Views on spiritual leadership

A persistent question for followers of Jesus is “Who can be included

in what?” The first century Council of Jerusalem, reported in Acts

15:1-29 and Galatians 2:1-10, set Paul against Peter as to whether or

not Gentiles could be included in this new faith, “Christianity.”

The Episcopal Church had struggled in the 19th century over

including African Americans, and in the 20th century over whether or

not divorced persons and women could be ordained to leadership

positions.

For at least the 30 years of my ministry, we have debated what

roles gay and lesbian persons can take. This struggle is nothing less

than fleshing out the implications of the gospel for us today and

seeking to understand the best ways to implement God’s passion and

justice. It is now impossible for me to imagine the church I love

without leaders, clergy and lay, who may be black, divorced, female

and/or gay.

As to whether or not there should be openly gay clergy in

leadership positions, wonderful Christian people cover the continuum

of possibilities: “No way!” say some. Others argue, “homosexual

activity is sinful, but under some circumstances ... .” Some of us

contend, “The same responsibilities (covenantal love, fidelity,

empathy, compassion) apply to each and all committed relationships.”

Some declare, “Of course, all who can be baptized can be leaders.”

Clearly Christians, including Episcopalians and Anglicans

worldwide, are far from being unified on this contemporary concern.

Hopefully, we will communicate better and better about it with mutual

respect and in the spirit of Galatians 5:22-23, “love, joy, peace,

patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and

self-control.”

THE VERY REV. CANON

PETER D. HAYNES

St. Michael & All Angels

Episcopal Church

Corona del Mar

Judaism does not agree that homosexuality is as acceptable a moral

option and as much an ideal as heterosexuality. Traditional Judaism

does not favor the ordination of rabbis who are homosexual. I would

not demand to know a candidate’s sexual preferences, but if that

person demands that his lifestyle be known and accepted, I would not

be in favor of promoting that person to the highest honor in Jewish

life. We cannot uphold Judaism’s marital sexual ideal but say that

rabbis no longer need to live by it.

While the rights of a homosexual human being must remain

inviolate, Judaism does not allow that homosexual expression is an

“alternative” sexual orientation akin to an apple and an orange being

alternative foods to eat, or to regarding left-handed and

right-handed as alternative variations. Ordaining homosexuals to be

rabbis represents a radical departure from Jewish morality and

tradition. Anyone who purports to teach Judaism and be its spokesman

and representative is obligated to uphold its standards.

To set up role models, teachers, and authorities who are

themselves in public violation of Judaism’s cherished teachings is a

serious problem.

As heir to my Biblical heritage, I accept by tradition as well as

by conviction the injunctions on sexual morality as proclaimed in

Scripture.

RABBI MARK MILLER

Temple Bat Yahm

Newport Beach