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Monday, 06/23/2008 17:00

I would just like to comment on the UMC slogan "open minds, open hearts, open doors." I am an upcoming senior in high school and as such, I have encountered many self-proclaimed Christians who believe that we should be open to everyone. While I agree that we should never exclude anyone from hearing the truth of Christ that is not how these people would define "open." Their definition actually defines the word tolerance, which is not what God asks of us. He does not call us to be tolerant of everyone with different beliefs and just "live and let live." We are to be different from the world and challenge anything that opposes the Word of God.

For that reason, I know that homosexuality is a sin and practicing homosexuals should not be allowed ordination. I agree that homosexuality is a cultural preference, but the United Methodist Church should not fall under this peer pressure. If the entire denomination cannot come to a consensus that homosexuality is wrong, how do they expect the youth of the church to know what is right?

 

Gary Knight

Friday, 05/02/2008 15:21

I am grateful to God that our church retained its current language that we do not "condone" the practice of homosexuality and consider it "incompatible with Christian teaching." I continue to be amazed at the way those advocating gay rights attempt to present their agenda as a matter of civil rights.

Ordination is not the "right" of every person, and the church has the right to determine the requirements for ordination. Our standards are based on scripture & tradition, and I don't have to agree with them - but if I seek to be ordained as a United Methodist clergyperson, I must. This is clear from the beginning of the ordination process. Anyone who does not intend to abide by our standards, should not seek ordination in our connection.

I also believe that civil rights are based on Biblical directives, while the gay rights agenda is based on cultural preference. I continue to stand on God's Word as our guide, and I pray that our church will as well.