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Prominent Christian Pastor Stuns Evangelicals With This Shocking Endorsement of Gay Relationships

Jan. 16, 2013 12:33pm Billy Hallowell

When one of the most prominent evangelical Christian leaders steps out in support of same-sex relationships, heads naturally turn. This is exactly what has unfolded in the United Kingdom after Steve Chalke, the senior minister at Oasis Church who is widely regarded as one of the region’s key faith leaders, came out in support of homosexuality. He announced his change-of-heart — one that is sending shock-waves throughout the international evangelical community — in the most recent issue of Christianity magazine.

In his startling proclamation, Chalke admitted being nervous about how the news will be received. He noted that some will accuse him of drifting away from the Christian scriptures, while others will claim he’s no longer an evangelical. However, he noted that his ideological transition comes after “prayerful reflection.”

“I feel both compelled and afraid to write this article. Compelled because, in my understanding, the principles of justice, reconciliation and inclusion sit at the very heart of Jesus’ message,” the pastor wrote. “Afraid because I recognise the Bible is understood by many to teach that the practice of homosexuality, in any circumstance, is a sin or ‘less than God’s best.’”

UK Pastor Steve Chalke Shocks Evangelicals With Endorsement of Gay Relationships

Pastor Steve Chalke (Photo Credit: Twitter)

For those wondering how Chalke rectifies the traditional Christian view on gay marriage with new new-found beliefs, consider some portions of his article, which highlight his primary arguments on the matter:

One tragic outworking of the Church’s historical rejection of faithful gay relationships is our failure to provide homosexual people with any model of how to cope with their sexuality, except for those who have the gift of, or capacity for, celibacy. In this way we have left people vulnerable and isolated. When we refuse to make room for gay people to live in loving, stable relationships, we consign them to lives of loneliness, secrecy and fear. It’s one thing to be critical of a promiscuous lifestyle – but shouldn’t the Church consider nurturing positive models for permanent and monogamous homosexual relationships? [...]

Christianity is not about a book, but about a person who is the word of God made flesh. On the issue of women or slavery, as just two examples, the New Testament closes some distance from where even the most conservative Christian now is in their understanding. The process of understanding the character and will of Yahweh as revealed through Jesus is an ongoing task for every generation.

Here is my question: shouldn’t we take the same principle that we readily apply to the role of women, slavery, and numerous other issues, and apply it to our understanding of permanent, faithful, homosexual relationships? Wouldn’t it be inconsistent not to?

Chalke notes that he is finally making his views public, because he believes that peoples’ lives are at stake. He describes how homosexuals feel when they are cut out and treated negatively by believers — something he decries in the article. He notes that “tolerance is not the same as Christ-like love” and he petitions that Christians go beyond the former to properly show the latter.

The pastor believes that it is essential for believers to find ways to “formerly support and encourage” those engaged in same-sex partnerships, so that they, too, can become an active part of “Christ’s body.”

Photo Credit: Facebook

Throughout the article, Chalke also takes the opportunity to address portions of the Bible that purportedly condemn homosexuality, calling them into question and attempting as they are traditionally understood to also add context to the discussion. On his web site, in a separate article entitled, “A Matter of Integrity,” he clarified his stance in an abridged discussion on the issue of homosexuality.

“Rather than condemn and exclude, can we dare to create an environment for homosexual people where issues of self-esteem and wellbeing can be talked about,” he writes. “Where the virtues of loyalty, respect, interdependence and faithfulness can be nurtured, and where exclusive and permanent same-sex relationships can be supported?”

Not everyone is responding favorably to his change of heart, but some are disagreeing with calmness and rational rebuttal. Take, for instance, Steve Clifford, the director of the U.K.’s Evangelical Alliance, who penned an open letter (read it here) in which he called Chalke a friend who has contributed greatly to the Christian cause. However, he expressed intense disagreement with the preacher’s newfound views on homosexuality.

“While I understand and respect Steve’s pastoral motivations, I believe the conclusions he has come to on same-sex relationships are wrong,” he said. “Generations of Christians have faced the challenge of making the gospel relevant within their cultural settings. The danger we all face, and I fear Steve has succumbed to, is that we produce ‘a god’ in our own likeness or in the likeness of the culture in which we find ourselves.”

You can read all of Chalke’s arguments in support of same-sex relationships here.

(H/T: Christianity Today)

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Comments (194)

common cents
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 4:45pm
2 Tim. 4 :3
“For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear”
1 Corinthians 6;9
Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders.
Leviticus 18
18:22 You must not have sexual intercourse with a male as one has sexual intercourse with a woman; 32 it is a detestable act. 33 18:23 You must not have sexual intercourse 34 with any animal to become defiled with it, and a woman must not stand before an animal to have sexual intercourse with it; 35 it is a perversion. 36
And many many more scriptures on this, so what bible are these so called men of God teaching from?

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rick20033
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 4:35pm
If The Blaze had been around in the first century AD, this headline would have appeared:

“Longtime Apostle Judas Iscariot Shocks Evangelicals With The Shocking Announcement That, Shockingly Enough, Jesus Christ Is Not Really The Son of God And Is, In Fact, Just A Guy Who Is Worth A Shockingly High Price Of 30 Pieces Of Silver.”

Church history is full of false converts who were willing to take the world’s side against God, especially when they thought it would endear them to haters of God. This “prominent pastor” (I’ve never heard of him) is just doing the same.

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blazingaway
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 4:30pm
Just another sinner attempting to justify his sin.
God will be his final judge
His actions do not glorify God
He is living in a denial
He puts his lust before his reverence for the Word of God
Wanting it to be so doesn’t make a wrong into a right a lie into the truth

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pooka_yc
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 4:26pm
@LEFTOFRIGHTOFLEFT
[Today’s bible has been edited over time. Translation from one language to another is never 100% esp when you’re working with texts as old as the bible is... Unless you’re reading your bible in the language it was originally written in and with every word explained how it was used in the period you’re reading a new updated modern version of the bible.]

Nice try, LEFT. So I’m supposed to dismiss what the Bible says because it has been translated from other languages into English? Should I dismiss everything that has been translated from French, German, Italian … into English?

You appear to believe that Bible translations are created by someone in a basement with a bunch of dictionaries. No. Teams of Biblical scholars work for years to come to a consensus on how to translate each word of the Bible using the original Hebrew/Greek. There isn’t a 1 for 1 match between each Greek/Hebrew word and English; judgements have to be made. That is why I own over a dozen different English translations of the Bible, to get clarification when I have questions about a passage of scripture. I also have a number of Bible commentaries written by Biblical scholars which provide the background information you (and I too) feel is necessary to understand the Bible.

Oh, and I haven’t found a single translation that says homosexuality is a lifestyle approved by God. Not a one. Mr. Chalke is going to have some explaining to do.

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Voter713
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 4:09pm
A wolf in sheeps clothing. False teacher as stated in the Word.

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jman-6
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 4:06pm
GOD doesn’t care what you or I think or say about homosexuality for that matter! ALL that matters is what HE said concerning it! HIS ways are not our ways nor HIS thoughts our thoughts; for our brightest minds are foolishness to ALMIGHTY GOD!!

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willbedone
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 4:00pm
Did not our Creator say that the end of days would be like this?
Look UP your redemption is coming soon.
I do hope each one of you can come through this storm, and stand on the sea of fire and brass.

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makamae
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 3:59pm
Interesting – his supposed rationale for changing his stance is that we as a church don’t provide a way for homosexuals to deal with their problem. I wonder if, in his mind, this should also apply to people committing adultery, pedophilia, rape, murder, etc. I suspect not, but you never know.

“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, [because] they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers…” 2 Tim 4:3

“knowing this: that the law is not made for a righteous person, but for [the] lawless and insubordinate, for [the] ungodly and for sinners, for [the] unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for fornicators, for sodomites, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjurers, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine,” 1 Tim 1:9-10

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florida1
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 3:53pm
So…stand by! Now that his Worship has declared this evil no longer an evil—-look for him to announce his Gayness!!! JUST wait!

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media-bias-steals-elections
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 3:50pm
The only thing more exciting to the media, would be if we called a certain part of the male anatomy, an assult weapon, subject to regulation?

They sure act like it? This will be your mental test for “Government Agency XYZ”? You are shown pictures of various forms of mushrooms? You are then shown various pictures common semi-automatic weapons? You are then asked by the pyscho witch doctor, which reproductive genital anatomical part from a human comes into your mind right now? And of course based on your answer to that question, your ability to hold a job, and what kind it is, and all sorts of wonderful things regulated by the government, will be based?

Welcome to tomorrow?

Bitter gun clingers, or commons sense gate keepers that keep you from wondering and being afraid of tomorrow, and explaining why government regulations are not necessary?

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Luisa48
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 3:34pm
The issue of women and slavery in the bible is not considered “sin”. Homosexuality is a perversion and an abomination to God. This is very clear in the word of God. Now we are to love homosexuals but we should not “change the word of God”. Sin is sin in God’s eyes.

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servant100
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 3:31pm
This is absolutely choice stuff!! After “prayerful reflection” this fool spouts a position that DIRECTLY contradicts the foundational scripture that creates the very Christianity he proclaims.

Sodomy, like fornication, adultery, murder, etc is a sin which is clearly identified as such in both the Old and New Testaments. There really is not any room for “reinterpretation” in a foundational issue such as this. Yes Jesus loves the sinner, but the sin must be clearly identified as such for repentence to be an option.

This fool is working off of his “feeling” of what God wants…and this “feeling” is clearly the exact opposite of God’s statements concerning this subject in His scriptures.

Thus this fool has now taken the place of his God…and he now defines his own set of divinely orchestrated “principles.” BTW…the word that describes this is “heresy,” and this fool is a Heretic.

To associate this fool with “Christianity” is like saying that an individual is a hamburger because they have just come from McDonalds…

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crystalsky
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 3:26pm
Sin Is Sin No 1 gets a pass, even if man says it is O.K. it is still sin according to the word of GOD there will be no acceptions to sin in God’s word Jesus the same yesterday, today and tommorrow. He will not change to appease the sinner he will die on the cross shed blood and forgive any1 of there sins when ask you must turn from your sin.

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In the O.C.
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 3:15pm
We are warned in the Scriptures (paraphrasing now) to be very careful and to be aware whe we hear things lke this. Scoff if you choose to (won’t be the first time I’ve heard it, and it won’t be the last) – but when I see/hear things like this story of this “evangelical pastor” and his new-found position – look up, everyone. Our redemption is drawing nearer by the day. Expect to see more of these things – more and more and more – as our culture, our core beliefs, our “teachers”, walk away from the Scriptures with their own private interpetation(s). And keep your nose in the Word of God, don’t water it down (like this guy has done), believe God and follow Him. He – and only He – is the final Authority. We’re getting closer, and we’re almost there. Look around you. I know you see it, too.

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Bobby D
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 2:59pm
Not really saved!

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Laugh-ler14
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 2:56pm
As a 27 year old married conservative christian, it is now easy for me to see after reading all these comments why “republicans”, “conservatives”, and “Christians” get such a bad rap in our society today. Leave the judging for God to worry about guys. Live your own life and quit worrying about a pastor who decided to not care if gay people get married. big whoop.

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- trueamerican40
  Posted on January 16, 2013 at 5:25pm
  I understand the angle you are coming at but this rotten culture of immorality tries me every day. My soul aches and yearns to be with my Lord Jesus. Lot was tortured spiritually every day while in Sodom. Bad rap? The world is going to reject the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ when the end arrives. Speak the truth to a lost world and they will persecute you because they first persecuted Christ Jesus. We must obey God’s Word, not mankind’s word.
  
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ShyMan
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 2:41pm
He’s a pervert. Plain and simple.

Evilangelist pervert.

And probably involved in a “relationship” right now.

Gross.

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Wisdom7
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 2:18pm
One would think with all the media coverage for homosexuals they make up 60% of the population. It makes no sense why we are continually propping up these people above all others! They are not special. Being gay does not give you special rights.

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1FreeVoice
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 2:18pm
Once left handed people were called “sinister”, and epilepsy was thought to be demonic possession. Thank God we have continued to learn and grow, and no longer limit ourselves to such a narrow understanding.

Have you seen the latest genetic research pertaining to homosexuality? A scientist believes that he has found epi-genetic markers that determine same sex sexual orientation. Epi-genetic markers are not genes per say, they can affect how genes are expressed in a particular generation, and may be subject to environmental influences more than genes themselves. The markers in this instance are inherited from the parent of the opposite gender. A gay woman inherited the marker from her father, etc. People cannot be held accountable for the genes they inherit. The pastor is right. Loving and committed relationships, without promiscuity are what we want to encourage.

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JQCitizen
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 2:11pm
They can “cope with their sexuality” the same way any God-honoring hetero-sexual people do, with celebacy. Anyone hetero OR ****, who isn’t willing to do so, is not worthy to be a disciple of Christ!

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okaaay
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 2:08pm
Been a Christian for 47 years and never heard of the guy. Just one more person making up their own god.

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many [a]miracles?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness.’ – Matthew 7:21-23

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john vincent
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 2:03pm
The pastor has a truth issue. I have read here of ‘false’ teaching, and some very good insight, seems there can be no grey area. Mr. Clifford in writing of his dissent has said well,’ we have made a god of our own likeness,’ as this was a rebuttal to the pastor. Who knows, maybe the good pastor is laying groundwork for his own coming out…

http://sienna48.blog.com/category/truth/

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h20sue
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 1:59pm
As my grandfather once said (he was a traveling minister in the hills of Kentucky), one does not need to go to church to believe in God. He knows our belief’s whether we’re attending church or not. We live in a small town. The church I attended as a child is so different. You can’t go to a church without someone holding out a hand and wanting tithes, or passing the plate. Church is not supposed to be like this. It’s a place to worship, to intermingle with others, and rejoicing the gifts God gave us. To attend a church should not reflect someone’s wealth, or not. This is why so many people refuse to attend a church.
People are struggling, and our family is no different. We are self-employed and trust me, life is not easy. We live from pay check to pay check, but we take good care of our neighbors, and our customers. We can’t give to everyone, as we can barely afford to pay the mortgage and/or put food on the table. It doesn’t mean we are BAD PEOPLE, because we don’t attend church. We believe in God and Country, but we just don’t have the money or want to be talked about in our communnity because we can’t give to a church. And trust me, people do talk and it’s disgusting! For those who have the money, then give to a church, but don’t turn your heads and think those that don’t, are heathens, as we’re not… We worship our God in our own way.
PS: We do not believe in homosexuality as it is a sin. We also do not like to have it pushed down our throats. (no p

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moreteaplease
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 1:51pm
Makes me wonder what his own sexual orientation is. I listen to nothing people like this have to say when they start twisting God’s word around.

Proverbs 14:7
Go from the presence of a foolish man,
When you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge.

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PhoebeMoses
Posted on January 16, 2013 at 1:50pm
“There is nothing new under the sun”…..Eccl. 1:9 This is part and parcel of the coming apostate church. Chalke is “emerging” just like President Obama “evolved”. It’s calling evil good and good evil Isaiah 50:20 and there’s a big WOE attached to it. If ‘Pastor’ Chalke truly loved the homosexual community he would speak the TRUTH in love to them.

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” Matt. 7:13-14

“God’s spirit specifically tells us that in later days there will be men who abandon the true faith and allow themselves to be spiritually seduced by teachings of demons, teachings given by men who are lying hypocrites, whose consciences are as dead as seared flesh. 1Tim. 4:1-3

“Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders”.
1st Cor. 6:9

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