Listening to the Spirit: A Handbook for Discernment: What Is the Gospel Message to Our Church as We Relate to Gay and Lesbian Christians?

One of the most divisive issues in the church today concerns the place of lesbian and gay persons. Should the church sanction same-gender relationships? Should gay and lesbian people be allowed to serve as ordained ministers? These questions and many more spawn endless debate and create winners and losers. A better way to respond to this pain and confusion is to make use of a process of discernment. Listening to the Spirit presents a process of discernment that helps us to listen to the Holy Spirit for guidance as we consider the question, What is the gospel message to our church as we relate to gay and lesbian Christians? This question is addressed through a process that will help Christians approach the issues throughtfully, theologicaly, and prayerfully. There are no set answers or preconceived outcomes. The books was written by the Discernment Committee on the Participation of Gay and Lesbian Persons in the Life of the Church. This committee represents a broad range of theoological beliefs surrounding the issue.