See also these official statements:
- Seventh-day
Adventist Response to Same-Sex Unions--A Reaffirmation of
Christian Marriage 2004
- The statement reads in part:
[Click on subject line above for full text.]
- "We reaffirm, without hesitation, our long-standing
position. As expressed in the Chur ch's Fundamental Beliefs,
"marriage was divinely established in Eden and affirmed by Jesus
to be a lifelong union between a man and a woman in loving
companionship." 1 Though "sin has perverted God's ideals for
marriage and family," "the family tie is the closest, the most
tender and sacred of any human relationship," and thus "families
need to experience renewal and reformation in their
relationships" ( An Affirmation of Family, 1990). 2 God
instituted "marriage, a covenant-based union of two genders
physi cally, emotionally, and spiritually, spoken of in
Scripture as 'one flesh.'" "The monogamous union in marriage of
a man and a woman is . . . the only morally appropriate locus of
genital or related intimate sexual expression." "Any lowering of
this high view is to that extent a lowering of the heavenly
ideal" ( An Affirmation of Marriage , 1996). 3
"Homosexuality is a manifestation of the disorder and brokenness
in human inclinations and relations caused by sin coming into
the world. While everyone is subject to fallen human nature, "we
also believe that by God's grace and through the encouragement
of the community of faith, an individual may live in harmony
with the principles of God's Word" ( Seventh-day Adventist
Position Statement on Homosexuality , 1999). 4
"We hold that all people, no matter what their sexual
orientation, are children of God. We do not condone singling out
any gr oup for scorn and derision, let alone abuse. However, it
is very clear that God's Word does not countenance a homosexual
lifestyle; neither has the Christian Church throughout her 2000
year history. Seventh-day Adventists believe that the biblical
teaching is still valid today, because it is anchored in the
very nature of humanity and God's plan at creation for
marriage."
- This document was approved and voted by the General
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Administrative Committee (ADCOM),
March 9, 2004
- A
Statement On Pornography
- Public statement released by the General Conference
president, Neal C. Wilson, after consultation with the 16
world vice presidents of the Seventh-day Adventist Church,
on July 5, 1990, at the General Conference session in
Indianapolis, Indiana.
- Statement
on AIDS
- Public statement released by the General Conference
president, Neal C. Wilson, after consultation with the 16
world vice presidents of the Seventh-day Adventist Church,
on July 5, 1990, at the General Conference session in
Indianapolis, Indiana.
-
Church
Manual, Chapter 13: Standards of Christian Living
2005
(PDF download)
- Homosexual practices (a euphemism for gay sex) are
included in a list of sexual perversions (pp. 170, 171):
- "Sexual perversions, incest, and sexual abuse of
children prevail to an alarming degree. Millions have
abandoned Christian standards of conduct and are bartering
the sweet and sacred experiences of marriage and parenthood
for the bitter, remorseful fruits of lust. Not only are
these evils damaging the familial structure of society, but
the breakdown of the family in turn fosters and breeds these
and other evils. The results in distorted lives of children
and youth are distressing and evoke our pity, while the
effects on society are not only disastrous but cumulative.
- "These evils have become more open and threatening to
the ideals and purposes of the Christian home. Adultery,
sexual abuse of spouses, incest, sexual abuse of children,
homosexual practices, and lesbian practices are among the
obvious perversions of God's original plan. As the intent of
clear passages of Scripture (See Ex. 20:14; Lev. 18:22, 29
and 20:13; 1 Cor. 6:9; 1 Tim. 1:10; Rom. 1:20-32) is denied
and as their warnings are rejected in exchange for human
opinions, much uncertainty and confusion prevail. This is
what Satan desires. It has always been his plan to cause
people to forget that God is their Creator and that when He
"created man in His own image" He created them
"male and female" (Gen. 1:27). The world is
witnessing today a resurgence of the perversions of ancient
civilizations.
- "The degrading results of the world's obsession with
sex and the love and pursuit of sensual pleasure are clearly
delineated in the Word of God. But Christ came to destroy
the works of the devil and reestablish the relationship of
human beings with their Creator. Thus, though fallen in Adam
and captive to sin, those who are in Christ receive full
pardon and the right to choose anew the better way, the way
to complete renewal. By means of the cross and the power of
the Holy Spirit, all may be freed from the grip of sinful
practices as they are restored to the image of their
Creator."
-
Church
Manual, Chapter 14: Reasons for Church Discipline
2005 (PDF download)
- Among "Reasons for church members shall be
disciplined," (pp. 184/185) is the following:
"4. Such violations as fornication, promiscuity,
incest, homosexual practice, sexual abuse of children and
vulnerable adults, and other sexual perversions, and the
remarriage of a divorced person, except of the spouse who
has remained faithful to the marriage vow in a divorce for
adultery or for sexual perversions."
- Removal from church membership is the severest form of
discipline, and the manual gives the following context (p.
189): "When a person has been removed from church
membership, the church should, where possible, maintain
contact and manifest the spirit of friendship and love,
endeavoring to win him/her back to the fold. A person
previously removed from church membership may be received
again into membership when confession of wrongs committed is
made, evidence is given of real repentance and amendment of
life, and it is clear that the member will fully submit to
church order and discipline."
-
Church
Manual, Chapter 15: Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage
2005 (PDF download)
- Among other statements, we find the following on page 195:
"2.Unfaithfulness to the marriage vow has generally
been seen to mean adultery and/or fornication. However, the
New Testament word for fornication includes certain other
sexual irregularities. (1 Cor. 6:9; 1 Tim. 1:9, 10; Rom.
1:24-27.) Therefore, sexual perversions, including incest,
child sexual abuse, and homosexual practices, are also
recognized as a misuse of sexual powers and a violation of
the divine intention in marriage. As such they are just
cause for separation or divorce.
- "Even though the Scriptures allow divorce for the
reasons mentioned above, as well as for abandonment by an
unbelieving spouse (1 Cor. 7:10-15), earnest endeavors
should be made by the church and those concerned to effect a
reconciliation, urging the spouses to manifest toward each
other a Christ-like spirit of forgiveness and restoration.
The church is urged to relate lovingly and redemptively
toward the couple in order to assist in the reconciliation
process."
- An
Affirmation of Marriage
- Statement approved and voted by the General Conference of
Seventh-day Adventists Administrative Committee (ADCOM) on
April 23, 1996.
- A
Statement of Concern on Sexual Behavior
- Statement approved and voted by the General Conference of
Seventh-day Adventists Executive Committee at the Annual
Council session in Washington, D.C., October 12, 1987.
- Let's
Talk: Homosexuality
- Summary of live, unscripted response by Pastor Jan Paulsen on the "Let's
Talk" Website. The following questions are covered:
- What is the church doing to minister to homosexuals?
- I feel God wants me to become a pastor, but I am gay. What
should I do?
- What is the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s stand on gay
marriage?
- Can a gay or lesbian person go to heaven?
- What should be the attitude of the church toward homosexuals
and homosexuality?
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