Evangelical Alliance Asks for Christ-Like Response to Gay Rights Law
The Evangelical Alliance is encouraging Christians to respond respectfully and in a "Christ-like manner" to the decision made in Tuesday's judicial review of Northern Ireland's Sexual Orientation Regulations.
Posted: Wednesday, September 12, 2007, 8:28 (BST)
The Evangelical Alliance is encouraging Christians to respond respectfully and in a "Christ-like manner" to the decision made in Tuesday's judicial review of Northern Ireland's Sexual Orientation Regulations that banning discrimination against gays, lesbians and bisexuals is lawful with one exception.
The Alliance has released a statement saying it welcomed the fact that a number of Christian organisations were able to exercise their right to call for the review. It also welcomed the removal of the harassment clause and particularly of the judge's confirmation that the regulations do not apply to the core school curriculum.
However, the EA is also praying that following the decision, Christians' rights do not appear bigger than their representation of Christ or their commitment to the rights of others.
Stephen Cave, the Alliance's National Director Northern Ireland, said: "We urge Christians to put more energy, resources and prayers into the province, becoming more familiar with a vibrant church acting with uncompromising love.
"We hope people will know Christ on the streets even more than they know about our legitimate anxieties in Stormont or in court."
Mr Cave said that although not all Christians supported the review, many are apprehensive that the regulations will clash with their religious liberties.
He said he is disappointed that the Government has yet to come up with a solution to the problem faced by church adoption agencies that in principle feel they cannot adhere to the regulations and may have to cease the valuable work they have been carrying out over many years.
"It is difficult to know how the proposed exemptions will be interpreted in a court of law," he said.
"We are hopeful that Christians will not find themselves in an awkward position because of malicious litigation - but if they do, we will do anything we can to help them.
"We have found the Government keen to engage with us throughout this process, listening to our concerns and taking them into account in their decisions and we acknowledge the difficulties government has in trying to legislate for such a diverse society.
"While we commend any desire to avoid discrimination, this should also include anti-religious discrimination."
He said that the Alliance would continue to engage constructively and respectfully, presenting Christians' views to Government.
But he added: "This is also an important opportunity for Christians to think about their responsibilities to other people created in the image of God.
"The contemporary challenge facing not just Christians, but all of us as citizens, is how to balance freedom of conscience with diversity and equality."
Have your say on this article
The comments below are readers' personal opinions and are in no way intended to reflect the editorial opinion of Christian Today.
Added: Wednesday, September 19, 2007, 13:24 (BST)
It is fundamental to following Christ that we live by the rules and guidance set out in scripture. Some Christians would like to pick and choose which of these they accept, but this is disobedience to God and leads only to evil - remember what happened when Adam and Eve chose to disobey a command? Homosexuality is a disgusting sin - the Bible describes it as "abomination" and Paul speaks of homosexuals offenders never being able to see the kingdom of God (unless the repent and follow Jesus). The Bible is very very clear on God's views of homosexuality - so how dare we, His creations, challenge them? It is time for real followers of Christ to stand strong against political correctness and false teachers, such as the Archbishop of Canterbury who held special communion for homosexual christians, clearly ignoring scriptures. The book of Hebrews clearly points out that we cannot continue to "deliberately sin" and expect to be redeemed. We are constantly told we must tolerate perversion, but if we don't speak up, who will?
paul, northern ireland
Added: Thursday, September 13, 2007, 16:06 (BST)
David Husband (below) is spot on! There is no denying the true eternal word of God tells us homosexuality is a sin. This does not excuse hatred of any kind - love overcomes everything...but on the side of the homosexual, repentance is the opening of the door to let God's forgiveness in.
Bill Grantham, London, UK
Added: Thursday, September 13, 2007, 13:39 (BST)
Where does one draw the line? The pro homosexual lobby are too fond of saying that the Lord did not speak of their vile pratices during the record we have of His earthly ministry, however: what happens to the Word of God that is Leviticus? We cannot, and we dare not sweep it away.
We must not become gay bashers, but neither must we in anywise by the welcome that we are called upon to give to all, condone their promiscuous lifestyle, for if we do, we are condoning their sin.
The mandate of Christ is to love the sinner and hate the sin.
David Husband, Birmingham U.K.
Added: Wednesday, September 12, 2007, 17:18 (BST)
Sexual activity is not a civil right. Sexual activity is a choice. Homosexuality is not a natural choice of acting out our sexuality. The choices of homosexuals have killed millions of people through the spread of aids. Aids could be stopped being spread by the simply act of choosing to stop this unnatural sexual behavior choice. All peoples have a right to battle the immoral and harmful choices of others.
jhamilton, usa
Added: Wednesday, September 12, 2007, 15:47 (BST)
A good Christian response, which could lead Christians to ponder the validity of arguing that anti-discrimination legislation should prevent discrimination against Chrstians, but allow Christians to discriminate against homosexuals.
Jethro, Dunblane, Scotland
Added: Wednesday, September 12, 2007, 15:13 (BST)
We are all gods children and it is for god to judge not us we should love all our brothers & sisters.
Peter Benjamin, Fareham
