Two votes and a wedding

Here are three snapshots illustrating how Christian groups are approaching gay and lesbian issues.

A SYNOD AT THE VATICAN

Pope Francis has convened a synod of 279 male bishops and priests from around the world for a three-week conclave on the family. Bishops are debating and praying about how to address, define and relate to the many groupings we call family. Some observers suggest this is the most important gathering that Pope Francis will chair during his pontificate.

This synod is asking: "How can we remain true to our doctrine while remaining pastoral? How will we treat Catholics who have remarried and can no longer receive holy Communion? What defines a family? How will the church relate to gay persons, married or single, while holding to biblical faith?"

The Catholic church debates and sets doctrine and church law, which then applies to all congregations worldwide. Africans, Europeans, Latin and North Americans, New York liberals and South Georgia conservatives all must believe and obey doctrine as defined by that denomination's hierarchy, ruling body and traditions.

My own United Methodist Church has a similar understanding of doctrine -- once decided, it applies to every church, pastor and layperson. In terms of gay and lesbian persons, both Roman Catholics and my own United Methodist Church pronounce gay sex and gay marriage sinful.

The challenge for denominations who insist that gay sex is sinful is how to keep from alienating a growing body of Christians who disagree. The pastoral challenges when holding firm on any sin are daunting. Thus, the Roman Catholic bishops at this synod are talking about balancing the concepts of truth and mercy, which is the way theologians express the old saying, "Love the sinner and hate the sin."

This message will play well for traditional Catholics -- and Methodists -- where gay sex is treated as no better or no worse than theft, rape or murder. GLBT people will be welcomed with open and merciful arms as long as they remain silent or agree that repentance is necessary.

A BAPTIST CHURCH IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Far removed from Rome, Italy, is Greenville, South Carolina, where First Baptist Church has stood since 1831. No higher authority can tell any Baptist congregation what to believe or how to organize. First Baptist in Greenville, recognizing its theological diversity, recently voted to ordain and marry persons regardless of sexual orientation.

This decision was not mandated by the pastor or a few leaders. The congregation prayed and studied for six weeks, culminating in a unanimous vote to honor each other's position in this decision. Agreeing with each other that all are saved by Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all, they also agree to love and accept persons of all sexual orientation without reservation.

This story has a local connection because of the inspired leadership of the Rev. Jim Dant, who for quite a few years was pastor of Shirley Hills Baptist Church in Macon.

A BACKYARD WEDDING

Earlier this summer, I attended a joyful backyard wedding at a lovely Macon home. Surrounded by beaming friends and approving adult children, two well loved and respected men who have lived together for 19 years said their vows to each other enfolded by almost 100 guests -- many of whom are faithful, active Christians.

At the reception, heterosexual Catholics and Protestants told me, "My church believes homosexuals are sinners, but that's nonsense. ... My pastor speaks forcefully against gays, but that's just who he is. ... A priest recently spent most of his wedding homily inappropriately railing against gay marriage, etc."

This festive wedding was no synod or congregational gathering -- thank goodness! But it represents an unreported phenomenon. Across denominational lines increasing numbers of Sunday School attending-, choir singing-, pledge paying-, pew sitting-, Bible carrying-Christians no longer believe that gay sex is inherently sinful or that gay marriage runs counter to God's will.

Creede Hinshaw, a retired United Methodist pastor of 36 years, can be contacted at hinnie@cox.net.

This story was originally published October 16, 2015 at 5:32 PM with the headline "Two votes and a wedding ."