Athen's Religious Leaders Encourage Discussion on the Subject of Homosexuality and Religion

University Union, a student-run organization at the University of Georgia, held a forum last night on faith and homosexuality in the Miller Learning Center. Over 250 students attended this panel discussion in order to better understand the issues facing homosexuals in Christianity. Three religious leaders from the Athens community, both liberal and conservative in their spiritual beliefs, presented their views on homosexuality and its representation in the Bible. Parker James a Presbyterian pastor of the University Church represented conservative views on the subject. "Love your neighbor as thyself" recites Parker as he explains his tolerance of homosexuals. Despite his compassion for the gays in society, he still maintains a fairly strict following of the Scripture. In his interpretation of Bible, he explains the story of Adam and Eve: God created man and out of man came woman. It is upon the story of creation and God's intentions for men and women to procreate that Parker lays his foundation of religious belief. "I welcome homosexual people but would challenge their practices," he claims. He continues to say that he takes a "stance of submission to the Scripture." He explains that Christianity should be "transformational" whether a person is gay or straight. "Find a church that calls you to change and enables you to become holy," he conludes.
Representing a more liberal stance, Reverend Daniel Brown of the Episcopal Center at the University of Georgia claims that societal problems with homosexual practices are rooted in fear. He explains that the issues concerning gay people are not solely issues for people of religion. In fact, some people unaffiliated with a particular religion or church still have problems with homosexual relationships. In response to a question inquiring about the steps a homosexual should take in order to become more accepted in the church, Brown recited the words of God: "Don't be afraid." He explains that God has the capacity both to love and forgive all of his sons and daughters.
Reverend Renee DuBose of Our Hope Metropolitan Community Church, also takes a liberal stance on Christianity. Being openly gay herself, she personally understands the struggles of homosexuals in the Christian society. "I hold the Scripture as an authority, but not the only authority," she explains when asked about her thoughts on using the Bible as a guide for which to lead your life. She goes on to explain that she believes that the Bible "has been used as a weapon toward minorities and underrepresented groups." She finds it more important to focus on bigger issues like poverty and making a change in the world. In her concluding statements, DuBose confessed her faith in the young generation of the world. She believes that we live in a perfect time to make the changes that are needed for homosexuals both in society as well as in Christianity.