Md. priest becomes first lesbian Episcopal bishop
The Rev. Canon Mary D. Glasspool, canon to the bishops of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, was elected bishop suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles on Saturday.
The Annapolis resident is the first openly lesbian priest to be elected a bishop in the Episcopal Church, and is the first openly gay bishop chosen since the 2003 election of V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire brought a longstanding divide over homosexuality within the church out into the open.
“I’m very excited about the future of the whole Episcopal Church, and I see the Diocese of Los Angeles leading the way into that future,” Glasspool, 55, told delegates at the diocese’s annual convention. “Thanks be to our loving, surprising God. I look forward, in the coming months, to getting to know you all better, as together we build up the Body of Christ for the world.”
Ordained in 1981, Glasspool served in parishes in Philadelphia and Boston and St. Margaret’s in Annapolis before becoming canon to the bishops in 2001, according to the release. She has served on the diocese’s Standing Committee, the board of Episcopal Community Services of Maryland, and has been elected four times to head the deputation to General Convention.
She is one of two priests elected bishops suffragan for Los Angeles on Saturday. As suffragans, they are to assist the Right Rev. J. Jon Bruno, Bishop of Los Angeles.
The Right Rev. Eugene Taylor Sutton, bishop of Maryland, offered congratulations.
“This is a great day in the life of the Episcopal Church,” he said in a statement. “I have often said that the staff of the Diocese of Maryland is one of the finest in the Church. When one of its members is called to other important positions in the church, then all of us are honored. As canon to the bishops since 2001, Mary has distinguished herself as a faithful and gifted priest who is well prepared to assume the mantle of leadership incumbent upon a bishop.”
Glasspool’s election comes months after the Episcopal General Convention, the principal governing body of the church in the United States, voted to declare homosexuals eligible for any ordained ministry and began writing prayers to bless gay unions.
A smaller group has broken away to form the Anglican Church of North America, a conservative body seeking separate recognition within the worldwide Anglican Communion. The Vatican, meanwhile, has announced plans to make it easier for disaffected conservative Anglicans to join the Catholic Church.
Comments
Do the Episcopalians not read the bible? It clearly declares that homosexuality is an abomination to God. Abominations means literally, that HE does not approve of homosexuality. It's plainly written in black and white...what's more to debate?
Posted by: Tee Cee | December 5, 2009 9:42 PM
“I’m very excited about the future of the whole Episcopal Church, and I see the Diocese of Los Angeles leading the way into that future..."
Reality check: The denomination is awash with lawsuits and heresy. It is one of the fastest declining, decline which will accelerate with her election. The new Anglican Church of North America is adding churches weekly. There is no future for the once formidable denomination. Abandon all hope.
Posted by: Ex-pisky | December 5, 2009 9:58 PM
The Congregation of Holy Cross founded Notre Dame and sponsors it with hundreds of Holy Cross priests, brothers, sisters and seminarians on campus (including the president, Fr. John Jenkins, C.S.C.)! It is a very Catholic school! My God, what other Catholic university has daily Masses and liturgies in EVERY DORMITORY on campus?? 150 Masses on campus a week, with high attendance! Of the 220 Catholic Universities and Colleges in the US, Notre Dame is by far the best (with Boston College and Georgetown University not far behind!)
Posted by: william2 | December 5, 2009 11:26 PM
When the Episcopal Church began ordaining homosexuals and marrying homosexuals, they gave themselves over to Satan without pretense. If you are a christian, flee from this evil organization. You are disgracing Jesus Christ by sanctioning this abomination with your presence.
Posted by: Mary Waterton | December 6, 2009 12:35 AM
If you have been slothful or just not paying attention, please pay attention. If you can count to six this is not too difficult.
.
In the Bible this is the evidence.
==============================
Bishop: the word, is used only ( six ) times.
==============================
Strongs Concordance: Greek dictionary; #1984, one time; 1Timothy 3: 1 being the #1984 (episcope)
Strongs Concordance: Greek dictionary; #1985, five times. the other five being # 1985 (episcopos).
1Tim 3:1 “… If a Man…”
1Tim 3:2 “…the husband of one wife…”
2Tim 4:22 “ …Timotheus…”
Titus 1:7 “… blameless…” note* Titus 1: 6 “ …the husband of one wife…”
Titus 3: 15 “…Titus…”
2 Peter 2:25 “…Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” 21-25 are inclusive and together. The identity of this bishop is clear and without question. This Bishop is The Lord himself, above and better than all bishops of men and by his stripes we are healed.
A bishop of the church is not the Redeemer; he is a sinful man, in need of redemption himself.
By the stripes of this Bishop of our souls in 2 Peter, we are healed. That eliminates every human being except Jesus Christ himself unless you claim the right to equality with our Lord and Saviour.
Sorry, the first five verses cannot be mingled with 2 Peter : 25.
If you think that they can and all the bishops are equal, than every shepherd in the world is equal to:
“The Lord is my Shepherd…” Psalm 23
You tell God that you are like him. I am not going to tell God any such thing.
Here it is then.
To be a bishop you must be a man, married to one wife, blameless and without unruly children.
The discussion of sexual sin and the implications of false shepherding is still another issue.
Posted by: jlb | December 6, 2009 4:00 AM
As an Episcopal priest in the Diocese of MD and colleague of Canon Glasspool's I have had the good fortune to witness her deep faith and commitment to Jesus Christ. She lives out the promises we Christians in the Episcopal tradition make at our baptism, including to seek and serve Christ in all persons and to respect the dignity of every human being. We do not put qualifiers on what kind of human beings we will respect.
We also are guided by the person of Jesus Christ as revealed throughout the whole of Holy Scripture. Jesus called to ministry all willing to follow the Great Commandment: love God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself (Matt. 22:37-39).
Scripture tells us that all God creates is good (Gen.1:31: Psalm 139:14).
Jesus also warned against judging others (Matt: 7:1-5) because this is not the way to a holy life. To love and serve him with a pure heart is the way. I wish Canon Glasspool fortitude and joy as she embarks on this next stage of her service to Christ. And I can assure you, as long as there are people drawn to a God of love who calls us to share that love with an aching and broken world, the Episcopal Church will be there to do so.
P.S. Thank you Mr. Brown for your post which ably transmitted the subtleties of Episcopal church governance usually lost in media accounts.
Posted by: LHB | December 6, 2009 7:28 AM
I am a priest of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland and thank God for the election of Mary Glasspool's grace and courage and pray for all involved.
Columba Gilliss
Posted by: Columba Gilliss | December 6, 2009 8:36 AM
Having been blessed by the misintry of Mary Glasspool at St. Margaret's inAnnapolis, my only regret at her election is that she will not been using her pastoral gifts in a parish!
Posted by: Sharon | December 6, 2009 9:47 AM
The Episcopal Church should be ashamed of itself. Having a lesbian priest is disgusting enough,nothing could be more disrepectful to God than this. No matter how the church tries to rationalize this it is filthy and immoral.
Posted by: M.A.UK | December 6, 2009 11:07 AM
To Tee Cee, Ex-Pisky and others- In my experience, the Episcopal Church appeals to those who can think, read the Bible and digest its true meaning. The decline of TEC parallels the decline of the number of Americans who are capable of critical thinking (thus also explaining the growth of conservatism). Thank you for illustrating my point. To Rev. LHB, thank you for stating the case far more eloquently than I thought was possible.
Posted by: Dennis | December 6, 2009 1:06 PM
In editing my original post, I accidently deleted some words with the result altering my intended meaning. The last sentence should read "To Rev. LHB- thank you for making the case for Canon Glasspool's election far more eloquently than I thought was possible."
Posted by: Dennis | December 6, 2009 6:02 PM
Tee Cee -
Do YOU read the bible? The same book that calls homosexuality an abomonation also calls wearing clothing made from 2 different types of thread an abomonation. Same with shellfish. Did you know when a woman is menstruating she is "unholy and not to be touched"? Want slavery again? You can have it! Just listen to the good book! You can even sell your daughter into slavery! What joyous fun!
Seriously though, I thought the new testament was to replace the old testament. Jesus never said anything condemning homosexuality, but his did condemn those who judge others, such as yourself. Since I'm a gay man, and you judge others - want to be my roommate in hell?
Posted by: Joe S | December 7, 2009 11:39 AM
Joe S - Did you know that you can order "Menstrual Shacks" at the Landover Baptist Church web site, so that the true Christian woman can live apart during her "unclean" time, as the bible requires? You may have to search their archives to find it though.
Posted by: Robert Littel | December 7, 2009 1:09 PM
Hello!
Dear Sister Rev. Canon Mary D. Glasspool!
Warm Greetings in Christ's Precious Name!
I'm Ev.Mrs.Farzana Javeid from Pakistan! We trust that you are keeping well by His grace & mercies. We are very grateful to God and you for your kind concern your great wonderful ministry. I'm happy after visit your website and reading your wonderful ministry activities you are doing in world. May you be deeply encouraged and lifted by the grace of God today and be assured that in Christ your labor is producing fruit in world and other countries by His power. We serve a mighty God whose hand is not shortened to help us. He reaches to the depths of the earth if need be to answer the effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous person. God is on the throne day and night ready to do battle for those who love and serve Him. He is ready to give grace and help in time of need. He is ready with miracles and healing that only he can give. Thank God for His unfailing Love. I'm praying God and I will sharing with you Christmas gifts requesting. The PSSWS have aim is working as a winning, saved of the poor, orphans Children for Jesus. The PSSWS ministry is distributing every years at Christmas & Esther Festivals with poor,orphan, homeless, street-wonder children, widows and poorest Christian families in Pakistan.
If you're a parent that has been through a few Christmas seasons with children, like me, you know how the cycle works. Pretty soon now, the kids will start clamoring and begging for the latest gadgets, newest toys, and coolest clothes. When Christmas finally rolls around, they'll get a few of those shiny new things that they thought would make them happy. But all too soon, that "new" sparkle wears off and it's time to find something bigger and better.
I make a point to do more for our children during the Christmas season. So we provide them with opportunities to give to those in the most need, not just here at home, but around the world. I actually had the opportunity to take my co-worker with me on a visited some villages & towns these last week. We were blessed with the chance to live 6 days of ministry in some villages & towns and sharing the love of Christ. What an experience!
At home, we give our kids a similar opportunity to be a blessing to others, even in the midst of a Christmas season that is so often self-centered. Every year, we encourage them to give away their favorite toy to someone in need. I cherish the opportunity to partner with you to reach this generation. The Christmas Gift Distributions Programs are an incredible opportunity to reach sick, suffering, hurted poor orphan, street-wondering, homeless children, widows and lost people around the world while deeply impacting students' lives at the same time. If you have never considered this opportunity before, I encourage you to do so.
Dear Sister Rev. Canon Mary D. Glasspool! We are sharing with you Sunday school needs & required gifts for children. We are looking & urgent needs (269 Christmas Gifts School supplies, clothes, blankets, sheets, shoes, toys, holy bibles medicine, Etc) and ($210 US Dollars) monthly salaries of 6 Sunday school teachers. I'm patient & waiting with you for your sending us (269 Christmas Gifts For Poor & Sunday School Children) and your love offering. Do you possible to provide us loving support ($210 US Dollars) and monthly salaries of 6 Sunday school teachers monthly bases. The PSSWS is feeding every year 65 widows and 25 poor Christian families at the Christmas Festivals. Truly at present we have urgent needs (269 Christmas box) for Sunday school center and (65 Christmas box) for widows and (25 Christmas box) for poor Christian families. We will brief to you kinds of things and urgent, necessary number of Gifts (359 Christmas box). We will brief to you this 359 Christmas box are very costly sending from your country to Pakistan and very high shipping expanses. I mean this 269 Christmas box for Sunday school center purchasing maximum cost ($807 US Dollars) and 90 Christmas box for widows & poor Christian families purchasing maximum cost ($900 US Dollars) and maximum shipping cost ($200 to $300 US Dollars) for one carton only.
Dear Sister Rev. Canon Mary D. Glasspool! We don't waste God's money via shipping expenses. Do you know I have purchased 359 Christmas box here in Pakistan valueless of 359 Christmas box purchasing maximum cost ($1707 US Dollars) only. We have urgent needs ($3.00 x 269 Christmas box $807.00 US Dollars) and ($10 x 90 Christmas box $900.00 US Dollars) only. Are you possible to send us money for purchased 359 Christmas box in Pakistan? All you this charity will gave long life to sick, suffering, homeless, street wondering Children, widows and poor Christian families. I know that you understand my information for foods package matter. I hope & believe in Christ you don't disappoint to me before time? Please do not hesitate to send us and contact with us. I hope you can do transfer to our electronic funding account or (Western Union or Money Gram) please see information given below:-
1. Account-holder: The Preaching Society & Social Welfare Services
2. Account: National Bank of Pakistan Jhumra City Branch Pakistan
3. Account Number: 1126-8
4. International Swift Code: NBPAPKKAX02F
Dear Sister Rev. Canon Mary D. Glasspool! We are sharing with you ministry needs and in future commitments, agreements with you. We have running this ministry and have come to a stage of establishing the ministry to the glory of God and I have decided running this ministry under your organization and your Constitution, Rules and Regulation and So that we both can work for his glory as our Lord and Savior. We need your support with agreement of being your branch here in Pakistan. We need our church to bear your name as your branch here in Pakistan as we shall abide on your Constitution, Rules and Regulation. I hope & believe in Christ you don't disappoint to me in this matter. Please keep in touch with us. I'm waiting for your most urgent reply.
Dear Sister Rev. Canon Mary D. Glasspool! We will continually running 6 Sunday School Centers in 6 Villages among with poor,orphan, homeless, street-wonder children. The deleted are given below:-
01. The Villages Name: Chak No 124/R.B Propian Chak Jhumar Faisalabad Pakistan.
The Teacher Name: Miss Nadia Nazir
Numbers of Sunday School Children: 58
The Monthly Salary of Sunday school Teacher: $35 US Dollars
02. The Villages Name: Chak No 186/R.B Dhalam Chak Jhumar Faisalabad Pakistan.
The Teacher Name: Mrs. Aasia Sabir
Numbers of Sunday school Children: 45
The Monthly Salary of Sunday school Teacher: $35 US Dollars
03. The Villages Name: Chak No 187/R.B Dogrannwala Jhumar Faisalabad Pakistan.
The Teacher Name: Mrs. Shameem Saddique
Numbers of Sunday School Children: 35
The Monthly Salary of Teacher: $35 US Dollars
04. The Villages Name: Chak No 186/R.B Dhalam Jhumar Faisalabad Pakistan.
The Teacher Name: Mrs. Farzana Rafique
Numbers of Sunday School Children: 25
The Monthly Salary of Teacher: $35 US Dollars
05. The Villages Name: Chak No 136/R.B Sahoowala Jhumar Faisalabad Pakistan.
The Teacher Name: Miss Nomae Nazir
Numbers of Sunday School Children: 58
The Monthly Salary of Teacher: $35 US Dollars
06. The Villages Name: Chak No 153/R.B Bhorki Jhumar Faisalabad Pakistan.
The Teacher Name: Mrs. Yasmeen Maqbool
Numbers of Sunday School Children: 38
The Monthly Salary of Teacher: $35 US Dollars
Dear Sister Rev. Canon Mary D. Glasspool! I know that our prayer requests are appearing in-front of your eyes. I Know that you are putting those our prayer requests in front of the Lord and with the tears and you are praying for the miracles in the people lives who are in need. God is the only healer and brings miracles in the people lives. This is not our permanent world and this is not our permanent body. God made a permanent house for us in the heaven. I am very much faithful to Him and working for Him to fulfill His desire. I am transparent to Him. People are going out from their homes in the morning, maybe for work or something else, but they do not know whether safely they can reach back to their homes or not. Without God's protection, it is not possible. God is the only justifier and decision maker. Let us keep our faith on Him.
Dear Sister Rev. Canon Mary D. Glasspool! If you would like Support poor and neglected widows, orphan and poor families. When Pakistani women are widowed--even those from the middle classes--their social and economic status is affected. Sadly, women in this situation often do not have the means or ability to find employment. They are reduced to second-class citizenship within Pakistani society. With your gift a widow is given food, shelter, medical care, and clothing. They are also taught that Jesus loves them. These hungry, needy Children and depressed widows will pray for you and our lord will give you reward from the door of heaven. All above mentioned activities needs money to get the Pakistani poor orphan Children, women, and widows so that it could be make possible for their help. I'm working with depressed, Oppressed, Tyrannized and Poverty Stricken women, Children to make them citizen world and kingdom of God.
Dear Sister Rev. Canon Mary D. Glasspool! We will share with you ministry information some person visit our ministry and medical dispensary like Brother Reuben J. Yoder and his wife Mary Ann Yoder and his son Darrel Yoder. And Brother Rob Perret and his wife visit our ministry from America and Sister Kundan Massey from America and Evangelist Sammy Tippit from America and Sister Hannah & Esther from Seoul Korea and Brother Bill from England and Sister Helen Boot from England and Sister Hinny from Belgium. I pray for you all that you have good health prosperity and your faith and hope in our savior Jesus Christ will lift you up and bring you much joy in your daily life. May this light shine on your faces and that you will know His blessings as you faithfully obey His word and divine purpose for your wonderful life. May you find rest, inspiration, joy and peace as you sever Him? Please keep in touch with our ministry. We love you in Christian love and pray that above all I will prosper, even as our soul prospers. May the lord bless you and keep you as you continue to work in His harvest field.
Dear Sister Rev. Canon Mary D. Glasspool! We are sharing with you urgent prayer request for Christian women & Nation of Pakistan is facing very difficult time. We know that at the moment Pakistani Nation is facing many Suicide Bombing, Terrorists Attack and financial crisis problems and challenge. Now days in Pakistan Al-Quida & Taliban are much busy suicide bombing attacks and fights between Al-Quida & Taliban & Pakistan Security forces, Army etc. Do you at currently Taliban & Al-Qaeda is much active and preparing suicide bombing attack in many parts of the Pakistan. In Pakistan (14000) denomination and (200000) Taliban students learning under studying in terrorists, suicide bombing attack training in the area of The South Waziristan and near border area of the Afghanistan-Pakistan.
Dear Sister Rev. Canon Mary D. Glasspool! Please keep on praying for us and for our works among the poor and idol worshipers. Through our Gospel work and efforts, we are able to show them the love of Jesus Christ and win their souls for Chris. God made a great bridge between us. I am thanking Him for the great heart He has given you. God bless you my precious Brother/Sister. You are always in our hearts. Please send it to our ministry and if you are able to do something for the poor people please do it for our Christians who are living in Pakistan. We need your support financially and morally please do it for Jesus Christ not for men. We assure you we spent your all donations in the way of Jesus Christ, because those are not for Evangelist Mrs.Farzana Jaevid is only for Lord Jesus Christ. We think this is possible for you to minister our people from foreign countries. Please you specially pray for us that Lord Jesus Christ use us for His glorious work. If you really prayed this, the Lord will open your eyes and will bring someone in your path to guide you and teach you!
Yours Sister in Christ!
Evangelist Mrs.Farzana Jaevid
Executive Director
Women Ministry Department
The Preaching Society & social Welfare Services
Mohallah Rasool Pura Street No 7
Jhumra City 37700
Faisalabad,
PAKISTAN
Telephone:+92-41-8527541
Fax:+92-41-8527541
Mobile 92-3067905188
E.Mail:Gospel_women@yahoo.ca
E.Mail:farzana_pssws@hotmail.com
Posted by: Evangelist Mrs.Farzana Jaevid | December 9, 2009 1:44 AM
So, those of you who 'say' we know and love God/Jesus are still 'determined' to go against the Word 'He' handed down to us are you?
'His' inspired Word through the Holy Spirit states emphatically that two women can not be together sexually the same way a man and woman are, but from some of the comments posted here, it shows what people really think about the god 'they claim' to serve.
Lastly, even with the Hebrew and Greek texts, when you show me where God 'changed' His Word to say a woman can become a Bishop, then I'll take your word over His, NOT. God have mercy on this mixed up, people driven, throw God/Jesus out with the bath water human race.
Posted by: Bea K. | March 20, 2010 1:45 AM
If eliminating discrimination against people because of their sexual orientation is really what concerns the Episcopal Church, it has a moral obligation to consider the sexual orientation of other people as well. Homosexuality is just one form of sexual orientation. To avoid a disingenuous approach to this issue, the church must also consider the validity of polygamy and the right of people with a polygamous sexual orientation to join and lead the Episcopal Church. After all, there is more support in the Bible for polygamy than there is for homosexuality, no matter how you interpret the texts. Even further, the Church in England did not eliminate polygamy among its priests until the 12th century.
If heterosexual monogamy is no longer the standard, then why should monogamy be a standard the church continues to hold in high regard? The argument of the House of Bishops inevitably leads to the question, “What now is so sacred about monogamy?” Not only the Bible, but the U.S. Constitution recognizes the possibility of a society where openly polygamous families may live without discrimination. The First Amendment says, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” [1791]. Martin Luther wrote: "I confess that I cannot forbid a person to marry several wives, for it does not contradict the Scripture. If a man wishes to marry more than one wife he should be asked whether he is satisfied in his conscience that he may do so in accordance with the word of God. In such a case the civil authority has nothing to do in the matter."
If polygamy (or polyandry) is rooted in one’s religious belief system, and reflect one’s sexual orientation, the laws against polygamy are unconstitutional and discriminatory. If the Episcopal Church is to eliminate discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, it must now embrace polygamy as another path to godliness.
Posted by: Ron | March 20, 2010 10:00 AM
Anytime a church ignores what is said in the bible it is in trouble. It goes against what is written in the new testament as well as the old. Any old testament rule for the Jews being not used today has nothing to do with it, and is no excuse for not being obedient. Gays can flock to D.C. to get married all they want. God isnt the One approving of the ceremonies, and we all have to answer to Him sooner or later.
Posted by: Clay | March 21, 2010 8:49 AM
Joe S - Read Paul's letter to the Romans. You will find that homosexual acts are condemned in the NT as well. You may not like it or agree with it but it there. You are free to ignore it and live your life as you wish.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 22, 2010 1:17 PM
Anonymous,
Paul aside, I think you will have to agree with Joe's assertion that, "Jesus never said anything condemning homosexuality."
And, after all, Ed McMahon is not Johnny Carson. Paul's letters, etc., are not the words of Jesus; they are the words of a flawed, imperfect man, with his own prejudices and biases. The fact that those words were included in the NT makes them worthy of note, but doesn't change the words of Jesus.
Posted by: BankStreet | March 23, 2010 5:48 AM
BankStreet - If that were true they would not be included in the Bible. Paul was guided in his ministry and letters. You can deny or rationalize it but you only fool yourself friend. Matthew 19.3-6 and Mark 10.2-9 record Jesus' statements on human sexuality.
http://www.doctrine.org/homosexuality.html
Posted by: Anonymous | March 23, 2010 10:13 AM
Anonymous,
The two citations you provide speak to the inviolability of the marriage bond ... but don't specify the genders of the couple.
And you very well know that the body of text we know as "the Bible" was compiled by various councils and committees many centuries after the death of Jesus. Paul's letters were included, not so much due to their divine guidance as (more than likely) because they conformed to the prejudices and political rivalries of their day.
I "deny" only the relevance to my life of moldy disputed texts. I "rationalize" nothing, as I am not burdened with the task of making "every jot and tittle" of those texts germane to my life.
Oh...something for you to read...
http://www.soulforce.org/article/homosexuality-bible-gay-christian
Posted by: BankStreet | March 23, 2010 12:15 PM
Paul was probably an agonized closet homosexual who embraced celibacy to grab power for himself--and plenty of it--in Rome. The man practically invented religious hegemony and totalitarianism. Who the hell cares what he said--homosexuality is a reality, it is as natural as the air we breathe and it is as good or as bad as heterosexuality--no more no less. Robert Littel, I love the entertaining minutiae about the Landover Baptist Church that you keep revealing on these blogs--absolutely delightful--I think we should ask Clay to check into a shack you speak of to experience one the proscriptions of the Buy-Bull. What a lot of crock the religious! They inhabit the darkest corner of these dark and trying times.
Ravensfan Anon
Posted by: Anonymous | March 23, 2010 1:30 PM
BankStreet - Thank you for the link. I've only had a chance to give a quick read. There is quite a bit in it that I would agree with. However, the author seems to be doing exactly what he criticized looking for specific quotes to justify his views on homosexuality. While I disagree with your opinion on why Paul's letters were included you are certainly entitled to your own opinion on the matter. Believe me no one would be any happier than I to be wrong about what the Bible says on the subject. If you are happy with the path you are on then I wish you well.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 23, 2010 1:50 PM
Anonymous - I'm trying to understand how that post makes you any different from those you criticize other than your support of homosexuality?
Posted by: Anonymous | March 23, 2010 2:00 PM
Anonymous,
How is Mell White's parsing of Bliblical texts any different from what countless others have done before him?
I don't think he "cherry-picks" scripture to find Gay-affirming passages; rather, he applies his scholarship to provide alternative interpretations and applications to those passsages used by the religious to justify condemnation of homosexaulity and homosexual men and women. Unlike the religious, though, he asks you to "decide for yourself."
Mr White's personal history is interesting, by the way. For years, he was the primary speech-writer for Jerry Falwell ... until he found he could no longer tolerate Mr Falwell's hypocracy and bigotry ... and came out as a Gay man.
Posted by: BankStreet | March 24, 2010 9:54 AM
BankStreet - I apologize if I sounded dismissive of Mr White's site. As I said I only had a chance to skim the material. When I have more time I will certainly spend more time reading, reflecting and praying on it.
Posted by: Anonymous | March 24, 2010 11:41 AM
Anonymous,
I didn't think you dismissive of Mr White's article. I was just responding to your comment that "he seems to be doing exactly what he criticized looking for specific quotes to justify his views on homosexuality."
Perhaps I misunderstood your comment.
Posted by: BankStreet | March 24, 2010 12:51 PM
Yuk! That tells it all.
Posted by: CTI | April 20, 2010 3:14 PM
What do you expect from a "church" with roots back to Henry VIII, who needed a divorce and had his many wives heads chopped off? Some church.
Posted by: Not an Episcopalian | May 17, 2010 7:04 PM
It is an issue. It is in levitcus. So the beat goes on. 21st century hype.
Posted by: walter thomas | May 17, 2010 8:13 PM
Who is reading the Bible? If you've read it, believe it, and live by it, then you don't eat anything that lives in the waters that doesn't have scales. So much for clams, lobsters, and squid. Neither do you shave your beard, if you live by the Bible.
That old book is full of this type of nonsense.
---- Wyngs
Posted by: Wyngs | May 17, 2010 8:49 PM
Does sodom and gomorrah sound familiar? Is their Bible different than mine?
Posted by: chelo | May 17, 2010 9:08 PM
The Bible clearly says that homosexual behavior is an abomination to the Lord. It is a sin. But all of us are sinners. The difference is that homosexuals do not acknowledge that their behavior is a sin and that they need to repent, while God-fearing Bible-believing Christians acknowledge that they are sinners and must repent. Homosexuals want to live in sin AND expect God to bless it.
Posted by: CSLewis Rollsover Ingrave | May 17, 2010 9:29 PM
Lousy memory CS, before you rolled over in your grave you said: “There are two kinds of people: those who say to God, "Thy will be done," and those to whom God says, "All right, then, have it your way.”
God put gay Christians in the second category.
Posted by: Dana LaRocca | May 17, 2010 10:30 PM
John 1:1 In the beginning was the WORD and the WORD was with God and the WORD WAS GOD.
John 1:14 and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.
Jesus was and is the WORD of the old testament and the new.
Lev 18:5 Keep my decrees and laws for the man who obeys them will live by them. I AM the Lord.
Lev 18:6-18 goes on to list sins of sexual immorality with relatives.
Lev 18:22 Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman, that is detestable.
Lev 18:29-30 Everyone who does any of these detestable things, such persons must be cut off from their people....and do not defile yourselves with them.
There is no way that anyone can read Lev chapter 18 and not see that homosexuality is a sexual perversion. Some argue that we don't fall under the old testament law that christians go by what the new testament says. Jesus is the word in the old and new testament. In the new testament Jesus says...
Matthew 5:17-18 Think NOT that I am come to destroy the law (OT Law) OR the PROPHETS (the ones who were given to write the law) 18 For VERILY I say unto YOU, til heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle SHALL IN NO WISE PASS FROM THE LAW.
In the New Testament Jesus stresses the greatest commandments is to love God and love your neighbor as yourself. That doesn't mean you can throw all the laws in between out the window. He said they were the greatest, not the only ones. If you love God and you love your neighbor as yourself, then obeying the other laws is easier, in your heart you will not want to sin against God or your neighbor. Jesus did not come to destroy the law.
A tree is known by its fruit...you don't plant appleseeds and get oranges people..the LAW DOESN"T CHANGE. Jesus didn't change or destroy the law.
Satan has always from the beginning twisted and taken out of context what God says, in the garden of eden he told Eve "Surely God did not say..." and causing man to reason within his own mind, rather than rely on God's WORD. That's why we should lean not unto our own understanding, but in all thy ways acknowledge him and he will direct our paths.
God instituted the first marriage, a perfect physical union between a man and a woman for the purpose of procreation. Homosexuality is a direct rebellious act against Gods perfect will and it is a mockery of God's creation that not only dishonors ourselves but greatly dishonors God. We should not condone it or accept it for if we do we will be defiling ourselves and risk the same judgement.
There are cases of people who are born with both sexual organs whose dominant gene could be one way or the other, and still there are those rare cases of children whose parents determine which gender the child will be raised as, in such cases it is not sin or a willfull rebelion against God. Sexual orientation is determined by God's will. Any other will or twisted reasoning or confusion is sin.
Posted by: Teresa | May 18, 2010 1:10 AM
I would start a petition….
It is a relief to hear godly people speaking out against this all too common tragedy.
Romans 12:2 “Be ye not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds…”
Posted by: Anonymous | May 18, 2010 3:25 AM
Kin sum buddy tell me where lesbians are menshinned in the bible?
Posted by: out to munch | May 18, 2010 10:16 AM