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I'm not in the clergy of the COG so forgive me if I've got it all wrong (that's why I'm asking). But a close friend told me that there are ongoing meetings across the denomination right now regarding homosexuals in leadership (teachers, worship leaders, etc..) The way it was worded was a little vague so maybe someone here can clarify. (bty - I think this topic is germane to the board here in light of today's political and theological issues.)It seems that the gist is one of the following and I'm wondering what your take is (one of these 2, or something else)1. If you have known homosexuals applying for leadership positions, deny them the position but don't give them homosexuality as the reason for it. 2. If you have known homosexuals applying for leadership positions, do not deny them the position. (on that basis alone)Subtle difference I know (1 seems like its asking to lie, 2 seems like its saying hire them if they meet the rest of the criteria ), and I hope neither are truly being advocated, but that is what I was told. This is third-hand I know, that is why I'm asking here. Is the COG at a point where it is worried about litigation more than truth? Would this time where we have a president appointing more conservative judges than in years be the best time to tackle this head-on? Nobody want's to lose money in court, but what happens if you successfully avoid litigation for a few years, but then, once more liberal judges are in power, it comes out then?

Time for Christians to take a chunk of North America and form their own nation

I haven’t heard anything along these lines, but my first thought would be, “Do they mean practicing homosexual or just someone who, though committed to being celibate, nevertheless identifies as ‘gay’ due to same-sex attraction?”

This isn't true.Not trying to stifle discussion or hypotheticals but this isn't happening. Someone misunderstood or is misinformed.As always, the COG still believes in the whole Bible, rightly divided for our rule and standard for living a Christian life and testimony Proverbs 3:5-6; John 13:34-35; Acts 1:8

About 5 years ago (a couple days after the vote was taken to exclude women from OB status) the subject of gays in ministry came up & we debated & voted in General Council, I think on day 4 or 5. There wasn't a very big attendance during the discussion & voting because after all, we had to keep women out, but ...gays ...we're not too worried about them lol. I asked a guy next to me who was from Florida why we were even having such discussion & he said there had been a few churches that had issues in music ministry & a couple other ministry areas where the local churches were struggling on how to deal with staff members who claimed to be gay & didn't want to lose their positions at those churches. I'm guessing that there are guys who will read this & will not respond because they know of circumstances where these allegations are true & even now could still be an issue if it were brought out to be public knowledge. I do believe that legal council has kept a good eye on this sort of activity & they have guided our leadership through this difficult maze to help us remain strong in our moral & ethical position. The subject isn't even discussed when it is a muslim cultural center where dozens of people are employed. For some reason they are protected from even having to have the discussion on whether or not to employ or even offer an interview to one who lives a gay lifestyle. Pretty sure we're protected the same way. Empty nest syndrome is for the birds!Email me at: [email protected] planters are focused on just one thing ...introducing people to Jesus!

Though I of course can’t say I know everything that every CoG CAMS or MIP facilitator or pastor ever said, I’m really having a hard time imagining why there would be any reason for a CoG pastor to even bring up such a scenario. While I wouldn’t doubt there could be some practicing or non-practicing homosexuals involved in the CoG as, say, music ministers or children’s pastors or other kinds of ministers, my guess is that the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy would be the most likely way this would be handled.

It may not be exactly what is happening (that's why I'm asking), but something HAS happened. I am suspecting, however, that it might have been a local (and unofficial) implementation of a national ministerial program where the local administrator of the program spoke his own wisdom about such a scenario. I won't speculate further, just wanted to see if anyone had heard it first hand, I'm relieved you haven't and I hope this incident is cleared up at the level that it did happen soon. Yes sir Proverbs 3:5-6; John 13:34-35; Acts 1:8

It may not be exactly what is happening (that's why I'm asking), but something HAS happened. I am suspecting, however, that it might have been a local (and unofficial) implementation of a national ministerial program where the local administrator of the program spoke his own wisdom about such a scenario. I won't speculate further, just wanted to see if anyone had heard it first hand, I'm relieved you haven't and I hope this incident is cleared up at the level that it did happen soon. Yes sir. I don't know any COG ministers, local churches or institutions that would stray into such compromise. Even ministry jobs are at will and an employee can be dismissed without cause. When writing employment contracts/agreements/Job Descriptions always list salaries on a pay period bases and not on monthly or annual totals, less they sue for their full salary due. Remember to stipulate the at will nature of the position and any benefits, including severance pay. In general you should not document reasons for dismissal, such as homosexual behavior or adultery. Don't let your own employment records be used as evidence in court against you and your church.

Why does an employer have to explain why he didn't hire an applicant?I've worked for private business, for 2 state agencies , and been in the ministry for 19 years. There have been occasions when I didn't get positions. No one ever gave me a reason. They didn't owe me an explanation.... They simply said, We appreciate your interest, but you were not chosen for the position

Re: ministerial program suggested allowing gay leaders