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Our Gay Christian Neighbors(Originally posted on the Washington Posts's On Faith blog.) Near San Francisco's gay center, past the hill where Castro becomes Divisadero Street, a portable sidewalk sign points to City Church. That's where evangelical Christians gather every Sunday for worship in a converted theater. They are true believers: Jesus saves, Satan is real, sex is for the married and marriage is for the straight. I didn't think a market for such beliefs existed in San Francisco, but hundreds of people and a full balcony proved me wrong. There were back-to-back services the day I attended. The congregants looked no different than the employees I saw on a visit to Google's Bay Area campus. These evangelicals wore Skechers, watched hulu, twittered and composted. They were high-tech professionals in their 20s and 30s who were mostly pro-life and partook of the body of Christ each Sunday. Many even voted Democrat because, abortion aside, it was the party they said that focused most on what mattered to Jesus — the poor, sick and environment. Same-sex marriage wasn't a factor because Barack Obama was against it. I visited City Church because I wanted to see who in San Francisco might have voted for Proposition 8, which banned gay and lesbian couples from marrying in California. Nearly a quarter of San Francisco voters favored the ban, and that surprised me. Sure, the Bay Area overwhelmingly supported gays marrying, but in Silicon Valley — home to Google, YouTube, iPhone and a number of churches like City Church — 44 percent of voters didn't. Alabama has the highest percentage of evangelicals, but by sheer size California has the greatest number: Two million, according to the Christian research firm Barna Group. The votes over marriage in California last year totaled 13 million and gays lost by 52 to 48 percent. That means any fraction of evangelicals changing their mind in the next, close election could make a difference. I wondered if anyone had ever talked to evangelical voters about what it's like to be gay and why having the legal protections of marriage is important for all families. Engaging people who take the Bible very seriously might sound futile but I learned members of GCN — the Gay Christian Network — are already helping evangelicals think twice about what Jesus would do when it comes to the freedom to marry. Anyone who cares about winning marriage equality needs to support what GCN is trying to do, even if your approach is solely from a secular civil rights point of view. As a gay man, I'm downright heathenish next to the GCN member I'm friends with. I have wondered why he is so devoted to a belief system that I think oppresses gays. But I also realize it's important to acknowledge that fervent believers in Christ exist in the gay community. There's no reason to be uncomfortable with that fact. Gay evangelicals are in a position to affect social change in a way gay rights lawyers and activists can't. I know angry gays who left their parents' religion in disgust and want nothing to do with God. I know joyfully spiritual gays who join theology-lite churches made just for them. I know secular gays whose religion is body image and product consumption. But who has the credibility and access to talk to America's 20 million evangelicals about what it's like to be gay? The gay Christians of GCN are uniquely qualified because they are otherwise religious traditionalists. They rarely attend the liberal and gay-positive places of worship like Unitarian Universalism or the Metropolitan Community Churches that gay rights groups typically align with. Those denominations are too dogma-free for the GCN crowd, which enjoys the teachings of conventional doctrine. So they often stay with the church they grew up in or join younger, hipper versions like City Church that hew closely to the Bible. There are more than 12,000 GCN members — mostly in their teens, 20s and 30s — with an active online community. They celebrate the evangelical creed and leave the admonitions against gay sex in Leviticus, Romans and Corinthians as something to wrestle with. A handful of states allow gays to marry but 30 have constitutional bans. This tough reality underscores the need to have conversations to change minds. Those bans won't go away until the public repeals them. When people know and understand someone who is gay they are less likely to discriminate. The GCN-produced video "Through My Eyes" takes this concept deep into evangelical territory. Billed as a video made by Christians for Christians, it features the stories of gay youth who don't reject everything their parents and pastor stand for. They come out and affirm their faith. The video won't change church doctrine or any inconvenient Bible passages, but it will create small, sympathetic pockets of congregants who will see these gay youth as real people and otherwise good Christians. Young GCN members are using the video to come out to their evangelical parents and some of those parents are quietly giving copies of the video to their church friends. The seeds of change. Indeed, an evangelical pastor in San Jose preached the following: Jesus deemed homosexuality wrong, but consider your own sins first — encouraging people to ban gay marriage is not how Jesus would love gay people. Imagine if California's two million evangelicals heard this message the next time the right to marry is put to a vote. The call to be more Christ-like in addressing poverty, health care and the environment inspired City Church members to vote Democrat, after all. I acknowledge that evangelicals have a First Amendment right to believe being gay is sinful. But I wonder if Jesus' command to love thy neighbor might keep them from hurting gay people at the ballot box. The way I see it, gay and lesbian families face real harm when they are denied the legal protections of marriage and Jesus never hurt anyone. Churches will always have the right to believe as they see fit, but someday a church that doesn't accept gays will have a hard time recruiting members — just as once-popular groups of decades past lost market share because of intolerant beliefs. They were never outlawed, they just became irrelevant. That kind of social change is slow. In the meantime, gay Christians on the inside are having the necessary conversations in places like City Church. "There is a lot of confusion in the gay world about what it means to be Christian and there is a lot of confusion in the Church about what it means to be gay," one young man says in the GCN video. "There is so much confusion that no one has stopped and said, 'Why don't we ask them?'"
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May 15th, 2009 at 9:34pm
Excellent article Joel. While I still believe that homosexuality is a sin, it should not be treated any differently than other sins covered in the Bible. It is a sad thing when we can go to our pastors and ask for prayer because we told a lie, and he would oblige. But let someone go to the majority of clergy in this nation and admit they're gay; and the only words they will hear is "GET OUT!!!". I can show you historical fact on how tens of millions of innocent people were put to death because of one man's lie. It's called "The protocals of the learned elders of zion". A piece that fueled the Holocaust. We are to be Christ-like in dealing with sin we all struggle with. Our job as believers in Christ is to love our fellow man as the Lord Jesus loved us. Then and only then will hearts be changed.
May 16th, 2009 at 11:07am
There's no such thing as a gay Chrisitian. Does not exist. They are not Christians.
May 16th, 2009 at 1:25pm
lornace.earthlink.net
Debbie Lorna Wallace - Ms Montegobay -Poinciana I Thank you for writing and sharing this information - It is currently my reality... ONE LOVE
Debbie Lorna Wallace - Ms Montegobay -Poincian
May 16th, 2009 at 2:14pm
OMG you make me sick!!
You pick and choose what part of the bible that is convenient for you. You speak about Jesus and love and all that but ignore the elephant in the room. God despises "men who lie with men". Have you read that part of the bible? Oh don't worry libs, you'll rationalize and sweep that unde the rug too.
May 18th, 2009 at 1:08pm
When i here about churches that look down on gays its extremely contradicting to their beliefs. In the christian relgion, it is more important to realize your are equally "sinful and wrong" as anyone else is. quite honestly i am sick and tired of church goers putting themselves above everyone else. that is not what jesus wanted. Jesus may have preached against homosexuality. But most importantly he told of love, and affection.. like you said, i dont think jesus wanted anyone to claim their love is "better" than somone elses.
it is horrifying to me that this is the view of so many people. It is unbelievable that this is the general belief of modern americans. it reminds me of when blacks and white weren't allowed to mary. we all have the right to love who we love..
people have said the foundation of our country is "a traditional american family"... what happened to our country being founded on equal rights and equal oppertunity.. very sad..
May 18th, 2009 at 1:49pm
So you're saying that if heterosexual people don't accept gays that they're bad people now? WOW. The entire push for freedom of choice for homosexual couples was for freedom of choice, now the ACLU is all in for pushing that choice on others. Can any of you be any MORE hipocritical? This is rediculous people. Be gay like you want to and let those that don't want to be go on their way.
May 18th, 2009 at 3:26pm
U people are completely nuts! You will burn in hell.
May 18th, 2009 at 7:24pm
It's true, there is no such thing as a homosexual Christian. And by the way Bible is spelled with a capital 'B'.
May 18th, 2009 at 8:13pm
I'm not sure why anyone has the idea that Jesus preached against homosexuality. Paul clearly admonished the church against homosexuality but Jesus never mentioned homosexuality. Instead he calls out those who oppress the people in the name of GOD. I'm not suggesting that christians disregard scripture, but we might focus more on sharing the message of GOD's love.
May 18th, 2009 at 9:25pm
The real gay male fantasy and agenda is to legalize buggery of little boys. I suppose the ACLU will support that legislation when it is proposed along the line !!
May 19th, 2009 at 12:07am
Most Christians cannot read the Bible in its original languages which are Hebrew and Greek respectively. Note that whenever one reads something in translation one is wholly dependent upon the translator's interpretation of the original text: the Bible notwithstanding. Scholars who KNOW Hebrew and Greek often disagree with translated material. How can those of you who do NOT even know these languages possibly make such claims for the BIble? A scholarly study of Christianity reveals that the tradition has changed enormously since the time of Christ. There is indeed a huge difference between what the early Christians believed and practiced and what contemporary Christians hold to be true today. I suggest to those of you who are so against gay marriage that you first learn Greek and Hebrew so as not to rely on translated to make your interpretations of the Bible. Moreover, you would also do well to study the works of such renown scholars as Elaine Pagels or Bart Erdman. Dr. Erdman learned BOTH Biblical languages just so he could read the Bible in its original languages, and yes his roots are evangelical. This is why he took up the study of the BIble in the first place. He wanted to find out for himself what it says in its original languages.
May 19th, 2009 at 2:51am
Check out on-line male gay porn sites. You will see their real fantasies and agenda. Hint: they are young, very young!!
May 19th, 2009 at 4:34am
Why are illiterate self-righteous "Christ-like" i.e. Christians even on this site? Just had to go out of your way to hate? God hates people who pretend to speak for him who can't spell. To wit: "rediculous", "hipocritical", "protocals" etc. Your spelling is an 'abomination'. Smoking that religious opiate has made you anti-social as well as boring.
May 19th, 2009 at 8:09am
Daterman..
dont see how im being hipocritical. and NO ONE is putting a gun to anyone's head and telling them to mary somone of the same sex. I only ask that my love is seen just as legitmant as anyone elses
May 19th, 2009 at 1:24pm
Penelope...OMG you make me sick!!
You pick and choose what part of the bible that is convenient for you. You speak about Jesus and love and all that but ignore the elephant in the room. God despises “mixing wool and linen”. Have you read that part of the bible? Oh don’t worry conservatives, you’ll rationalize and sweep that under the rug too.
May 19th, 2009 at 4:34pm
Up to 3 years ago I felt like most people of the world do...I was very passive about everything. But something happened to me that changed my whole world and my view of sin. I met God, yes I did, how else can anyone believe in someone unless they have an encounter with that person. God let me feel His tangible love for me, and for humanity. Those things which at one time I saw as no big deal, all of a sudden were seen with the eyes of God. God is a holy God that cannot be in the presence of sin, any sin. If a person says that they are a gay-Christian they are sinning again by lying. It is impossible to be gay and profess to love God. When I was still in my sins I did not know God, and I certainly didn't love Him. Homosexuality breaks the heart of God, because all He wants is to have a relationship with us, but knows that it is impossible while we are living in sin. I just pray that people all over the world, especially Christians would get a revelation knowledge of God's love for them and the world. God is a God of restoration...and if a person does not admit to doing anything wrong then God won't restore them. He gives grace to the humble but resists the proud. And that is why Jesus came, He is a gift to be treasured.
May 19th, 2009 at 5:41pm
"Vietnam vet"
You're such an expert, I guess it's true . . . it takes one to know one. But you should have learned in school--even if you are lacking in common sense--that you can't use yourself to measure others. At least you're honest about YOUR pedophile and porn tendencies which come across clearly in your emotional narrative.
May 19th, 2009 at 6:04pm
Love the person and hate the sin. That is how i feel. God hates sin but he still loves us when we sin. We all need Jesus to show us what we are doing wrong so we can repent. Let Jesus wash you clean so you can have a relationship with the Father and enjoy his love and the life he has planned just for you and he will walk with you for the rest of your life. For there is nothing that the Blood of Jesus can not wash away. Thank you Jesus for your precious blood that takes away our sins. As fellow friends have said Jesus life was a gift of salvation and it is free to all who repent for everlasting life with God. You must be born-again.
May 19th, 2009 at 8:26pm
I met God
What was he wearing?
yes I did,
Well, that's certainly more convincing now.
how else can anyone believe in someone unless they have an encounter with that person.
I believe you exist, but I don't think we have met.
all He wants is to have a relationship with us, but knows that it is impossible while we are living in sin
Only saints can love G-d? Then how could a murderous adulterer like David have written psalms? G-d is unable to communicate with sinners? Then how did G-d get through to Paul on the road to Damascus?
Have you ever actually sat down and read the whole Bible? Please give it a try.
May 20th, 2009 at 5:43am
Children are best raised by a father and a mother. People who want to have other types of domestic setups may be inside of the law, but society should not condone, endorse, celebrate, recognize, etc. their relationships. A little benign ignorance would be a whole lot better for the children...
May 20th, 2009 at 2:11pm
Juan...children are best raised by more than one person, in a loving relationship, that teaches them about the world and how to live in it. Having a loving male and a female parent expands the child's viewpoint more than two male or female parents. On the other hand, my personal opinion is that having one loving parent or two loving parents of the same sex is far better for a child than to be raised in an atmosphere of hate.
May 20th, 2009 at 2:53pm
Children are best raised by caring people who have respect for the rights of others.
I also seemed to remember that Jesus was known to dine and be friends with people who hated by the self riteous hipocrits.
May 23rd, 2009 at 6:14pm
Paul also said that if any member of the church commits a sin to go to him in private, then go with the elders of the church and if he still has not repented bring him i front of the church.
Christianity is about having a personel relationship with Jesus. When you truly accept Jesus You are miserable when you continue in sin.
True Christians are to avoid sin and change their lifestyle to avoid sin.
We are not to Judge someone, but if they stay in the sin nature we are not to hang around them either.
I used to curse all the time, but when I rededicate dmy life back to Christ, I change who I hung around with, I will flip channels on the TV and certain Movies I will walk out of them.
I will talk to all People, but I do not have to agree with their lifestyle.
Love like Jesus Did,Pray for Them and Respect them as Humans.
Marriage is still between a Man and Woman. It is not a Civil Rights issue.
May 24th, 2009 at 2:20pm
Hey freaks. The ACLU belongs in France. You morons have some nerve trying to stop the Marines from bowing their heads in silence celbrating the anniversary of the corps. Rot in hell Lucius Traveler. When the Islamo Nazi'stake over you'll be the first to have your head cut off. Pray dear "Lucious" that the Marines protect your filthy life, you communist moron.
May 24th, 2009 at 2:25pm
my comment is awaiting moderation? Amazing, you really are communists! I thought you believed in "free speech." oh, only when you have edited it, i get it. Watch out ACLU. Your time is coming. I wonder how you all would have fared under Hitler or Stalin?
I was going to leave a penny in my will for you but now i think i'll give it to obama hussein so he can give it to the terrorists he wants to protect.
May 26th, 2009 at 1:52pm
According to the Holy Bible, on which Christianity is based. You can not be both a Christian and Gay. It is spelled out quite clearly.
May 26th, 2009 at 1:54pm
To all Gays, it isnt to late to accept Christ as your savior, but first you gotta get straight. The bible is the rule book, and you are way outside of the rules.
May 28th, 2009 at 8:59pm
Unfortunately, I do believe there will come a time that churches will have a hard time recruiting members who disagree with the Christian belief that homosexuality is a sin. WHEN it comes down to that, I would pray my brothers and sisters in Christ would stick to the Word of God and not compromise their principles simply because it's the popular thing to do. Remember, the majority of the population was on the OUTSIDE of the ark during the time of Noah.
Jun 4th, 2009 at 9:37pm
S c r e w the ACLU!! Read this http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/2264867/posts
Jun 8th, 2009 at 11:36pm
Yu peepl nied two lern hau too spel.
Both sides of this issue (so far) are pushing the same old arguments. Come on. You are all more depraved than you ever dare believe and more loved than you ever dare hope.
How does this vitriolic discourse love God or your neighbor? Who would Jesus admonish?
Interesting article though.
Jul 5th, 2009 at 10:05pm
You are not my Mom...wash your mouth out with soap. When did it become the right of the State, as represented by the Santa Rosa schools, to to push your religion on people with other beliefs? What happens when another sect of your religion pushes its beliefs on you?
Aug 6th, 2009 at 9:46pm
This is an interesting and well written article. If only the comments were half as well thought out. I read this article because I'm probably a lot like the people the author met in SFO. I describe myself as a crunchy con after the book of the same title. I am a devout follower of Christ, I care about the poor, and the environment. I'm a tree hugging, gun toting, water saving, beer drinking, bike riding, omnivore.
I distrust all large organizations (Government, Businesses, Church, Political Party or otherwise) because I believe they suffer from anonymity and thus perpetuate mediocrity.
I'm no language expert but I think it's pretty clear that several Bible passages identify homosexual acts as sin. Great. I'm not a homosexual and I've never committed a homosexual act. So far, so good. But wait, within a few sentences, and often within a few words, I find other sins listed that I HAVE committed. Oh crap, now I am a sinner. I'm in the same boat with the LGBT.. whatever other letter they'll add next.
So, is it possible to be a sinner and be a Christian? Yes. In fact, to be a Christian is to ADMIT to being a sinner. Anyone who claims to be perfect or "holier than thou" is not a Christian by Biblical standards.
OK, so if being Gay is sinful, and being a sinner is prerequisite for being a Christian, then is it possible to be a Gay Christian?
I think the only honest answer is "no". I am an adulterous Christian. That is, I am a Christian who committed an adulterous act. But the difference between me and the Gay Christian is that I openly admit that my behavior was a sin, a bad decision, and while I'm tempted, I don't want to do it again. Being a Gay Christian would be like me saying I'm an Adulterous Christian. I love God and all that stuff, but there's one area where I just want to live my way. I want to have sex with whomever I want. That's inconsistent.
So, should the government legislate what is or isn't marriage? That's a very hard one for me. I think homosexuality is wrong and that it's bad for society, just like I think McDonalds, and prostitution and other things are bad for society. But what should we legislate and what should we dissuade through community?
I'm starting to think marriage is non of the government's business. Rather than insert gay into the government's definition of marriage, why not remove the government from marriage? Make it a religious act and not a civil one.
Aug 12th, 2009 at 10:47pm
Gay Christians? There is no such thing.
For all you who are gay, just remember that God does not hate you, He hates the sin. Seek and you shall find Him. Listen to Him.
Aug 14th, 2009 at 12:27am
I pray for all gays out there. I pray that you will repent, that JESUS CHRIST will show you the way, and you will follow. I pray that you will spiritually grow strong enough to break you from your bondage. Believe in Jesus Christ, the son of God. Believe that he is indeed the son of God, and turn from your sin and pride, and you will be saved. Repent now, for no one knows the day or hour of his return. And at that time it will be too late. I pray this all for you. I do not wish for anyone to burn in hell, but if you do not repent, that is where you will be for all eternity. Jesus, please touch there hearts and souls. I pray that you please free them from there bondage, and forgive them for their sins. I pray that you help them find and follow the path of righteousness. I pray that you give them the love and the joy of the truth. In your name I pray. Amen
Nov 15th, 2009 at 3:31pm
If you read in the first chapter in Romans, it talks about this.You can't really be both a Christian & a gay person.If you are, then that's sin.God loves everyone, he just doesn't like sin. He doesn't want his children to do that. For those of you who have been saying that us Christians are self-rightous, we aren't.We are just forgiven.The reason I'm on here is because I am trying to pay attention to what's going on so that if the ACLU trys to pull another stunt like they did back when we had prayer in school, I'll be ready to hopefully stand up & keep anything from getting worse. God loves everyone no matter what they've done or what they're doing. He only wants them to come back to him. Oh, & if you want to post a hateful comment about me, remember this.You want to post something bad? You are saying it to a 12 year old kid's face.
It's just not right, it shouldn't be legal, but God loves each & every one of you.
Jan 4th, 2010 at 12:50am
Lorna Wallace -- there were repercusions for my last blog... (FIRED)
Jan 14th, 2010 at 8:59pm
Why do Jehovah's Witnesses think it is ok to walk on MY CIVIL liberties?
Jan 15th, 2010 at 8:47am
I need the ip ADDRESS for blogger calling herself Debbie... In case there is confusion as the the millions of Debbies...speaking on behalf of all Debbies