All of us are guilty of it, because even though accepting Christ as Savior creates a new being, we still continue to be human. Humans fail. It's the blatant, unrepentant condemnation I can't stand.
Kudos to Rick Warren, America's most prominent pastor second only to Billy Graham, for taking a firm stand against the Ugandan anti-homosexuality bill, which proposes:
The bill, which is currently before the Ugandan parliament and has been expected to pass, would require a seven-year jail term for homosexual acts and three years for anyone who fails to report evidence of homosexuality within 24 hours of learning of such acts. It would also call for the execution of anyone who has gay sex with disabled people or anyone under 18, or when the accused is HIV positive. While many countries -- especially conservative Muslim nations -- criminalize homosexuality, the Ugandan law would be among the harshest. And it is one whose origins can be traced to Christian leaders in the United States and Uganda, as we reported earlier.
Shame on Uganda pastor Martin Ssempa - at one time Rick Warren's "point person" in the country - for backing such a bill. Pastor Ssempa spoke at my old church a few times and I was quickly energized by what seemed to be an unquenchable passion for the Ugandan poor, both in spirit and in wallet. However, this information has made me second-guess my respect for him.
Why?
Warren goes on to explain in the article why almost everything about this bill goes against the command of Jesus Christ to go out and love the lost and hurting:
Of course, there are thousands of evil laws enacted around the world and I cannot speak to pastors about every one of them, but I am taking the extraordinary step of speaking to you – the pastors of Uganda and spiritual leaders of your nation – for five reasons:"
"First, the potential law is unjust, extreme and un-Christian toward homosexuals, requiring the death penalty in some cases. If I am reading the proposed bill correctly, this law would also imprison anyone convicted of homosexual practice."
"Second, the law would force pastors to report their pastoral conversations with homosexuals to authorities."
"Third, it would have a chilling effect on your ministry to the hurting. As you know, in Africa, it is the churches that are bearing the primary burden of providing care for people infected with HIV/AIDS. If this bill passed, homosexuals who are HIV positive will be reluctant to seek or receive care, comfort and compassion from our churches out of fear of being reported. You and I know that the churches of Uganda are the truly caring communities where people receive hope and help, not condemnation."
"Fourth, ALL life, no matter how humble or broken, whether unborn or dying, is precious to God. My wife, Kay, and I have devoted our lives and our ministry to saving the lives of people, including homosexuals, who are HIV positive. It would be inconsistent to save some lives and wish death on others. We're not just pro-life. We are whole life."
"Finally, the freedom to make moral choices and our right to free expression are gifts endowed by God. Uganda is a democratic country with remarkable and wise people, and in a democracy everyone has a right to speak up. For these reasons, I urge you, the pastors of Uganda, to speak out against the proposed law."
Now, having sex - homosexual or otherwise - with someone when you know you are HIV-positive but they DON'T is wrong, and I believe should be criminalized. This is the only aspect of the bill I would support. In this country alone, such a thing can and has been used to charge people with attempted murder.
Otherwise, the bill closes the door to people seeking comfort, as well as medical and spiritual help. And even more disturbing is the notion that there are conservatives senators in this country which support it. Wow - nothing makes me want to remove myself from that label MORE.
We're so good at slamming the gavel but not so great at spreading the love.
Jesus must be incredibly hurt. Pin It
0 comments:
Post a Comment