In Reply to: Re: TFI and Society at large posted by gay exer on June 12, 2006 at 12:42:37:
One of my my classmates is a pastor with the United Methodists Church, and we were discussing my class project of homsexuality in the church. In the Methidst church there have been varying opinions on this subject. A couple of weeks ago there was a conference of area of Florida's Methodists Churches and this issue was one of the points of discussion. My friend sent me an email with the actual doctrinal stance of the United Methodist Church. Here it is.
I am including a part of the social principles of The United Methodist Church, as we discussed on Monday evening. I hope this helps with your discussion group. "Homosexual persons no less than heterosexual persons are individuals of sacred worth. All persons need the ministry and guidance of the church in their struggles for human fulfillment, as well as the spiritual and emotional care of a fellowship that enables reconciling relationships with God, with others, and with self. The United Methodist Church does not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching. We affirm that God's grace is available to all, and we will seek to live together in Christian community. We implore families and churches not to reject or condemn lesbian and gay members and friends. We commit ourselves to be in ministry for and with all persons."
For the most part this is the stance of most churches including the denomination I am involved with. What it boils down to is we are all sinners in need of God's forgiveness.