Is Homosexuality a Sin?

What questions did we ask?

1. In your personal opinion, does God regard homosexuality as a sin?
2. In your personal opinion, do the Scriptures object to homosexuality?
3. In your personal opinion, does God approve of two gay or lesbian individuals pledging their love to each other in a religious ceremony and raising children who may be born or adopted by them?

Whom did we survey?

We do not pretend to present a statistical cross-section of the views of the nation's religious leaders. However, we believe the views are representative of a vast body of religious thinkers of a broad range of faiths, who in their search for truth do not necessarily confine themselves to their own faith's literal teachings, but who view ethical and social issues from a broader and more universal perspective.

We asked those surveyed to give us their personal views, rather than state their faith's formal or informal position on same-gender love. It should, therefore, be stressed that, although the religious affiliations of the respondents are listed, their answers reflect the personal opinions of the writers and not necessarily those of their formal religious affiliation.

Also, nominees were asked not to respond to the survey if they themselves are gay, lesbian or bisexual. Although we are aware that by doing so we denied this booklet the wisdom of many fine religious scholars in the field, we felt it would prevent any criticism that the answers were biased or self-serving.

It is understood that the word "God" is used in this essay to describe a spiritual, nonhuman entity, also referred to as Creator, Lord, Yahweh, Ruler of the Universe, or others. It is also understood that concepts of homosexual, gay, and lesbian individuals include bisexual persons as well. Some of those who responded to our survey pointed out that the concept of "sin" does not exist in their religions, and they were kind enough to adjust their responses accordingly.

Baptist

Rev. Dr. William R. Stayton is a certified sexologist; an Assistant Professor of Psychiatric & Human Behavior at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, PA; serves on the faculties of LaSalle University's Graduate Department of Religious Studies, Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education, Philadelphia; and a private consultant through William R. Stayton & Associates, Ltd. Wayne, PA. He received a Bachelor's degree from the University of Redlands, Redlands, CA, a Master's in Divinity from the Andover Newtown Theological School, Newton Center, MA and a Th.D. In psychology from Boston University, Boston, MA. A member of numerous professional and scientific societies, he is also a Fellow at the Society for the Scientific Study of Sex. Dr. Stayton has authored numerous books and articles on human sexuality and has served as a member of the board of directors of the American Association of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists, and received its Outstanding Service Award in 1978. He is currently on the board of directors of Sex Information and Education Council of the United States (SIECUS) and is a former president of that organization.

Episcopal

Bishop John S. Spong of the Episcopal Diocese of Newark is the most published member of the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church. He has authored 11 books and over 50 published articles. He was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He received a Master's degree in Divinity and a honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from the Protestant Episcopal Theological Seminary in Virginia. He also received an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from St. Paul's College. He has been president of the Alumni Association of his seminary and a trustee of both his seminary and St. Paul's College. In 1986, he was appointed to serve on the church's Standing Commission on Human Affairs and Health.

Episcopal

Bishop R. Stewart Wood, Jr., was elected Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Michigan in 1988. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College, has a Master's degree in counselling from Ball State University and earned his Master's and Doctorate of Divinity degrees at Virginia Theological Seminary. He has served pastoral and leadership positions in Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee. He was elected to the Executive Council of the Episcopal Church, Fund for World Relief, and was a member of the Coalition for the Ordination of Women.

Judaism (Reform)

Rabbi Jeffrey Lazar is an educator at Temple Sinai in Atlanta, Georgia. He has also served in Washington, Ohio, Michigan and Pennsylvania. He received a Bachelor's degree from Syracuse University, a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Hebrew Letters from Hebrew Union College, and was ordained in 1971. He has contributed numerous articles to professional publications. He is a member of the National Association of Temple Educators where he is a trustee and a past editor of the newsletter.

Judaism (Reform)

Rabbi Janet R. Marder is Associate Director for the Union of American Hebrew Congregations Pacific Southwest Council, in Los Angeles. She graduated from the University of California at Santa Cruz and was ordained by the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institutes of Religion in New York. She became the first ordained Rabbi of Congregation Beth Chayim Chadashim (House of New Life, a synagogue serving the gay and lesbian Jews of Los Angeles). While there, she developed programs reaching out to gay and lesbian Jews and became the co-chair of NECHAMA ("comfort"), a program of AIDS education for the Jewish community. She also staffs the Union of American Hebrew Congregations' regional and national committee on AIDS.

Judaism (Reconstructionist)

Rabbi Dr. David Teutsch, Ph.D., is executive vice president and director of contemporary civilization at Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, Pennsylvania, and former dean of admissions. He received a Bachelor's degree in general studies from harvard University, a Master's degree in Hebrew literature from hebrew Union College, and a Ph.D. In social system sciences from the University of Pennsylvania. He is a former executive director of the Federation of Reconstructionist Congregations. Dr. Teutsch is a current board member of the National Havurah Committee and an editorial board member of Reconstructionist magazine. He has edited books and articles in various publications, including a prayer book series.

Judaism (Independent Traditional)

Rabbi Marc H. Wilson is Rabbi at Temple Israel in Charlotte, North Carolina. He earned a Bachelor's degree in sociology from DePaul University and a Bachelor in Hebrew Literature, ordination and a Hebrew Teacher and Principal license from the Hebrew Theological College. He attended graduate school at the Chicago Institute of Pastoral Care and the Georgia State University Law School. His recent accomplishments include founding board member for the Brothers Foundation Shelter for AIDS Patients and President of the Charlotte Area Clergy Association. In 1983 he received the Atlanta Journal and Constitutions's Public Servant of the Year and B'nai B'rith's Distinguished Service Award for his work with the homeless. He is also a columnist appearing in nine newspapers and one news wire service.

Lutheran

Bishop Stanley E. Olson is a retired pastor and bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. He served as bishop of the Pacific Southwest Synod of the Lutheran Church in America for nine years. His undergraduate degree is from Wittenberg University in Ohio, and his seminary training was at Luther-Northwestern Seminary in Minnesota. He holds an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from California Lutheran University. During his 39 years in the ordained ministry, he served as pastor of three congregations in Arizona and California, and as assistant to three bishops. He has been an active supporter of Lutherans Concerned, an unofficial Lutheran support group for gay and lesbian members of all Lutheran denominations.

Former Mormon

Dr. Carl O. McGrath, Ph.D., was a member of the Mormon Church for 50 years. He served a 2-year mission in England from 1950-1961. In 1979 he was ordained a bishop and served in that capacity for five years. He served in many other Mormon leadership capacities, including a Stake High Councillor. In 1989, Dr. McGrath resigned his membership in the Mormon Church because of the Church's position against homosexuality. He holds a Ph.D. From the University of Washington, Washington State, where he currently serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor.

Presbyterian

Rev. Dr. George R. Edwards, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus of New Testament Theology at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He earned a Master's in Divinity at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and his Ph.D. At Duke University. He has also done further studies in both Germany and Canada. Dr. Edwards taught New Testament Theology at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary from 1958-1985. Dr. Edwards has written various books on new themes, including biblical perspectives on sexuality. He is a member of the Presbytery of Louisville, Fellowship of Reconciliation, and Society of Biblical Literature.

Presbyterian

Rev. Harry L. Holfelder is the Senior Pastor of the First and Franklin Street Presbyterian Church, Baltimore, MD. Rev. Holfelder is chair of the AIDS Interfaith Network of Baltimore and active with the Maryland Interfaith Legislative Committee.

Roman Catholic

Sister Mary Ann Ford has been a member of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary for 39 years. She holds Master's degrees in mathematics and religious studies. For the past 15 years she has served as Chaplain to Dignity/Detroit, the gay and lesbian Catholic organization.

Roman Catholic

Sister Jeannine Gramick, Ph.D. Has been a member of the School Sisters of Notre Dame since 1960. She holds a Ph.D. In Education from the University of Pennsylvania. Sister Gramick taught in junior and senior high schools, and was an Assistant Professor of Mathematics and Education at the College of Notre Dame of Maryland. In 1971, while engaged in graduate studies, Sister Gramick became involved in pastoral outreach to the lesbian and gay community. In 1977 she co-founded New Ways Ministry, a social justice center working for the reconciliation of sexual minorities and the church. She currently conducts workshops across the country on the theological, sociological and ministerial dimensions of homosexuality.

Roman Catholic

Rev. C. Robert Nugent co-founded and served as co-director of New Ways Ministry, a national reconciliation ministry for the church and lesbian and gay people. In 1988 he co-edited The Vatican and Homosexuality. He also served as co-director of the Social Justice Center in Washington, DC. He received a degree from St. Charles College in Philadelphia, PA.; a degree from St. Charles Theologate in Philadelphia; a degree in library science from Villanova University in Philadelphia; and a Master of Sacred Theology from Yale University Divinity School, New Haven, CT. He is a facilitator of the recent seminar series "Homophobia in Religion and Society," sponsored by The Center for Homophobia Education.

Unitarian Universalist

Rev. Dr. William F. Schulz, D.D. Is president of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, elected in 1985. He is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Oberlin College. He received a Master's degree in philosophy from the University of Chicago and Doctor of Ministry and Doctor of Divinity degrees from Meadville-Lombard Theological School. Before his election, he served as Director of Social Responsibility and as Executive President of the Association. He serves on the board of several organizations including People for the American Way and Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. Rev. Schulz is the author of numerous books and published articles. He frequently appears on national radio programs and in nationally distributed newspapers and is listed in Who's Who in America.

United Church of Christ

Dr. Karen Lebacqz, Ph.D., is Professor of Christian Ethics for the Pacific School of Religion in Berkley, CA. Dr. Lebacqz received a Bachelor's degree in Biblical history from Wellesley College, and a Master's degree and Ph.D. In religion and society from Harvard University. She has authored numerous articles, chapters, and books and is a national speaker on ethics and sexuality. Lebacqz is a Fellow of the Hastings Center, a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and past president of the Society of Christian Ethics. She is former Chair of the Board of the Park Ridge Center for the Study of Health, Faith, and Ethics and currently serves on their academic advisory committee.

United Church of Christ

Rev. Dr. James B. Nelson, Ph.D., is Professor of Christian Ethics for the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, New Brighton, MN. He received a Bachelor's degree from Macalester College. He also received a Bachelor of Divinity degree, Master's degree, and Ph.D. From yale University. He was a visiting scholar at Oxford University and Cambridge University as well as a visiting professor for numerous schools and universities. He has also lectured in eight foreign countries, including England, Israel and Japan. He has authored numerous books, chapters and articles. He has been a consulting editor for Medical Aspects of Human Sexuality and a council member of the Minnesota AIDS Funding Consortium. His professional honors include Doctor of Sacred Theology from Dickinson University and "Excellence in Teaching Award," General Synod, United Church of Christ.

United Methodist

Rev. Dr. Professor John B. Cobb, Jr., Ph.D., recently retired as Ingharham Professor of Theology at the School of Theology at Claremeont and an Avery Professor at Claremeont Graduate School, CA. He received his Master's and Ph.D. Degrees from the University of Chicago Divinity School. Past positions include teaching at the Candler School of Theology at Emory University, Georgia, and as a Fulbright Professor at the University of Mainz, Germany. Born in Japan, where his parents were Methodist missionaries, Dr. Cobb also taught as a visiting professor at Rikkyo University of Tokoyo in 1978.

United Methodist

Bishop Melvin Wheatley, Jr., is an ordained elder of the United Methodist Church who retired in 1984 after 33 years as pastor to congregations in Delaware and California, and 12 years as the bishop of the Denver area. He and his wife, as parents of a gay son, have been working over the past decade for open and affirming relations among gay and nongay persons inside the church as well as out. Because he continued a gay man as pastor of a congregations, charges were brought against him by members of his denominations. These charges were unanimously dismissed as invalid. Due to his work in the United Methodist Church, the Federation of Parents FLAG made him an Honorary Director.