 
OneByOne ministers at Charlotte Assembly An analysis by Theresa Latini Layman Correspondent |
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CHARLOTTE – For nearly two decades Presbyterians have been asking, “What would Jesus do regarding the PCUSA and homosexuality?” As a people, we have often disagreed bitterly, and in our attempts to answer this question, we have surely been less than Christ-like at times. Yet, we still must continue to search for, and implement, a response which fully reflects the heart and mind of Jesus. While ordination standards – specifically G6.0106b – remain intact, homosexuality – both as an issue and as a personal struggle in men and women’s lives – will remain in the church until Christ returns. At this year’s General Assembly, OneByOne, a PCUSA renewal ministry that seeks to educate and equip churches to minister the transforming power and grace of Jesus Christ to individuals in conflict with their sexuality, sought to respond to homosexuality with both the heart and mind of Jesus. OneByOne offered several different workshops. In the first, Alan Medinger, founder and director of Regeneration ministries in Baltimore, Md, and past president of Exodus International, shared his personal story of redemption. Medinger, a prominent businessman and church leader, was involved in homosexual relationships throughout ten years of his marriage. He led a double life, and though he attempted to change his behavior, he was totally unsuccessful. Yet when he surrendered his life to the lordship of Jesus Christ, he experienced significant transformation. Today, nearly 25 years later, Medinger is still free from homosexuality, and enjoys a loving, fruitful relationship with his wife. Her side of the story In the second workshop, Willa Medinger shared “her side of the story,” including the betrayal and pain she experienced in her relationship with her husband. Yet, she also confessed her own culpability – i.e. enabling his behavior and failing to surrender herself to Christ for many years. She encouraged spouses and parents of homosexuals to submit to the grieving process, relinquish control of their loved ones to Christ and honestly face their own sin. “You cannot change your loved one, but you do have the power to change yourselves,” she stated. Afterward, she counseled a number of women whose children are involved in homosexuality. Recognizing that heterosexual sin is far more prevalent than homosexual sin within our denomination, OneByOne also addressed the dual problems of por- nography and sexual addiction. Gene McConnell, National Coalition for the Protection of Children and Families, shared how his use of soft-porn escalated over time to full-blown sexual addiction, involvement with prostitutes and even attempted rape. McConnell has experienced profound personal transformation and now offers therapy for Christian men, including church leaders, who are struggling with these issues. He strongly exhorted all of us to face our sexual sin(s) honestly and deal with the underlying issues that drive this type of behavior. Building bridges OneByOne’s workshops at this General Assembly provided opportunities to build bridges with men and women who currently celebrate their homosexuality and promote acceptance of their lifestyle within our denomination. It was possible to validate the legitimate needs of these individuals without validating their lifestyle choices. This is a crucial aspect of speaking the truth in love. What would Jesus do regarding the Presbyterian Church (USA) and homosexuality? He would offer hope and healing for the homosexual struggler. He would avoid compromise and speak the truth. He would view homosexuality not simply as an issue but as an opportunity for ministry. As Alan Medinger stated, “Conservatives in today’s churches often get caught up in debates and arguments over the reality and culpability of sin, while the sinners are literally dying. The evangelical church’s tendency to see homosexuality as an ‘issue’ and not as a sign of great human need has probably done more to stifle the growth of ministries of healing for homosexual men and women than has the open hostility of the liberal churches.” Jesus would minister compassionately and redemptively to all those struggling with their sexuality. Theresa Latini is executive director of OneByOne. For more information contact OneByOne, P.O. Box 10055, Rochester, N.Y. 14610; www.webbuild.net/onebyone; e-mail: oboprn@aol.com. |
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The Presbyterian Layman, July/August 1998 contents |
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