Responses to the Matt Smucker ordination
The following are some responses BRF has received in the
wake of the ordination of Matt Smucker:
From Indiana:
This report only proves that activists are not going
to accept the will of the Brethren, or even the most logical, Biblical
arguments against homosexuality. Arguing and reasoning will not win this
battle, for it is a spiritual battle. In fact, I believe that even if we
had many MORE verses in the scriptures condemning homosexuality, it would
not make a difference. This is a matter of people resolving to God--or
not.
I have resolved, after educating my congregation about
homosexuality, to focus on glorifying Jesus, both inside and outside our
church. I believe this is where the victory is. The spirit of homosexuality
and the Spirit of God cannot coexist. One is a satanic spirit; the other
is the Holy Spirit! Each congregation will decide for one or the other.
Each will decide which one will be lifted up. God allows us this decision,
and its consequences (Revelation 2:18-29).
We must continue to pray for a Holy Spirit revival in
the Church of the Brethren, and lift Jesus higher and higher. When Jesus
is lifted up, the Holy Spirit will dominate! Then the light of the glory
of God will blind us to accepting any sin which will darken this glory
like a gray cloud on a bright, sunny day!
From Indiana:
I find this distressing. In my mind the Bible is very
clear on these issues. I am disappointed with the Church of the Brethren's
decision and hope conference discussion leans more to the Scriptures
than to" political correctness."
From Missouri:
I am appalled. I will watch to see how the church
as a whole treats this situation.
From Pennsylvania:
The value of my ordination is somewhat diminished by
a denomination that gives sanction to such an action. Sad day!
From Pennsylvania:
Thank you for keeping us informed about the issues of
the day. The Smucker case is just another step in trying to make The Church
of the Brethren more "politically correct." We have no delegate from our
church, but I will contact those from other churches here on what I feel
about it. Keep on keeping on with your work.