Can homosexuals be Pastors/Ministers/Priests/etc?

Question

Please lead your comments by telling your religion/faith so that others can understand where you're coming from (viewpoint).

Are there any issues/problems with your faith/religion on this issue that you would like to clarify for others?

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Meant to say "SHOULD" homosexuals be ....

Answer 1

The scriptures teach us that homosexuality is sin. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth...
1Corinthians 6:9 Don’t you know that evil people will not receive God’s kingdom? Don’t be fooled. Those who commit sexual sins will not receive the kingdom. Neither will those who worship statues of gods or commit adultery. Neither will men who are prostitutes or who commit homosexual acts. 10 Neither will thieves or those who always want more and more. Neither will those who are often drunk or tell lies or cheat. People who live like that will not receive God’s kingdom. 11 Some of you used to do those things. But your sins were washed away. You were made holy. You were made right with God. All of that was done in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

Some of you used to do those things… It is NOT PERMANENT. IT CAN BE FORGIVEN and those who were FORMERLY involved in that SIN can serve God.


http://www.dennisjernigan.com/About/DJsTestimony/tabid/85/Default.aspx

Dennis Jernigan, a popular Christian singer and song writer was FORMERLY HOMOSEXUAL. This link is his story. It may help you better understand the truth.

Answer 2

I am a non-denominational Christian....

No, a practicing homosexual should not be a pastor or preacher.
It would be hypocritical to preach some of the bible while ignoring others (i.e. the scripute about homosexuality). That is why drunks are not tolerated, nor pedophiles, nor rapists, etc. as pastors.

By the way, just because a man has homosexual tendencies does not mean he is sinning... just like an recovered alcoholic is not sinning (even though he is an alcoholic still). But a practicing homosexual is making a choice to sin. Some people would say that not giving in to the temptation is impossible, but alcoholics deal with temptation every day, but deny their desires. People with vile tempers (yes, that can be inherited too) must not give in to their nature either. Some people have difficult temptations, some don't. But those who continually give in to temptations should not be a leader of a church.

Answer 3

In most main stream religions practicing homosexuals are not suppose to be pastors/ministers/priests. Unfortunately this is not a perfect world and yes there are some. I am an Italian and a Catholic, and God died on the cross for ALL of us. We need to be compassionate to homosexuals even tho maybe we don't agree with or condone their behavior. Perhaps the condition is inherited, who knows. The recent scandal in the Catholic church is unfortunate, however, the literature suggests that from a statistical point of view, the same percentage exists in other churches. That was a surprise to me. If they are practicing homosexuals then they need to follow the canons of the church and submit their resignations. They knew the rules before they became clergy. Why should they think that they are above the canons of the church???

Answer 4

Depends on the religion. As a minister of a religion should not give the impression of being in a life of sin, it's probably best that they refrain in such religions, BUT, some religions are quite okay with homosexuality and there should be no problem with it.

Answer 5

to the catholic religion if they confess that they are the priest tells them the only way to enter the kingdom of GOD is to stop all homosexual activity give your life from that point on to the lord never go bake to that life after 7 years or so if you can truly say you haven't regressed you are told to devote your life even more to the lord eventually they will let you become a priest if you've kept your vows this works for most of them and they do get into heaven but sadly few rotten apples make the hole look bad and most are truely good people who strugled early in life but really haven't we all even us straight people look in your pass I would bet theres something you would never tell or confess but you will someday it part of the test after you die.

Answer 6

I'm a Christian.
Besides the Bible passages that condemn homosexuality, Paul's 1st letter to Timothy gives qualifications for those seeking leadership roles in the church.

(Historically in the first century church a bishop was the church leader. Most churches were made up of several smaller home fellowships.)

"The husband of one wife" stands out as an answer to your question.

Answer 7

If they have left that lifestyle they could possibly be. but not while they are still involved in the sin. We are told that we must repent and be baptized. If they are still participating in this sinful act, then they have not repented. Most of the ones who are in the liberal churches do not even admit that it is a sin. How can they ask forgiveness of something which they say is not a sin. they are still in rebellion.
I'm a Christian

Answer 8

Christian. . . Why stop at homosexuals. . . Can thieves, drug dealers, child molesters, rapists, or drunkards be Pastors/Ministers or Priests? Only you can decide.

Answer 9

Watch the news and the answer to your question may come to you in the form of a story about a priest touching a boy.

Answer 10

Im a Christian. no because preachers should be trying to follow God's law the best they can. A homosexual couldnt be a preacher just like a murderer or drunk couldnt.