On June 11, the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church published its latest statement addressing human sexuality, telling members that LGBTQ advocates within the church "undermine the plain instructions from the Word of God."
Perhaps this statement could function as a springboard for discussion with the GC re: the church’s stand in Uganda.
This latest statement shows the contempt the church has for LGBTQ+ people. They won’t even use non-stigmatizing language that would show a basic level of human concern for our community. "The term they use, "alternative human sexuality lifestyle " is a euphemism that shows their deep disrespect for LGBTQ+ people. It has been 35 years since the first church statement in human sexuality and the church has only gone backwards since then.
This statement is a reflection of a deep misunderstanding and grave stigmatization of LGBTQ+ people around the world. The timing couldn’t be worse.
Upon reading the GC’s Statement, so many interesting thoughts come to mind:
Everything that can be said, has been said. I don’t know what will make a difference since all communication from Ted and the GC are one way. Perhaps instead of issuing and repeating statements on subjects they obviously don’t understand, don’t want to understand, or something they are attmpting to cover up, it would do them well to sit down and talk with a diverse group of LGBTQIA+ Adventists and learn what it means to them to be queer and Adventist. Until that happens, no progess will be made.
SDA Kinship will continue to be a safe haven for queer current and former Adventists and will continue to pick up the broken pieces the church leaves behind in its barrage of “Statements”.
As I have said for a long time…‘we have meet the enemy and it is us’!
The use of the RCC as an ‘enemy’ has been slipping over the years but the rise of equality for women in the church and now the voices of the LBGTQIA+community has given the .ORG a new champion for ‘enemy’…sad…sad…sad. Back to the desert is the rallying cry!!!
The Beatles used to refer to business managers and music business people as the men in suits. It seems apropos in this context. Some empty, ignorant, and hurtful ones, as well.
Frank
I agree that it shows contempt. Meanness and contempt.
Besides contempt it is also a primitive way of reducing someone’s relationship to sexuality only. It’s as we would see the marriage as mere sex.
I was blessed by having queer members of my church when I was growing up. It was a difficult road for them but I learnt a lot about God and church and sexuality by sharing church with them.
The more the GC pontificates on disputed issues like this (and the rest of a long list) rather than lead a thoughtful, prayerful discussion, the less relevant it becomes.
Our functional unit is the local church, not the administration or its sycophants. I am thankful for local churches, like the one mentioned in the article, who prioritise community over an authoritarian approach to doctrine.
Edicts like this always make me think of the king in the Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The king in his emotionally immature way, decreed all manner of things, but eventually had to resign to reality. I believe this will eventually be the fate of Ted Wilson and all the haters.
For starters, it’s a misrepresentation of God’s character to shut people out. I saw a quote today that said it’s not who we are letting in, but who are we shutting out? Because whoever we shut out, Jesus is sure to be standing out there with them.
As a straight woman who was married to a very wonderful gay man for 32 years, I had a front row seat to see that no amount of sincerity and therapy and praying away the gay will change a person’s orientation. So let’s stop pretending it does.
As for condemning us allies along with our LGBTQ+ family, the GC doesn’t realize they can try to bury us, but we are seeds and new sprouts are coming up as we speak.
Remember friends that Jesus is standing with us. God is for us and not against us. And if God is for us, who can be against us?
I predict (I’m not a prophet—just have common sense) that nothing will come of this because like the king in the Little Prince, Wilson has no control over his subjects.
“And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.”
Use your hearts, friends!
Utterly predictable, believable and typical of the official SDA Church led by Ted and many likeminded cohorts who feign love for those Jesus came to save. Yes it has all been said and this Church organisation continues to be confirmed as a prime example of low level, simplistic blinkered religion. Not only is it abusing the rainbow community amongst others, but I am saddened by its abuse of its own genuine, caring professionals including clergy who intelligently champion God’s love for sinful humanity. The call to “come out of her, my people” needs to be heard by his oppressed people.
I did a double-take today when I read an article in today’s New York Times (6-16-2023). It described the experience of a journalist with a strange cult when he was in his early 20s. What caused the double-take was the fact that as I read the article I kept having deju vu experiences as I was reminded again and again of the current Adventist Church. I would be most interested to know whether other Adventists respond similarly. The article, “Shiny Happy People”, by the columnist David French can be found on page A22 of today’s NYT. Reading this article about Ted Wilson’s new statement about Adventist LGBTQ people was, I suspect, part of the reason for my response to the article. I would be interested to know if other Adventist readers of the article respond similarly, please. Ron Lawson: SondleyWriter@gmail.com
I’ve been thinking about the word “lifestyle.” If a middle class person needs a new car, he/she can decide to flaunt it and buy a BMW. Or they can decide they don’t actually need more than a Toyota Corolla. Either of those would represent a lifestyle choice. Deciding to become a vegan and giving up on all those juicy BBQ steaks could also be seen as a lifestyle decision. And I suppose that choosing to leave the Adventist church in favor of Anglican liturgical services could also be a lifestyle choice. Finding yourself sexually attracted to persons of the same gender was, in my experience, strongly but unsuccessfully resisted–it was not a lifestyle choice. In my case it took 20 years for me to come to terms with that fact–it was so far from a lifestyle “preference.” This is the reason why LGBTQ people find the use of “lifestyle choice” in that context so infuriating–those who use that term in that way are trying to say that our sexuality is a choice. They are trying to persuade themselves that it is therefore “right” for them to disparage us, perhaps ok to kill us too, and to declare that God wants them to kick us out of our churches.
I’m sure countless and fruitless prayers will be ascending regularly calling upon god to rain down fire and brimstone from heaven upon wayward congregations, especially those within the North American Division! 
And barring that, then perhaps just sit down and shut up! It’s amazing what can be learned within the context of one’s own silence.
It is deceitful to use the phrase “ask for God’s…His Devine instructions”. It is implied, if not directly said, that the .org/TEDW is equal to that!! Arrogance to nth degree!!!
Another Sabbath has come and gone in the midst of June, known globally as PRIDE Month. The queer Adventist has a lot to be thankful for. We have survived to this moment in time. So many of have not been that lucky and much of that is due to the stubborn rhetoric from the GC and the church leaders refusing to dialog with us. Words can kill. So whether you are LGBTQIA+, a family member, a supportive ally, unsure where you stand, or one who wishes us harm, we wish you a Happy Pride Month. Take advantage during the next two weeks to get to know us and know how we feel. Yes, we have feelings too. SDA Kinship is sharing videos from a diverse group of individuals about what Kinship means to them, what PRIDE means to them. Please honor their stories by listening to them. Here is a link and it will be updated with more stories as the month goes on: Our Stories- Pride 2023 - YouTube
Methodists are splitting over this issue. Lutherans previously did. Anglican church.
Hard to see how Adventists reconcile differences on traditional versus progressive viewpoints on how people ought to be treated (headship, WO, LGBTQ - we can probably include interpretation of science). At some point one side or the other will inside that their way must dominate and the other side will refuse.
And thus, a new denomination is born.
In light of the recent statement issued by the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, I feel compelled to express my support and appreciation for the church’s commitment to uphold the teachings of the Holy Scriptures. The church’s stance on human sexuality, homosexuality, and transgenderism, as outlined in the statement, is based on a careful study of God’s Word and the Spirit of Prophecy. This reflects the church’s dedication to understanding and conveying God’s will on these critical issues.
The church’s portrayal of human sexuality as a heaven-ordained institution of marriage between one man and one woman is a testament to its adherence to biblical teachings. The church’s approach, characterized by Christ-like love and compassion, is a reminder that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glorious standard for living. It is a call to support those who struggle with sin while nurturing a lifestyle in harmony with God’s Word.
The church’s commitment to resolving issues emerging from locally-sponsored activities that promote human sexuality behaviors not in accordance with God’s Word is commendable. The church’s dedication to maintaining Christ-like love and compassion for all people, regardless of their struggles, is a testament to its commitment to the teachings of Christ.
The General Conference’s call for every member of the church worldwide to stay close to the Word of God and ask for God’s direct intervention in situations where there is a departure from His divine instructions is a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility as followers of Christ.
In these challenging times, let us hold fast to God’s precious Holy Word, the Bible, accepting Christ’s justifying and sanctifying righteousness as we look forward to His soon second coming. Let us remember that our faith is not just about following rules, but about embodying the love and compassion of Christ in our interactions with others. Let us stand together in support of our church and its commitment to uphold the teachings of the Bible.