From: Michele Phoenix
I’ve been encouraged NOT to publish this article. “You’re going to get slammed,” a friend warned, knowing well that this topic can turn pacifists into thugs. But I have to speak up. I have friends, former students and relatives who are homosexual. Each one of them is beautiful, valuable and honorable. I love them. I want them to know that I do—in all my magnificent cluelessness! I don’t ever want them to think that their sexual identity and choices make them somehow less worthy of my loyalty than my heterosexual friends. So…thanks for the words of warning, but I need to voice these thoughts. And if my inbox fills with hate mail again (it has before—it hurts when it does), I’ll deal with it.
Three preemptive explanations for the sake of clarity:
- When referencing The Church, I am referring to “traditional” evangelical churches, particularly those that have expressed hatred toward the homosexual community. I know there are exceptions.
- This article is written from the perspective of this Jesus-follower. I mention “sin” in the context of the Christian faith, as a conservative interpretation of the Bible defines it. If you do not believe in the Bible’s authority, I understand that “sin” will sound offensive to you. That is not my intention. I am a sinner. I live in (and can thrive in spite of) that reality.
- I acknowledge that there are multiple theological stances regarding homosexuality and faith. This is not a personal manifesto on the topic. It is an essay about our failure to love.
Thank you, Gary, for your thoughtfulness, and though fullness, in publishing this outstanding think piece. It delivers a wonderful message. I hope it attracts a lot of attention and discussion. Ms. Phoenix’ description of the infallibility of Christ and his judgment, along with the tolerance of letting others live their own lives is a revelation. Again, thank you, Friend.