Cooperative Baptist Fellowship on Homosexuality   

                                                                                                                                                                             Vol. IX, No. 5, May 1996

     It is often hard to find out just what a relatively new organization believes, particularly if the group espouses "diversity.” Liberals and moderates may be so devoted to "inclusiveness” that nothing is excluded. But being so broad-minded is no basis for a Christian denomination. In fact, quite to the contrary, Jesus said, "...wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait (narrow) is the gate, and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Matthew 7:13. If one will put up with anything, he stands for nothing. Following are some quotes from a CBF publication. While these do not necessarily exhaustively define every CBF belief about this subject, they do provide an authoritative sampling of the CBF position on this high visibility topic. We are indebted for the research to the Missouri Baptists Laymen's Association.

     At the 1995 annual meeting of the CBF, a packet of material was distributed to the messengers entitled HIV/AIDS Ministry: Putting a Face on AIDS. The packet was published by the Ethics and Public Policy Ministry Group of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. While the 80 page packet devotes much space to justifying "homosexual orientation,” nowhere does the packet identify homosexual behavior as sin. The following are interesting excerpts from the packet:

GOD MADE US THIS WAY

     "During pregnancy, the fetus is developing characteristics that will determine the person's sexual orientation. Therefore, a person does not choose to be homosexual or heterosexual." p 16. "Do we choose our [sexual] orientation? Most persons answer that question with a resounding 'NO!' This supports the scientific research. We do not choose our sexual orientation, but rather we 'awaken' to it." pp. 17-18. “...sexuality is a gift from God ... We have a responsibility to enhance and educate our children and young people about sexuality, sexual identity, and sexual orientation.” p 20.

WHAT IS NORMAL?

     "The purpose of this section is to discuss ways our presuppositions about what is normal enter into how we, as the Church, treat others outside our own sexual norms. The Church needs to be a place where sexual identity and orientation can be discussed, developed, and fostered. We need to minister to our children, adolescents, and our young adults in the church.” p 18.

CELIBACY NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE

     “... the writings of Paul, indicate that celibacy is not possible for everyone. It is only for

those who have been called to that state by the holy Spirit. God said, ‘It is not good for human beings to be alone' (Genesis 2:18). That statement is true for all persons of all orientations," p 19.

REDEFINING THE FAMILY

     "No longer is family defined as a mother, father, son, daughter, a dog, and a station wagon. Such definition has changed through time, circumstances, and disintegration. Family may be defined as a basic, primary group of caring relationships within intimate boundaries ... James Nelson paints a clear picture of his experience with the contemporary family with this word picture, 'On our floor are nine apartments ... in only two of the nine (apartments) are there married couples... There are couples who have no intent of marrying. There are single-parent families and lesbian families. There are blended families... gay families and lesbian families... yet they are constituted as families by enduring covenants.’” p. 25.

CHANGING ATTITUDES & SERMONS

     “If we are serious about changing our attitudes toward sexuality, sexual orientation, and HIV/AIDS, how do we want our sermons to change?" p 22.

CBF MISSION STATEMENT - CELEBRATING GOD'S GIFT OF DIVERSITY

     According to the CBF's mission statement, “we will celebrate God’s gift of diversity among the individuals and churches of the Fellowship.” And at the 1995 CBF held in Fort Worth, Texas, the CBF's mission statement was amended to allow undefined diversity to he attributed to God, clearly opening the CBF's doors to the claim that homosexuality is "a gift of God": “Affirming our diversity as a gift of God, including but not limited to race, ethnicity, and gender." (Emphasis ours) [1995 CBF General Assembly Resource Book, pp D.2-D.31]