News, Homosexuality not a 'disease', says Archbishop. (America, churches, bible)

[John1960]

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, has said that homosexuality is not a "disease" on the eve of a crucial decision that could split the Anglican Church worldwide.

Dr Williams's support for gays will fuel anger among conservative Church members who will see his message of support as direct challenge to their deeply held view that homosexuality is a sin.

In his address to a key -gathering of 159 American bishops in New Orleans, the Archbishop insisted: "I do not assume that homosexual inclination is a disease."

Warning that "violence against gay and lesbian people is inexcusable," he added: "Gay and lesbian people have a place in the Church as do all the baptised."

Dr Williams flew to America in a last-minute round of shuttle diplomacy to reconcile the warring camps.

Homosexuality not a 'disease', says Archbishop - Telegraph

[jabogitlu]

Bravo to the Archbishop Williams and also to all in the Anglican faith who are sending out a message of faith, tolerance and equality even if it means breaking up their communion.

[jkmewright]

Now THIS should be fun!

*grabbing popcorn*

[happynoodleboycey]

I can't really do much more except echo what jabogitlu said. This is the kind of attitude which helps bring the world together. It's so reassuring to hear the words "Gay and lesbian people have a place in the Church as do all the baptised" come from the mouth of such a high ranking person within the Church. Thank God for people like him.

[satanoid]

I doubt he would admit it isn't a 'choice' however.

Again, and instance where science trumps religion with mountains of proof, but is ignored because of ideology.

[Torrey]

Originally Posted by John1960

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, has said "Gay and lesbian people have a place in the Church as do all the baptised."

This statement is a total contradiction to what the Christian bible says. I am not a Christian, but I find it incredible that people can profess to believe in a particular religious doctrine, and then boldly contradict it out in the open for all the world to see.

[gizmo980]

Originally Posted by Torrey

This statement is a total contradiction to what the Christian bible says. I am not a Christian, but I find it incredible that people can profess to believe in a particular religious doctrine, and then boldly contradict it out in the open for all the world to see.

People do it every single day, and not just in regards to homosexuality... if you look hard enough, you can find a Bible passage that condemns nearly everything - cursing, drinking, pre-marital sex, greed, jealousy, gluttony, etc. Do you really think that all religious people are 100% "pure" according to the Bible? Just something to consider.

[Mrs. Garrison]

I have an idea...just ask any gay person in the world if he/she CHOSE to be gay. Only they will have the answer - a non-gay person can't ever know for sure.

[grew-up-3rd-culture]

Originally Posted by John1960

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, has said that homosexuality is not a "disease" on the eve of a crucial decision that could split the Anglican Church worldwide.

Dr Williams's support for gays will fuel anger among conservative Church members who will see his message of support as direct challenge to their deeply held view that homosexuality is a sin.

In his address to a key -gathering of 159 American bishops in New Orleans, the Archbishop insisted: "I do not assume that homosexual inclination is a disease."

Warning that "violence against gay and lesbian people is inexcusable," he added: "Gay and lesbian people have a place in the Church as do all the baptised."

Dr Williams flew to America in a last-minute round of shuttle diplomacy to reconcile the warring camps.

Homosexuality not a 'disease', says Archbishop - Telegraph

'nuf said.

[ibcwife]

Originally Posted by John1960

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, has said that homosexuality is not a "disease" on the eve of a crucial decision that could split the Anglican Church worldwide.

Dr Williams's support for gays will fuel anger among conservative Church members who will see his message of support as direct challenge to their deeply held view that homosexuality is a sin.

In his address to a key -gathering of 159 American bishops in New Orleans, the Archbishop insisted: "I do not assume that homosexual inclination is a disease."

Warning that "violence against gay and lesbian people is inexcusable," he added: "Gay and lesbian people have a place in the Church as do all the baptised."

Dr Williams flew to America in a last-minute round of shuttle diplomacy to reconcile the warring camps.

Homosexuality not a 'disease', says Archbishop - Telegraph

I would agree that it is not a disease. But the bible unequivocally calls it a sin. And reading the book of 1 John, there is not one who can live in darkness (unrepentant, repetitive sin) and live in the light. I believe that gay and lesbian's belong in the church too. As the church is a hospital for the sick, not a museum for the saints. BUT... IMHO they would not be allowed to be baptized, or become members until they admit their sin and are willing to turn from it. That doesn't apply to just gays... that should be mandatory for anyone who is living with unrepentant, repetitive sin. Heterosexual people who are living together before marriage for example. Someone who is in the midst of an adulterates relationship. Someone who steals, kills, slanders, involved in pornography. The churches today needs to ask some hard questions before allowing people to become members. Too many people are calling themselves Christians who don't even know the true meaning of those words!! They are no more Christians than Adolf Hitler was. If there is no real heart change, no real change in the way we are living in this world, then you might want to go back and test yourselves to make sure you are in the faith.

I will step down off my soapbox now...