Faith

Presbyterian Church to Ordain First Openly Gay Minister

Wisconsin Presbyterian Church to Ordain First Openly Gay Minister Scott Anderson

Scott Anderson will be ordained Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011, at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Madison, Wis., becoming the denomination's first openly gay minister. (AP Photo/Dinesh Ramde)

SUN PRAIRIE, Wis. (AP) — More than two decades after Scott Anderson told his California congregation that he was gay and therefore must resign as its pastor, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is preparing to welcome him back with mostly open arms.

Anderson will be ordained Saturday in his new home of Madison, Wis., as the denomination’s first openly gay minister, marking the latest mainline Protestant church to move toward accepting homosexual relationships.

During a recent interview, Anderson, 56, recalled being in the closet from 1983 to 1990 while serving as a minister in Sacramento. He told the congregation the truth and resigned as pastor after a couple learned he was gay and tried to use the information against him.

“That was really the best and worst moment of my life,” Anderson said. “It was the best because I was able to claim for the first time who I was as a gay man. That was incredibly empowering. But there was also the sadness, the grief of leaving the ministry and what I loved.”

Saturday’s ordination at Covenant Presbyterian Church was made possible by decades of debate over whether openly gay people should be allowed to serve in the church. The church constitution used to include language requiring that clergy live “in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness.”

The Presbyterian national assembly last year endorsed removing that rule. The change was approved in May by a majority of the denomination’s 173 regional church bodies.

Jennifer Sauer, who attends Anderson’s church, said she was thrilled about his upcoming ordination.

“Anyone who knows Scott sees his extraordinary gift of ministry, his ability to preach the word, his compassion, his humility,” said Sauer, 41, of Madison. “If there have been any negative rumblings at all, I sure haven’t heard about it.”

But some conservatives who disapprove of ordaining homosexuals have threatened to leave, said Tom Hay, the director of operations for the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church.

“The Episcopalians, the Lutherans, the United Church of Christ have all made this step and all have experienced losses,” he said. “I would expect we will, too. I would grieve that and hope we can find better solutions than to break apart.”

Several reasons have been cited for the loosened restrictions: the trend in broader American society toward accepting same-sex relationships, decreased interest in continuing the debate, and the departure of some conservative churches from presbyteries, which changed the balance of votes in some regions.

Anderson said he felt a calling to the ministry when he was a sophomore in high school, several years before he became aware of his sexual preference.

But he wasn’t convinced of his career decision. He studied political science at the University of California, Davis and considered a law career. Eventually, he decided to attend a seminary.

“In my first year there I fell in love with another man,” he said. “At that point I had to make a decision: Do I follow the call and stay in the closet, or come out and be honest about who I am and leave the seminary?”

At that point the calling was strong enough that he remained. But when he was later forced to come out he was in emotional turmoil. He expected anger and rejection when he told his congregation of about 400 he would leave, perhaps for graduate school. Instead he received love and affirmation — along with a check to cover the entire two years of schooling.

He spent a year away from the church coming to grips with who he was as an outed gay man. His parents were shocked at first but became more supportive as they realized he was the same person they’d always known.

Eventually, Anderson found his way back to a different Presbyterian congregation. Despite his previous experiences, he said being Presbyterian was part of his spiritual DNA.

He remained active in church life, and is now executive director of the Wisconsin Council of Churches in Sun Prairie, near Madison. His ordination means he’ll be ordained to the specific job he already has. That means the only change is that he’ll now be able to administer sacraments such as communion. He could also become a parish minister, a role he said he might consider in three or four years.

Anderson said he was grateful about his upcoming ordination. He predicted the trend would make the Presbyterian church stronger in the long run.

“It really says to the wider culture, here we have a church that not only talks about being created in the image of God and you’re all created to be in relationship with one another, but also wants to live that message,” he said. “That’s going to give the Presbyterian church a lot more integrity in its witness to the Christian faith.”

Comments (285)

1 2 3 ... 6
  • Divineliberty
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 9:52am

    The presbytery is doomed, as a whole they proclaimed last year that being gay isn’t a sin…I left my Presbyterian church because the pastor was pro gay…even know it clearly states that being gay is a sin.

    Report Post » Divineliberty  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 10:13am

      Presbyterian Church is doomed. 1/3 rd to 1/2 half will leave, some to the Roman Catholic Church. In Virginia, there was a vicious split. The pro gay group wanted the separatists’ church. I guess money means more to them than letting go of a church for a dissident congregation’s church building. The looked for a new bishop & I think they found one in Africa. England is not an option. You get the feeling that The church of England is just going through the motions. If there were no gays or Muslims, the Anglican church would still cease to exist because they have no heart. I am not saying their bad people. It is just they inherited a religious tradition & they fo not know what to do with uit anymore.

      Report Post »  
    • motonutt
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 11:39am

      Parts of the book of Revelation take some study to understand and still can be up to interpritation.
      But the “letter to the churches” chap. 2 is not so hard to understand. Homosexuality in these liberal churches is becoming rampid. It’s becoming the norm. I live in a somewhat small town of about 40,000 people…and we have several gay (men and woman) clergy as the head pastor or priest. It is becoming prevelent, and these churches will be judged as evil for it.

      Report Post » motonutt  
    • billwill
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 11:48am

      Romans 1:26: For this cause God gave them up to vile affections: for even their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature:
      Romans 1:27: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was due.
      Romans 1:28: And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not proper; {to retain: or, to acknowledge} {a reprobate…: or, a mind void of judgment or, an unapproving mind}
      Romans 1:29: Being filled with all unrighteousness, immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
      Romans 1:30: Backbiters, haters of God, insolent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,
      Romans 1:31: Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: {without natural…: or unsociable}
      Romans 1:32: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they who commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. {have…: or, consent with}

      Report Post »  
    • jal974
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 11:49am

      Our Presbyterian Church is staying conservative,We are able to keep our own constitution,Our leaders should be held to a higher standard….No sin is less serious than another,but we are supposed to be working on our weakness…

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 12:21pm

      People are confused about the Biblical meaning of Eunuch. A person whom chooses to be a Eunuch chooses to abstain from sex, and one whom is a Eunuch by nature it’s that they have no sex drive or interest in sex.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 12:48pm

      It’s an interesting thing to me. That as the light “liberty” whichever you would like to call it comes from the east; as it shines through the Firmament of Heaven that divides the waters from the waters; that same firmament which has lights in the firmament for the signs and seasons and lower down the waters underneath it and the dry ground underneath the waters that flow down and up that dry ground like a Christmas tree idea shows people; and then on down further down the dry ground to the sea of waters; it’s interesting that as the light descends down through all of this, the way people see it as different things. And that how the light is divided. Communists become more Communist, gays become more gay; people whom think allowing gays is the right thing do it more; and so on with every type of person there is in the earth. And then there is Benjamin also who is like a wolf whom is dividing the spoil. And yet others behave as if there time is short, and they have to get their punches in. These things are all very interesting.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 12:59pm

      And even those whom see the first-born as the strength, even they will gird the loins of Peter.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 1:02pm

      And it is the “Dry ground” of your self awareness that you truly feel the massive earthquake, and everyone runs into the hills of their soul. And that’s why people should pay no attention to the reports of earthquakes in diverse places.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 1:12pm

      And even as the light descends into the dry ground of self awareness, even the Mus lims see the light albeit as a much dimmer light, and they see it as inspiration to rid the earth of every wicked thing according to their definition. Progressives see the light as a much dimmer light also, and this is why they are working together with Islam.

      Report Post »  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 1:24pm

      Who can judge the cause of the Fatherless and there is truly no one whom is absolutely “Fatherless”, but who can determine a dad that leaves his children out of wickedness, and separate that one from a dad whom leaves his children in the name of liberty, for spiritual growth. Even the Lord leaves his children in the hands of a husband to tend the dry ground while the landowner is away. Who can judge these things. Everything that happens on the earth and in the earth is for the sake of mankind which is for the sake of God.

      Report Post »  
    • antirino
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 1:45pm

      This is the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) which does not speak for all Presbyterians. I am a member of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) which broke away from Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) 50 years ago because of their extreme error in doctrine. http://www.opc.org/

      Report Post »  
    • Si vis pacem para bellum statim
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 2:29pm

      http://www.therightscoop.com/open-thread-grinding-america-down/

      Report Post » Si vis pacem para bellum statim  
    • cavyR
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 2:53pm

      The queers strike again!

      Report Post » cavyR  
    • Highland
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 7:10pm

      Presbyterians disappointed with the pro-homosexual position of the denomination won’t go to the Catholic church, they’ll go to the Presbyterian Church in America and the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. They’re already going this route. The PCUSA is losing members – and congregations – in droves.

      Report Post » Highland  
    • darasen
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 8:42pm

      Just remeber not all Presbyterian churches are presbyterian U.S.A.

      Report Post »  
    • rwinger261
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 10:10pm

      This has been going on in the mainline church for nearly a century. The liberals take one more step into blatant apostasy, and then another group packs its bags and leaves. Biblical Christians have no business remaining in such a religious system of unbelief. There are several Presbyterian groups that one can join instead of this synagogue of Satan.

      Report Post » rwinger261  
    • Welcome Black Carter
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 10:42pm

      “Do I follow the call and stay in the closet, or come out and be honest about who I am and leave the seminary?”

      You had the chance to do the right thing and leave. That was not a call… that was what you wanted to do.

      Report Post » Welcome Black Carter  
    • LibertarianForLife
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 11:38pm

      As civilization advances, and your imaginary friend in the sky becomes less and less relevant, all churches will advance towards personal liberty.

      Report Post »  
    • thepatriotdave
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 11:51pm

      And society continues it’s detsructiuve slide into the cess-poll of hell on earth!
      God forgive them for they know not what they do.

      Report Post » thepatriotdave  
    • Armed Patriot
      Posted on October 9, 2011 at 8:56am

      I was raised in the Presbyterian church but I will never attend another Presbyterian service, not that I go to church at the moment, but I have read enough in the bible to show that homosexuality is an abomination before God.

      If the church sanctifies an abomination unto God, how can anything it teaches be believed as truth from God???

      Report Post » Armed Patriot  
    • TMink
      Posted on October 10, 2011 at 9:41am

      The PCUSA ordains people in violation of scripture. The Presbyterian Church in America does not. We are a denomination that seeks to conform to Biblical principles rather than our own whims. Also, we are the Presbyterian denomination that is growing instead of shrinking. Anyone involved in a denomination that is leaving the Bible should search out and join a reform congregation that honors God and His Word. Oh, and pray for those that are deceived. They need help.

      Trey

      Report Post »  
    • Biscuit Feed Bubba
      Posted on October 10, 2011 at 5:24pm

      Hell will still burn, even if you think it will not.

      Report Post »  
  • simply one voice
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 9:43am

    The Bible speaks very openly and directly regarding the end times and what the Lord holds against the Churches that have fallen and left Gods Las and Commands. I watched the Methodists and now the Presbyterians.

    Take it to heart; God is not mocked and, in fact, holds those who do. I have to humbly remind myself of that in the mirror daily. Mans wisdom is as foolishness unto God. We each will be held answerable in this lifetime.

    Report Post » simply one voice  
  • lukerw
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 9:38am

    If about 2% of the population is Gay… and of that group they reject Morality and Sex Education… then, what the Church Leaders doing? Lemmings!!

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • ares338
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 9:38am

    If I were a religious man and had sons going to his church, I wouldn’t feel comfortable with his coy filing my sons at all. He may be perfectly fine but it is my right to feel this way.

    Report Post » ares338  
    • godhead
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 10:21am

      Don’t send them to mass, then.

      Report Post »  
    • ChristianLayman
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 11:56am

      @ Godhead: The Presbyterian Ecclesial Community does not celebrate the Mass, only Roman Catholics and Anglican-use parishes (those that are in communion with the Catholic Church) do. Eastern Catholics and Eastern Orthodoxy celebrate the Divine Liturgy (which for all intents and purposes, is the same thing as the Mass, but carried out differently).

      Report Post »  
    • Nlitend1
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 11:57am

      So basically you‘re saying that religion didn’t have to tell you to be intolerant, you can do that all on your own. If you had 2 sons? Can I make the assumption that you don’t have 2 sons, but 2 young boys are prime targets for gay ministers? Do you think gay men want to have sex with your 2 imaginary sons? Do you imagine them to be attractive? No matter, you do have the right to defend your confabulated little pretty boys from the evils of the sodomizing ministry.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 1:33pm

      ChristianLayman
      GODHEAD took a provocative, self aggrandizing name to needle people. Basically he is someone from the perspective of the left, who views Christians (at least conservative ones) disparagingly. He is here to snipe, not so much to debate or understand. I have see this style on other sites. Short retorts that the author think is terribly erudite & witty. A person like this likes to play head games with those he considers his/her inferiors.

      Report Post »  
    • godhead
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 1:41pm

      I know. That’s what I was saying. If you;re looking for somewhere other than a P church, don’t send him to a Catholic church, for all the obvious reason. (Talk about perversion!)

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 1:50pm

      godhead
      Could it be that the RCC has a high number of gay priests?

      Report Post »  
    • proliance
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 6:27pm

      @godhead and walkabout: The percentage of Catholic priests who sexually abuse others would be too high even if it were just one. That said, insurance records show the the percentage of priests who molest is lower than school teachers and yes, lower than Protestant preachers. The difference is that the Church is well large, well organized, and public, while the disorganized Protestants are unable to get together to do anything about it.

      Report Post » proliance  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 8:38pm

      proliance

      I had heard that the Catholic Bishops had a study conducted. I need to get a hold of it as well as the a rate for the general population & various subgroups.

      Good numbers are hard to find in all the chaff. the left smells blood in the water & they want their pound of flesh.

      Even 1 crime is 1 crime too many . Goes without saying.

      I just wanted to shut him up. He is really snarky, but I don’t think he can go toe to toe. I do have corroboration for my figures.

      The way I see it, many Anglicanism episcopalians, presbyterians are going to be folded back into the RCC over time. Or maybe they will be folded together depending on your reference frame.

      Over time the Lutherans & the Orthodox will also join. I believe this. After all there is only one Catholic church.

      Anyway an attack on the RCC is an attack on us all. That & John Paul II & Benedict are really great popes. I like Benedict’s work on limbo.

      Report Post »  
    • ChristianLayman
      Posted on October 9, 2011 at 12:41am

      @ Walkabout and Proliance

      Ah, okay. I thought Godhead didn’t know the difference. That he’s nothing more than a troll has become obvious with his absurd remarks.

      Report Post »  
  • Madpiper
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 9:27am

    This is why I left the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA) long ago. If you are Presbyterian and believe right is right and Leviticus is still part of the Bible, look into the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA). As the PCUSA declines, the PCA is growing. IN the end, though, it isn’t about denomination, it is about belief Christ and living according to the inspired word of God.

    Report Post » Madpiper  
    • dean29685
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 9:42am

      I also have left the PC(USA) for the EPC In my area of The South the PCA is a dying institution.

      Report Post »  
    • Pilgrimsarbour
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 10:29am

      I have been a member of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church for 17 years now. The OPC was founded in 1936 when a group of PCUSA members broke away to flee the liberalism that had infected it even then. The OPC is very small, much smaller than the PCA, but we are committed to the gospel, to evangelism and to missions.

      Report Post » Pilgrimsarbour  
  • ConservativeChristianB1954
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 9:20am

    These people are practicing what is called Dalmatian Theology. They believe that ‘The Bible is only inspired in spots and they are inspired to spot the spots.”

    They absolutely hate this verse but it is in there: Leviticus 20:13 If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death.

    The plumbing that God created in man and woman is proof that God did NOT make people this way.
    A man’s *** is NOT built or created for a man’s ****

    I have nothing against homosexuals. If they want to live this lifestyle it is their body and their right HOWEVER, they will NEVER force me to accept it as NORMAL and I will NEVER believe it is right in God’s eyes.

    I have my right to believe ALL the Bible is true and that homosexuality is a sin and detestable to God!

    God does NOT hate them he hates their sin. Therefore I do not hate them either.

    Report Post » ConservativeChristianB1954  
    • dean29685
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 9:43am

      Yes yes yes

      Report Post »  
    • Tim Law
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 11:29am

      Amen!

      Report Post »  
    • Gail B
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 12:06pm

      Well said!

      Report Post »  
    • Cherynn
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 12:55pm

      Homosexuality is found in over 450 species. Homophobia is found in only one. Which one seems unatural now?

      Report Post » Cherynn  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 1:49pm

      Cherynn

      Why don’t you also tell them many gay birds will leave their male partners when a female comes available. The urge to form pair bonds is strong. In species with harems You would expect to find a number of gay pairs where this is true.

      In many societies their are harems or “kept women” (mistresses) of the powerful. And what do we find? Gayness. Not surprised. Just like in the animal world. You want us to live like animals Cherynn?

      Tell them the so-called gay squid rarely meet one another in the dark depths & so never lose an opportunity to attach a sperm packet to any squid of their species that they meet. Scientists theorize that they meet so infrequently & it is so dark that they can’t take the chance that they miss a female. they believe that lack of courtship rituals & the brief time that the squids actually meet drives this strategy. They don;t actually copulate.

      Report Post »  
    • Tammy_Beth
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 6:46pm

      as always, i can’t help but wonder if those who cite Leviticus against Gays keep EVERY rule found in that book.

      also – i wonder what their view of lesbians is…

      Report Post » Tammy_Beth  
    • ChristianLayman
      Posted on October 9, 2011 at 12:50am

      Please, not the “other animals do it” fallacy again. Other animals also eat their young. Should we dig up the time honored tradition of cannibalism, solely by virtue of “other animals do it”?

      I do hate to break it to some of our more emotinally based posters, but the conduct of sexual morality really hasn’t changed since even in the New Testament, impurity is condemned across the board. But I realize that social liberals don’t really hold Holy Scripture as being authoritative, so maybe I should just start quoting from Plato’s Republic. Yes, let‘s see how Plato would’ve approached the situation…..It would be…….more or less the same.

      Report Post »  
  • GoingBeck
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 9:16am

    They had to get someone who would perform gay marriages. None of the other ministers would do it.

    Report Post »  
  • omni
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 9:16am

    Don’t know whether Anderson is gay or or very reserved. What I get is that he is an actively recruiting homosexual in the one of the most threatening positions possible. He and his ilk are forcing a redefinition of christianity into two subgroups, sodomy tolerant or non-sodomy tolerant. I believe this weakens the religion and the moral compass that underlies it

    Report Post »  
    • Tim Law
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 11:48am

      Your words have a profound truth in them! It brings to mind that the LORD will separate his sheep from the goat’s, this could very well be a way of doing so! There is fast approaching a time when we will all have to choose where we stand. It’s not my place to judge, but I think the teaching of LORD are pretty much all or nothing. If your going to believe in the Word, it has to be taking to heart as a whole.

      Report Post »  
    • Tammy_Beth
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 7:04pm

      or maybe it’s the “grace and love” church and the “law and judgement” church. I guess when me pass on we’ll figure out which is loser to his will.

      Report Post » Tammy_Beth  
  • jedi.kep
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 9:08am

    The Presby’s have been sliding down the hill for years. Now they have dropped into the valley. Lord have mercy on their souls. Those of you who can read the Word and understand the clear truth of Scripture need to leave now. Otherwise you are lending your support to this pick and choose gospel.

    Report Post » jedi.kep  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 9:25am

      Not only the Presbyterian church..but the Methodist Church has fallen also..or maybe they never stood for Israel…. the Methodist Church..the last that I heard… supports the Palestinians and not Israel. We need to start exposing false churches.. thank you Blaze for exposing these two.

      Report Post »  
  • cassandra
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 9:08am

    this proves the progressives have infiltrated into the clergy also, this is in the communist manifesto, I would leave that church and find a true Christian church

    Report Post »  
    • godhead
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 10:21am

      True Christian church? Name one.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 11:33am

      godhead

      Are you going to say they have are fallen & all are worth very little?

      Report Post »  
    • godhead
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 11:40am

      I’m going to say Christians should clock out before praying.

      Report Post »  
    • joe1234
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 11:42am

      @pothead, its apparent you’ve clocked out a long time ago….

      Report Post » joe1234  
    • Gail B
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 12:09pm

      A true Christian church believes in Jesus Christ as their Savior. There are many denominations that believe in Christ and the Bible as inspired by God the Father.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 1:35pm

      godhead
      Your remarks are elliptical. Don’t pout when the going gets tough

      Report Post »  
    • godhead
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 1:42pm

      Walkabout . . . If only you knew what you meant.

      Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 1:53pm

      godhead
      The word elliptical sprang to mind as the most apt word to use. I deliberately chose it. Look it up; it fits you like a glove. PAINTED.

      Report Post »  
    • godhead
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 4:56pm

      ROUNDABOUT . . . “fits you like a glove”

      As long as you have your dictionary out, look up cliche.

      Report Post »  
  • Carol Ingian
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 8:58am

    I am sorry to hear another church has fallen.

    Report Post »  
    • ashestoashes
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 9:15am

      Being a “Christian” is about obedience in obeying God’s laws which are stated clearly in the Bible. And as a teacher of the Word.. a pastor is held to a greater accountability. Yashuah said…” I didn’t come to judge the world…but to save it…..My Word judges you.” So in essence..this man has judged himself…because in being a minister..he has read that Bible. He has chosen of his own accord to go against God. Being obedient to the Word means having control of your mind…which quite obviously this man does not. When evil thoughts enter one’s head…one directs them away. This is no man of God.

      Report Post »  
  • db321
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 8:56am

    His 1st sermon should be on Leviticus 20:13. I don’t think God is going to be happy.

    Report Post » db321  
    • Jbizzle
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 9:13am

      exactly.

      Report Post »  
    • whatdoibelieve
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 10:53am

      It could also be on Romans 1:24-32. I always like to see people who discount the old testament dance around those verses…

      Report Post »  
    • sstockers
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 11:16am

      Leviticus 20:13 (NKJV)
      If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.

      How many gay men do you know that even want to see a woman naked let alone “lie” with one? IMO 20:13 is a condemnation of the married men you see on the local news getting busted cruising for gay sex in local parks.

      Report Post »  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 8:56am

    It’s a sad commentary on modern Christianity when Islam is better at following their beliefs (as demonic as they are) than Christians are. Pray for repentence for this church and this country.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • willbedone
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 8:55am

    Matthew 7: 21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ 23 Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!

    Report Post » willbedone  
    • Tammy_Beth
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 7:24pm

      which verse applies exactly the same in reverse if it turns out that judgmental Christians have misunderstood God’s view of homosexuality and alienated those whom he loves from his presence.

      What’s unintentionally hilarious about this thread is all the folks saying “I like this church” and “I like that church” – if you can see with your own eyes that sincere, Bible believing, faithful Christians have a hundred (or more!) different opinions differing views of crucial stuff like the means of salvation and the manner of prayer – then what level of arrogance must it take to assume that there is absolutely ZERO possibility that you have it wrong about homosexuality?

      It’s really quite stunning. particularly when the entire history of the Christian church is one long chain of misinterpretations which later have to be corrected and apologized for.

      A whole lot more humility might be in order one of these centuries…

      Report Post » Tammy_Beth  
  • hughglass
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 8:48am

    Isn’t that swell. Sun Prairie is just north on Madison, WI. Need I say more? Also in the distruict of Tammi Baldwin, lesbian member of congress running for the senate. Indeed a nest of liberal vermin.

    Report Post » hughglass  
  • MaxineH20Sux
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 8:43am

    These politically correct churches do nothing to help people understand Christianity. The Bible clearly says in Leviticus 18:22 that if another man lays with another man as he would a woman it is detestable. I would boycott that church. If someone is gay then they are gay. As Christians we do not hate anyone or not love anyone because they are homosexual. God loves us all, but it is our duty to preach and share the Bible as it is written and not change it because it may hurt someones feelings! The Bible is what it is and it cannot be changed.

    Report Post » MaxineH20Sux  
    • MaxineH20Sux
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 8:45am

      I am currently looking for a church thT preaches fire and brimstone and I am having a really hard time finding one. I don’t think they exist! That is my kind of church.

      Report Post » MaxineH20Sux  
    • PatriotDadOfSix
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 9:15am

      @Maxine..I don‘t know where you’re located in the country but down south there are affiliates of the ‘House of Prayer’ churches..which are largely Pentecostal in nature. Other smaller ‘Protestant’ Bible based churches abound as well. Both of these are a little more lively behind the pulpit..and less prone to political correctness.

      Report Post » PatriotDadOfSix  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 10:06am

      Baptists as a general rule are also very tight biblically though they can come in watered down versions. Still, there are a great many flavors and some Baptist churches are whooping and back-flipping. The trick is to find the one where you fit in.

      There are also many other good denominations. (remember, when talking about the free church each body makes their own rules). The Alliance churches and Bible churches are strong on inerrant scripture and sola scriptura.

      Report Post »  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 10:08am

      As a side note, I would much rather fellowship with a fired up Pentecostal than a liberal northern Baptist…

      Just sayin…

      Report Post »  
    • Judy72204
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 11:42am

      Not only in Leviticus is this behavior abhorent but Romans and 1Cor 6:9 well the whole of the chapter tells us what God hates.. Reading the book of Romans outloud on the streets of Boston was made illegal due to its condemnation of homosexuality.

      Report Post »  
    • masimo
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 1:25pm

      I and many go to non-denominational churches that preach the bible versus by versus chapter by chapter. Any Calvary will teach the bible and will stay away from Politics

      Report Post »  
    • proliance
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 6:30pm

      Trolltrainer, where do you find sola scritpura in the Bible?

      Report Post » proliance  
    • trolltrainer
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 7:31pm

      proliance,

      in those words? Nowhere. In implication? Everywhere.

      But what a strange argument for a Catholic to mount? Where do you find 75% of the doctrine YOU believe in the Bible? But if you want to put your faith in a pope, who you somehow feel is inerrant despite history proving again and again the pope makes many mistakes, then more power to you. I choose to believe in the Word of God alone. Keeps things simple. :-)

      Report Post »  
  • Nemo13
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 8:41am

    Any church or organization that would allow this is a fraud, plain and simple. It is not up to them to ‘change the rules’ if they do so, they may as well call themselves something else and worship the tooth fairy or something like that. It would make as much sense. The danger most do not see is the little slips. Once you start letting things slide, it picks up speed and over you go.

    Report Post »  
  • KickinBack
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 8:40am

    And there were those who thought the Catholic church went off track with the start of Vatican II.

    Report Post » KickinBack  
  • paleoman
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 8:40am

    How can he preach the word when he goes against the WORD.

    Report Post »  
  • rangerp
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 8:36am

    While the presbyterian church may ordain it, it sure is not ordained by GOD.

    The Bible is very clear concerning homosexuality, both old and new testaments.

    This is not a church, or is it Christain. This is a social club of non believers, who defy Bible truth..

    Report Post » rangerp  
  • marecanine
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 8:33am

    I grew up Presbyterian and was proud of that fact. Then in the 1980′s the North and the South churches joined and I thought to my self that this was not a good thing. I don’t attend the church because of its Liberal views, there was talk of having Bishops and ordaining gay and lesbians, now, 30 years later its seems the church is taking the final step in my completely seperating myself from it. I will seek a way to have my name removed from it’s ranks. I have always said, the two things I cannot tolerate is haveing a Bishop over me and any gay clergy.

    Report Post »  
    • Gonzo
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 8:44am

      Find a Christian church that believes the Bible, teaches the Bible and is not ashamed to do so. There are plenty of them still out there despite what this discouraging news may lead you to believe.

      Report Post » Gonzo  
  • hillbillyinny
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 8:28am

    One of his congregants talks about his “gift” for “teaching the (W)ord.” Wonder WHAT he teaches from The Word concerning homosexuality. or maybe, like many, he just preaches around those verses. . .

    Unclear from the article if he is a practicing homosexual, but he is God’s child, definitely to be loved by all, even if his sin is hated.

    Sad for the United Pres. Church, but not surprised. My mom’s church, J.R. Miller Memorial and Second Pres.in Philadelphia, PA, seceeded from the United Presbyterians back in the 1980′s (I believe), when the denomination voted to ordane women into the preaching ministry. First, we were independent Pres. until it was “folded” into the United Pres. group in the late 50‘s early 60’s, then the church could not go along with what they prayed and determined were non-Biblical teachings.

    We so want to bend the Gospel to justify our decisions and wants, instead of standing firm to the Word of Life. May all come to the Gospel, have strength to live in the Gospel and share in the Love of God and of others as the WORD has commanded us.

    “Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth.” (Hebrews 12:6). I pray for this man, whomever he might be involved with, and for his congregation. May they come to the Light of Truth.

    Report Post »  
    • hillbillyinny
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 8:34am

      Maybe it was Tenth Pres.? I’ll do more research–no longer a Presbyterian, but still Bible believing, Word following with the Holy Spirit leading my life.

      Report Post »  
  • SpankDaMonkey
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 8:20am

    .
    Well I hate to tell you this, but God the guy who is your Boss. He say‘s it’s a sin. I on the other hand think your a sick freak who should be kept away from small children and amimals……..

    Report Post » SpankDaMonkey  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 8:13am

    The apostate church gains another member. Satan, your father, is well pleased.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
    • Wayne
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 9:34am

      Amen, Satan is getting in the churches more every day. No Christian would set in the devils house and listen to this ***.

      Report Post »  
    • godhead
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 11:41am

      Gonzo, Lincoln attended a Presbyterian church. But you’re right, the P church of Lincoln’s day is not the P church of today. Kind of like the Republican party. heh heh

      Report Post »  
    • joe1234
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 11:57am

      @pothead, the republicans are still about protecting and humanizing all people…like the unborn…

      where the democrats have always been, and still are about dehumanizing those they disagree with…blacks, (your party is the party of slavery, the Klan, jim crow) the japanese, with FDR’s internment camps, unborn babies, (whom democrats love to slaughter) and now the tea party…

      heh heh

      Report Post » joe1234  
    • godhead
      Posted on October 8, 2011 at 2:00pm

      JOE1234: “the republicans are still about protecting and humanizing all people… where the democrats have always been, and still are about dehumanizing those they disagree with”

      You shouldn’t be trying to convinced me. Talk to these Blaze folks:

      LUKERW
      “Pigs”

      TYRANNYNOMORE
      I would track this commie loser down, pin him to the ground, then proceed to take a large, steaming dump on his face!

      MDLWOODS
      If you act like an animal, you should be treated like an animal. Cage them!

      And it’s not just the idiots here on The Blaze. It’s the idiots leading The Blaze. Gee I wonder if there’s a connection.

      Rush Limbaugh:
      Pure, evil parasites

      Jesse Watters:
      I think if you put every single left-wing cause into a blender and hit power this is the sludge you’d get.

      Apparently they didn‘t get the memo that it’s the Democrats who dehumanize people they don’t agree with.

      Stunning in your blind idiocy. Truly stunning.

      Report Post »  
  • kickagrandma
    Posted on October 8, 2011 at 8:10am

    There go the presybs……They’ve been on a downhill slide or years, but this nails them as a denomination Peter Marshall would kick b over this.

    Report Post »  
1 2 3 ... 6

Sign In To Post Comments! Sign In

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

Glenn Beck Radio

Listen to Glenn Beck 24/7 Listen Now
Restoring Love