A rchive Date
[ 14-06-2003 ]
Category
[ International Relations ]
sub-Categoy
[ Canada ]
|
[http://www.canoe.ca/Columnists/coren.html
Gays and the church
By MICHAEL COREN -- Sun Media
June 14, 2003
The issue of homosexuality is perhaps the most difficult one about which someone like me, a Christian, is obliged to write.
What I say now is not particularly different from what I wrote a year or so ago about the issue. Homosexuality is about real, loving, often hurting people. More than this, to oppose the various demands of gay people is seen by many to be cruel and uncaring.
They have a point. Hatred has been behind some of the opposition to homosexuality over the years and, to a certain extent, still is.
We're probably all guilty, and I know there are some things I have written in the past I would not say now. But to refine one's attitude toward a situation does not necessarily mean one changes one's overall stance. For me, the supreme position must be no compromise on truth, no compromise on love.
This has to be expressed once again, as the highest court in Ontario, just as in other provinces and in other courts, says traditional marriage is, in effect, unconstitutional. How sad that a group of unelected and often fairly unworldly judges have more power than the elected representatives of the Canadian people.
There are, of course, crazy people on all sides. Some of those protesting all this have shamed the cause they represent. They evince venom and coldness and seem to be obsessed with this particular issue. Equally, there are some in the gay community who are horribly intolerant. I can show you the death threats and know all too well of the attempts to have me fired.
But these two groups represent the polarized borders. In between, there is much room for dialogue and understanding.
Gay people live together, always will live together, and, while we might disagree with their lifestyle, are entitled to name partners as legal and financial beneficiaries. Equally, marriage was conceived to describe only one thing: the union of a man and a woman.
The idea that love is sufficient to define a marriage is clearly wrong. What about the love of a man for five, six or even a dozen women? Is this a marriage? Or a love of a brother for a sister? Is incest to be included? People say it won't, but I don't understand how we can throw out an ancient and holy institution and then only extend it to include those who currently enjoy the favour of the courts, the media and the establishment. Is that not contrary to what is seen as the spirit of equality?
Surely it is no coincidence that Bill C-250 is also being considered by Parliament at this time. Ostensibly a document about genocide, it could, if pushed hard and ruthlessly, be used to silence those who have a love for gay people but a resolute opposition to their sexual activity. There is lots of hysteria over this one by its critics, but I can see no reason for the bill in that gay people are already protected by existing legislation.
It's also ironic, in that if one group in particular has been a designated target of hate in recent years it is genuine Christians. I don't mean those who pick at the salad bar of spirituality, I mean those who believe in the historic Christian faith. Goodness me, it's become a hobby on television and in politics to abuse and insult believers.
Yet every time I am tempted to react too strongly I remember that I, at least, am sexually broken and there is a very good chance you are as well. I thank God my temptations, my flaws, are not of a homosexual nature. I can only imagine how difficult life would be if they were.
There are many sins in the world, and many sinners. Perhaps if the church had in the past been more egalitarian in its critiques we would be more accepted now when we speak out on issues such as homosexuality.
The debate will continue. Who knows where it will end? If there is any hatred in your heart, you have no right to speak out on the subject. But if there is love in your heart, you have a responsibility to speak out on the subject. And to listen, as well.
Michael Coren is a Toronto-based writer and broadcaster. He can be emailed at info@michaelcoren.com and his web site is michaelcoren.com Letters to the editor should be sent to editor@sunpub.com
 World Fact Book (CIA)]
|