The Staples World, Jan. 7 issue, carried a Letter to the Editor, titled “Options for the ELCA” or to the People of the ELCA - one option which seems always present in dissenting issues - stop all funding.

The first 37 years of my life, until 1976, was lived as a Southern Baptist, the largest non-catholic denomination in the known universe. The next 11 years was as a member of the ELCA; the following 23 years, to the present, as a United Methodist. The population of these three denominations, in excess of 43 million, represents a significant voice among Protestant Christians, although Southern Baptist will not allow the term Protestant to be identified with The Southern Baptist Convention.

In experiences in these denominations I heard countless tirades against homosexuals, especially homosexual clergy. Naturally I was inclined to turn to Jesus’ words in scripture. What I found is there are no words from Jesus’ mouth in scripture on homosexuality.

I am left with the assumption that Jesus of Nazareth, the One whom we call The Lord of the Church, is not for or against homosexuality. It is likely He holds the issue to be a part of creation. And I have every right to believe that if Jesus had an issue with homosexuality He would have spoken forthwith to the Roman Centurion - Matthew 8:5-13 - who asked Jesus to heal his man-servant who was near death. And, of course, instead we know that He did heal the man. Biblical and historical scholars such as Flavius Josephus, Tacticus, Pliny the Elder, etc. - wrote in numerous writings that Roman Centurions commonly had a male-servant, who, among things, served as his sexual partner. Jesus was remarkably forthright. If the subject was of any concern to Him, He would have spoken. He did not.

If Jesus did not speak of homosexuality - what did He talk about? I do not wish to speak harshly to my countless sisters and brothers in Christ - but why are we so afraid and why do we spend such useless time and energy on something He showed no interest in and yet leave void those things He constantly did preach about–compassion, justice, forgiveness, grace, reconciliation. Yes, I said void. And at age 80, I am my worst example of discipleship. I do not love my neighbor as myself, I do not preach good news to the poor, I do not lay down my life for my friends, I am not salt and light, I do not do justice, make peace. Often I awaken in the night afraid unto death - taxes, health, premature death, children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. He says to us as many times as He said anything, “Do not be afraid.” Attached immediately to that admonition is, “I will be with you always.”

To the writers of “Options for ELCA” I say, follow your own admonitions. 1. Think about our youth. A family member, age 17, committed suicide because the church shunned his homosexuality. 2. It is up to us lay people. If that is true and it most certainly is, the ministries of justice-doing, peace-making, hope-giving when done in love will override our doubt, fears and guilt.

Grace and Peace,
Bruce K. Quinn
Motley, Minn.