wfn.org | Adventist Statement on Homosexuality

["Christian B. Schäffler" <APD_Info_Schweiz@compuserve.com>]

October 22, 1999
Adventist Press Service (APD)
Christian B. Schaeffler, Editor-in-chief
Fax +41-61-261 61 18
APD@stanet.ch
http://www.stanet.ch/APD
CH-4003 Basel, Switzerland

Adventist Statement Affirms Biblical View on Homosexuality

Silver Spring, Maryland, U.S.A. (ANN/APD) The Scriptural view 
about homosexuality and the Church's caring ministry were 
expressed in the "Seventh-day Adventist Position Statement on 
Homosexuality" as voted by the Executive Committee of the 
Church meeting at its Annual Council at the Church's World 
Headquarters.

"The Bible makes no accommodation for homosexual activity or 
relationships.  Sexual acts outside the circle of a heterosexual 
marriage are forbidden," the statement reads. "Adventists are 
opposed to homosexual practices and relationships," while 
endeavouring "to follow the instruction and example of Jesus. He 
affirmed the dignity of all human beings and reached out 
compassionately to persons and families suffering the 
consequences of sin.  He offered caring ministry and words of 
solace to struggling people, while differentiating His love for 
sinners from His clear teaching about sinful practices."

Commenting, Laurie Evans, president of the Church's South 
Pacific Division in Sydney, Australia, welcomed the statement.  
"It not only endorses clearly the biblical position in respect to this 
matter, but also acknowledges our pastoral responsibility to all 
groups of people." 

"It is so easy to concentrate on the sinfulness of such a practice 
and forget that there are people who struggle with such 
temptations, whom God loves dearly, and who need our support 
and encouragement," he added.

"While we strive to follow what the Bible says, we are also to 
demonstrate our love to others as Jesus teaches.  In the words 
of  the Bible, we are 'to act justly and love mercy,'" said Ardis 
Stenbakken, director of Women's Ministries at the Church's World 
Headquarters.  

The statement underscores Christian duty to be compassionate 
and "to treat all persons with dignity and respect, regardless of 
their personal situations," said Ted Ramirez from Kettering, Ohio, 
a lay member of the Executive Committee. "Christ died for all of 
us, and every one of us has a personal role to play in revealing 
His love and redemption to all," he added.

William G. Johnsson, editor of Adventist Review, and a member 
of the committee which drafted the statement, said that "such a 
statement was needed for our Church community and society in 
general.  We are being asked where Adventists stand on this 
issue."

A need to be responsive to issues affecting the community of 
which the Church is a part was expressed by Ray Dabrowski, the 
Church's communication director.  "The Church should not 
remain silent on issues prominent in society, especially when 
they also touch the Adventist faith community.  A Christian 
church is expected to uphold biblical standards.  But it is equally 
important that as Christians we are always full of grace and 
compassionate towards everyone," he commented.

The Church maintains a "Christian View of Human Life" standing 
committee whose purview is to address this and related issues. 

The statement was approved on Sunday, October 3.  The 
Executive Committee of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has 
been meeting in Silver Spring, Maryland, at its Annual Council 
since September 28.  The meetings will conclude this week.  

The full text of the statement follows:
	 
"Seventh-day Adventist Position Statement on Homosexuality"

The Seventh-day Adventist Church recognises that every human 
being is valuable in the sight of God, and we seek to minister to 
all men and women in the spirit of Jesus.  We also believe that 
by God's grace and through the encouragement of the 
community of faith, an individual may live in harmony with the 
principles of God's Word.

Seventh-day Adventists believe that sexual intimacy belongs only 
within the marital relationship of a man and a woman.  This was 
the design established by God at creation.  The Scriptures 
declare:  "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother 
and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh" (Gen. 
2:24, NIV).  Throughout Scripture this heterosexual pattern is 
affirmed.  The Bible makes no accommodation for homosexual 
activity or relationships.  Sexual acts outside the circle of a 
heterosexual marriage are forbidden (Lev. 20:7-21; Rom. 1:24-
27; 1 Cor. 6:9-11).  Jesus Christ reaffirmed the divine creation 
intent:  "'Haven't you read,' he replied, 'that at the beginning the 
Creator "made them male and female," and said, "For this reason 
a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 
and the two will become one flesh?"  So they are no longer two, 
but one'" (Matt. 19:4-6, NIV). For these reasons Adventists are 
opposed to homosexual practices and relationships.

Seventh-day Adventists endeavour to follow the instruction and 
example of Jesus. He affirmed the dignity of all human beings 
and reached out compassionately to persons and families 
suffering the consequences of sin.  He offered caring ministry 
and words of solace to struggling people, while differentiating His 
love for sinners from His clear teaching about sinful practices.