in this regard. Homosexuals are often discriminated against (by jokes, ridicule, contempt, condemnation, being avoided).
7. The social discrimination homosexuals experience may lead to them living in fear and loneliness. Should it become known that a person has homosexual tendencies, it may lead to such people being rejected by family members, friends, co-workers or even the church.
8. A qualified therapist may be able to offer help to homosexuals. If, however, they experience condemnation or are simply given the advice to resist the homosexual tendencies, they may feel overwhelmed, and such reaction may simply serve to intensify the feelings of guilt they already have.
9. The church’s view on homosexuality must be informed by Scripture. The practise of homosexuality is clearly rejected as being sinful (Leviticus 18:22, 24; 20:13; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; 1 Timothy 1:9-10). Homosexual practise is contrary to God’s will, according to which he made man and woman to live in a relationship with one another (Genesis 1:27; 2:18, 24). It is therefore not possible for the church to perform marriages of homosexual partners or to bless them in any way.
10. Scripture does not make any direct reference to homosexual tendencies. In view of this fact the church should take care not to issue a wholesale condemnation of homosexuals. The homosexual tendency is, however, subject to the mysterious distortion, which resulted from sin entering the world. As with sickness, homosexuality must be viewed in connection with original sin. Scripture characterises this distortion as God’s judgement over all humanity, which somehow affects all people.
11. Homosexuality is no “special sin”. Sin in its essence is the turning away of mankind from God and living in disobedience to God’s will. Homosexuality is no different from the other “vices” such as greed, drunkenness, adultery, sexual immorality, jealousy, racism or refusing to reconcile (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
12. As homosexuals are vulnerable both psychologically (self-condemnation) and socially (avoidance), they need the special help and pastoral care the church can offer. Christ has come for the sake of the sinners (Matt 9:12 par.).
13. As with all sinners, the grace of God applies also to homosexuals. God’s wish to forgive, as well as the unconditional love of Christ are to be made known to them just as they are to every other sinner. They are permitted to be involved in the workings of the congregation, and to be strengthened by the Sacrament of Communion.
14. As is the case with other sinful tendencies, or in the case of illness and pain, homosexuals are to bear their propensity as a “cross”. They are encouraged to seek professional and pastoral care. The temptation to rebel against God, is to be countered by faith. Even though the homosexual tendency may be experienced as an exceptionally heavy burden, the Christian is enjoined to practise sexual abstinence.
15. While the church clearly states its opposition to a propagation of homosexual tolerance, it is, at the same time, to do what it can for people living with homosexual tendencies. This may be done by showing understanding and empathy, care and love. All Christians rejoice in being justified sinners who have received God’s forgiveness in Christ Jesus (cf. Luke 15:7, 12). They accept the power the Holy Spirit imparts to live lives pleasing to God.

Prepared and discussed during the pastor’s convention of the FELSISA from 16-18 August

2010, and released for discussion by the Synodical Council of the FELSISA.

February 2011.