Christians and homosexuality

There are some issues that Christians always seem to be kicking off about, and homosexuality is one. The public reactions of Christians to this sensitive issue usually make me feel very disappointed.

I have been a Christian for 10 years and I believe and trust in the Bible in its entirety, which means that I don't believe that sex outside marriage is within God's will. However, that isn’t a licence for Christians to attack the lifestyles of others or seek to point the finger. I have been involved with a number of evangelical churches over the years and also with some para-church organisations. Whilst most Christians do seek to be loving and accepting, I have found that there is some homophobia in the church. Although this isn't usually expressed in violence, it can be just as damaging. I think there is an ignorance about the issues that gay people face, and an unwillingness to actively reach out to the gay community with God's love. Sadly, the church often isn't a safe place for someone to be open about their sexual struggles and work through issues with God's grace and healing.

In the light of all this, I think that instead of Christians being defensive and unwilling to admit that they sometimes get things wrong, it would be much more constructive to do the following:

(1) Humbly repent of personal and corporate homophobia.

(2) Contact gay organisations to express regret when they feel the church is homophobic and to clearly show God's love for gay people.

(3) Write a letter to the national newspapers saying that God loves gay people and they are just as welcome in church as everyone else.

(4) Speak to gay people inside and outside the church and ask them how you can respond to gay strugglers with sensitivity.

(5) Show more active care and understanding for those struggling with homosexuality within your congregation.

(6) Stop writing defensive letters which just go to add fuel to the argument that the church only ever mentions homosexuality in a negative and confrontational way.