FEBC Position Paper on Homosexuality Adopted July 1995


Biblical Position Te biblical position on homosexuality is straightforward and


consistent throughout. Te Scriptures declare that God created us male and female (Gen. 1:27). Furthermore, the biblical record shows that sexual union was established by God exclusively within the con- text of a male-female relationship (Gen. 2:24), and formalized in the institution of marriage. Te partner for man was woman. Together they were to be one flesh. Tis union between a man and his wife was to be kept inviolate. For a man to have sexual union with another man is considered by Scripture as detestable (Lev. 18:22).


In the New Testament, the Word of God is even more explicit


in condemning the practice of homosexuality as sinful (Rom. 1:18- 32). On the other hand, everywhere in Scripture the sexual rela- tionship between man and woman, within the bonds of marriage, is viewed as something natural and beautiful.


Te Apostle Paul, while strong in his condemnation of the


practice of homosexuality, also testifies that those who once engaged in homosexuality were now among those who were forgiven and changed in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 6:9-11). Tis declaration offers hope both for forgiveness and for healing, for redemption and change.


Societal Considerations In today’s society we are being asked to reinterpret biblical


revelation and accept the following considerations: homosexuality is genetically and biologically based; is a healthy, normal lifestyle which harms no one; is an orientation which cannot be changed. Further, that human sexuality is a private matter, a civil rights issue and not a moral issue. Tat gay and lesbian orientation is to be considered alongside race, national or ethnic origin, color, religion, age, sex, marital or family status as a protected ground against discrimination.


Fellowship Conclusions We believe that homosexuality is not an inherited condition in


the same category as race, gender or national origin, all of which are free from moral implication. We believe that homosexuality is a


sinful deviation from the Creator’s plan for human sexuality. While homosexuals as individuals are entitled to civil rights,


including protection of the law, the Fellowship opposes legislation which would extend special consideration to such individuals based upon “their sexual orientation.” Such legislation inevitably is per- ceived as legitimizing the practice of homosexuality and elevates that practice to the level of an accepted moral standard.


With respect to speech and other expressions, the Fellowship


defends our rights as a religious body to express our sincerely held religious beliefs in a manner consistent with guidelines applicable to all other speech.


Since the position and practice of the Fellowship regarding


homosexual behavior is determined by biblical teaching and religious conviction, it will not be the practice or the position of the Fellow- ship to ordain a practicing homosexual or to allow that individual to pastor a Fellowship church. Te religious liberty of the Fellowship may not be infringed upon by the requirement of acceptance of homosexual conduct on the part of an individual while carrying out the duties of the Fellowship, since such conduct is in clear violation of biblical teaching as well as the statement of beliefs and practices of the Fellowship.


Individual and Corporate Responsibility Individual Christians, ministers and congregations within


the Fellowship should compassionately proclaim the Good News of forgiveness and redemption in Christ Jesus and encourage those involved in homosexual practices to cease those practices, accept forgiveness and pray for deliverance. Further, we should accept them into fellowship upon confession of faith and repentance, as we would any other forgiven and changed sinner (1 Cor. 6:9-11).


We further call upon our pastors and Fellowship leaders to


work with others in the Christian community to expand research on the factors which give rise to homosexuality and to develop therapy, pastoral care and congregational support that will lead to complete


change and restoration.


New Testament demonstrates that the early church was connected. Tey cared for one another and shared resources as they were able. We cannot view our connection to the Fellowship in terms of “benefit” alone; we should participate because it’s healthy to be connected.


• We must be generous. If the FEBC is to thrive, we must have the resources to help our churches benefit one another. We won’t have those resources if member churches do not give generously. We have suggested that each church donate 4 percent of its total annual income to the FEBC. Are we meeting that goal? Could we possibly give 5 percent? Some Evangelical denomi- nations require a 6 percent contribution. We would encourage our churches to consider what God is calling them to give.


• As churches, we must pray. Pray for the FEBC, pray for our leaders, pray for our fellow churches. As Satan seems to win over the culture, we must be praying churches.


As I said, there is amazing potential within the FEBC. Tis is an undeniable truth, because the FEBC is a group of individuals


and churches who believe that God’s Word is their authority, a group that seeks his hand and desires to serve him. What could be a more powerful force?


Tank you for the opportunity to serve you over the past year. May God pour out his blessings on our Fellowship!


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