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| Q: | What is the WELS official position on the consecration of Gene Robinson as the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church USA? | ||||||
| A: | It is generally not our practice to take official synodical positions on events in other church bodies. We can, however, address the situation as it is reported in the media (assuming those reports are correct) on the basis of Scripture. Scripture clearly states that homosexual behavior is sinful (Romans 1:26-27, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10). The Bible also clearly states that those who serve in the public ministry are to be "above reproach" (1 Timothy 3:2) and "blameless" (not open to accusations of gross and public sin - Titus 1:6). To install into the public ministry, let alone as a chief leader in the church, a man who not only is evidently impenitent over his sinful life style but who actually promotes such a sinful life style is an abomination and contrary to Scripture. Christian love demands that such a person be called to repentance by those who are intrusted with discipline so that he recognizes his sin and turns to the Lord in repentance. For "the Lord ... is patient ... not wanting anyone to perish but everyone come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). The impenitent will perish eternally. For the Bible warns, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of god? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters not adulterers not male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9-10). | ||||||
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