Bible’s unequivocal on homosexuality

AS a person brought up as a Presbyterian, I fully agree with Raymond Hughes (Write Back, January 10) that there is only one moral stand within Christianity concerning homosexuality. Where the Bible is clear, there is really no argument.

Like Steven Smyrl, I was removed from a Church position over the issue of homosexuality.

I worked as a chef for an Anglican mission in Israel in the hope that I could put any homosexual feelings I had behind me.

However, after four years, during a weak period, I got involved with someone towards the end of my contract and I was released from my duties.

It was very definite and final. I was told: “We’re not asking you to leave. We’re telling you to leave.”

However, I knew I could not justify my situation and I also accepted that I only had myself to blame.

I can empathise with Steven Smyrl, though, with the way the affair was handled, but I realised that I must fully desist from homosexual behaviour in order to serve God.

It is not easy and it is a lonely path, with little understanding within the Churches, but it is more rewarding spiritually than trying to justify the unjustifiable before God.

The Church is largely cold in these situations and the gay scene warmer and far more welcoming.

However, it is the love and the compassion of Jesus Christ that compels us, not the behaviour of His followers.

I still get blanked by many of them, but then again, Jesus said: “He that is forgiven little, loveth little.”

We can uphold the clear principles of the Bible, yet show God’s unconditional love.

Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.

COLIN NEVIN Bangor, Co Down