I love the Canada and Bermuda Territory’s position statement on Gay and Lesbian Sexuality, very balanced and inclusive:
“The Salvation Army upholds the dignity of all persons. For this reason, and in obedience to the example of Jesus Christ, whose compassionate love is all-embracing, The Salvation Army does not discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation in the delivery of its services.
The Salvation Army believes that God’s will for the expression of sexual intimacy is revealed in the Bible, and that living fully in accordance with biblical standards calls for chastity outside of heterosexual marriage and faithfulness within it. We do not believe that same-sex attraction is necessarily blameworthy and we oppose the vilification and mistreatment of gays and lesbians. We believe that we are accountable for the ways in which we express our sexuality. While recognizing the challenge that this presents, The Salvation Army believes firmly in the power of God’s grace to enable all to live in a manner that is pleasing to Him.
In keeping with our mission, we are committed to proclaiming the good news of salvation, the forgiveness of sins, and transformation by the Holy Spirit. We welcome all seekers of faith in Christ to explore Salvation Army church life.”
Way to go Canada! Mirrors the thinking expressed in my book, “Lean Right, Love Left! Balancing the Body,” available: http://www.joenoland.com/joenoland/Creations.html
JN
4 comments:
I really appreciate Canada and Bermuda Territory’s position statement on Gay and Lesbian Sexuality! After working 30+ years in social services, I must say this is as close to my hearts sentiment as I've seen. Thank you! Jean Marie Salanoa
I really appreciate Canada and Bermuda Territory’s position statement on Gay and Lesbian Sexuality! It is the closest that I have seen anywhere expressing my own sentiments. Thank you so much for posting it! Jean Marie Salanoa
Thanks for bringing this to the fore, Joe.
I think this is about the best SA positional statement I've seen covering the area of sexuality, and have been thinking for some time that we need to be clearer, consistent and more communicative- internationally - where we stand on this. This is true both for TSA as a worshipping community & social services agency, as well as for the information of broader society & culture who we aim to love and serve in the name of Jesus.
This is most important considering the (I think largely undeserved) reputation that has developed for many of our LGBT brothers and sisters that The Salvation Army is homophobic or discriminatory in its outlook and practices.
This seems to have had its genesis in particular & specific sets of circumstances in the US related to hiring practices, so through various blogs, forums, news pieces etc the perception has become we have an "anti-gay stance".
Yet, with little or no official response from the Army to respond to or correct that perception our silence may well speak volumes to the LGBT community.
We began as a Movement which reached out to the marginalised with love. Sometimes it is good to remind ourselves of that, so thank you, Joe for the insightful post.
J
that is awesome.
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