To the editors:

The fact that Presbyterian Church in America churches do not allow homosexuals to serve as elders or as ministers, yet allow such individuals to be members, does not indicate that the church is “deeply divided” (Notebook, “Homophobia in God’s Name,” Dec. 12). The principle is that all people are free to join the church, but none who openly sin may be a part of church leadership.

In that respect, homosexuality is no different from any other sin. Could you imagine a church that barred liars from membership, or that allowed a person who believed that lying was not wrong (or who lied constantly) to become a minister? It is not the case that church leaders must be free from sin, but rather that they should uphold the teachings of Scripture and should be in a position to help others live moral lives. Yet all people are welcomed into the church; we would not place any barriers between people and God, no matter how much they may struggle with sin.

It is indeed unfortunate that some churches have made homosexuality a special cause and have treated other human beings so poorly. However, I believe that in many churches all sinners (which is the same as all members) are loved.

Second, it does not necessarily follow that all inherent or genetic traits ought to be permissible. Antisocial behavior is inheritable. Alcoholism is inheritable. We properly do not consider these appropriate behaviors in our society. No matter the degree of genetic influence, behavior is not determined by genetics, and humans always have a choice. From both the Old and the New Testament, Christians believe that there is a right and a wrong choice when it comes to homosexual behavior. Given this perspective, love the sinner but hate the sin makes perfect sense.

Columbia, Mo.

Dec. 12, 2002

Christine A. Durrett '01

The writer is a graduate student in the department of psychology at the University of Missouri-Columbia and a member of a Presbyterian Church in America congregation.