1Corinthians6:9-11NIV"Or do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived:Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor men who have sex with men[a] 10 nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
Romans1:26,27NIV"Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error."
Where does the Episcopal Church stand on the ordination of non-celibate gay and lesbian people?
Closeted gay and lesbian people have been ordained throughout Christian history. The same has been true in the Episcopal Church.In 1977, Bishop Paul Moore of New York ordained Ellen Barrett as the first openly lesbian priest in the Episcopal Church. Since then, numerous openly gay and lesbian clergy have been ordained or come out of the closet.
In 1993, Bishop Otis Charles of Utah retired and came out.
In 1994 the General Convention passed the following resolution...
No one shall be denied access to the selection process for ordination in this Church because of race, color, ethnic origin, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disabilities or age, except as otherwise specified by these Canons. No right to ordination is hereby established.In 1996, several conservative bishops filed heresy charges against retired Bishop Walter Righter because he had ordain an openly gay man to the deaconate. The ecclesiastical court dismissed the charges--ruling that the Episcopal Church had no clear doctrine on the issue.
In 2003, Gene Robinson of New Hampshire was consecrated as the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church.
Where does the Episcopal Church stand on same-sex marriages?
In 2009, the General Convention passed the following resolution...Resolved, the House of Deputies concurring, That the 76th General Convention acknowledge the changing circumstances in the United States and in other nations, as legislation authorizing or forbidding marriage, civil unions or domestic partnerships for gay and lesbian persons is passed in various civil jurisdictions that call forth a renewed pastoral response from this Church, and for an open process for the consideration of theological and liturgical resources for the blessing of same gender relationships; and be it furtherAs a result, an increasing number of bishops have promulgated official, written policies that permit the blessing of same-sex relationships. In a few dioceses, bishops allow their clergy to act as agents of the state and marry same-gender couples.
Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, in consultation with the House of Bishops, collect and develop theological and liturgical resources, and report to the 77th General Convention; and be it further
Resolved, That the Standing Commission on Liturgy and Music, in consultation with the House of Bishops, devise an open process for the conduct of its work inviting participation from provinces, dioceses, congregations, and individuals who are engaged in such theological work, and inviting theological reflection from throughout the Anglican Communion; and be it further
Resolved, That bishops, particularly those in dioceses within civil jurisdictions where same-gender marriage, civil unions, or domestic partnerships are legal, may provide generous pastoral response to meet the needs of members of this Church; and be it further
Resolved, That this Convention honor the theological diversity of this Church in regard to matters of human sexuality; and be it further
Resolved, That the members of this Church be encouraged to engage in this effort.
The freedom that Jehovah God gives through Christ is the power to live as we ought and not license to live as we please.
1peter2:16NIV"Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves."