Evangelicals in Germany are standing firm on the issue of homosexual partnerships – declaring that they ‘do not find approval from a Biblical perspective.’
At its National Board, Union of Free Evangelical Churches (FeG) President Ansgar Hörsting called for members to seek unity as recommendations regarding the question of homosexuality were set out for member churches. He told the 400 delegates in attendance that ‘the relationship with God in Jesus is a firm foundation, and the Holy Spirit works and gives people orientation and support.’
The recommendations laid out that, while God’s grace is open to all, the Bible does not approve of homosexual relationships. Churches were advised not to bless gay weddings or appoint practicing homosexuals as leaders or pastors.
Artur Wiebe, FeG’s media and public relations officer said that when discussing these issues, the church’s focus should be on achieving unity amidst diversity.
He said that the church has to ‘manage the tension between welcoming people while also having clear Biblical guidelines’. He said he hopes the recommendations enable churches to deal with these issues on a local level.
Wiebe said that the church’s main goal here was to preserve the Biblical view of marriage, but acknowledges that other difficult conversations may take place in the future concerning LGBTQ issues. He says that when they arise, the church must be ready to take a similar discursive approach.
‘We hope this will last – to talk with each other, to have Biblical guidelines, but also to be welcoming and open.
‘There are many other LGBTQ issues. There will be other questions and we hope that this process will show the way to deal with really hard topics.’
