"The earth is defiled by its people; they have disobeyed the laws, violated the statutes, and broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore, a curse consumes the earth; its people must bear their guilt" (Isaiah 24:5, 6).
Specifically, with regard to homosexuality, the Bible says:
"Do not lie with a man as one lies with a woman; that is detestable" (Leviticus 18:22).
"If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads" (Leviticus 20:13).
"No Israelite man or woman is to become a shrine prostitute" (Deuteronomy 23:17).
"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness....For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened....Therefore God gave them over to the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another...Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion....Although they know God's righteous decree, that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things, but also approve of those who practice them" (Romans 1:18, 21, 24, 26, 32).
"We also know that law is made not for the righteous but for...adulterers and perverts" (1 Timothy 1:9, 10). [Greek word translated "perverts" is also translated "sodomites."]
"Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders...will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Corinthians 6:9, 10).
The United Methodist Social Principles affirm:
"Although all persons are sexual beings whether or not they are married, sexual relations are only clearly affirmed in the marriage bond....we do not condone the practice of homosexuality and consider this practice incompatible with Christian teaching" (¶ 71F).
"We affirm the sanctity of the marriage covenant which is expressed in...shared fidelity between a man and a woman" (¶71C).
Therefore, The United Methodist Church must oppose giving homosexuality legitimacy; giving marital or family status or benefits to homosexual unions; or giving any special consideration, rights, protections, or privileges (over the basic rights accorded to all citizens) in society or the Church on the basis of [homo]sexual orientation. In harmony with ¶ 402.2, The United Methodist Church must oppose efforts to ordain or appoint practicing homosexuals as pastors or leaders in the Church.
We further resolve that the conference secretary, within 10 days of the close of this session, communicate this position to the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society, to both houses of the U.S. Congress, and to the President of the United States.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 22458-CS-NonDis-O
1996 United Methodist General Conference