Homosexuality and the Church

Issues

The issues are multilayered: whether Scripture prohibits same-sex sexual relations, how the church should receive sexual minorities, whether the church may bless same-sex marriages or ordain sexual minorities to ministry, and whether the church can accept a national anti-discrimination law.

Traditional Position

• Passages such as Leviticus 18:22, Romans 1:26-27, and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 are read as identifying same-sex sexual relations as sin.
• Marriage has been the union of one man and one woman since creation (Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:4-6).
• This position distinguishes orientation from behavior, holding that persons should be treated with love while the behavior should be taught as sin.

Most Korean denominations hold this position. Several denominations have adopted rules restricting seminary admission or church office for those who support homosexuality.

Inclusive Position

• Proponents interpret the relevant passages as referring to sexual violence, acts bound up with idolatry, and exploitative relationships, rather than to today's mutually committed relationships.
• They appeal to Jesus' acceptance of the marginalized and to the commandment of love.
• They point out that the church's condemnation inflicts deep wounds on sexual minorities and places them at serious risk.

In Korea, a small number of churches and pastors, along with some Christian organizations, hold this position. Some pastors who have blessed sexual minorities have faced denominational trials.

Anti-Discrimination Law Debate

Regarding the inclusion of "sexual orientation" in the proposed comprehensive anti-discrimination bill, opponents fear that preaching and teaching that homosexuality is sin could become subject to penalty. Supporters argue that the bill is intended to prevent discrimination in areas such as employment and education and is not a law that punishes preaching. Conservative denominations and interdenominational bodies have campaigned against the bill for many years.

The Global Church

Many denominations in the United States and Europe have been deeply divided over this issue. Some Anglican, Presbyterian, Lutheran, and Methodist denominations have accepted same-sex marriage and the ordination of sexual minorities, and churches opposed to these changes have left to form new denominations. Korean denominations are also discussing how to handle their relationships with such sister denominations abroad.