I believe there are three things the church in general, and the Black church specifically, should do to address the issue of homosexuality:
- Be informed. Because there are many aspects of this issue that believers may find distasteful, some may shy away from an awareness of the current culture that is pervasive throughout our society. We, as believers, cannot put our heads in the sand and act as though these things are not happening. Our children and youth are confronting a powerful lure in terms of sexual perversion of all types. We must have some knowledge about the cultural challenges our children are facing.
- Be supportive. As believers, we must offer homosexuals more than condemnation. Young people who are looking for a way out of the homosexual and bisexual lifestyles should be able to seek refuge and support at a Christian church. Just as many churches have programs for those who are seeking deliverance from alcoholism, drug addiction, smoking and other human frailties, a program for those who no longer wish to be bound by sexual sins should be considered.
- Be vigilant. Despite the statements made by most gay activists to the contrary, they are indeed targeting churches for legal challenges to gay marriage and gay partnerships.
- Christian believers, and those of other faiths, must know that this is not going to be an easy fight, but it is a necessary one. Being attacked and called names simply for standing up for one’s beliefs is never pleasant. But the early Christians had a much tougher fight than we have. We are blessed in that we do have the constitutional right to free speech without fear of government persecution.
Gwen Richardson is an author and entrepreneur who resides in Houston, Texas. |
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