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FIRST-PERSON: Debating/blaspheming Christ’s sexuality


WAKE FOREST, N.C. (BP)–Actor W.C. Fields said, “I have spent a lot of time searching through the Bible … for loopholes.” Although history is replete with “loophole searchers,” possibly no one has done a better (or worse) job than those who adhere to “gay theology” — a reinterpretation of Scripture that approves homosexuality.

“Gay theology” has existed for decades but was closeted for years in fear of upsetting the ecclesiastical apple cart.

Widely believed among the “gay Christian” movement and its supporters is that Christ was homosexual. Advocates of this blasphemous belief direct attention to Jesus’ singleness, his association with 12 men (the disciples) and particularly his close relationships to other men.

Two prominent organizations with far-reaching tentacles, SoulForce and the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Church (UFMCC), believe and broadcast that the Bible approves homosexuality.

SoulForce describes itself as “an interfaith movement committed to ending spiritual violence perpetuated by religious policies and teachings against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people.” It is headed by UFMCC minister Mel White, a former “evangelical” who left his wife for a man.

White takes every opportunity to “compassionately” berate anyone who believes homosexuality to be sin — to the point of intolerance. The Rev. Troy Perry founded UFMCC, a predominately gay church, in 1968; it boasts more than 300 churches in 17 countries.

As director of a speaking ministry (Cross Ministry in Wake Forest, N.C.), I recently interviewed White and a UFMCC spokesman about the belief that Christ was homosexual.

When I asked White about this view, he said, “I would not agree with anybody who holds such a view!” If what he says is true, then he apparently disagrees with most of his followers, colleagues, peers and closest friends.

In 1999, the Rev. Nancy L. Wilson, pastor of a UFMCC church, awarded Mel White and his partner the “Distinguished Service Award” for their work among “gay Christians.” White told me, “Nancy and I are old friends; she is wonderful.” Both promote the same goals — governmental, cultural and ecclesiastical acceptance of homosexuality.

A few years earlier, Wilson wrote, “Jesus lived an alternate lifestyle” and submitted that Jesus had homosexual relationships with the Rich Young Ruler, Lazarus and the apostle John.

White feigned ignorance, saying, “I have never heard her say that!”

In 1994, I heard Chris Glaser, a “gay Christian” activist, speak in North Carolina. Glaser, a close friend of White’s, received special thanks from White in a book White published the same year. White told me he had “known Glaser for many years” and praised his good work.

Glaser, in his North Carolina speaking engagement, noted the different translations regarding the apostle John’s “leaning on Jesus’ bosom,” indicating the two had a homosexual relationship. When another gay man from the audience stood, professing his conviction that Christ was gay, Glaser nodded his head and smiled approvingly.

White expressed astonishment that his good friend and colleague would hold such a view.

I am not surprised by White’s response; to voice his real beliefs would either turn his followers against him or invite the wrath of most Americans. But he cannot work both sides of the aisle. White, the pied piper, appears to have left it to his supporters to float the belief in Christ’s homosexuality, while he remains unscathed.

When asked if he had, prior to my interview, heard such a view espoused, he said, “No,” then said “Well, yes.”

When asked if holding that belief is blasphemy, White responded, “It is silly, but not blasphemy.” Silly? If White does not view this doctrine as blasphemous, then one can only wonder what he would brand blasphemy?

Though White categorically disputed the credo, the Rev. Justin Tanis, both an associate to Troy Perry and a spokesman for UFMCC, said, “[Christ’s homosexuality] is a view that has credibility.”

Frankly, I was astonished by Tanis’ unguarded statement. Somehow I appreciate his honesty. The Cathedral of Hope in Dallas is UFMCC’s largest church. Among the recommended books on their website is Daniel Helminiak’s “What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality.”

Helminiak’s book, pro-gay all the way, is highly praised by White and recommended on SoulForce’s website. In a 1995 interview, Helminiak was asked if he believed Christ was homosexual. His response would not be appropriate for this article. Coincidentally, within 24 hours of my interview with White, Helminiak’s book was yanked from their website.

Jimmy Creech is the chairman of SoulForce’s board. In 1999, he gained national attention by defying the United Methodist Church (UMC) and performing a same-sex union; he was defrocked by the UMC and found guilty of “Violating the Order and Discipline” of the church. Creech, a non-gay, calls his opposers’ beliefs “acts of spiritual violence.”

Says White, “The Southern Baptist Convention continues to wreak havoc on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered individuals and their families both inside and outside the church.”

SoulForce, led by White and Creech, has orchestrated protests at the last two Southern Baptist Conventions and plan another showing when Baptists hold their annual convention in St. Louis in June.

David Kyle Foster, director of Mastering Life Ministries, writes, “The position of the Southern Baptist Convention [that homosexuality is a sin] is universally acknowledged and in no danger of being comprised.”

But while Southern Baptists remain unmovable in their beliefs, other denominations have been infiltrated by SoulForce and the Metropolitan Community Church’s teaching.

The UMC, while not adopting the tenets of SoulForce, has been strongly influenced by it. Jimmy Creech has called for ministers to defy the UMC’s court and to conduct homosexual covenants.

The United Church of Christ and the Episcopal Church USA have embraced “gay theology” tighter than a drowning man clinging to a life preserver. And the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America appears ready to do the same.

A Trojan horse has dispersed its troops. UFMCC’s veneer is peeling. And while SoulForce portrays itself as a Bible-believing Christian organization in order to get its foot in the door to our churches, temples and schools, its real beliefs have uncovered SoulForce for what it really is — a farce!
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Tim Wilkins, a former homosexual, is the director of Cross Ministry, a speaking ministry in Wake Forest, N.C. More information can be found at www.crossministry.org.

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  • Tim Wilkins