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These notes have been prepared by the Revd Henry Mayor, an Anglican priest who is working to heal the wounds within the Anglican Communion caused by disputes over homosexuality.
Sodom
Look again at the condemnation of the men of Sodom in Genesis 19, 1-11.
David and Jonathan
Look again at the Bible story which describes a very close relationship between these two men, in I Samuel 18 to 20, and II Samuel 1. Read it not jsut with your brain but with your heart; feel the strong emotions they express for one another; hear the solemn vows they make to one another, vows such as we use in a church wedding. David and Jonathan weren't a gay couple as we understand it, but they do and say to each other what gay couples today would want to do and say.
Jesus
Look at the Bible especially through the life of Jesus. None of the Bible passages condemning gay sex occurs in the Gospels. Look how Jesus treats those whom other religious people exclude
Is there a pattern here which we should follow in our attitudes to gay and lesbian people ?
Further Reading
A number of recent books look at the Bible in more detail, making a case for Christian acceptance of people regardless of their sexual orientation.
'The Children are Free' is a short easily readable American book by two gay Christian men with a very conservative biblical background. To obtain a copy go to the website;
www.jesusmcc.org
or write to;
Jesus Metropolitan Community Church
2950 East 55th Place
Indianapolis
Indiana 46220
USA
Notes copyright © Henry Mayor 2008
If you don't have ready access to a copy of the Bible, follow this link to view the passages referred to in the notes above.
Biblical passages
new page 30 Nov 2008