NC minister changes view, now supports gay marriage

[bobbieinok]

http://citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060312/OPINION03/60310032/1058&template=printart

Copyright 2006 Asheville Citizen-Times.

CITIZEN-TIMES.com

Using Bible as a weapon profanes its most important messages

By Steve Runholt
March 12, 2006 6:00 am
Like many readers of the Citizen-Times, I was raised a devout Baptist. I thus grew up believing that the Bible clearly condemns homosexuality, and I held that view well into my adulthood.

My experience may thus be helpful to those who wonder how a Christian pastor could condone homosexuality, and even go so far as to support the rights of gay and lesbian people to share in the blessings of legal marriage.

....

So what, then, does the Bible teach? Well, many things, of course. But one of its main themes is covenant faithfulness — God’s covenant faithfulness to humanity, and our call to be similarly faithful in our deepest relationships. That’s why I believe, along with a growing number of other clergy (including rabbis and ministers from other traditions), that as people of faith, as people who believe the Bible, we need we need to stop trafficking in stereotypes and stop using the Bible as a weapon in support of causes that wound good people.

We need to stop judging people, for when we judge, we are the guilty party. And we need to affirm the sanctity of committed, long-term relationships, and to help make relationships characterized by love and faithfulness possible, legal and safe, regardless of gender.

Rev. Steve Runholt is the pastor of Warren Wilson Presbyterian Church and College Chapel. He also serves on the board of Christians for a United Community and is a founding member of People of Faith for Just Relationships. He can be reached for comment at [e-mail].

[kestrel91316]

1. Uh oh. I give this guy about a month before the Presbyterians

move to defrock him. At the very least they will fire him.

[silverlib]

2. In my town, the Presbyterian Church is most liberal...

A big sign at Central Presbyterian downtown reads:

"Deliberately Diverse and Fully Inclusive" My heart feels so warm every time I pass this sign.

And at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church - the following program is offered:

"Film Night is Tuesday, April 18. You Can't Be Neutral on a Moving Train documents the life and times of the historian, activist and author of the best selling classic A People’s History of the United States. Featuring rare archival materials, interviews with Howard Zinn as well as colleagues and friends including Noam Chomsky, Marian Wright Edelman, Daniel Ellsberg, Tom Hayden and Alice Walker, You Can't Be Neutral captures the essence of this activist and thinker who has been a catalyst for progressive change for more than 60 years. As Noam Chomsky said of him, “it is no exaggeration to say he has changed the consciousness of a generation.” Dr. Robert Jensen, UT Professor of Journalism and St. Andrew's member will lead a discussion afterward."

But, then this is Austin.

[kestrel91316]

3. WOW. Here in LA the Presbyterians have a fundie streak.

[gratuitous]

4. Another pastor seeing with More Light

And the reason the haters get so bent out of shape on this issue is that as soon as anyone starts seeing g/l/b/t/i folks as brothers and sisters, they never go back; it's just not possible.

Good for Mr. Runholt, and good for his congregation.