CHURCHLY HYPOCRITES

I wrote this article with information gained from a radio talk show in Albany, NY. I have since received communication from the American Family Association. The information from them is different from the information gained on the radio. It is the position of the church that the family of the deceased planned to have a service that celebrated homosexuality and they could not be a party to that. I have no argument with that. However, there was no effort on the part of the church to offer a compromise and allow the service to go ahead as planned if the celebration of homosexuality was removed from the planned service. It should have done so. Further, the church claims that only the decedant's brother was a member of the church. He was also an employee of the church. Though the information known is now different, my position remains the same. They should have offered to compromise and did not.
Fred

As a minister for over 40 years I find it was a mistake on the part of that church. I too, do not accept that life style, however the funeral was for the living not the one that died. It is for comfort and support of the family not the decisions made by the deceased. What a wasted opportunity to minister to the living they missed out on.

Well I agree with you Fred, it really does not matter who you are, or what you believe in. Most people I think in this day and age don't care what kind of couple you are, be it straight, or gay, or lesbian. God loves all of us. and you should be able to have a church service like the rest of us.

Barbara

We cannot condemn people on the basis of how they love or who they love. Both sexes were created by God to be attractive so I don't find it bad to be attracted to the same sex.

Fred:

I agree wholeheartedly with everything you wrote. It was such an interesting/controversial topic and it kept me wanting to read more, even when the write was finished.

I also commend you for all the biblical quotes and the courage to post your views and beliefs on this matter. I too am not in favor of the homosexual lifestyle, but I do not judge them or treat them any different than anyone else. It is their choice, not ours.

Great piece Fred....Thank you for sharing it.

I agree wholeheartedly. Perhaps those in authority should have taken more time to consider the family before making such a terrible decision. BJ