Same-Sex Attraction: Is Celibacy Sufficient To Qualify For Christian Ministry?

Sep 22, 2016 by Jill

by John Stevens:

Controversy was caused a couple of weeks ago when it was announced that the Church of England had appointed a gay bishop who admits that he is “in a relationship” but maintains sexual celibacy. Reactions to this news by evangelicals has been varied. Some have stated that the appointment is a “dangerous” step, especially in the light of the “facilitated conversations” about homosexuality that are taking place within the church. Others have taken the view that his sexual orientation is completely irrelevant to his appointment because he abides by the rule of discipline required by the church.

I am in no place to know or comment on the personal circumstances of this particular bishop, but the appointment does raise important questions as to the circumstances in which a man experiencing same-sex attraction can be appointed to pastoral office in the church. This is of wider theological and pastoral significance than the current political issues raging within the Church of England.

There is no doubt that many men who experience same-sex attraction have served, or are serving, as church leaders. Where they are faithful to the gospel they have been a great blessing to the church. However in determining a biblical approach to homosexuality I fear that contemporary evangelicals have focused too simplistically on sexual behaviour as the dividing line between qualification and disqualification for ministry (or indeed church membership). It is certainly noble for those who face the struggle of same-sex attraction to maintain celibacy, but this alone cannot be sufficient to settle the question of suitability for ministry.

Whilst the New Testament makes clear that temptation is not itself sin, sinful desires are to be recognised for what they are, and resisted. The Biblical injunctions are to flee from sexual immorality (1 Thessalonians 4v3; 1 Corinthians 6v18) and to mortify the desires of the flesh (Romans 8v13). This is true for both heterosexual and homosexual desires. It is not, therefore, sufficient to remain celibate whilst at the same time affirming and approving the desires that the Bible regards as sinful.

Read here