Homosexuality: Acceptance and Love within Christianity

Camp over the last four summers has shown me truly unique and interesting people. A handful of these people are gay and lesbian. These are my friends, amazing Christ-centered individuals, who love God and are joyful leaders beyond belief. I have had the opportunity over the last few summers to talk with four of them about their sexuality. After one of them told me that he dated girls earlier in his life, I told him I didn't understand that. Why would he date girls if he was not attracted to them? He told me, "Kelly, you have to understand. It's not easy being the way I am, it's difficult." It's so different from the ways of the world. Each person I talked to who is gay or lesbian, has told me one clear thing. It is not a choice. "How could God create people gay though?" I wondered. One of my pastors brought up a good point. "They did not choose to be this way. Why would people choose to be so opposite, so backwards, so different from everybody else?" The world does not understand their ways, their differences...

This is such a gray area for me. I went to Westmont College, a small conservative Christian college (1,200 students), but grew up in the fairly liberal ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America). My parents are conservative on the issue of homosexuality, my sister liberal on it. I, on the otherhand, am still figuring this issue out for myself. I used to believe that being a homosexual was a choice. Now after talking to my gay and lesbian friends, I believe it is not a choice. I am a straight female and I'm comfortable with my sexuality. I am and always have been attracted to men. All I can do now is love and accept the homosexual person for who they are. Should I try to change them? No. Should I condemn their behavior? No. Should I judge them? Of course not. I don't know if this issue will ever be clear cut in my mind.

Like the issue of should women become pastors? That one is black and white for me. Obviously, yes! Women are amazing pastors. Although many of my conservative friends disagree, sadly! Should homosexuals become pastors? In the past I may have said no. The Lutheran Church now is discussing and has been for some time, whether or not practicing homosexuals should become pastors? Why not? Even if homosexuality was a sin, and I'm not saying yet if it is or is not, we all sin. What would be the difference in hiring a person with an alcohol addiction, or a compulsive liar? These are sinners. We all sin.

So, is homosexuality a sin? The Bible says in Romans and 1st Timothy that it is. The Old Testament also says it is. Who can argue with the Bible? Then again, it states that women should hold their tongues and not speak in church. Back then it was because they were "not educated" as well as the men. I have also heard the argument that men should be "the head" of the church, or "the head" of the family, therefore, in the church family, some believe women can be in ministry as long as they are not the head pastor or senior pastor. A professor of religion at Westmont College told me, "Why stop there? Why let women be pastors, but not senior pastors?" Look at how many women are on the church council, or who hold positions in the church. Pastors, Sunday school teachers, youth directors, and so much more! Times have changed. There are so many examples of strong, influencial women of the Bible. How can you say they should not lead the church? Excuse my rant and tangent. If I'm this passionate about women being able to be pastors, then why not homosexuals too?

Now, back to homosexuality. This is an issue I have pondered all my life, going back and forth on so many thoughts about it. I would think to myself, "It's a sin. It isn't a sin. Well the Bible says it's a sin, so it has to be. But these people, these Christ-centered, God loving people are telling me this is the way they were made. Is it a choice? God could not have created people gay. My friends and every homosexual person I have talked to say that this is the way they are. They have not chosen this. They were created this way. And, I know God loves them just the way they are."

That's what we need to take from this. We should love and accept homosexuals just like we love and accept everyone else. Some hide the way they are. Why? For fear of rejection. For fear of being the topic of gossip. For leaders in the church, for fear people would leave the church. We welcome you in our church, the ELCA. Come, learn about the Good News of Jesus. Come, just as you are to worship! You are a precious and loved child of God. You are perfect the way God made you. May the peace of Christ be with YOU always. YOU being every created person.

Please comment. I am completely open to hearing what you think and have to say. I invite your open and honest opinions.

camp goodbyes

When I took the position as one of the staff in training program directors, I never realized it would be the best summer of my life. Saying goodbye was even harder than I realized. When John left us yesterday I cried in the airport. Laughed and cried at the same time. He made me smile and laugh by just being himself, even as I was saying goodbye, tears welling up, and falling down my cheek, not knowing when I will see him again. Sean, John, Josh, Kris, and I became so close. With one more week of camp, the next three goodbyes will hit me like bricks falling on my head. The first one was hard enough. I really dislike goodbyes. When you become close to people, and I mean like this summer where we spent 24/7 together for 2 and half months, goodbyes are about the saddest things ever. It's worth it though to know that we made an impact on their lives and that we shared something truly "Holy magical!" as Anthony says.

Below is an article I wrote for the LRCC (Lutheran Retreats Camps and Conferences) newsletter. I hope it gives you even the smallest taste of the impact of this summer. Best summer ever!

“We would love for you to be one of our staff in training program directors, Kelly,” Anthony Briggs told me last December. After prayerfully considering this job option, I accepted, soon to be accompanied by Sean, a counselor I worked with two summers before. I did not know Sean too well, but once camp started, and we began writing music together, song after song, through conversations and laughter, we quickly became friends, and greatly enjoyed working together.

In June, four interesting and gifted young men entered our camp community. They were energetic and full of fresh ideas. Through these young faces we saw the birth of a new camp generation. The purpose of the staff in training program is to prepare sixteen and seventeen year old youth to become qualified future staff members.

This summer has been filled with fun and amazing memories. We began our first two weeks at Camp Yolijwa, learning the ins and outs of camp, and participating in lifeguard training. After two weeks into the program one of our SITs decided not to continue with the program. As difficult as it was to see one of our numbers dwindle, it grew us closer together.

We continued our time at beach camp, then half of us proceeded to New Orleans for the National High School Youth Gathering. The three of us that were there even got to hang out in Louisiana! We returned to Yolijwa, and next will be heading to El Camino Pines where the SITs will be staying in the cabins and observing the counselors in action. For the last week of teen camp they will be peer leaders and get to lead Bible studies, devotions, and activities alongside the counselors. Kris, an athlete and guitarist from Camarillo, California explains, “At first I wasn’t sure if I wanted to do the program, but I’m glad I did it, because it’s been the best summer I’ve ever had.”

We have enjoyed trips for frozen yogurt, singing loudly on road trips, but have also been deeply touched by our personal faith stories. Never have I seen such passion and eagerness to dive into the camp life. Josh, from Madison, South Dakota is a highly likeable, joyful person. He comments, “The SIT program is the greatest experience of my life. I know I wouldn’t be able to have done half the things being in South Dakota.”

Through the four summers I have worked at camp, this has been one of my favorites. God has inspired me through the creativity and joy in these young men. John, a down to earth, gifted artist from Tempe, Arizona says, “It’s been an amazing summer, full of laughs, memories, and meeting lifelong friends. The experience has soared passed all of my expectations. My faith has grown so much in these short weeks. I can’t wait till next summer.” I look forward to seeing these three guys work at camp for many summers to come.