Devon Dick THE PROMOTION of openly practicing homosexual, Gene Robinson, who is not in a same-sex marriage, to be the bishop of New Hampshire's Episcopalian Christians, is a display of gay power. This unadulterated display of power has challenged the scientific, social and scriptural arguments against homosexuality. It poses serious questions about what is family and what is marriage.
There is still no conclusive evidence that homosexuals are born that way. In fact, there are homosexuals who argue convincingly that one's sexual orientation is a choice. All persons are born as sexual beings and every one makes a choice whether to be heterosexual, homosexual or bi-sexual. It is not in the genes. Clearly, no genes can make one commit a homosexual act or any sexual act for that matter. The most it can do is to give one a propensity. Gene leaving his wife for his man, Andrew, cannot blame genes.
SEXUAL CONDUCT
There are Bible passages that have strong words against leaving one's spouse. Was that taken into consideration in this case? It appears that one can find a new lover, whether of the opposite sex or the same sex and form a new family unit without marriage. This is not only about homosexuality but also about sexual conduct by a church leader. In Jamaica, this is considered common-law marriage, which has now being elevated to the bishopric as acceptable. Some years ago, chaplain of the police force, the Rev. Dr. Vivian Panton, did raise eyebrows in his book on common-law relationships so this action by Robinson will raise hairs in the Jamaican Christian community. In fact, even persons who believe that homosexuality is an alternative lifestyle could have problems with Gene Robinson who has not sought to get married first to Andrew.
In fact, if Bishop Gene Robinson finds another man, can he just dump Andrew and start to live with his new love? This is frightening that 62 bishops voted for this action. It tells one the state of the Episcopal Church in the USA.
Obviously, they approve of such outrageous actions. It reminds one of this man who recently won $US300 million in the lottery and he offered his congregation a portion and another pastor in his sermon in Brooklyn, USA, bemoaned that the lottery winner was not a member of his congregation. He told the congregation what good things he would have used the money for and the audience clapped. It says a lot about the pastor, congregation and state of the church in the USA.
Gays have great influence in the Episcopal Church in the USA. The Episcopal Church could have adopted a "don't ask, don't tell" policy like the US military. No, Robinson and the other 62 bishops wanted the whole world to know. This was taking it to another level. They disregarded the world body's view that "homosexuality is incompatible with scriptures".
Those persons who have been against homosexuality need to repent for spreading misinformation about homosexuality. It is clear that one can experience love, compassion and commitment in a homosexual relationship. One can also function effectively in a job. I have heard ministers of the gospel saying that one can be a good doctor, politician and businessman while openly engaging in sexual immoral acts but a pastor cannot. Now we know. In the media interviews, Gene Robinson came across as articulate, reasonable and a caring person.
This action of making an unmarried gay, a bishop, will not split the church. What it will do is that some diocese will not have any relationship with others. Bishop Gene Robinson will not invite certain bishops and vice versa.
The problem will be how to interpret the Bible. What is really wrong and what is cultural. It might lead to a serious enquiry into the Bible and hopefully strengthen Christians and challenge non-believers. This can also give confidence to Caribbean thinkers to develop new ideas, interpretation and theology. It should give locals confidence to redefine the Jamaican Church, doctrines, Caribbean theology and Liberation Theology. Caribbean people must not only receive edicts from abroad but must also do theology and think for ourselves. It was wonderful of the late Archbishop Samuel Carter to discuss at a Jamaican synod issues that are tabooed by the Vatican. Jamaican leaders at world bodies should not only be going there to take notes but talk about sexism, racism, war, exploitation of the poor and Caribbean theology.
Gays have enormous influence in the fashion, media and movie worlds. Movies on cable have been openly highlighting the joys of the homosexual lifestyle and now the final frontier for homosexuality to conquer, the Church. This is gay power.
The Rev. Devon Dick is pastor of The Boulevard Baptist Church, St. Andrew.
