Can someone tell the God honest truth?
Each year the Church of England bends itself into knots about gay priests. Each year, the Anglican Community argues furiously about whether gay priests should be ordained. The churches in Africa are opposed,especially in Nigeria.This is totally opposite to the church in North America.The Archbishop of Canterbury, tries as always,to paper over the cracks and prevent a split.
The question that needs to be asked is simple:Can you be a gay/lesbian and be a Christian?Does the Bible clearly state that homosexuality is a sin?Until the Church of England states clearly what its views are one way or another, then this issue will be debated endlessly.
As someone who was grew up in Jamaica, I was always told that it was a sin.Living in Britain, which is a far more tolerant society, homosexuality is no longer frowned upon.The fact that mainstream popular dramas like The Archers and Eastenders have or have had gay characters shows how much times have changed.We have two members of the Cabinet who were gay, and one of candidates for London's mayor was opnely gay.
And yet, the church cannot give a straight(sorry)answer.What does the Bible say?Murder is a sin.Theft is a sin.Lying is a sin.Is being gay a sin? Or is the answer too explosive that we dare not ask the question?
In 2020, the church will still be debating this matter.
sidejump

as far as I know it does not say that loving someone of your own sex is a sin. But some sexual practices were not allowed, and I think homosexual sex was among them. But the old laws were overturned by Jesus. And Jesus came for sinners. These gay priests prove that you can be a Christian and homosexual. They are as God made them, and who are we to question why or to judge them.
There is even homosexuality in the animal kingdom. Some people will argue that homosexuality is a product of our fallen condition, our original sin, but as Jesus has the power to change us, and he does not choose to change them, then maybe it is not. maybe it is part of being human. Did you actually expect a "straight" answer to your question