November 26, 2002
To: South/Central Indiana District Executives, District
Board, and Sister Congregations
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
We would like to take this opportunity to affirm Ron and
Harriet [Finney, the S/C Indiana District Co-Executives], along
with the District Board, for the amount of time, effort and prayer they
have invested in attempting to address the decision made by the Manchester
Church of the Brethren regarding same sex relationships. This decision
not only affects the Manchester congregation, it affects our District and
Denomination as well. We thank you for your commitment to the truth of
Scripture and to your brothers and sisters in the larger Church.
All churches should be welcoming churches, enabling all
sinners to enter. If our churches are not open to all sinners where would
any of us be? The Church of the Brethren must be a body of believers united
in Christ who is the very Son of the Living God. We express our love for
God by loving our brothers and sisters in this world. As we live
out the New Testament scriptures, we show His love for and to one another.
We sin and are forgiven by God if we will ask. Others
sin against us and we must forgive them if we are to experience God's perfect
love. When we meet together for learning and teaching, we use Go& s
Word, which is the very scripture preserved for us by His hand. "All
scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and
to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and
teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every
way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do." 2 Timothy
3:16-17, (NLT).
Because we love each other we teach, rebuke, correct and
train each other in righteous living as clearly defined in the scriptures.
Out of love for all our brothers and sisters in the Church of the Brethren,
especially Manchester and all its members, we state in Christ:
Under no circumstances should churches be involved in same sex covenants,
or mislead believers of Christ in any way to engage in behavior unpleasing
to God, our Father.
Jesus clearly states in Mark 10:6-8, "But God's plan
was seen from the beginning of creation, for 'He made them male and female.'
'This explains why a man leaves his father and. mother and is joined to
his, wife, and the two are united into one.' Since they are no longer two
but one, let no one separate them, for God has joined them together." (NLT)
This is what God intended, even if we cannot achieve it It
still remains righteous, good and pleasing to God our Father.
Anything less is sin and should not be part of the teaching or action of
the body of Christ!
Again, we thank you for your efforts and will continue
to hold you in prayer before the Throne of Grace. May the Lord give you
spiritual wisdom and understanding. If we can be of assistance to
you, please feel free to contact us.
Your brothers and sisters in Christ at Roann,
The Church Board, The Deacon Board, and the Elder Board