To the Editor

In reply to Hector's letter, I would question his last sentence that "appointing a bishop who is openly gay helps to affirm God's love for us all". Since when does not being nominated for bishop signify that God doesn't love me? With all the media frenzy surrounding the issue one can even be forgiven for wondering if these appointments are truly of God.

True, Paul was called despite being responsible for the imprisonment and torture of so many Christians. He did not, however, continue these activities after his calling, nor advocate his past life as an example to follow. On the contrary, he, above all others, realized the tremendous importance of teaching by example and stressed the irreproachable qualities necessary for leaders in his letter to Timothy. (1 Tim. 3)

I agree with Hector in that the clergy (and all the church) are to show Christ to all and that God's love is for all. I do not agree that this empowers all to become leaders of the Christian community, for the same Pauline reasons that Hector quotes.

Despite having several homosexual friends, I would not wish my children or grandchildren to have, as their Christian guide, someone who is openly gay. We are not to condemn nor discriminate against homosexuals. But nor are we to provide situations where homosexual activity would be "the normal thing" and therefore encouraged.

Young people growing up spend a lot of their time in the "in-between" stage in so many things, including their sexuality. The influence of just one person can be so important.

In an age when many Christian parents and teachers find their role of guide and example hard to assume, I pray that God may indeed appoint leaders to the church to support them, pouring out abundantly His grace upon them, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.

Rosemarie Zimmermann

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