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God’s love is unconditional: GLBT at ELPC

Therefore you have no excuse, whoever you are, when you judge others; for in passing judgement on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things. (Romans 2:1, NRSV)

The Christian church has long struggled with discussing the topic of human sexuality with openness and integrity. Part of this is our general discomfort with such a personal subject matter. The other part is that there are a modest number of passages in the bible that express negative views about same-gender sexual orientation. These passages, in their original Hebrew and Greek languages, predominantly speak about examples of violent homosexual rape and prostitution. However, some modern readers have taken these verses out of context and used them to offer general statements that would suggest that gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgendered people are not welcome in church communities.

At ELPC, we seek to be a fully inclusive church, trusting in a gospel that does not discriminate based on sexual orientation. Through education, testimonies, and advocacy, we strive to live out a faith that respects the God-given gifts of our human sexuality, and fights to prevent social bias and any legal discrimination tied to sexual orientation. The love of Christ is for all of creation; and even with our diverse personalities, genetic make-ups, and relationship histories, God is consistent is offering us hope, grace, and salvation through the power of the Holy Spirit.

We are saved by grace, not by the law. As Paul affirmed in Christ there is neither Jew nor Greek; we are to live in our diverse cultures with a common spirit of faith.

To live as members of one another in all our words and deeds, intimate or otherwise, is to become the living body of Christ in the world.

Here’s an excerpt of the Rev. Bush leading the congregation in prayer: