Compassionate Christian Friends of Lesbians and Gays
| Lets Make a Bridge - Home Page |
| Blessed are the peacemakers.. |
Whether you call it peacemaking or bridge building it is never an easy
task. When Jesus said these words (Blessed are the peace makers..) he was
talking to an oppressed nation that hoped Jesus would be the promised one
who would throw off the oppressors and bless them. Instead he called for
peace. When I refer to peacemaking or bridge building I am talking about a
bridge of compassion and mutual respect between Side A and Side B.
(courtesy of Bridges across the Divide)
Side A and Side B are neutral terms used to describe two sides in the question
of homosexual sex and sexual morality. In brief…
SideA includes those that believe that the sex/gender of the partners in a
relationship or sexual act does not affect the moral status of the
relationship or act.
Side B includes those who believe that the sex/gender of the partners in a
relationship or sexual act is morally relevant. In particular, they believe
that same-sex relationships and sexual acts are immoral, and/or they
fall short of God’s ideal. They generally believe that people should either
have sexual relations within the context of a heterosexual marriage, or
they should abstain from sexual relations completely.
There is also a side C:
Side C includes those that are either not sure what they believe about the
issue or are uncomfortable with defining their view point as one or the
other.
Method D: Many on both side a and side b are opposed to our ideal of
respectful relationships and dialogue. Some of them think that
such respect is impossible to achieve, others feel that extending
that respect to those on the other side is wrong. The resulting
dynamic is one which (in our opinion, unfortunately) plagues
most discourse on the moral/political issues surrounding
homosexuality today. (This method is not the philosophy of this
web site)
Method E : Supporters of Method E do not deny that our disagreements
with the other side are serious and profound. Some may view the
other side as promoting evil and/or destructive practices and
beliefs. To be Method E is not to be naive about the other side,
nor is it to be lukewarm about one's own convictions. It is, rather,
to insist upon acknowledging and respecting the humanity of those
with whom we disagree. For those of us who consider ourselves
Christians, we feel that Jesus's teachings about loving our
enemies and blessing those who persecute us call us to reject the
approach of Method D in favor of this method.
For more information on the above please visit the Bridges Across the Divide
web site.
My goal of this site is not so much a changing of peoples minds but the
changing of attitudes. Too often in this issue both sides are trying to fix the
other. Side B is trying to fix Side A’s belief system. Side A is trying to fix
Side B’s belief system. From a relational perspective when two people or
groups are trying to fix each other things don’t go well. This is true no matter
what the issue. I believe that the best approach is to listen to one another and
try to understand one another.
If you are a Christian I would add that Christians disagree about many
things. We are rather diverse. We usually seem to be able to get past our
differences and get along. For some reason however this particular topic of
human sexuality often brings out the worst in us. When this unfortunate
thing happens, I do not believe it honors Christ.
1. Every human being is of immeasurable worth and deserves to be treated
with respect.
2. We are definitely against any violence or inflammatory language towards
each other.
3. Dialogue involves careful listening (as any counselor would tell you). We
must listen carefully to one another and not make assumptions that we know
what the other person thinks and feels.
4. Although we do disagree sometimes quite intently on some issues, we
oppose attacking others through innuendo, slander, or violence.
5. The best way to get to know one another, respect one another, and learn
from one another is through providing a safe harbor for all who visit here and
also for all we may meet out in the world.
There are several ways you can help to build this bridge.
task. When Jesus said these words (Blessed are the peace makers..) he was
talking to an oppressed nation that hoped Jesus would be the promised one
who would throw off the oppressors and bless them. Instead he called for
peace. When I refer to peacemaking or bridge building I am talking about a
bridge of compassion and mutual respect between Side A and Side B.
(courtesy of Bridges across the Divide)
Side A and Side B are neutral terms used to describe two sides in the question
of homosexual sex and sexual morality. In brief…
SideA includes those that believe that the sex/gender of the partners in a
relationship or sexual act does not affect the moral status of the
relationship or act.
Side B includes those who believe that the sex/gender of the partners in a
relationship or sexual act is morally relevant. In particular, they believe
that same-sex relationships and sexual acts are immoral, and/or they
fall short of God’s ideal. They generally believe that people should either
have sexual relations within the context of a heterosexual marriage, or
they should abstain from sexual relations completely.
There is also a side C:
Side C includes those that are either not sure what they believe about the
issue or are uncomfortable with defining their view point as one or the
other.
Method D: Many on both side a and side b are opposed to our ideal of
respectful relationships and dialogue. Some of them think that
such respect is impossible to achieve, others feel that extending
that respect to those on the other side is wrong. The resulting
dynamic is one which (in our opinion, unfortunately) plagues
most discourse on the moral/political issues surrounding
homosexuality today. (This method is not the philosophy of this
web site)
Method E : Supporters of Method E do not deny that our disagreements
with the other side are serious and profound. Some may view the
other side as promoting evil and/or destructive practices and
beliefs. To be Method E is not to be naive about the other side,
nor is it to be lukewarm about one's own convictions. It is, rather,
to insist upon acknowledging and respecting the humanity of those
with whom we disagree. For those of us who consider ourselves
Christians, we feel that Jesus's teachings about loving our
enemies and blessing those who persecute us call us to reject the
approach of Method D in favor of this method.
For more information on the above please visit the Bridges Across the Divide
web site.
My goal of this site is not so much a changing of peoples minds but the
changing of attitudes. Too often in this issue both sides are trying to fix the
other. Side B is trying to fix Side A’s belief system. Side A is trying to fix
Side B’s belief system. From a relational perspective when two people or
groups are trying to fix each other things don’t go well. This is true no matter
what the issue. I believe that the best approach is to listen to one another and
try to understand one another.
If you are a Christian I would add that Christians disagree about many
things. We are rather diverse. We usually seem to be able to get past our
differences and get along. For some reason however this particular topic of
human sexuality often brings out the worst in us. When this unfortunate
thing happens, I do not believe it honors Christ.
1. Every human being is of immeasurable worth and deserves to be treated
with respect.
2. We are definitely against any violence or inflammatory language towards
each other.
3. Dialogue involves careful listening (as any counselor would tell you). We
must listen carefully to one another and not make assumptions that we know
what the other person thinks and feels.
4. Although we do disagree sometimes quite intently on some issues, we
oppose attacking others through innuendo, slander, or violence.
5. The best way to get to know one another, respect one another, and learn
from one another is through providing a safe harbor for all who visit here and
also for all we may meet out in the world.
There are several ways you can help to build this bridge.
- You can share your story with me of your own journey in
understanding your orientation. Perhaps, if you wish, it could be
published here on the web site. Telling your story helps people to
better understand you.
- You can comment on this web site by emailing us
- You can comment on our blog,
- You can join in on the discussion by entering our forum and helping us
to communicate peacefully and respectfully.
- You can also seek to build bridges of peace in your work place, place of
worship, or wherever you find yourself.
- You could also visit the following web sites....
- Bridges Across the Divide : people of many different belief systems
utilize peaceful dialogue - Gay Christian Network: this site is for Gay Christians who are side A
or side B.
| A Word About References Used on this Site |
I refer to a variety of web sites and resources on these pages. If you are
GLBT you may be surprised at some of the resources I use. If you are a
conservative Christian or just plain Christian you may be surprised at some of
the resources I use as well.
My use of any resource should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the
entirety of that resource, web site, or viewpoint (unless of course I am
referring to the Bible). I do this because GLBT's and conservative Christians
often affirm very different resources. In order to speak to everyone who
visits this website I must use a variety of resources. This is critical if we are
to understand each other.
.
GLBT you may be surprised at some of the resources I use. If you are a
conservative Christian or just plain Christian you may be surprised at some of
the resources I use as well.
My use of any resource should not be interpreted as an endorsement of the
entirety of that resource, web site, or viewpoint (unless of course I am
referring to the Bible). I do this because GLBT's and conservative Christians
often affirm very different resources. In order to speak to everyone who
visits this website I must use a variety of resources. This is critical if we are
to understand each other.
.
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| Lets look at ways we can agree |
| What Are Side A and Side B |
| Two Methods of Communicating |
| My Goals for this Web site/ forum |
| How can I help to build this bridge? |
| If you are wondering what my view is in all of this... |
I believe my view is somewhat unique. I would put myself as perhaps side
B-G. The G stands for the grace of God. I haven't totally defined this yet but
it is a side b perspective that affirms the grace of God to both sides of the
divide. Basically if you are a Christian Side A or Christian Side B, I regard
you as a brother or sister in Christ. Though my theological view is Side B I
am comfortable worshipping with Side A Gay Christians. Additionally I have
enjoyed having a booth at a Pridefest event and talking with people who have
a variety of belief systems that are side A or side B .
No matter what your belief system is, my hope is that you will find comfort
here in this forum. Hopefully this forum can help to heal some of the hurts
that sadly have often been caused by those who are Side A or Side B Method
D. Additionally, I hope you will find friendship with Jesus as I have.
B-G. The G stands for the grace of God. I haven't totally defined this yet but
it is a side b perspective that affirms the grace of God to both sides of the
divide. Basically if you are a Christian Side A or Christian Side B, I regard
you as a brother or sister in Christ. Though my theological view is Side B I
am comfortable worshipping with Side A Gay Christians. Additionally I have
enjoyed having a booth at a Pridefest event and talking with people who have
a variety of belief systems that are side A or side B .
No matter what your belief system is, my hope is that you will find comfort
here in this forum. Hopefully this forum can help to heal some of the hurts
that sadly have often been caused by those who are Side A or Side B Method
D. Additionally, I hope you will find friendship with Jesus as I have.