The Loyal Opposition: Struggling with the Church on Homosexuality

by Amy DeLong (Editor), Tex Sample

No issue more polarizes American Protestants today than the church’s stance on homosexuality. In recent years, a number of denominations have engaged in prolonged and divisive debates on the subject, and it appears that these debates will continue to occupy their attention. The contributors to this volume call for the formation of a “loyal opposition” that is serious in its commitment to the difficult process of reconciliation and forgiveness. Faithfulness to the gospel, they remind readers, requires nothing less than that Christians will be committed to the full inclusion of all persons in the body of Christ—not least of all those who disagree theologically and ethically.

The book offers readers a multifaceted argument that the gospel requires a commitment to the full inclusion of all persons in the body of Christ. It focuses on how members of mainline denominations can respond to official denominational positions with which they disagree. Readers are offered an alternative response besides staying in the denomination and remaining silent or leaving the denomination because one disagrees with its official position on this issue.  

Contributors include: J. Philip Wogaman, Roy Sano, Stanley Hauerwas, Jeanne Audrey Powers, Victor Paul Furnish, Dale Dunlap, Gil Caldwell, and Joretta Marshall. Foreword by Leontine Kelly.

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2000

Reviews

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although this book of essays was compiled 20 years ago, their themes still ring true as the United Methodist Church struggles with the issue of full inclusion of LGBTQIA persons. However, I think that those who once referred to themselves as "Loyal Opposition" now find themselves well within the mainstream of United Methodism. And that is good news.

One of the essayists wrote of their detractors referring to the Opposition's beliefs as an "agenda." Actually, the writer posited, our beliefs are not an agenda, but the Gospel: to love God, our neighbors, and ourselves. Jesus is counting on us to do just that.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A necessary read for me in the wake of the UMC's heartbreaking, awful decision to defrock Reverend Schaefer for performing the wedding ceremony for his gay son. I recently joined a UMC church (which is considerably more inviting than the institution as a whole). The book concludes, "We want you to know there is hope, and yet be shaken and disquieted by all that needs to be done." The authors accomplished that mission.

[Bill Mcfadden · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book to bring before the reader several responses to the United Methodist Church's struggle with homosexuality. Espcially relevant as this is becoming more of a frint burner issue for the church.

[SouthWestZippy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book.