Homosexuality and Seventh-day Adventism

Last updated

In Seventh-day Adventism, homosexual behaviour is considered a violation of God's commands, and as such, openly homosexual behaviour is subject to church discipline. However, "Gay and lesbian members who choose to be, and remain, sexually abstinent should be given the opportunity to participate in all church activities including leadership positions in the Church. Those who struggle with temptation to sin should be treated the same way as other members who struggle with sexual sin (Matt 18:4; Mark 2:17; Luke 5:31; 19:10). We strongly affirm that homosexual persons have a place in the Seventh-day Adventist Church." [1] The Church's opposition to same-gender sexual practices and relationships is on the grounds that "sexual intimacy belongs only within the marital relationship of a man and a woman." [2] The Church believes the Bible consistently affirms the pattern of heterosexual monogamy, and all sexual relations outside the scope of heterosexual marriage are contrary to God's original plan. [3] Although there are individual churches that welcome openly LGBTQ people, such as the Hollywood Church [4] and the Crosswalk Church, the Seventh-day Adventist's global administrative body, the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventits remains opposed to this. [5] [6]

Contents

History

When a proposal came before the California legislature in April 2004 to legalize marriage for same-sex couples, Adventist church members were urged to contact their representatives and voice their opposition. [citation needed] In the September/October, 2004, issue of church periodical, Liberty , which was devoted to the issue of gay marriage, the religious liberty director called for the church not to remain silent in opposing gay rights. [7] In "The Liberty Blog" the Adventist Church's religious liberty director for North America argued against the proposed federal "Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act of 2007," suggesting it could have an indirect impact on free speech, would give special protection to some crime victims while failing to cover others, would be unnecessary since local laws already provide protection against hate crimes, and could lead to marginalizing those who oppose homosexual practice. [8] In October 2015 the Adventist Church published a statement of its acceptance of homosexually-inclined members who abstain from openly homosexual behaviour in accordance with the Bible [see "Church statements regarding homosexuality" below].

Church statements regarding homosexuality

Official statements:

See also "An Affirmation of Marriage", voted 1996, and "Marriage and the Family", doctrine number 22 in Seventh-day Adventists Believe—A Biblical Exposition of 27 Fundamental Doctrines.

According to the Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, one reason for church discipline includes, "Such violations as fornication, promiscuity, incest, homosexual practice, sexual abuse of children and vulnerable adults, and other sexual perversions, and the remarriage of a divorced person, except of the spouse who has remained faithful to the marriage vow in a divorce for adultery or for sexual perversions." [10]

Independent Church ministries

The Seventh-day Adventist Church was involved with Colin Cook's Homosexuals Anonymous in the 1980s, but have since withdrawn their funding support after Cook's scandal and subsequent resignation in 1986. [11] Some independent ministries which support the Adventist Church such as 3ABN and Amazing Facts have been supporting a ministry known as Coming out Ministries, run by a number of ex-gay people, including Michael Carducci and Wayne Blakely, who have now been celibate for a number of years, and a pastor who is now in a heterosexual marriage, Ron Woolsey. [12]

Uganda Controversy

On December 17, 2012, the Ugandan daily newspaper New Vision published an article reporting that the regional president of the Adventist Church for Eastern and Central Africa, Blaisious Ruguri, had delivered a speech at the Mbarara Church in which he declared that Adventists "fully" supported the government's "Anti-Homosexuality Bill" (which criminalized same-sex intimacy with lengthy prison terms and demanded the death penalty for repeat offenders. The article, which includes a photo of Ruguri standing alongside state MP Medard Bitekyerezo, quotes Ruguri saying:

"Our stand is 'zero tolerance' to this vice and to western influence on this crucial issue because God says no to it. We are together with the President and the Speaker and we fully support the Anti-Homosexuality Bill. I call upon all religious ministers, all Ugandans, and all Africans to say no to Homosexuality. Let us stand for our sovereignty as Ugandans and as God fearing people even the heavens fall." [13]

On December 19, the president of Kinship International, Yolanda Elliott, sent a letter to Adventist Church's global leader, President Ted Wilson, and to the Church's top public relations officer at the time, Garret Caldwell, that read in part:

"Through Pr. Ruguri’s statements and the Adventist church’s continued membership in the Inter-Religious Council of Uganda, the church is now justifying the prosecution, imprisonment, and potential execution of Ugandan LGBT people and their families. As Adventists, and regardless of the church’s statements on human sexuality, we believe that the Seventh-day Adventist Church should never stand for the violation of basic human rights. The recent End It Now campaign is just the latest example of our church’s track record of standing against violence and abuse. Because of that track record, we do not accept that one of the church’s top-ranking leaders can support legalized violence against a minority group or use the pulpits and authority of the worldwide church to do so." [14]

On December 21, the global Adventist Church's news agency, ANNissued a press release saying that the New Vision article did not "convey an accurate representation of his [Ruguri's] intentions or the voted position of the denomination regarding homosexuality." The release quoted Ruguri declaring he had no knowledge of the contents of the Anti-Homosexuality Bill and that the newspaper had misrepresented his actual views:

"It is unfortunate that the media took the liberty to extend my statements to suggest what I did not say or imply. I have never seen that bill. Mine was a general statement to disapprove of homosexual practice and behavior. Our church is a ministry of mercy, and as a minister in the Seventh-day Adventist Church I cannot condemn homosexuals to death or to hell." [15]

Jamaican Adventist Politicians and Criminalization of Homosexuality

In July 2012, Human Rights Watch sent a letter to Jamaica's newly elected Prime Minister, Portia Simpson-Miller, urging her to take stronger action than her predecessors to protect the basic human rights of homosexuals in the country. According to HRW, in the eight years since its 2004 report, "Hated to Death: Homophobia, Violence, and Jamaica's HIV/AIDs Epidemic," [16] "attacks on homosexual people or people perceived as being homosexual or transgender appear to remain commonplace." [17] Jamaica is widely described by rights organizations as among the most dangerous places in the world to be a homosexual, with the authorities often turning a blind eye to assaults and murders of gays, lesbians, and their allies. With more than a quarter of a million Seventh-day Adventists, Jamaica also has among the highest percentages of Adventists of any country in the world. Approximately 10% of all Jamaicans are Adventist. [18] Numerous Adventists have served in prominent positions in government.[ citation needed ]

In a November 2011 interview with a Jamaican newspaper, The Gleaner, Seventh-day Adventist and then-Prime Minister Andrew Holness rejected calls from Britain's Prime Minister David Cameron that he repeal Jamaica's "anti-buggery" laws, which criminalize same-sex intimacy with jail times of up to 10 years. [19] Holness served as Prime Minister of Jamaica from October 2011 until January 2012, when he was succeeded by Simpson-Miller.

During the 2011 election debates, Holness and Simpson-Miller were both asked whether they would be willing to include homosexuals in their cabinets. [20] Simpson-Miller replied that "Our administration believes in protecting human rights of all Jamaicans. No one should be discriminated against because of their sexual orientation...people should be appointed to positions based on their ability to manage." Holness, by contrast, made clear that he would not permit homosexuals to serve in his government as long as the public remained hostile to gay rights. "My sentiments reflect the sentiments of the country," he said. "The prime minister has a discretion, but that discretion can not be exercised in a vacuum."

In August 2013, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Jamaica published an article on its website under the heading "Same-sex marriage is not a human rights issue", stating that the denomination in Jamaica has "been very strident in its opposition of any softening or repealing of the buggery law." [21]

Another prominent Jamaican Adventist and politician who has spoken against gay rights is Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen. In a November 2012 address, he urged his countrymen to follow the example of the biblical prophet Nehemiah, who demonstrated "zero tolerance of corruption and determined action to stamp it out." Allen lamented "a significant change for the worse...what is referred to as the 'new norm.' The trend began with the banning of prayer in schools and later, in state institutions in the former bastion of Christianity, the USA, under the banner of freedom of religion." He continued, "There is mounting pressure on states such as Jamaica to recognize specific rights for lesbians and gays, with even threat of withholding financial assistance from those who do not." According to Allen, however, "there is nothing wrong with Jamaica which cannot be fixed by what is right with Jamaica." [22]

The Netherlands Union Conference

The Netherlands Union Conference has encouraged all of the churches under their conference to be a safe place to go and discouraged church in the Netherlands Union Conference due to concerns about the safety of LGBT individuals [23] [24] "Although we acknowledge the biblical ideal of a monogamous, heterosexual relationship, we continue to emphasise that it is an ideal. The basis of Christianity is that all people fall short of God's ideal; this is why we require God's grace and Christ's sacrifice. This leads to the conclusion that we, as Christians, must welcome all children of God – who all fall short of God's ideal – into our churches with love." [25]

The Southern Ghana Union Conference

In the raising debate on the legalization of the anti-lgbt bill in Ghana, the Southern Ghana Union Conference have joined the debate about the anti-LGBT bill with a call for the passage of the bill into law. [26] In a letter signed by the Adventist Church's regional president, Dr. Thomas Techie Ocran, the church stated that homosexuality is an aberration of nature and a sin that requires the practitioners to be saved. [27] As a result, they declared their support for the measure's passage into law and urged all well-meaning Ghanaians to support it. The bill is currently on the table for consideration and adoption in Parliament.

Andrews University

Andrews University, the Adventist Church's flagship university and home the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary has been put on the anti LGBT Shame List due to the cupcake controversy [28] [29] [30] which stopped a bake sale of students who wanted to help Project Fierce with the students saying that this is not about theology. Andrews University's response was that while they value LGBT people and recognize that probably 40% of homeless people are LGBT, they oppose perceived LGBT advocacy of same-sex relationships. [31] Aull4One has raised $17,480 [32] for Project Fierce outside [33] of Andrews university campus and has raised money online; LGBT students were divided on the controversy. [34]

See also

Related Research Articles

Within Christianity, there are a variety of views on sexual orientation and homosexuality. The view that various Bible passages speak of homosexuality as immoral or sinful emerged through its interpretation and has since become entrenched in many Christian denominations through church doctrine and the wording of various translations of the Bible.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ movements</span> Social movements

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) movements are social movements that advocate for LGBTQ people in society. Although there is not a primary or an overarching central organization that represents all LGBTQ people and their interests, numerous LGBTQ rights organizations are active worldwide. The first organization to promote LGBTQ rights was the Scientific-Humanitarian Committee, founded in 1897 in Berlin.

"Gay agenda" or "homosexual agenda" is a pejorative term used by sectors of the Christian religious right as a disparaging way to describe the advocacy of cultural acceptance and normalization of non-heterosexual sexual orientations and relationships. The term originated among social conservatives in the United States and has been adopted in nations with active anti-LGBT movements such as Hungary and Uganda.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Ghana</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) people in Ghana face severe challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. Sexual acts between males have been illegal as "unnatural carnal knowledge" in Ghana since the colonial era. The majority of Ghana's population hold anti-LGBT sentiments. Physical and violent homophobic attacks against LGBT people occur, and are often encouraged by the media and religious and political leaders. At times, government officials, such as police, engage in such acts of violence. Young gay people are known to be disowned by their families and communities and evicted from their homes. Families often seek conversion therapy from religious groups when same-sex orientation or non-conforming gender identity is disclosed; such "therapy" is reported to be commonly administered in abusive and inhumane settings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Jamaica</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBTQ) people in Jamaica face legal and social issues not experienced by heterosexual and gender-conforming people. Consensual sexual intercourse between same-sex partners is legally punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment in the country.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Kenya</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Kenya face significant challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Sodomy is a felony per Section 162 of the Kenyan Penal Code, punishable by 21 years' imprisonment, and any sexual practices are a felony under section 165 of the same statute, punishable by five years' imprisonment. On 24 May 2019, the High Court of Kenya refused an order to declare sections 162 and 165 unconstitutional. The state does not recognise any relationships between persons of the same sex; same-sex marriage is banned under the Kenyan Constitution since 2010. There are no explicit protections against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Adoption is restricted to heterosexual couples only.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Dominica</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Dominica face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Homosexuality has been legal since 2024, when the High Court struck down the country's colonial-era sodomy law. Dominica provides no recognition to same-sex unions, whether in the form of marriage or civil unions, and no law prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Rwanda</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people in Rwanda face legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. While neither homosexuality nor homosexual acts are illegal, homosexuality is considered a taboo topic, and there is no significant public discussion of this issue in any region of the country and LGBT people still face stigmatization among the broader population. No anti-discrimination laws are afforded to LGBT citizens, and same-sex marriages are not recognized by the state, as the Constitution of Rwanda provides that "[o]nly civil monogamous marriage between a man and a woman is recognized". LGBT Rwandans have reported being harassed, blackmailed, and even arrested by the police under various laws dealing with public order and morality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBTQ rights in Uganda</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) people in Uganda face severe legal and social challenges not experienced by non-LGBTQ residents. Same-sex sexual activity is illegal for both men and women in Uganda. It was originally criminalised by British colonial laws introduced when Uganda became a British protectorate, and these laws have been retained since the country gained its independence.

Methodist viewpoints concerning homosexuality are diverse because there is no one denomination which represents all Methodists. The World Methodist Council, which represents most Methodist denominations, has no official statements regarding sexuality. Various Methodist denominations themselves take different stances on the issue of homosexuality, with many denominations holding homosexual practice to be sinful, while other denominations ordain LGBT clergy and marry same-sex couples. The positions of the various Methodist denominations around the globe are outlined in this article.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in Africa</span>

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights in Africa are generally poor in comparison to the Americas, Western Europe and Oceania.

Communist attitudes towards LGBTQ rights have evolved radically in the 21st century. In the 19th and 20th century, communist parties and Marxist–Leninist states varied on LGBTQ rights; some Western and Eastern parties were among the first political parties to support LGBTQ rights, while others, especially the Soviet Union and some of its Eastern Bloc members, harshly persecuted people of the LGBTQ community.

Christian denominations have a variety of beliefs about sexual orientation, including beliefs about same-sex sexual practices and asexuality. Denominations differ in the way they treat lesbian, bisexual, and gay people; variously, such people may be barred from membership, accepted as laity, or ordained as clergy, depending on the denomination. As asexuality is relatively new to public discourse, few Christian denominations discuss it. Asexuality may be considered the lack of a sexual orientation, or one of the four variations thereof, alongside heterosexuality, homosexuality, bisexuality, and pansexuality.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2014</span> Ugandan law

The Anti-Homosexuality Act, 2014 was an act passed by the Parliament of Uganda on 20 December 2013, which prohibited sexual relations between persons of the same sex. The act was previously called the "Kill the Gays bill" in the western mainstream media due to death penalty clauses proposed in the original version, but the penalty was later amended to life imprisonment. The bill was signed into law by the President of Uganda Yoweri Museveni on 24 February 2014. On 1 August 2014, however, the Constitutional Court of Uganda ruled the act invalid on procedural grounds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christopher Senyonjo</span> Ugandan bishop

Christopher Senyonjo is a clergyman and campaigner for LGBT rights in Uganda. He was elevated to bishop in the Church of Uganda in 1974 and retired in 1998. In 2001, he was barred from performing services. Whilst it is widely claimed that this is because of his stance on gay rights, the church claims that it was because of his participation in the consecration of a man to be a bishop of a church with which the Church of Uganda is not in communion. He has since worked with the Charismatic Church of Uganda and the progressive Episcopal Church of the United States, and founded Integrity Uganda and the Saint Paul's Reconciliation and Equality Centre in Kampala. In 2006 the Church of Uganda declared him "no longer a bishop" and revoked all remaining privileges for his involvement with the Charismatic denomination. For his stance Senyonjo has received several honours including the Clinton Global Citizen Award, and has been invited to participate in documentaries and international speaking tours.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LGBT rights in the Commonwealth of Nations</span>

The majority of the countries of the Commonwealth of Nations, formerly known as the British Commonwealth, still criminalise sexual acts between consenting adults of the same sex and other forms of sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. Homosexual activity remains a criminal offence in 29 of the 56 sovereign states of the Commonwealth; and legal in only 26.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Outline of LGBTQ topics</span>

The following outline offers an overview and guide to LGBTQ topics:

This is a timeline of notable events in the history of non-heterosexual conforming people of African ancestry, who may identify as LGBTIQGNC, men who have sex with men, or related culturally specific identities. This timeline includes events both in Africa, the Americas and Europe and in the global African diaspora, as the histories are very deeply linked.

The political activity of the Catholic Church on LGBTQ issues mainly consists of efforts made by the Catholic Church to support or oppose civil government legislation on issues of importance to LGBTQ people. While the Church has condemned violence against gay and lesbian individuals, it has also, in some countries, opposed efforts to decriminalize homosexuality and resist anti-discrimination measures. The Church advocates for marriage to be legally defined as a union between one man and one woman, thus generally opposing the legalization of same-sex marriages. Opinions on specific LGBTQ issues have been variable and have evolved over time. The Church asserts that certain forms of discrimination against LGBTQ people in some contexts are justifiable in service to the common good.

References

  1. ↑ https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/sem-books/27/, pp 17-18, October 9, 2015
  2. ↑ https://www.adventist.org/en/information/official-statements/statements/article/go/-/homosexuality/, October 17, 2012
  3. ↑ Annual Council of the General Conference Executive Committee (October 3, 1999). "Position Statement on Homosexuality". Seventh-day Adventist Church Statements. Archived from the original on March 9, 2012. Retrieved 2012-04-06.
  4. ↑ "Hollywood Adventist Church // Where God's Spirit is Given Space to Change Lives". www.hollywoodsda.org. Retrieved 2016-11-10.
  5. ↑ "Crosswalk's Statement on Acceptance And Diversity" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-11-11. Retrieved 2016-11-11.
  6. ↑ "HOME". CROSSWALK. Retrieved 2016-11-11.
  7. ↑ Barry Bussey, "Why Silence is Not an Option," Liberty, September–October, 2004
  8. ↑ http://www.religiousliberty.info/blog/index.php?paged=3 Archived 2009-09-03 at the Wayback Machine , June 28, 2007
  9. ↑ https://digitalcommons.andrews.edu/sem-books/27/, October 9, 2015
  10. ↑ Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual, page 194
  11. ↑ "Troubled Career of Colin Cook". 12 June 2018.
  12. ↑ "Adventist Review : In Christ".
  13. ↑ Turyakira, Fred. "SDA church speaks out on Anti-Homosexuality Bill". New Vision Daily Newspaper. Retrieved December 17, 2012.
  14. ↑ Elliott, Yolanda. "Seventh-day Adventist Kinship International Responds to Ruguri Statement". Adventistonline.com. Retrieved December 19, 2012.
  15. ↑ ANN Staff. "Ruguri Says He's Against Proposed Ugandan Legislation Regarding Gays, Lesbians". Adventist News Network. Retrieved December 21, 2012.
  16. ↑ Human Rights Watch (15 November 2004). "Hated to Death". Human Rights Watch. Retrieved November 16, 2004.
  17. ↑ Human Rights Watch (16 July 2012). "Letter to Prime Minister Simpson-Miller" . Retrieved July 18, 2012.
  18. ↑ Coke, Nigel. "In Jamaica, Visually Impaired Adventist Appointed Senate President". Adventist News Network. Retrieved May 23, 2013.
  19. ↑ Daraine, Luton (6 November 2011). "Not Ready for Gays". The Gleaner. Retrieved November 6, 2011.
  20. ↑ Gill, Jeff. "Andrew Holness vs. Portia Simpson-Miller: The Homosexual dilemma in Jamaica, during election debates 2011". Trivester News. Retrieved December 27, 2011.
  21. ↑ Coke, Nigel. "Same-sex marriage is not a human rights issue". August 7, 2013. Archived from the original on November 9, 2013. Retrieved November 8, 2013.
  22. ↑ Allen, Patrick. "Address by His Excellency the Most Honorable Sir Patrick Allen". Website of the Governor General of Jamaica. Archived from the original on 2013-11-09. Retrieved November 6, 2012.
  23. ↑ Netherlands Union Conference (2014-04-24). "Homoseksualiteit en de kerk". Kerkgenootschap der Zevende-dags Adventisten. Retrieved 2016-11-10.
  24. ↑ "Church in The Netherlands Commits Itself to Being a Safe Place for LGBTI Individuals". spectrummagazine.org. Retrieved 2016-11-10.
  25. ↑ "Church in The Netherlands Commits Itself to Being a Safe Place for LGBTI Individuals - Building Safe Places for Everyone". buildingsafeplaces.org. Retrieved 2016-11-11.
  26. ↑ "The blood of Jesus can save homosexuals; the Adventists argues as it backs anti-LGBTQ+ bill - MyJoyOnline.com". www.myjoyonline.com. 2021-10-13. Retrieved 2022-07-16.
  27. ↑ "The blood of Jesus can save homosexuals; SDA Church argues as it backs anti-LGBTQ+ bill - MyJoyOnline.com". www.myjoyonline.com. 2021-10-13. Retrieved 2022-07-16.
  28. ↑ "Shame List: The Absolute Worst Campuses for LGBTQ Youth". Campus Pride.
  29. ↑ "Christian charities preach helping the less fortunate, unless you're gay". The Guardian. 2015-03-17. ISSN   0261-3077 . Retrieved 2016-12-14.
  30. ↑ Reporter, Caroline Torie, WSBT 22. "2 local colleges rank in 'Worst Campuses for LGBTQ' list". WSBT. Retrieved 2016-12-14.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  31. ↑ "Q&A About Student Fundraising Request - Andrews Agenda :: Andrews University". www.andrews.edu. Retrieved 2016-12-13.
  32. ↑ "After banned bake sale, fundraising for homeless LGBT youth takes off". The Herald Palladium. Retrieved 2016-12-14.
  33. ↑ "Aull4One Raising Money for Project Fierce". Generosity. Retrieved 2016-12-14.
  34. ↑ "Andrews University Lands on Shame List and LGBT Students Respond". spectrummagazine.org. Retrieved 2016-12-14.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.