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THE Jamaica Council of Churches, (JCC) while yet to make its final position on the issue of homosexuality known, has said it “does not support the segregation of, or violence towards, those who indulge in the practice”.
In a paper presented at the JCC’s biennial central meeting at the Ocho Rios Baptist Church last Wednesday, the council’s General Secretary Reverend Gary Harriot said, while the contents were not “the official position of the JCC”, it is a step to further the dialogue of what is hoped will become a position of the council.
The JCC said, based on biblical principles, it will continue to advocate the institution of marriage to be reserved for a man and a woman. In that same light, it is appealing to members to ensure that a wholesome and Christ-centred perspective on sexuality is included in their discipleship programme.
“Many persons, especially the young, are confused regarding their sexuality and the permissiveness of this post-modern world does nothing to help,” the paper said.
It went on to note that humanity shares a common human brokenness and deserves to receive the love and pastoral care of the church as Christ portrayed in His earthly ministry.
“Recognising that homosexuality may be a welcomed choice for some, but for others represents an unwelcomed struggle between their experience and their faith,” the organisation is maintaining that “segregation is not the answer”.
“Homosexuality is also the basis of guilt, depression, disappointment, and unanswered questions in many families,” the paper continued.
In the meantime, it said “fear of ridicule and isolation” often cause homosexuals “to suffer in silence”.
“In view of this, the council appeals to members of the church, clergy and laity to make church a welcoming and nonjudgmental space; one that is sensitise to those who are dealing with issues of brokenness in their lives, which include homosexuality,” the paper states.
The JCC also appealed to the church and the wider religious community “not to act in ways that will ostracise or incite violence or other treatment of indignity on those who indulge in the practice”.
Meanwhile, though it did not present a consensus on the campaign in the gay community for a repeal of the buggery law, the JCC said those with a homosexual political agenda are placing pressure on societies like Jamaica to change their cultural norms, values and mores.
“The JCC believes that as an independent country the Jamaican people should be allowed to determine what is in the best interest of its people,” it said.
“Whatever the final decisions regarding the buggery law are, there are some nonnegotiable items. One of these is that every effort should be made to protect children from being lured or forced into sexual activities, whether homosexual or heterosexual,” the JCC said.
It also said “homosexuality must never be promoted as a normal and natural way of life and on par with heterosexual lifestyle”.
The group is expected to hold further discussions before presenting a public statement on the efforts to repeal of the buggery law.
http://m.jamaicaobserver.com/mobile/...-homosexuality
In a paper presented at the JCC’s biennial central meeting at the Ocho Rios Baptist Church last Wednesday, the council’s General Secretary Reverend Gary Harriot said, while the contents were not “the official position of the JCC”, it is a step to further the dialogue of what is hoped will become a position of the council.
The JCC said, based on biblical principles, it will continue to advocate the institution of marriage to be reserved for a man and a woman. In that same light, it is appealing to members to ensure that a wholesome and Christ-centred perspective on sexuality is included in their discipleship programme.
“Many persons, especially the young, are confused regarding their sexuality and the permissiveness of this post-modern world does nothing to help,” the paper said.
It went on to note that humanity shares a common human brokenness and deserves to receive the love and pastoral care of the church as Christ portrayed in His earthly ministry.
“Recognising that homosexuality may be a welcomed choice for some, but for others represents an unwelcomed struggle between their experience and their faith,” the organisation is maintaining that “segregation is not the answer”.
“Homosexuality is also the basis of guilt, depression, disappointment, and unanswered questions in many families,” the paper continued.
In the meantime, it said “fear of ridicule and isolation” often cause homosexuals “to suffer in silence”.
“In view of this, the council appeals to members of the church, clergy and laity to make church a welcoming and nonjudgmental space; one that is sensitise to those who are dealing with issues of brokenness in their lives, which include homosexuality,” the paper states.
The JCC also appealed to the church and the wider religious community “not to act in ways that will ostracise or incite violence or other treatment of indignity on those who indulge in the practice”.
Meanwhile, though it did not present a consensus on the campaign in the gay community for a repeal of the buggery law, the JCC said those with a homosexual political agenda are placing pressure on societies like Jamaica to change their cultural norms, values and mores.
“The JCC believes that as an independent country the Jamaican people should be allowed to determine what is in the best interest of its people,” it said.
“Whatever the final decisions regarding the buggery law are, there are some nonnegotiable items. One of these is that every effort should be made to protect children from being lured or forced into sexual activities, whether homosexual or heterosexual,” the JCC said.
It also said “homosexuality must never be promoted as a normal and natural way of life and on par with heterosexual lifestyle”.
The group is expected to hold further discussions before presenting a public statement on the efforts to repeal of the buggery law.
http://m.jamaicaobserver.com/mobile/...-homosexuality
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