Dreams and Convictions

1. This list is dedicated to the proposition that God loves lesbian and gay people unconditionally in spite of many messages from representatives of the church that have presented a contrary view. On this list we intend to focus on the love of God and on building a personal relationship with Him. God has shown unconditional love to us long before we responded to Him, and we would like to see members of this community reflect that unconditional love to each other. We hope that when subscribers post to this list, they will keep in mind that God's Love is Our Witness - GLOW! 
     
2. We understand that same-sex attractions are real and not just a chosen behavior. They are an integral part of an individual and morally neutral. Please check our FAQ section on the Adventist position for details.
   
   
3. This list is meant for sharing, not persuading others to think differently. We want this to be an absolutely safe place where members can share even very personal things -- joys, sorrows, pain, victories and defeats -- without fear of being judged or receiving unsolicited criticism. 
   
   
4. We believe that God designed sex to be a component of the life-long bond between one man and one woman. Thus the main thrust of this mailing list is the support of gay people but not of gay sexual activity. However, we deplore the attitude that gay sexual activity is somehow worse than heterosexual activity outside of God's plan. Thus persons involved in same-gender sexual activity should not meet with condemnation, but with love and compassion, as it is only thus that any of us can begin to understand the unconditional love of the Savior -- the only One that can meet the love-hunger of the soul. 
   
   
5. We recognize that many gay people have had very negative experiences in connection with the Adventist church, and they should be free to tell their personal stories without being criticized. Yet we also believe that focusing on negatives hampers spiritual growth, and we expect to give loving support to those who have gone through bitter experiences while we direct their attention to a compassionate Savior who loves them unutterably. IOW, we do not expect this list to focus on what's wrong with the Adventist church.
   
   
6. It is our dream that subscribers will find such loving support in this list that they may be freed to grow into their God-given potential in Christ. We hope that the atmosphere on this list will facilitate "bearing one another's burdens," encouraging one another and lifting each other up in prayer. 
    
7. Besides "bearing one another's burdens," Paul also counsels us to "exhort one another." Most often we do not understand our faulty thinking that only brings us misery, but others can usually see this more clearly. That's why we encourage an attitude of openness and sharing. Please don't be offended when others point out where your thinking could use a little correction. (This sort of sharing and "exhorting" is actually what makes 12-step programs so effective.) All "exhorting" should be done in love, and our moderators will do our best to ensure that this is so.
   
   
8. We dare to dream that the support of this list may give some subscribers the courage to be "out" to their fellow church members in such a way as to gain their understanding and respect. This would fulfill our dream that there would be role models for our young people to follow when they discover that they, too, have same-sex romantic attractions.
   
   
9. Since this list is designed specifically for those who value the Adventist vision of Christianity, we expect that specifically Adventist issues will be discussed. And we hope that the experience of this online community may help members to better understand the doctrines of the Seventh-day Adventist church in a Christ-centered context. Such an understanding will go far to erase the fears that have haunted gay SDA people throughout their lives. And it will prepare a people to give the "last message of mercy to the world" -- a message carried in lives reflecting the love of Christ. (For some of the best information on the current state of Adventism browse the General Conference site and Adventism on the Open Directory Project. If you haven't already done so, we also suggest that you review our FAQ.) Among other things, it contains current statements on homosexuality by the official Adventist church.