Although they certainly don't represent Rome or the Vatican, nevertheless, the archdiocese of Los Angeles is publicly proclaiming solidarity with Gay and Lesbian Catholics, and using the ancient symbol of the fish to do so.
To love the Gay and Lesbian community in the name of Christ is the right thing to do. To endorse sexual sin, including homosexual sex, is evil. The church must stand and declare that sexual holiness means sex is only allowed within the context of marriage between a man and a woman. This is the truth from God. Any who claim to be church leaders who deny this and advocate sin, are not serving God but opposing Him.
For more info: http://www.archdiocese.la/ministry/mlgc/index.php
13 comments:
I am glad you mentioned about loving them, for that is the right thing to do. I actually know of a church that the PASTOR says if someone gay walks into his church and sits in a pew he will not preach...and he actually DID IT. Homosexuality is a sin that should not be endorsed, but as you said, we need to love them in the name of Jesus. Not one of us should be too proud to wash anyone else's feet.
You are correct, Margie. Love is the answer. In a church our size, there is no doubt that there are several people who are secretly struggling in this area. Sexual attraction is a very strong drive and when someone struggles with being attracted to the same sex, it is unnaturaly, but it is also life-dominating. The need for love and understanding is huge.
let me go further, pedophiles are also people who have unnatural sexual attractions. We should do all we can to protect children from people who struggle with this, for it creates a socio-pathic predatory behavior in many people who have this problem. However, the church should not run from a pedophile who desires to repent and change their behavior. Instead, we should do the hard work of creating intense accountability and discipleship.
All humans, no matter the sin, are precious to God, and He desires to save them (us) from their (our) sins.
Do you have children in your church? I suppose you do. So basically you Mike and you Margie are both saying that it is ok that they want to abuse children? You would both just invite them into your church and "love" them??? How can you be hypocrites? You don't think it's wrong that they want to abuse children? But you'll love them anyway. A bit hypocritical eh? And homosexuality. I want nothing to do with a homosexual. They are destroying marriage as we know it. They are preying on young men and girls to join them and they don't know any better. Starting to wonder about this "church" you both go to. Mike is Margie your wife? is that why both of your points are so similar or are you just brainwashing her in your church??
can you help me start a blog? i like all the ones that you have links to on your blog too they are very nice. do you know if you have to be a certain age? i am 14. thanks.
Whoa, anonymous, I think you are misunderstanding what is being said.
four times in my life I have known and worked with people who struggled with pedaphilia. In each case, the goal was to teach them and help them live a healthy life. However, let me be clear: SAFETY OF CHILDREN ALWAYS COMES FIRST. This means that if a person ever acts on their feelings, they should be locked up. Also, it means accountability, and being kept away from children. Safety is always our first concern. Indeed, we do background checks on everyone who works with children in the church and have policies for child safety that prevent adults from being alone with kids, especially men.
But, all human beings have value. Period. no matter how sinful they are, JEsus died on a cross for them.
And, I'd add, Anonymous, although I have no idea who you are, that you too are a sinner in the eyes of God who deserves eternity in hell, just like me, and just like anyone else. Nothing personal, that's just the human condition. Therefore, God's love for you is the same.
As for homosexuals, I have had, through the years, more than a few friends who have struggled in this area and it is a lonely road for them. God loves them too.
as for brainwashed, no, we are not. Margie is not my wife, but we do have the same Father, in Heaven, who helps us look at things correctly.
God bless you and all.
I just want to respond a little to what Anonymous has inferred and stated in his / her reply.
First, a misunderstanding of what the word "love" means in the context it is used by Mike is obvious. It does not mean accept without disagreement in everything that was done. God loves all people - all kinds, all types, and best of all - no matter what their sin. Christians have been called to show that love in the process of helping that individual, "see and repent" of their sins. We are also needed to support the growth of someone that "walks with Jesus now" unlike when they committed the offenses that we are all not happy about.
It is not within the place of the church to "stone" or judge the sinner. That is God's place.
Within our society, the laws and rules exist to "manage" the sinners conduct around others here on earth - "LAW" and "Courts" as we call it. It is the practice of civilized people to control their earthly reaction and defer that earthly response to the courts. But we as Christians, continue to show the sinner the love and mercy of GOD and assist that person in improving their actions - not judging their past conduct. This is evidenced by the fact that all sinners can confess their sins and God will be Just to forgive the sincere request from any of us.
My first reaction to these offenders is of strong dislike and ...
However, I too believe that I must attempt to show "the love God ask of us" toward that individual. If they choose to ignore counsel, then it is God's place to judge, not mine.
Laws and Courts have established methods of keeping these people from their next potential victim.
And I say without any hesitation, I SUPPORT!
So you can see anonymous, that showing "love" does not mean that you agree with what they did or think that they shouldn't have a price of that conduct. What it does mean is you understand what you "part in the play" is and don't try to be the accuser, the prosecuter, the judge, and the executioner - all at the same time.
shawn, go to www.blogger.com
it's easy. :)
Big Fred brings up an interesting point.
The laws of society are not about healing and mercy. They are about justice and order.
That is as how it should be. God has ordained human government for this purpose. Laws should be based on morality. Crime should be punished.
Love does not mean overlooking sin. Love, rather, overcomes the sin.
I think we should hail anonymous the king of non-sequitor.
Yes, Mandy Gee, that is a good point. It does not follow that because Margie and I share views that we are also married, etc...
Glad to see someone is reading who has a mind towards valid debating technique!
Aw now come on! I thought Pastor Mike was the only one that made me use my dictionary!! The word "sequitor" is not even in the dictionary!! Now what do I do?? Someone help me out here!!
Hi Margie, since I'm not using a dictionary either, my spelling coule be wrong. However, this is the info you seek:
non-sequetor means: "it does not follow." The term is usually used in forensics (the art of debate) to refer to an argument that is falacious (spelling again?) because the conclusion "does not follow" from the premesis. For example, "You're an American, therefore you are not a communist." That argument is a non-sequetor. it does not necessarily follow that being an American means you are not a communist.
:)
Neither does it follow that all homosexuals are child molesters...
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