The Rev. Dr. Mona West, a long time pastor and teacher within Metropolitan Community Churches, wrote the following words in a paper called “The Bible and Homosexuality”:

Lesbians and gay men face discrimination because of societal attitudes. Unfortunately, these attitudes are often taught by churches, and sadly, the Bible is frequently used as a weapon to "bash" lesbians and gays. It is important to remember that such hurtful things are not a reflection of Christ, or the way God wants the church to be ... Only a small number of passages in the entire Bible reference same-sex sexual activity (only within six books of the Bible.) Obviously this topic is not of great concern to the biblical writers. Yet these verses have been used to justify hatred, condemnation and exclusion of God's lesbian and gay children…  (www.mccchurch.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Resources/SexualitySpirituality/Sexuality_Spirituali.htm)

In my own life, in my mid-thirties I started coming to terms with being gay. I experienced a great inner conflict between what was going on inside of me and my adherence to a faith which taught, I thought, that being gay was one of the gravest sins. When I finally "came out" to myself, I stopped going to church altogether, convinced I had completely and irreconcilably fallen away from God. But thankfully, within six months of coming out, a friend invited me to a service at St. John's Metropolitan Community Church. I felt I was home. I realized I could continue to grow as a Christian while also embracing my sexual orientation. In fact, since that time my spiritual life truly has blossomed, and I have experienced God in a way richer than ever before.

The discussion within many of our churches has really intensified in regard to lesbian and gay people, especially as gay people in general and gay religious leaders specifically have become more visible. What are some of the possible responses churches today can make to the issue of homosexuality? Let me mention three common approaches taken by mainstream Christian congregations.

One extreme response taken by some churches and denominations today is that of declaring homosexuality as one of the most heinous of all sins. Homosexuals, in this view, are horrible, immoral people who will certainly destroy the moral fabric of our country and families, and should be condemned and rooted out at all costs.

A more moderate position teaches that homosexuality is a sin like any other sin, and so the church should welcome these sinners with open arms but work with them so that they will turn away from their “sinful lifestyle”. This alternative is not acceptable to the vast majority of gay people who believe that sexual orientation is not a sin, nor simply the "choosing of a lifestyle," but instead is an innate human characteristic, like gender and race. For gay people to be active in a church while hiding their relationships and their connections to the gay community is in some ways parallel to an upper middle class white church welcoming in black members with the caveat that they will be accepted as long as they act and worship like upper middle class white folks, or welcoming in Hispanic members only if they can first speak perfect English.

The third approach, and the one I would encourage, is adopted by churches wishing to take a fresh and honest look at the issue of sexual orientation. These congregations study the topic with an open mind, earnestly seeking God's wisdom and guidance. They believe that the church's role should not be to follow society's lead in condemning a subset of human population but instead should be to challenge the systems and structures which discriminate or oppress others on the basis of sexual orientation. Here are some practical ways in which churches can act on this belief.

First, churches can earnestly and openly study the scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to provide guidance in interpretation of those passages which are often used to condemn homosexuals (Leviticus 18:22, 20:13; Genesis 19; I Corinthians 6:9-10; I Timothy 1:9-11; Romans 1:24-27).  What words are used in the original text and how should they be translated, and what did they mean at that time? In what context were these verses written, and what is the meaning and intent of the larger passage? What is the historical and cultural backdrop of the passages that can provide insight into their true meaning? Are these passages speaking to nurturing, committed same-sex relationships?

Second, straight members of churches wanting to take an honest look at the issue of sexual orientation can seek dialogue with gay people in order to get to know them. They might invite a gay couple for dinner and interact with them, seeking to learn about each other. What are their passions and dreams? What gets them excited about life? What are their struggles and hardships? It is far better to develop a belief system about a group of people after you have gotten to know them personally. Instead of viewing gay people as some mysterious, unknown, impersonal group “out there” somewhere, consider gay people as your neighbors, your co-workers, and even your parishioners. That is what Jesus did. While the religious leaders of his time were looking down their noses and condemning tax collectors, prostitutes, people with disabilities, lepers, and Gentiles, Jesus ate with them and ministered to them in a loving, non-judgmental way.

Third, a church can evaluate the place gay and lesbian people hold in that congregation. Are there gay men and lesbians within your church today?  Is your church in a neighborhood which has a high concentration of gay and lesbian people?  Ask how you might minister to the GLBT persons in your church. Would you feel comfortable inviting a gay couple to attend a couples Bible study group or retreat?  Many gay couples have children and are looking for churches with strong children's ministries.  Would your children's ministry be a welcoming and affirming environment to a child who had two mommies or two daddies? What are ministries in your church where gay people would be welcome to serve?

Finally, your church can speak out on social justice issues relating to gay and lesbian people. Hate language and physical abuse of gay people, or any person for that matter, is not defensible. Consider whether all people, regardless of sexual orientation, should have equal and fair access to health benefits, housing and employment. Should gay teenagers have equal access to education and be protected from bullying and harassment so they can develop into productive members of society? And should the church be honoring healthy and loving, committed same-sex relationships?

This topic is not easy. It is difficult and often emotional. But following Christ often is not easy. We are taught to work out our salvation with trembling and fear and that the path of discipleship often goes counter to the ways of popular society.