MWR : Open letter reaction

Last updated November 24.

Send letters to the editor, or suggestions for our stories or Web site, to MWR‘s editors.

April 20, 2009 issue

Open letter reaction

By Philip E. Friesen Minneapolis

As a missionary for 30 years, I can appreciate the concern of those who want to welcome homosexual people into the church.

The history of missions might have avoided a dark chapter if polygamous families had been welcomed intact into Christian fellowship 100 years ago. The way many African churches now accept polygamous families may be instructive. The people are accepted without demanding a breakup in existing relationships, but the teaching of the church remains the same, and no polygamous or gay marriages need be performed. Leadership roles may be restricted. Acceptance does not mean endorsement.

As a Mennonite church, we do not support military service, but we have soldiers as members. We do not bless these members with a military band and prayers for victory when they go to war. They may feel unsupported and unblessed, but the best we can do is to follow them with our prayers.

This model is transferable to those in inappropriate sexual relationships. Homosexual couples already in relationship may come in, but we do not perform such marriages or permit them after baptism, and leadership roles may be restricted.

In the New Testament, soldiers were never told to resign their commissions, but eventually many did. In the same way, homosexual couples can be baptized without dissolving existing relationships, until the Holy Spirit tells them to do so. Some will experience the miracle of a change in orientation, and some will not.

Comments

This is a GREAT position that reflects some real "3rd Way" thinking between the poles of theological liberalism and fundamentalism. It's holds up tradition and orthodoxy within a model of grace. LOVE IT!

Of course this will not make either extremist camps happy. the next question is why do we buy the heightened secular view of personal identity SO defined by sexuality? That assumption MUST be challenged by 3rd way folks.

Shel Boese Mercy Church, Sioux Falls, SD

- Rev. Shel Boese (apr 15 at 4:54 p.m.)
The Bible does say that homosexuals will not enter the Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9).

- Daniel Hoopert (apr 16 at 7:01 p.m.)
I can appreciate the heart-felt desire of the writers Friesen & Boese to find some middle ground or "3rd way" regarding the inclusion of gay & lesbian people in the church.

But, the thoughts/ideas the writers expressed are not grounded in reality. Does it seem remotely possible that a gay or lesbian couple would join a fellowship that they know is actively praying for the breakup of their family? Or a congregation in which they are not encouraged to exercise the full range of the gifts that they may have to offer?

Having overcome the years of Bible-abuse that is often heaped upon gay & lesbian people of faith, I just don't see how a gay or lesbian couple or individual with even an ounce of self-respect could join such a congregation. There are far too many other options available, even within MCUSA

- Larry E. Miller (apr 22 at 10:21 p.m.)

Comment on the article Open letter reaction

The purpose of comments is to engage in dialogue. We expect commenters to treat authors and each other as each would want to be treated. Respectful criticism is welcomed; offensive comments or parts of comments will be removed by the site administrator. Name and comment will be posted; email address is for follow-up only and will not be made public.