A WESLEYAN-HOLINESS POSITION PAPER ON IDENTITY AND ENTIRE with RESPONSE BY REV. TIMOTHY CRUTCHER, PhD

The Ad Hoc Committee on Entire Sanctification and Identity

Commissioned by: Love Wins.: LGBT A ministry of Trinity Family Midtown Church of the Nazarene Copyright © 2020 The Ad Hoc Committee on Entire Sanctification and Identity.

All rights reserved. This paper or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a review.

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First printing, 2020.

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www.lovewinslgbt.com FAITHFUL WITNESSES

A WESLEYAN-HOLINESS POSITION PAPER ON GAY IDENTITY AND ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION with RESPONSE BY REV. TIMOTHY CRUTHER, PhD

The Ad Hoc Committee on Entire Sanctification and Identity

Commissioned by Love Wins.: LGBT A ministry of Trinity Family Midtown Church of the Nazarene

August 20. 2020 THE AD HOC COMMITTEE ON ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION AND IDENTITY

Designations: R: Researcher / W: Writer / E: Editor / RV: Reviewer / D: Designer

Kevin Browne, BA R/E/RV Rev. Anderson McGee, MDiv R/W Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand Co-Lead Pastor Takanini, New Zealand Trinity Family Midtown Church of the Nazarene Co-Executive Director Rev. Nicholas Carpenter, MA R/E/RV Love Wins.: LGBT Associate Pastor Church of the Nazarene Nall Avenue Church of the Nazarene Kansas City, MO Church of the Nazarene Overland Park, KS Rev. Sarah McGee, MDiv R/W/E/RV Co-Lead Pastor Rev. Timothy Crutcher, PhD RV Trinity Family Midtown Church of the Nazarene Pastor Co-Executive Director Church of the Nazarene of Key Largo Love Wins.: LGBT Church of the Nazarene Church of the Nazarene Key Largo, FL Kansas City, MO

Elijah Drake, BA R/RV Rev. Brent Neely, MDiv R/W/RV Free Methodist Church Church of the Nazarene Grand Rapids, MI Kansas City, MO

Anthony Esser D Ross Neir R The Roman Non-Denominational North Beach, MD Deerfield, IL

Ashley Lavergne RV Matthew Ventra, BMus R/W/E/RV Non-Denominational Presbyterian Church of Australia Rayne, LA Brisbane, Queensland, AUS

Laura Mascarenhas R/W/E/RV Jessica Vogt, MDiv RV The Church of England Church of the Nazarene London, United Kingdom Raytown, MO

Rebekah Mason, ThM R/E Rev. John Wilson, MPTh R/W/E/RV Executive Director The Wesleyan Church Revoice Columbia, MO Southern Baptist Convention Chattanooga, TN

FAITHFUL WITNESSES CONTENTS

1 The Problem 22 The Chief Whataboutism

3 Some Important Considerations for 22 Eating the Elephant the Reader 23 Isn’t Identifying as Gay, In Essence, 4 How We Arrived Here Identifying with Sin?

5 The Wesleyan-Holiness Debate on 24 Doesn’t Such an Identification Mean Identity You Are Finding Your Core Identity In Something Other Than Christ? 7 Entire Sanctification: A Necessary Re-Orientation 25 ...Especially If You Profess The Experience Sanctification? 8 Squabbling Over Words 28 Responding to the Still Critical 9 Re-oriented? Yes, But Not Like That 29 But What If...? 11 Clarity Over Confusion 30 Defining Faithfulness for a New Generation 14 Entire Sanctification, Not Supernatural Conversaion Therapy 31 Witnesses in War Zones

17 The Work of Entire Sanctification, Defined for a New Generation 32 Appendix 1&2

18 Respond to the Smaller One. Speak to the Larger One. Do it Respectfully 33 Bibliography

19 Understanding Gay Identity 37 Response

21 The Redemptive Script THE PROBLEM

“Don’t call yourself a gay Christian.” “Your identity should be found ‘in Christ!’”

“Don’t you know that when you “When you are entirely sanctified, insist on using the phrase ‘gay your whole identity should be ‘in Christian’ to describe yourself, you Christ.’” are putting your identity in being gay “Entire sanctification should have instead of finding your identity in removed your attraction to the same- Christ?” sex.” “Hyphenated is a false To be gay, Christian, and Gospel!” profess the experience of entire and the list goes on and on. sanctification, in today’s Wesleyan- When one finds themselves to Holiness Church, is often to find be gay,1 Christian, and a member oneself picked apart by the constant of an evangelical Church, they questioning of a community called to 2 often find that they must become be known by its love for one another. micro-theologians, ready to defend A problem, both theological and themselves against a barrage of well- deeply personal, has emerged as intentioned statements, like the ones a result, and faithfully committed above, regarding the way they do just Christians find themselves unable about anything — whether it be the to understand each other in a battle way they act, dress, talk, live, or for where both sides stand firm on the the context of this paper, identify. If truths of Scripture. such an individual finds their Church Thankfully, it does not have to be home in the Wesleyan-Holiness this way. tradition, they, unfortunately, must So, with prayer and hope in One address further critiques, such as: bigger than us all, the writers of this “You cannot profess entire paper invite you on a journey over the sanctification and hold onto a gay following pages to come and reason identity.” together3 to end the confusion, heal the Church, and develop a more faithful witness, to the ends of the 4 1 The term “gay” will be used throughout this earth and everywhere in between. paper to collectively refer to those that identify as same-sex attracted, , gay, bisexual, , and questioning yet hold to the historic Christian 2 See John 13:35. teaching on human sexuality. 3 See Isaiah 1:18. 4 See Acts 1:8.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 1

SOME IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE READER

Before undertaking the task of all usage of the term gay shall refer Only by loving each other as Christ this paper, however, there are some only to those that identify as lesbian, loved us will we ever hope to be essential doctrinal and terminological gay, bisexual, queer, questioning, and faithful witnesses of the One we have considerations that need to be same-sex attracted, as this paper will been called to present to the world. addressed. First, the writers of this not speak to issues of gender. With these considerations, we paper labored as an outpouring of Finally, the writers of this paper move forward with the task of this an underlying affirmation of the would like to speak to those who paper, which is not only essential but doctrinal positions of the Church of find themselves to be more liberal or also extremely specific. the Nazarene, with specific emphasis conservative on the issues addressed on its historic positions related to in this paper. entire sanctification and human sexuality as found in the Manual of To you… the Church of the Nazarene,5 as well We reaffirm our commitment to as all statements related to the topics extend continued, non-judgmental of entire sanctification and human love to you, and ask for grace and an sexuality issued from the Board of open mind as you read and reflect on General Superintendents. the issues discussed in this paper. Stated clearly, the intent of We further commit to the same the writers of this paper is not to with any rebuttal you may have to our change the stated and held beliefs work here, for it is crucial to all who of the Church of the Nazarene or contributed to this work to promote like-minded Wesleyan-Holiness and maintain a spirit of Christian denominations, but rather, an charity as we live with and love those attempt to help these denominations who think differently on these issues develop a deeper and more robust than we do. understanding of such held beliefs.6 Second, and in line with the stated beliefs mentioned above, all usage of the term gay Christian in the context of this paper will refer only to celibate, gay Christians.7 Additionally,

5 Twenty-ninth General Assembly. 2017. Manual Church of the Nazarene: 2017-2021. Kansas City: Nazarene Publishing House. 6 Board of General Superintendents. n.d. BGS Official Statements. Accessed July 22, 2020.https:// nazarene.org/bgs-official-statements. 7 This will be discussed further in later sections of this paper.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 3 HOW WE ARRIVED HERE

The conflict between those in the These works included authors like: attraction that is itself sinful. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, , Wesley Hill, and his book Washed The Apostle Paul answers this Queer, Questioning, etc. (LGBTQ+) and Waiting;9 the blog Spiritual question definitively when he community and those in the Church Friendship;10 The Great Debate11 explains in 1 Corinthians 6:11, has always been present. between and Ron Belgau; such were some of you. But, However, in recent years, a specific and Lee’s Gay Christian Network writes Paul by inspiration of the 12 critique has emerged from those Conferences. Holy Spirit, “you were washed, in the Church — and, in the case However, Revoice, having been you were sanctified, you were of this paper, those in Wesleyan- hosted by a Presbyterian Church justified in the name of the Lord Holiness denominations — who have in America (PCA) congregation, Jesus Christ and the Spirit of our 16 encountered individuals who consider brought about very public critiques God. themselves to be gay Christians yet from largely Calvinist and reformed The chief complaint was not 13 hold beliefs that are in line with the authors, including Denny Burk, whether Revoice agreed with historic 14 15 historical teachings of the Church on Albert Mohler, and Kevin DeYoung Christian beliefs concerning human issues of human sexuality. among others, both before and after sexuality, as they do,17 but rather The public discourse concerning the conference. whether the words and phrases such individuals came to the height In essence, their critiques reflected the participants of Revoice used of awareness in the summer of 2018 the statements presented at the to describe themselves — namely in response to the Revoice conference beginning of this paper. LGBTQ+ language — were in line with held in St. Louis, Missouri. Consider Albert Mohler’s critique: Scripture. Revoice’s mission was, and is, The larger problem is the idea 16 Mohler, Albert. 2018. Torn Between Two Cul- to support and encourage gay, tures? Revoice, LGBT Identity, and Biblical Chris- lesbian, bisexual, and other same- that any believer can claim tianity. August 2. Accessed July 22, 2020. https:// identity with a pattern of sexual albertmohler.com/2018/08/02/torn-two-cul- sex attracted Christians—as well as tures-revoice-lgbt-identity-biblical-christianity. those who love them—so that all in 17 Revoice. n.d. Statement on Sexual Ethics the Church might be empowered to 9 Hill, Wesley. 2010. Washed and Waiting: Reflections and Christian Obedience. Accessed July 22, on Christian Faithfulness and Homosexuality. Grand 2020. https://revoice.us/about/our-beliefs/state- live in gospel unity while observing Rapids: Zondervan. ments-of-conviction/statement-on-sexual-eth- the historic Christian doctrine of 10 Authors, Multiple. 2012. Spiritual Friendship: ics-and-christian-obedience/. 8 Musings on God, Sexuality, Relationships. Accessed marriage and sexuality. While such July 22, 2020. https://spiritualfriendship.org/. individuals have always been present 11 Belgau, Ron. n.d. The Great Debate. Accessed throughout Church history, this July 22, 2020. https://ronbelgau.com/great-debate/. 12 Authors, Multiple. 2020. Q Christian Fellowship. conference brought a significantly July 9. Accessed July 22, 2020. https://en.wikipedia. increased awareness of their org/wiki/Q_Christian_Fellowship. presence. 13 Burk, Denny. 2018. Revoice is over. Now what? August 3. Accessed July 22, 2020. https://www. Seemingly unnoticed by most of dennyburk.com/revoice-is-over-now-what/. 14 Mohler, Albert. 2018. Torn Between Two Cul- the Church, significant work had been tures? Revoice, LGBT Identity, and Biblical Chris- done prior to this conference, which tianity. August 2. Accessed July 22, 2020. https:// albertmohler.com/2018/08/02/torn-two-cul- aided in establishing the basis for it. tures-revoice-lgbt-identity-biblical-christianity. 15 DeYoung, Kevin. 2018. Words, Labels, and 8 Revoice. 2020. Our Mission, Vision, and Values. ‘Sexual Minorities’. June 1. Accessed July 22, 2020. Accessed July 20, 2020. https://revoice.us/about/ https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/kev- our-mission-and-vision/. in-deyoung/words-labels-sexual-minorities/.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 4 THE WESLEYAN-HOLINESS DEBATE ON IDENTITY

While Revoice and LGBTQ+ identity labels in the lives of those Interestingly, the only answers identity labels continue to evoke committed to the historic Christian to Stephansen’s questions, outside discussion and division in the teachings on human sexuality, of himself, from official Nazarene PCA, the conversation has crossed specifically in the author’s own life. publications, were in a letter to the denominational lines. As an example of his main editor in the precursor to Holiness In the largest Wesleyan-Holiness arguments against such labels, Today, Herald of Holiness, in June denomination, the Church of the Stephansen, using a questioning, 1987, when an individual wrote Nazarene, the issue of gay identity inner-dialogue approach states, in to say, among other things, labels has become a matter of “There is only one description for considerable debate within the last If ‘gay’ encompasses sinful homosexuality and that word is sin. year, brought on most notably by desires, does the ‘gay Christian’ There is no such thing as a Christian the publication of the article, Why I label offer clarity or compromise? homosexual. Homosexuality is a state 20 Cannot Identify as a Gay Christian18 Is it truly a defining aspect of of sin, not a sickness.” in an official denominational who I am or is it something that Why mention a letter to the editor publication, Holiness Today, authored, is part of the disordering of my from 1987 and not another article, surprisingly, by a same-sex attracted, Creator’s plan? Are other sinful book, or resource, from an official Calvinist believer named Tim desires used as adjectives before Nazarene publication? Stephansen. ‘Christian?’ to qualify particular sins that a person may have It is because not a single other The article, in line with the struggled with or is currently official publication of the Church reformed authors mentioned above, tempted by?19 of the Nazarene, before or after advocated for the disuse of gay Stephansen’s article, addresses the use of gay identity labels in the lives

18 Stephansen, Tim. 2019. “Why I Cannot Identify 19 Stephansen, Tim. 2019. “Why I Cannot Identify as a Gay Christian.” Holiness Today, November/ as a Gay Christian.” Holiness Today, November/ 20 Cline, Harold. 1987. “Letters: Homosexuality is December: 14-17. December: 16. Sin.” Herald of Holiness, June 15: 4, 20.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES5 5 of those committed to the historic supersedes their identity in Christ. Christian tradition concerning Anything above God is an idol.”22 homosexuality, in a negative light. It is this statement that most In fact, as far as the writers of clearly represents a proper Wesleyan- this paper can tell, the only time Holiness perspective on gay identity the use of gay identity labels have label usage, and gives a clear answer been looked upon in a negative light to the questions being asked within in official Nazarene publications the on-going debate concerning If ‘gay’ and statements is when they have sexual identity language among those been accompanied by the term committed to the historic Christian encompasses “practicing,” as in the case of the ethic concerning human sexuality. sinful desires, document published by the Board In fact, the writers of this paper does the ‘gay of General Superintendents in 2010 believe it is the proper introduction entitled Pastoral Perspectives from to the presentation of a convincing Christian’ label Your General Superintendents on argument, which has yet to be found 21 Homosexuality. In it, they state by those who share the sentiments of offer clarity or that, “If a person says ‘practicing Stephansen, since he states, “I have compromise? homosexual,’ then God and Scripture never heard a convincing argument must bow to their sexual orientation, that reconciles the phrase ‘gay and this makes homosexuality an Christian’ with the Christianity that idolatrous identity. For the practicing the presents.”23 homosexual their sexual identity

21 Board of General Superintendents. 2010. Pas- 22 General Superintendents, Pastoral Perspectives. toral Perspectives from Your General Superintendents on 23 Stephansen, Tim. 2019. “Why I Cannot Identify Homosexuality. Booklet, Kansas City: The Church of as a Gay Christian.” Holiness Today, November/ the Nazarene. December: 15.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 6 ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION: A NECESSARY RE-ORIENTATION

Before any convincing argument It further explains that such a work can be presented to those with questions concerning the …includes the divine impulse compatibility of gay identity labels to grow in grace as a Christlike with Wesleyan-Holiness doctrine, disciple. However, this impulse we must take the time and space must be consciously nurtured, necessary to explain how entire and careful attention given to sanctification does, in one way, the requisites and processes re-orient a person’s life while also of spiritual development and describing how, in another way, it improvement in Christlikeness does not. of character and personality. Without such purposeful The current Manual of the Church endeavor, one’s witness may be of the Nazarene explains entire impaired and the grace itself sanctification to be frustrated and ultimately lost…25

that act of God, subsequent to However, entire sanctification, the regeneration, by which believers distinctive doctrine of Wesleyan- are made free from original sin, Holiness Churches, has lost its or depravity, and brought into footing in the very denominations a state of entire devotement to formed to proclaim it. Not only has God, and the holy obedience the Church failed to proclaim it but of love made perfect. It is also given the results of the research wrought by the baptism with or the writers of this paper have been infilling of the Holy Spirit, and presented with,26 its very definition comprehends in one experience and its experience seem to have the cleansing of the heart from been lost in translation along the sin and the abiding, indwelling way. Such loss has led to a decline in presence of the Holy Spirit, believers experiencing this definitive, empowering the believer for life necessary, second work of grace and and service. Entire sanctification has led to a squabble. is provided by the blood of Jesus, is wrought instantaneously by 25 General Assembly. Manual, 32. grace through faith, preceded by 26 See Appendix 1. entire consecration; and to this work and state of grace the Holy Spirit bears witness….24

24 Twenty-ninth General Assembly. 2017. Manual Church of the Nazarene: 2017-2021, 31-32. Kansas City: Nazarene Publishing House.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 7 SQUABBLING OVER WORDS

“When we are entirely sanctified, one hand, the Church has failed The static nature of parts of the we are re-oriented. To say you to develop an understanding of Church concerning the terminology continue to have a homo/bisexual the language of the world, and, related to gay identity labels creates orientation/identity after professing on the other hand, the world has a barrier for those who use such entire sanctification is tricky because been unable to grasp a proper labels, and it lacks understanding the language you’re using doesn’t fit understanding of the terminology of and belief in the salvific work of with what the used by the Church. Such a dilemma Christ and the message of entire has always said about the work of leaves the believer to respond, sanctification. We find ourselves entire sanctification.”27 “Yes,” to both the belief that one is engaging in the very thing the This statement is a paraphrase re-oriented when they are entirely Apostle Paul warned the Church of a concern raised with one of sanctified and to the conclusion that against when he sent word to them to 30 the writers of this paper by a well- the word “gay” is still the word that stop squabbling over words. meaning, fellow Wesleyan-Holiness best describes their continuing sexual It does not have to be this way. attractions. believer, but it best summarizes An understanding of the meaning the concerns that have emerged in A language barrier has emerged. behind the language used on both the conversations concerning gay The Church finds itself unable to sides needs to be addressed so the identity labels within Wesleyan- communicate with the world to whom Church can re-orient itself to the call Holiness denominations—especially She is called to represent Christ, and of the Gospel, to do what it takes to among those that profess entire the world finds itself increasingly make Christlike disciples. sanctification. having no desire to be a part of a body The underlying, pervasive belief that insists on using language that 30 See 2 Timothy 2:14. is seemingly that if one did not give further alienates them. up specific terminological uses when The call of Christ to go into all one was justified (saved), then surely the world28 and the Apostle Paul’s when one is entirely sanctified, the example of becoming all things to all use of such language should cease, people that some might be saved29 because the believer should be wholly were given to the Church, not the re-oriented to Christ. Therefore, their world. When barriers emerge between sole identity should be found “in the Gospel’s proclamation and the Christ.” world receiving that proclamation, The problem for the gay believer it is the Church’s responsibility to is that when presented with this use whatever language is most useful argument, they find themselves to communicate the unchanging caught in the cross-hairs of a cross- message of the Gospel to a world that cultural dilemma where, on the sits utterly lost without it.

27 You’re: A plural reference to those who identify 28 See Mark 16:15. as gay, Christian, and committed to the historic 29 See 1 Corinthians 9:22. Christian teachings on human sexuality.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 8 RE-ORIENTED? YES, BUT NOT LIKE THAT

When someone from the broader attractions and behaviors This, unlike the varied definitions LGBTQ+ community31 refers to their toward men, women, or both used by the broader LGBTQ+ orientation as homo/bisexual, there sexes. Defined in terms of social community when referring to a are several ways that they may be (or collective) identity, it refers homo/bisexual orientation, can, in using such terminology. This is to a sense of membership in a fact, be narrowed down to a primary evidenced by the definition derived social group based on a shared connotation, for clarity’s sake, by from research performed within the sexual orientation and a linkage using the analogy of an inner bent/ LGBTQ+ community by the Institute of one’s self-esteem to that yielding as Wynkoop further describes of Medicine Committee on Lesbian, group.32 when she states: Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health Issues and Research Gaps As one can see, the definition The distinction in the Bible is and Opportunities associated with of sexual orientation is lengthy, an active spirit of ‘yielding,’ or the National Institutes of Health. complex, and not easily reduced to dedication, to any center outside The formal definition given by the one connotation. of God. Neutrality is impossible. committee stated, sexual orientation When Wesleyan-Holiness Everyone is committed. Out adherents refer to being re-oriented of this commitment arise the Encompasses attraction, when one is entirely sanctified, one kinds of actions which take their behavior, and identity. Most would hope that what they mean is character from the source. The researchers studying sexual akin to what Mildred Bangs Wynkoop source is not impersonal but is orientation have defined it refers to in her ground-breaking book the moral ‘bent’ for which every operationally in terms of A of Love when she states: man is personally responsible one or more of the following because of the provision for all components. Defined in terms The meaning of sanctification, men made by Christ’s offering of behavior, sexual orientation as understood by Wesley and and death. We do not need to refers to an enduring pattern those who follow him, could serve sin; original sin is not of sexual or romantic activity well be explained by the re- ‘deeper down and farther back’ with men, women, or both sexes. orientation of man’s agape in than our moral responsibility. It Defined in terms of attraction (or which the antagonistic and is not a thing, but a commitment desire), it denotes an enduring feuding sectional gods tearing of the self to a controlling center, pattern of experiencing sexual the human heart apart by always itself personal.34 or romantic feelings for men, contrary loves are cleansed by women, or both sexes. Identity the presence of the Holy Spirit. Thus, the re-orientation that encompasses both personal This happens as Christ is made happens in entire sanctification identity and social identity. the absolute Lord of all the occurs when the bent/yielding is Defined in terms of personal heart, mind, soul, and strength.33 turned, not by one’s own might, identity, sexual orientation but through the power of the Holy refers to a conception of the Spirit, by total surrender in faith 32 Institute of Medicine Committee on Lesbian, (consecration), from self to God, [self-based] on one’s enduring Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health Issues and pattern of sexual and romantic Research Gaps. 2011. Glossary - The Health of and one is empowered to fulfill the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People: directive, originated in Scripture but Building a Foundation for Better Understanding. proclaimed by Wesley, to: 31 Referring to the global LGBTQ+ community Accessed July 23, 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih. which should not be confused with those that are gov/books/NBK64807/. the primary focus of this paper which are believers 33 Wynkoop, Mildred Bangs. 1972. A Theology of that identify as gay, Christian, and committed to the Love: The Dynamic of Wesleyanism. Kindle Edition. historic Christian teachings on human sexuality. Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City. 34 Ibid.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 9 ’Desire not to live but to praise could, in fact, say they have a gay his name; let all your thoughts, orientation but that they, having words, and works tend to his taken hold of the experience of entire glory.’ `Let your soul be filled sanctification, have been re-oriented with so entire a love to Him that from the love of self to love of God you may love nothing but for his and neighbor. sake.’ `Have a pure intention of Hence, if we continue to use heart, a steadfast regard to his orientation language when referring glory in all your actions.’ For to entire sanctification and then, and not till then, is that homosexuality, the language becomes `mind in us, which was also in highly confusing and is thus not Christ Jesus,’ when in every easily proclaimed to a world that is in motion of our heart, in every desperate need of understanding and word of our tongue, in every experiencing the power found in our work of our hands, we `pursue distinctive doctrine. nothing but in relation to him, and in subordination to his It is in this place where the Church pleasure;’ when we too neither must take up its call to destroy the think, nor speak, nor act, to fulfil language barrier that exists in order `our own will, but the will of Him to reach the world with the message that sent us;’ when, `whether of Christ properly proclaimed, and we eat or drink, or whatever we in so doing, live up to the example do,’ we do it all `to the glory of of the Apostle Paul when he states, God.’35 as the New Living Translation so beautifully puts it, “…Yes, I try to Given a proper usage and find common ground [language] with understanding of the language everyone, doing everything I can to used by both sides, a gay Christian save some.”36

35 Wesley, John. 1872. “A Plain Account of Chris- 36 Tyndale House Foundation. 1996. “1 Corinthi- tian Perfection.” In The Works of , by John ans 9:22b.” In Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Wesley, edited by Thomas Jackson, 211. London: Stream: Tyndale House Publishers. Wesleyan Methodist Book Room.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 10 CLARITY OVER CONFUSION

Given that a language barrier exists identify as gay Christians who adhere example out of many that could be between those in the broader LGBTQ+ to the historic beliefs of the Church, used to explain the work of entire community and the Wesleyan- and the descriptive language they use, sanctification in the life of a believer, Holiness Church, what should the we perpetuate a confusion that has avoids the pitfalls of re-orientation Church do to tear down the barrier eternal consequences. language historically used to describe and reach God’s loved ones with the Given this dilemma, it is imperative the work of the Holy Spirit in the message of not only salvation but also for us, the writers, to present what life of the believer. This is beneficial that second, definite work of grace we believe to be a helpful way for to prevent it from being so easily that these ones do not even know the Church to explain the work of confused and juxtaposed with the exists, yet is available to all who seek entire sanctification that speaks to modern language associated with in faith? the culture in an understandable that of homo/bisexual orientation, Frankly, it is time for the Church way yet does not diminish the beliefs while still maintaining a proper and in the twenty-first century to update of the Church, equips all with the thorough definition of the second its language, without watering down tools necessary to break down the work of grace. the message, to speak clearly to the language barrier, adequately explains We believe that such a definition culture it finds itself within, so that what we mean when we talk about promotes clarity over confusion and all may be reached with the life- re-orientation as it relates to entire avoids compromise. changing message of the Gospel. sanctification and homo/bisexual Having been presented with more Just as missionaries in a foreign orientation, and reaches the world. unambiguous terminology one can country have a responsibility to learn Therefore, we suggest the use to describe the work of entire a new language and contextualize following: sanctification to today’s culture in their message to the culture, so Entire sanctification is that second a way that brings clarity but avoids must the local Church in a post- work of grace whereby a believer’s heart compromise, one must now come Christian world increasingly practice is freed from its natural bent towards to an understanding of how such a “cross-cultural” mission in their selfishness to that of selflessness. Such work does not, necessarily, result in a own country, engaging their secular freedom results in a believer fully re-orientation of one’s sexuality and culture with language and culture empowered to love God and neighbor how that can be a good and useful that will most effectively convey the and to avoid that which is contrary to thing resulting in the glorification of Gospel message. the law of Christ, which is so properly God. If the Church does not seek clarity called sin. This work is preceded by over confusion, then the message the empowering of the Holy Spirit in will continue to be garbled, and the response to the obedient faith of a result will be a culture that continues believer as they seek to surrender their to lack the knowledge and power of a whole being to be used in service to God life-saving relationship with Christ. above all else.37 What exactly is the nature of this As we hope one can see, using confusion? It is seen most clearly in such a definition, while just one the countless gay people who think they are disqualified from God’s grace 37 This, and further examples found throughout because they believe, “There is no this paper, are examples of conversational state- such thing as a gay Christian.” In ments one could use to explain denominational positions on entire sanctification to make it more distancing ourselves from those who understandable to an everyday audience.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 11 FAITHFUL WITNESSES 12 FAITHFUL WITNESSES 13 ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION, NOT SUPERNATURAL

In their book, Costly Obedience: about wanting to change, or if they What We Can Learn from the Celibate, “really believe” or, in our theological Gay Christian Community, Mark stream, they experience the work of Yarhouse and Olya Zaporozhets entire sanctification. deliver a quote by a celibate, gay One of the problems with this Christian that we believe best narrative is that its claims have summarizes the experiences no grounding in data or fact. The of those that are both homo/ scientific data available not only bisexually oriented and committed shows such a claim to be false, but to the traditional teachings of the also the lived experience of deeply Church on human sexuality as they committed Christians, ones that are find themselves within Church both supportive and unsupportive communities that lack a proper of sexual orientation change efforts understanding and language set (SOCE), show this to be accurate as surrounding a gay orientation as it well. relates to redemption in Christ. For example, in their highly In a way, it manages to obsess regarded, ground-breaking study on them and makes everything all the ex-gay movement, Mark Yarhouse about you all the time. You know, and Stanton Jones found that, always makes me the broken one, I’m the one that needs fixing One could further insist that if I’m the one struggling with only Success: Conversion status this. I can’t love other people, [Participants who reported I can’t offer them anything, or change to be successful by I certainly can’t serve them in experiencing substantial Church or care for other people reductions in homosexual that might be struggling with attraction and substantial divorce or a child abusing drugs conversion to heterosexual or simply depression, and there’s attraction and functioning] just kind of this mentality that represents a successful outcome keeps—it’s like keeping a person rigorously construed. By these on crutches to say that this standards, only 9% of the isn’t healed—this broken leg of sample attained success. On the yours isn’t healed until you’re one hand, this outcome refutes straight.38 any putative claim that sexual orientation is not changeable; For so long, the Church has on the other hand, this is not perpetuated a narrative that God will an optimistic projection of change a person’s sexuality from gay likelihood of change for one to straight if they are “really serious” considering that process.39

38 Yarhouse, Mark, and Olya Zaporozhets. 2019. Costly Obedience: What We Can Learn from the Celibate, 39 Jones, Stanton, and Mark Yarhouse. 2011. Gay Christian Community. Grand Rapids: Zondervan “A Longitudinal Study of Attempted Religiously.” Reflective. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy 404–427.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 14 This study ultimately led to the experience, such a substantial change closure of the largest ex-gay ministry was, in fact, overwhelmingly not umbrella organization, Exodus possible. International, in 2013 with the leader Ex-gay ministries did not produce of the organization, Alan Chambers, Christians that were no longer stating that, gay. Instead, at their best, they There were several years that I produced Christians who no longer conveniently omitted my on- would mention their attractions, going same-sex attractions. I was and at worst, people who were no afraid to share them as readily longer Christian burned out by the and easily as I do today. They unfulfilled promise of a misleading brought me tremendous shame doctrine. and I hid them in the hopes they Even Wesleyan-Holiness would go away. Looking back, denominational leaders have it seems so odd that I thought not been silent on this topic. I could do something to make For example, in their Pastoral them stop. Today, however, I Perspectives document we referenced accept these feelings as parts of earlier in this paper, the General my life that will likely always be Superintendents of the Church of there. The days of feeling shame the Nazarene state that, “While over being human in that way are we embrace the optimism of grace long over, and I feel free simply to transform lives and encourage accepting myself as my wife and homosexuals to remain available family does. As my friends do. As to God’s transforming grace, the God does.40 reality is that a transformed sexual orientation is not always the case.”42 That is to say that the person who led the most significant ministry of And if one thinks that such a its kind, promising that change from stance/belief was “new” when the homosexuality to heterosexuality General Superintendents took it in was possible,41 stated that after 2010, one only needs to look back thirty-seven years of ministry and to the beginning of substantial denominational discussions

40 Chambers, Alan. 2013. I Am Sorry. June 19. Accessed July 29, 2020. http://exodusinternational. 42 Board of General Superintendents. 2010. Pas- org/2013/06/i-am-sorry/. toral Perspectives from Your General Superintendents on 41 See Appendix 2 for just one example of the Homosexuality. Booklet, Kansas City: The Church of claims made by the organization. the Nazarene.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 15 published within the pages of its lives? By no means! This is not what periodicals, which began in the 1970s, we, nor anyone we have mentioned in to an article published in the Herald this paper, is saying. of Holiness that spoke to the condition What we, and the sources of what the writer of the article mentioned above, are seeking to show referred to as the “non-practicing is that one should not expect their homosexual” by stating, a bit harshly, base attractions to change, which is “He may be cursed with a wrong how the term sexual orientation is preference for the rest of his life. But used in common parlance.44 if God has forgiven him of his sin and he refrains from engaging in this sin, In light of this, are we saying that it is absolutely certain that God can a gay person should not expect to save him, and this homosexual can be experience a change in any aspect of a born-again Christian…He is never their sexual orientation (attraction, ‘cured.’ But he can be released!”43 behavior, or identity)? Though it is true that throughout By no means! On the contrary, Church history, we find those who we believe and preach a Gospel of claim to have experienced a change radical, Spirit-empowered holiness in their sexual orientation from that demands and makes possible a homosexual to heterosexual (whose life of sexual integrity for all people— stories we do not deny because we gay, straight, or bisexual. affirm that God can do anything), A change of behavior of those overwhelming scientific evidence homosexually, bisexually, or and lived experience of those with a heterosexually oriented is called for homosexual orientation proves that multiple times throughout Scripture45 such a change is rare and not to be and should be expected. expected by believers. “But what about the identity Now, necessary clarification must portion of that definition?” be made here. It is to this question that the rest of Are we saying that all parts this paper will seek to address clearly. (attraction, behavior, and identity) of one’s sexual orientation, as defined 44 Cambridge University Press. 2017. Sexual above, will/should not evidence Orientation. April. Accessed July 29, 2020. https:// change as Christ transforms their dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/ sexual-orientation. 45 See 1 Corinthians 6:18, Ephesians 5:3, and 43 German, Dale. 1979. “Not Gay and Not Right.” Colossians 3:5 for just a few examples of such a call. Herald of Holiness, March 1: 8-9.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 16 THE WORK OF ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION, DEFINED FOR A NEW GENERATION

The writers of this paper suggest Therefore, one could say, that, when speaking to the work of Entire sanctification is that second entire sanctification, a definition work of grace whereby a believer’s heart could be given such as the example is freed from its natural bent towards below which we believe not only selfishness to that of selflessness. Such contextualizes and clarifies what freedom results in a believer fully is meant when the Church refers empowered to love God and neighbor to the work of entire sanctification and to avoid that which is contrary to but which also, does so in a non- the law of Christ, which is so properly Scripturally compromising way and called sin. This work is preceded by avoids the pitfalls of re-orientation the empowering of the Holy Spirit in language we have addressed in this response to the obedient faith of a paper. believer as they seek to surrender their whole being to be used in service to God above all else. However, such a work does not imply an entire deliverance, either from ignorance, mistake, or, as even evidenced in the life of Christ,46 temptations. In light of this definition, and given what we have presented thus far in this paper, we must now look at the core issue of the work of this paper which is gay identity label usage in the life of believers—specifically those professing the experience of entire sanctification—especially in response to the objections to such usage presented at the beginning of this paper.

46 See Matthew 4:1-11, Mark 1:11-13, and Luke 4:1-14.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 17 RESPOND TO THE SMALLER ONE. SPEAK TO THE LARGER ONE. DO IT RESPECTFULLY.

As we demonstrated in the in the life of a believer should be incarnational in such discussions; introduction of this paper, there is the complete abandonment of such the way She speaks to such matters is a rising debate within the Church identity labels. often the context within which those as to whether it is appropriate for a We now focus on the concerns in the broader LGBTQ+ community 47 believer to identify as both gay and found within this smaller debate, see the most significant examples Christian. with the belief that by focusing on the of Christ— whether they be good Within this broader debate, more minor, the more significant will, examples or bad ones. As Preston there has risen a much smaller in effect, be addressed. Sprinkle states in his phenomenal work, People to be Loved, “Words have debate among Wesleyan-Holiness However, as with any debate about 48 the power to heal and to hurt, to adherents as to whether one of identity, everyone that engages in the fruits of entire sanctification comfort and to kill, to push someone such debates must remember that off the edge of a twenty-story people who God profoundly loves, building… Just ask your gay or lesbian 47 See footnote 1. who are daily seeking out answers friend if they’ve ever been hurt by 48 While a definitive work on the issue within related to such issues of identity words hurled at [spoken about] them such circles has yet to be written, quite an uproar in their own lives, are influenced has been made on social media platforms related to by other people. And then ask them if the topic however, to maintain the privacy of such heavily by the way they see the those people were Christians.”49 posters and to avoid the possibly of politicizing this Church engaged in such debate. It paper, we are refraining from giving specific exam- ples within the context of this work but stand ready is to the Church that one must give 49 Sprinkle, Preston. 2015. People to be Loved: to give such examples if needed after the release of the reminder to be gracious and Why Homosexuality is not Just an Issue. Grand Rapids: this paper. Zondervan.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 18 UNDERSTANDING GAY IDENTITY

While the science is still out as to easily understood by tracking disciples, the Church has produced a the causes of same-sex attraction,50 six phases or stages of change Gospel overly focused on answering one thing is clear, a person’s titled: identity confusion, identity an extra-Biblical54 question. attraction to the same or opposite sex comparison, identity tolerance, Even those charged with helping is not a choice that one can make for identity acceptance, identity the Church understand such identity themselves. pride and identity synthesis… At formation have,55 until recently,56 When one discovers, often at an each stage an individual may propagated such a binary belief early age, an attraction to members foreclose, or stop the process of system with the insistence that of their same-sex, it sends them identity formation from going there is but one choice for the gay 52 on a journey of discovery to figure any further. Christian: finding one’s identity or 57 out what such an attraction means This process is multifaceted and “script” in gayness or Christ. to them in relation to all other stressful for anyone undergoing Not only does the gay Christian, aspects of their lives. This process it, but it is even more so for the who somehow managed to not wind of understanding oneself in relation Christian. For far too long, the Church up as a statistic,58 find themselves at to all other facets of oneself is has lacked the understanding and the end of the spear of the Church’s often referred to as sexual identity robust engagement needed with such constant critiques, or suggestions as 51 formation/development. issues by choosing a more favorable some might venture to call them, but Dr. Vivienne Case further explains (to the heterosexual Christian) binary also, they find that spear is propped the process of sexual identity model of engagement where sexuality up on years of a false dichotomy formation in her well-established was, and in some parts still is, seen as that cannot fit neatly into the book, A Quick Guide to the Cass Theory a choice between two options: those multifaceted, redemptive story that of Lesbian & Gay Identity Formation, being heterosexual and wrong. God is faithfully at work writing in when she states: This has resulted in an unnecessary the lives of gay Christians committed dilemma faced by those navigating to the historic Christian beliefs BOTH the objective and concerning human sexuality. subjective aspects of lesbian such questions of identity as it relates and gay identity are developed to their faith and, unfortunately, has through a complex process resulted in many individuals leaving 53 of identity formation. This the Church altogether. Instead 54 Referring to something found outside of Scrip- of producing entirely sanctified ture. development can be more 55 Yarhouse, Mark. 2010. Homosexuality and the Christian. Bloomington: Bethany House Publishers. 52 Cass, Vivienne. 2015. A Quick Guide to the Cass 56 Yarhouse, Mark, and Olya Zaporozhets. 2019. 50 Whiteway, Eleanor, and Denis Alexander. 2015. Theory of Lesbian & Gay Identity Formation. Kindle Costly Obedience: What We Can Learn from the Celibate, “Understanding the Causes of Same-Sex Attraction.” Edition. Bently: Brightfire Press. Gay Christian Community. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Science & Christian Belief 17-40. 53 Marin, Andrew. 2016. Us Versus Us: The Untold Reflective. 51 For a further understanding of this see Cass’ Story of Religion and the LGBT Community. Colorado 57 Yarhouse, Homosexuality, 48-52. work referenced in footnote 52. Springs: NavPress. 58 Marin, Us Versus Us.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 19 FAITHFUL WITNESSES 20 THE REDEMPTIVE SCRIPT

As the world has become the murderer,63 the prostitute,64 the Church, why must we continue increasingly connected through social one caught in adultery,65 the poor,66 to turn the Cornerstone72 into a media platforms and conferences the disabled,67 the leper,68 the sick,69 stumbling block73 placed in the like Revoice and The Gay Christian the Samaritan,70 etc. all stand as path of those God has redeemed by Network, numerous, strikingly similar witnesses to a God who saves and demanding they meet extra-Biblical stories have emerged of faithfully welcomes in all that call upon God’s criteria to be found acceptable? committed Christians who, being name. It is time we start living up to the called by God to do so, have retained The Church, at the very least, Apostle Paul’s call to the Church. both their identity as gay and their ought to do the same. identity as Christian. It is time for the Church to “… Still, the experience of saved and stop condemning each other. Decide What has emerged is what we sanctified gay Christians who are instead to live in such a way that you shall call, using the terminology we deeply committed to the historic will not cause another believer to discussed above, the Redemptive teachings of the Church on the stumble and fall.”74 Script. These Christians, of which at topic of human sexuality, speaks to least a few of the writers of this paper How do we live up to such a high a Church that is still choosing to calling? are, identify as gay Christians (often, exclude those they find unacceptable for clarity’s sake as celibate, gay as they squabble over the words71 It starts by making a firm Christians) to be witnesses of God’s these faithful Christians use to commitment to always answer the 75 redemptive work in the world. describe themselves instead of question “But What About…?” with 76 They stand as living testimonies of showing them off to the world as the Scriptural answer “But God…” God’s grafting abilities for God has a examples of how God can save and way of redeeming, then grafting in, transform lives! those that the religious entities of the 72 See Matthew 21:42. day find to be unacceptable. 63 See Acts 9:1-19. 73 See Romans 14:13. 64 See Joshua 2. The tax collector,59 the demon- 74 Tyndale House Foundation. 1996. “Romans 65 See John 8:1-11. 14:13.” In Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol 60 61 62 possessed, the eunuch, the child, 66 See Luke 6:20. Stream: Tyndale House Publishers. 67 See Luke 14:13–14. 75 Oxford Dictionary. 2020. Whataboutism. Accessed July 30, 2020. https://www.lexico.com/en/ 59 See Mark 2:15-17. 68 See Mark 1:40–45. definition/whataboutism. 60 See Mark 5:1-20. 69 See Luke 8:43-48. 76 Tyndale House Foundation. 1996. “Ephesians 61 See Matthew 19:12. 70 See John 4:4-26. 2:1-9.” In Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol 62 See Matthew 19:13-15. 71 See 2 Timothy 2:14. Stream: Tyndale House Publishers.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 21 THE CHIEF WHATABOUTISM

Spend some time listening to just The basic refrain of such questions about any sexual minority within sounds strikingly similar to, “Isn’t the Church, that both holds to a identifying as gay, in essence, traditional view of Scripture and identifying with sin, and doesn’t such publicly identifies as lesbian, gay, or an identification mean you are finding bisexual, and you will find that the your core identity in something other most common critiques77 they hear than Christ?” Those within Wesleyan- from fellow Christians regarding their Holiness denominations are forced sexuality involve the words they are to jump through an added hoop to “allowed” to use to describe their prove their worthiness: “…especially experiences. if you profess the experience of entire Whataboutisms regarding language sanctification?” usage are the ones with which gay This paper was produced to give Christians most often find themselves a full and proper response to such a feeling compelled to respond, to critique with the added Wesleyan- prove their worthiness to be counted Holiness dimension. as faithful followers of Christ in the eyes of fellow believers.78

77 For an example of such critiques see those men- tioned at the beginning of this paper. 78 See for example the sheer number of blogposts written in response to such questions at https:// spiritualfriendship.org/category/identity/.

EATING THE ELEPHANT

There is an African Proverb We will do this, we believe, most that says, “The best way to eat an successfully by breaking the critique elephant in your path is to cut him down into the following parts: up into little pieces.” This is how we Part 1: “Isn’t identifying as gay, in shall respond to the conglomerated essence, identifying with sin?” critique, “Isn’t identifying as gay, in essence, identifying with sin, Part 2: “Doesn’t such an and doesn’t such an identification identification mean you are finding mean you are finding your core your core identity in something other identity in something other than than Christ?” Christ especially if you profess the Part 3: “…especially if you experience of entire sanctification?” profess the experience of entire sanctification?”

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 22 ISN’T IDENTIFYING AS GAY, IN ESSENCE, IDENTIFYING WITH SIN?

To answer this critique, one must We personally choose to sin and forgetful intervals, without first be reminded of the Wesleyan- are responsible/accountable any breach of love, though Holiness focus of this paper, for, to God for the willful choices not without transgressing the as opposed to those from the that we make. [We believe] Adamic law. But Calvinists would reformed and Calvinist traditions Sexual orientation is not usually fain confound these together. who historically believe that a willful choice. (Can the Let love fill your heart, and it is unwilled attraction to the same- heterosexual point to a time they enough!84 sex is, in and of itself, sinful79 (i.e., chose their sexual orientation?) concupiscence),80 Wesleyans make It is amoral, neither moral nor Sin begins when one responds to a distinction between the concepts immoral. Sexual behavior is a such an attraction in a way that is of sexuality and sensuality as H. Ray moral choice. Scripture clearly contrary to the will of God. Dunning explains in his work Grace, addresses homosexual behavior, Historically, this concept has been Faith, and Holiness: but does not address homosexual a hard one to grasp for many in the orientation.82 Church because for so long the only Sensuality, in the strictest sense, way the Church has defined the term is seeking one’s own gratification. As a result, within a Wesleyan- gay is by speaking not in terms of The self-gratification brings it Holiness framework, the answer to attraction and orientation but strictly directly into connection with the question raised is, therefore, “No,” in terms of assumed sexual behavior the basic sin of egocentricity. because simply being attracted to that one using such an identity label Since sexual lust is one of the members of one’s own sex is not a sin, may or may not be engaged. most graphic instances of how in and of itself, as such an attraction egocentricity manifests itself in is not a willful violation of a known This is mostly because as the the form of self-gratification, it law of God.83 As Wesley himself states culture’s definition of the term gay 85 has been the preoccupation of concerning the nature of sin, has evolved, the Church’s has not. Christian thinkers, and many This has led, unfortunately, to have mistakenly identified sin Nothing is sin, strictly speaking, some in the Church oversexualizing with sexuality under the rubric but a voluntary transgression of lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals of concupiscence.81 a known law of God. Therefore, to the point that they are no longer every voluntary breach of the regarded, whether intentionally or Therefore, as the General law of love is sin; and nothing unintentionally, as people to be loved Superintendents of the Church of else, if we speak properly. To but problems to be solved.86 the Nazarene put it in their Pastoral strain the matter farther is only Perspectives document: to make way for Calvinism. There may be ten thousand wandering thoughts, and 79 For further explanation see Bavinck, Herman. 84 Wesley, John. 1853. The Works of the Rev. John 2008. Reformed Dogmatics: Holy Spirit, Church, and Wesley, 56. Edited by John Emory. Vol. 7. New York: New Creation. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic. Carlton & Phillips. 80 Hipponensis, Augustinus. 1998. “Augustine: The 82 Board of General Superintendents. 2010. Pas- 85 Oxford University Press. 2008. gay, adj.,adv., and City of God Against the Pagans: Book XIV.” In Cam- toral Perspectives from Your General Superintendents on n. June. Accessed June 5, 2020. https://www.oed. bridge Texts in the History of Political Thought, edited by Homosexuality. Booklet, Kansas City: The Church of com/view/Entry/77207?rskey=1&isAdvanced=- R. W. Dyson, 581-633. Cambridge: Cambridge Texts the Nazarene. false&print. in the History of Political Thought. 83 Wesley, John. 1853. The Works of the Rev. John 86 Sprinkle, Preston. 2015. People to be Loved: 81 Dunning, H. Ray. 1988. Grace, Faith, and Holiness: Wesley, 56. Edited by John Emory. Vol. 7. New York: Why Homosexuality is not Just an Issue. Grand Rapids: A Wesleyan Systematic Theology, 289. Kansas City: Carlton & Phillips. Zondervan. Beacon Hill Press.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 23 DOESN’T SUCH AN IDENTIFICATION MEAN YOU ARE FINDING YOUR CORE IDENTITY IN SOMETHING OTHER THAN CHRIST?

Once again, we see the Church, predominant gay script…but we Thankfully, even the General unfortunately, projecting their find they do not embrace all of Superintendents of the Church of the assumptions about a community on it. Celibate gay Christians speak Nazarene have come to understand said community and then forcing of deriving some benefit from such, as exampled by their ruling that community to prove that incorporating aspects of the gay concerning clergy candidates sent to its assumptions about them are script into their sense of identity, districts within the denomination. incorrect. while they clearly reject other In the letter, they state that, “…in While unfortunate, such elements that reflect sexual the case of an individual with same- 88 counteracting proof can be found. permissiveness. sex attraction, the primary focus [core identity] of the individual’s What some may find most life should be on their new creation fascinating about such proof is that As the Church in Christ, and not their sexual even large-scale research performed identity.”89 among those who identify as gay, engages with the regardless of adherence to any gay Christian, The way we move forward on religion, reveals that the usage of gay such an issue is by listening to one identity labels does not correlate with She must answer another. the placement of one’s core identity. the essential As the Church engages with the For example, a Pew Research gay Christian, She must answer the 90 91 Center survey of 1,197 members calls to love and essential calls to love and listen of the gay community, found that listen found in found in Scripture. Then, and the majority (62%) said that being only then, can presuppositions be LGBTQ+ was either not at all, or only Scripture. addressed and deep life-changing somewhat, important to their overall relationships formed, out of which identity.87 These examples should signal to often flows a deeper understanding the reader that in lieu of blanket of God’s work in the world, leading Further, when looking specifically assumptions extended to those to the further growth in grace for all at those who are gay and Christian, that identify as gay Christians, the parties involved. yet hold to the traditional teachings Church should begin to become concerning human sexuality, One might even find that such gay more intentional about listening to identity language usage to be the Yarhouse and Zaporozhets, who those who so publicly refer to both have conducted the most extensive direct result of an individual’s entire their identities to understand which sanctification experience. study of its kind among celibate, gay, label holds the most weight as the Christians state, Church will surely find that more often than not blanket assumptions Based on our study and research do not hold up under the weight of among celibate gay Christians, 89 The Board of General Superintendents of the understanding. Church of the Nazarene. 2019. “Board of General we see some elements of the Superintendents Ruling Providing Guidelines for Legislation on Human Sexuality.” Ruling, Lenexa, 4. 87 Pew Research Center. 2013. A Survey of LGBT 88 Yarhouse, Mark, and Olya Zaporozhets. 2019. 90 See John 13:35. Americans: Attitudes, Experiences and Values in Chang- Costly Obedience: What We Can Learn from the Celibate, 91 See James 1:19-20. ing Times. Survey, Washington, D.C.: Pew Research Gay Christian Community, 70. Grand Rapids: Zonder- Center. van Reflective.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 24 …ESPECIALLY IF YOU PROFESS THE EXPERIENCE OF ENTIRE SANCTIFICATION?

Beginning around the year 1998 ministries that, as we have previously This requires nuance, not with the work of Bridges Across discussed, encouraged them to lie compromise. 92 the Divide, there has emerged the about their level of orientation First, we understand that some gay understanding that there are those change to portray a message to the Christians choose not to use such within the gay Christian community Church that such a change was/is language for various reasons, and it is who, while being deeply committed overwhelmingly possible, when the not the goal of this paper to suggest to the beliefs of the historic Christian science, and lived experience, behind they do otherwise, as all must do tradition concerning human sexuality, such change overwhelmingly states what they feel, per their Scriptural, desire to be honest with themselves, that such a change was/is highly doctrinal, and cultural-contextual and those around them, about their unlikely. This was/is done primarily understandings, is best for their on-going experience of attractions by asking those who participate(d) in particular situation. to members of their same-sex, while such ministries to either identify as still desiring to emphasize that their ex-gay Christians or to say they no Second, we have already shown commitment, above all else, is to longer use/used sexual orientation that for a majority of those within Christ. Their way of doing so is by labels. the LGBTQ+ community, both inside use of gay identity labels, or in some and outside of the Church, the usage cases, the phrase same-sex attracted of such labels does not represent a 94 (SSA), when referring to themselves. Honesty is statement about their core identity. not a threat to For those within the Church, this Their desire to do so is in no way means that they still find the core of meant to promote an understanding holiness; in fact, their identity to be “in Christ.”95 that they believe that same-sex sexual practice is in line with their Scriptural it is a mark of it! Third, we believe that the current understanding. They simply desire to tension and misunderstandings of be honest. While the use of such terminology the use of such language could be has always been known in certain alleviated by the call to both love and Such honesty is refreshing, listen to each other. especially to those outside the circles of the Church, it has only been Church’s walls. recently, with the rise and dramatic The question for those in growth of the Revoice conference, Wesleyan-Holiness denominations Honesty is not a threat to holiness; that this knowledge has come to the is whether it is appropriate for in fact, it is a mark of it! forefront. We have already largely those who profess the work of entire Why the need to use such discussed such debate in a previous sanctification to continue to use such terminology, especially coupled with section of this paper, so we will avoid language. rehashing that debate here.93 their identification as a Christian? We suspect the reason for such For most, it is due to their What we would like to show a debate is the on-going difference experience within orientation change the reader is that, given certain between understandings of whether circumstances, the use of such language should not be prohibited. 92 Heineman, Maggie. 1998. Civility Across the 94 See footnote 87. Divide: Trying Not to Push Buttons. July 1. Accessed 95 Refer to Yarhouse, Mark, and Olya Zaporozhets. July 30, 2020. https://bridges-across.org/basics/ 2019. Costly Obedience: What We Can Learn from the civility-across-the-divide-trying-not-to-push-but- 93 See footnotes 13-15. Celibate, Gay Christian Community Grand Rapids: tons/. Zondervan Reflective.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 25 the work of entire sanctification reaction itself is not sinful. It is should eradicate a person’s attraction only when we choose to act that to members of the same sex. sin is sin. And yet, on the other Therefore, the underlying question side, we do not want to claim too could be better understood as, little, especially as Wesleyans. “Shouldn’t entire sanctification As has been shown throughout have removed your orientation this book, we believe that the (often used interchangeably with the power of grace is greater than terms temptation and attraction) to the power of sin. And we believe members of your same-sex?” that God can purify us from guilt and shame and empower us to To this question, we respond with a live righteously even during the resounding, “No.” greatest temptation. What do we As we have already shown, the claim then about temptation? problem here lies with one’s lack of Following Scripture, we believe distinction between the concepts that the Holy Spirit will always of sexuality and sensuality.96 provide a way out. If we cooperate with the Holy Spirit’s power, we One way of further can know victory. At the same understanding such a time, the idea of instantaneous distinction can be found victory over all temptation must within the writings of Diane LeClerc be mediated by reality and by a in her work Discovering Christian needed discussion….97 Holiness: The Heart of Wesleyan- Holiness Theology when she states After reading this, we believe some may still deny it to be accurate and We must be careful to walk a say something along the lines of, fine line in what follows. On one “Well, this kind of thinking is modern side is the danger of claiming and not truly Wesleyan-Holiness!” To too much from the doctrine this statement, we offer evidence that of sanctification and purity of such a belief finds its source within heart. We should never imply the historic Wesleyan-Holiness that God’s ability to purify tradition. our intentions reduces sexual temptation. Christ was the In his book, Temptations Peculiar purest of all human beings, to the Sanctified, which was published but he was tempted in every just 20 years after the founding of way we are, probably more the Church of the Nazarene, C.W. than we are, for Satan knew his Ruth, a founding father of the Church strength. Sexual temptation is of the Nazarene, stated that one of complicated because it often the temptations that the sanctified produces a strong physiological reaction. The physiological 97 LeClerc, Diane. 2010. Discovering Christian Holi- ness: The Heart of Wesleyan-Holiness. Kindle Edition. 96 See footnote 81. Kansas City: Beacon Hill Press.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 26 can still experience is that of sexual Even after this, we believe there filled with pure love. And the temptation. He states, will still be ones who say, “Well, difference is still plainer, when this kind of thinking is certainly not I compare my present state Physical appetites, which are Wesleyan!” To them, we give the with my past, wherein I felt God – given, and wholly innocent, words of Wesley himself from his temptation and corruption may nevertheless become the question and answer section of his too.100 avenue of temptation, and the definitive workA Plain Account of occasion of sin, when indulged when he responds With that, we hope we have and gratified excessively. Hence, to the question, “However, what you established for the reader that the the body must be kept under, call temptation, I call the corruption work of entire sanctification does not and every physical appetite be of my heart. And how will you release one from their humanness brought into subjection, lest distinguish one from the other?”99 with its basic cravings, including in the tempter gain an advantage the context of this paper, sexual ones. over us. While eating necessary In some cases it is impossible Yet, it enables them to be victorious food is God-ordained and to distinguish, without the over temptations arising out of the absolutely legitimate and direct witness of the Spirit. But appeals to such cravings from the necessary, nevertheless, eating in general one may distinguish enemy. that which is known to be thus: —One commends me. Here injurious, or eating too much is a temptation to pride. But and thus becoming gluttonous, instantly my soul is humbled 100 Wesley, Plain Account, 33. is to yield to temptation, and before God. And I feel no pride; become guilty of sin. While of which I am as sure, as that there is no sin in the body – pride is not humility. A man no sin in matter – the body strikes me. Here is a temptation may nevertheless become the to anger. But my heart overflows occasion and the instrument of with love. And I feel no anger at sin. “Every sin that a man doeth all; of which I can be as sure, as is without the body; but he that that love and anger are not the committeth fornication sinneth same. A woman solicits me. Here against his own body’ (1 Cor. 6: is a temptation to lust. But in 18). Thus the married, and the the instant I shrink back. And unmarried, may sin against the I feel no desire or lust at all; of body by forbidden or excessive which I can be as sure, as that indulgence of fleshly appetites. my hand is cold or hot. Thus it Hence the injunction, ‘As ye have is, if I am tempted by a present yielded your members servants object; and it is just the same, to uncleanness and to iniquity if; when it is absent, the devil into iniquity, even so now yield recalls a commendation, an your members servants to injury, or a woman, to my mind. righteousness unto holiness’ In the instant the soul repels (Rom. 6: 19).98 the temptation, and remains

98 Ruth, C.W. 1928. Temptations Peculiar to the 99 Wesley, John. 1844. A Plain Account of Christian Sanctified, 37-38. Kansas City: Nazarene Publishing Perfection, 33. New York: G. Lane & P. P. Sandford House.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 27 RESPONDING TO THE STILL CRITICAL

We know, inevitably, that there celibate. As they embrace the By using precise will be those who, in light of all that path of costly obedience, their terminology we have written thus far, will still lives naturally attract attention say, “Yes, but you still shouldn’t and raise questions. Alex shared common to the identify as a gay Christian when the following: ‘A major benefit you are not only saved but also [of gay Christian celibacy] is culture and their sanctified, because hyphenating being a challenge to society. Christianity, your Christianity confuses people It’s just something that’s very and makes them think you’re saying radical. The fact that you’re these ones are... something you aren’t.” not getting married, the fact providing hope to To these, we simply offer an that you’re not having sex . . . those who think invitation to sit and listen to those celibacy is a very countercultural who find themselves to be not only thing. Living against the grain there is no place gay in sexual identity/orientation of culture.’ Charles, another but Christian first and foremost, yet interviewee, agreed: ‘I feel like for them in the who also profoundly believe in the our story can shout back to that kingdom of God. teachings of the historic Christian world, like, ‘Actually, life isn’t tradition concerning human sexuality. about being happy. Life is about glorifying God and making much When they do, we believe they will in him, and when we do that, find what Yarhouse and Zaporozhets we actually find a deep, deep did when they studied the lives of joy which is way more powerful these particular siblings in Christ and and way more satisfying than see, with them, the “Outward Witness any sort of happiness.’ And also, 101 to Contemporary Culture” that ‘Christ is enough.’102 these ones embody, instead of the confusion some currently insist they By using precise terminology portray. common to the culture and their Christianity, these ones are being the The countercultural witness of very witnesses they are called to be the Christian faith has not been to the very ends of the earth103 and clear and evident in recent years. providing hope to those who think We raise this point to highlight there is no place for them in the the radical, countercultural kingdom of God. nature of the commitment gay Christians make in living

102 Yarhouse. Costly Obedience, 202-203. 103 See Acts 1:8 101 Yarhouse, Mark, and Olya Zaporozhets. 2019. Costly Obedience: What We Can Learn from the Celi- bate, Gay Christian Community, 202. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Reflective.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 28 BUT WHAT IF...?

We know, however, that there clarifying words attached to it. The same man who wrote about 107 will still be ones within Wesleyan- Why did he do such a thing? our identity in Christ, putting off Holiness circles who will abandon the old self,108 and how we are no doctrine, nix nuance, and say, “Well, It was a statement of faith, longer Jew nor Greek in Christ Jesus109 I still believe it’s a sin, and the Bible intended to say to/show the Church, had no problem carrying the identity says we shouldn’t identify with sin, “If God can save even me, then God of a sinner to proclaim the continuing so I don’t think it’s appropriate to will certainly save you.” or to use the power of Christ in the present reality. phrase we used earlier, “But God...!” identify like that!” He was not hyphenating his To these beloved siblings in Christ, As David Ackerman puts it in the Christianity. New Beacon Bible Commentary… we open the pages of Scripture and He was not identifying with his offer them the Apostle Paul as an Curiously, Paul uses the present former self to confuse people. example. tense I am (eimi ego). Although He was not finding the core of his After writing multiple letters and he had experienced the mercy identity in things other than Christ. towards the end of his life,104 the of Christ, he continued to live in Apostle sits down to write a letter to humble dependence on Christ He was not even trying to make Timothy. In that letter, he says, “This (1 Cor 15:9, Eph 3:5), Salvation people believe he was still actively is a trustworthy saying, and everyone was a present, on-going sinning. should accept it: ‘Christ Jesus came experience for him. He had no He was faithful to the call of Christ into the world to save sinners’—and I overwhelming sense of guilt. to be a witness to even the very ends am the worst of them all.”105 Nor did he continue to struggle of the earth.110 To this verse, the vast majority with sin. But he possessed ‘an Therefore, even if one does believe of those within Wesleyan-Holiness abiding sense of being a forgiven that someone identifying as gay is circles would surely agree that the sinner’ (Mounce 2000, 56). ‘He identifying with sin, they must at Apostle, here, was in no way implying recognized himself as always least stop to ask for what purpose the that he was, in fact, still a practicing having the status of ‘sinner person uses such a label. 106 sinner, although our siblings in the redeemed’ (Fee 1988, 53). reformed and Calvinist traditions 107 See Romans 8:17. 106 Ackerman, David. 2016. 1 & 2 Timothy/Titus: might. 108 See Ephesians 4:22. A Commentary in the Wesleyan Tradition, 88. Kansas 109 See Galatians 3:2. Yet, Paul calls himself the chief City: Beacon Hill Press. 110 See Acts 1:8. among sinners! Not an ex-sinner. Not someone who has struggled with the temptation to sin. Not even as a non-practicing sinner, but a sinner with no added

104 Blue Letter Bible. n.d. Acts and the Epistles Chronology. Accessed July 31, 2020. https://www. blueletterbible.org/study/pnt/pnt02.cfm. 105 Tyndale House Foundation. 1996. “1 Timothy 1:15.” In Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 29 DEFINING FAITHFULNESS FOR A NEW GENERATION

So now we finish the task we being to be used in service to God above started earlier in this work, that being all else. the resourcing of the Wesleyan- However, such a work does not Entire Holiness Church to define the imply an entire deliverance, either sanctification experience of entire sanctification from ignorance, mistake, or, as as it relates to the usage of gay even evidenced in the life of Christ, is that second identity labels, by offering them a temptations. way of speaking that breaks down the work of grace language barrier that exists between Therefore, an individual, regardless itself and the world. of their sexual orientation, should take whereby which care at every stage of their lives, lived a believer’s Therefore, we recommend, under the rule and reign of Christ, to Entire sanctification is that second always be observant of the ways they heart is freed work of grace whereby which a speak of themselves, especially as it believer’s heart is freed from its natural relates to their sexuality, in an effort to from its natural bent towards selfishness to that of be both clear and faithful witnesses of bent towards selflessness. Such freedom results in a their entire devotement to Christ and selfishness believer fully empowered to love God His kingdom. and neighbor and to avoid that which If one is faithful to such a calling, to that of is contrary to the law of Christ, which then they will surely find that they selflessness. is so properly called sin. This work is will continually grow to, “Understand, preceded by the empowering of therefore, that the Lord your God is the Holy Spirit in response indeed God. He is the faithful God who to the obedient faith of a keeps his covenant for a thousand believer as they seek to generations and lavishes his unfailing surrender their whole love on those who love him and obey his commands.”111

111 Tyndale House Foundation. 1996. “Deuteron- omy 7:9.” In Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 30 WITNESSES IN WAR ZONES

For too long, the Church has We understand that some will walk looked like the culture around it: at away from this paper and see it as war. unhelpful and either too conservative Such on-going battles have or too liberal, and to them, and you, robbed the Church of its ability to we offer nothing more than our witness to the availability of Christ’s unconditional and non-judgmental transforming work. love. To be clear witnesses, She has We confidently hope, however, that trampled over Her own, falsely the Lord will use this work to call to believing that they were the cause of those on all sides of the debate to 113 Her diminished witness. turn our tanks into tools and offer them up to Christ as resources to be Such action was the pathway by used in the effort to seek the peace which wider doors were erected not of the city114 to provide a witness to for people to come and see but go and the world of what the work of entire leave, and they continue to leave at sanctification does to a people as they 112 an alarming rate. surrender the totality of their being What we, the writers, have sought over to the Creator of us all. to accomplish in this paper is not only to provide a particular case for the usage of gay identity labels For the Kingdom, among the entirely sanctified, but to offer the Church an understanding of The Ad Hoc Committee on what has gone wrong and how it can Entire Sanctification and Identity be fixed.

112 Barna Group Organization. 2020. Tracking the Growth and Decline of Religious Segments: The Rise 113 See Isaiah 2:4. of Atheism. January 14. Accessed August 1, 2020. 114 See Jeremiah 29:7. https://www.barna.com/rise-of-atheism/.

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 31 APPENDIX 1

The following is an amalgamated Christian goes through in which they definition of Entire Sanctification are transformed by God, through the as composed by non-Wesleyan Holy Spirit, to become more and more adherents who had no working Christlike in their love of God and knowledge of the term before neighbor. This is a second work of grace completing the work based on the after salvation in which the individual survey responses of 400+ Global has surrendered their life entirely to Church of the Nazarene members/ God’s will and, as a result, no longer regular attenders. desires sin, although believers still 115 Entire Sanctification is a term used choose to sin at times. in the Wesleyan Christian tradition 115 Mason, Bekah, and Laura Mascarenhas. 2020. to describe the lifelong process that a Entire Sanctification Language Survey. Survey, Kansas City: SurveyMonkey.

APPENDIX 2

Finley, J. n.d. Associated Press. Our Eulogy for .

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FAITHFUL WITNESSES 36 RESPONSE BY REV. TIMOTHY CRUTHER, PhD

Words matter. How we use words To put it as briefly as possible, the matters. Words alone do not change paper explores whether the phrase reality, but they are the handles we “gay Christian” is—or can be—a use with other people to take hold of meaningful identity expression for reality in order to change it. They are people who experience both same-sex also the handles we use to take hold attraction (SSA) and the saving power of our identity and to articulate our of Christ. The basic argument is that place in that reality. They can evoke the word “gay” is—or can be—used as great emotion and stir us to action, a synonym for the biological reality of and they can evoke great fear and SSA and need not imply either sexual leave us helpless. Words are some activity or an identification with any of the most powerful tools human cultural or political agenda. If that is beings have ever invented, which so, then the phrase “gay Christian” makes discussions about the use of can be used sensibly and helpfully words both extremely important and by and for those who experience SSA extremely difficult. Nowhere is that without implying either sin or an more true than in discussions about identity that is irreconcilable with the words related to sexual identity in the pursuit of entire sanctification. church. To begin with, the authors of “Faithful Witnesses: A Wesleyan- the paper are scrupulously careful Holiness Position Paper on Gay to configure their invitation and Identity and Entire Sanctification” challenge within the explicit by The Ad Hoc Committee on doctrinal and behavioral norms Entire Sanctification and Identity, articulated by the Manual of the commissioned by Love Wins.: LGBT Church of the Nazarene and its (a ministry of Trinity Family Midtown subsequent interpretation by the Church of the Nazarene in Kansas Board of General Superintendents. City, MO) is both an invitation to The paper explores how we talk; the Wesleyan-Holiness tradition it is not aimed at changing what and a challenge. The paper offers we believe. Its goals are modest, an invitation to think about how reasonable, and articulated with an we use the word “gay” in reference irenic spirit. Within a discussion that to the LGBTQ+ tradition, but it also is so often driven by high emotions challenges the way most people and prejudices from all sides, that is within that tradition have used the a refreshing change. Whether or not word in the past. According to the readers accept the proposals offered authors of the paper, this challenge in the paper, they can appreciate the is designed to help the church pursue sincerity and charity with which the a broader understanding of the paper is offered. word “gay” that could then lead to Furthermore, it is a worthy goal a broader sense of mission toward to articulate the difference between those who self-identify with it. sexual activity or sexual identity and

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 37 the biological realities that may drive to say, “I have cancer,” and another be heard both by those inside and them, a goal entirely in line with were to respond by saying, “Serves outside the church. the Pastoral Perspectives document you right because you were sinning by Throughout the paper, the released by the Board of General smoking!” Or suppose someone says, phrase “gay Christian” is explicitly 1 Superintendents in 2010. So often in “I have diabetes,” and our response is, used as a short-hand for “celibate, the history of the church, confusions “That’s what you get for being such gay Christian.” This introduces a and conflicts arise because of the a glutton!” In the same way, creating connotation to the word “gay” that imprecise use of words, as evidenced the terminological space for someone is not necessarily shared by all who by early discussions over the doctrine to say, “I am sexually attracted to would use that word. While one is of Trinity or Reformation discussions those of the same sex as me,” without always free to stipulate definitions about faith. Those who seek to help immediately invoking an accusation in order to make arguments, it is the church clarify its terminology- of sin is a worthy pastoral goal. another matter altogether how -whether or not the church ends Biology is also an inescapable one’s words are heard by those who up accepting their proposals—have facet of identity. People with similar do not care for careful definitions. always helped the church think more biology tend to experience the world True, if the phrase “gay Christian” clearly, speak more precisely, and act in similar ways, and those realities only implies “celibate Christian more coherently. This paper clearly do not often change even if entire experiencing same-sex attraction,” aspires to that end. sanctification radically reorients then “gay Christian” is no more a The relationship between sexual one’s life toward Christ. There are contradiction than “left-handed identity and biology is still a matter advantages and disadvantages to Christian” or “diabetic Christian.” of debate, but it is difficult to biological realties like height or right- However, it is not clear that deny that there is some biological or left-handedness, and people who that is how the phrase would be component to homosexuality, as the share those things can easily feel a heard either by those who believe Board of General Superintendents sense of connection with others who homosexual activity is sinful or by themselves affirm.2 Now, to the extent also share them, whether that means those who wholeheartedly embrace a that discussions of homosexuality are complaining about the lack of left- homosexual lifestyle. Saying that that discussions about biological realities, handed desks at school or sharing is what the phrase should mean does whatever they may be, they are not the satisfaction of being able to slam not guarantee that people will hear it yet moral discussions. Biological dunk a basketball. Similarly, two that way. statements are statements about young men who experience SSA but The claim of the paper—articulated physical facts, not transcendent are committed to sexual purity might by a careful definition from the values. Theoretically, then, there sympathize with each other over Institute of Medicine Committee of should be a way for someone who how awkward church camp can be. the National Institutes of Health--is experiences any biological reality to God often allows even inconvenient that the word “gay” is regularly used articulate it to another person who biological realities to remain a part to refer to orientations and not just has not experienced that reality in a of a sanctified believer’s life because, activity or identity. If the world is way that does not immediately invoke as God told Paul concerning his comfortable using the word that way, judgment or condemnation. Most of “thorn in the flesh,” “My grace is so the argument goes, the church us would recognize how uncharitable sufficient for you, for power is made should be, too. Since our moral or rude it would be if someone were perfect in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9, discussions come in at the point of NRSV). Identifying and labeling activity and identity, someone could those realities in ways that can be identify as a “gay Christian,” meaning 1 Board of General Superintendents. 2010. Pastoral shared with others is important. The Perspectives from Your General Superintendents on a Christian sexually attracted to Homosexuality. Booklet, Kansas City: The Church of only question is whether or not the members of the same sex, without the Nazarene. phrase “gay Christian” can do that 2 Board of General Superintendents, Pastoral implying that one was acting on Perspectives. effectively, given how the term would

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 38 that orientation or expressing we understand such phrases to refer need to be a part of future discussions solidarity with others who experience to “layered identities,” with Christian on the topic. something similar. being the core identity but the other It might be possible to articulate The problem is that newspapers descriptor saying something about a “gay” identity in ways that do not and churches and rallies and water- an additional identity layered on top entail immoral sexual expression, cooler conversations are not usually of the Christian identity. So long as and people who identify as “gay” governed by the rules of careful the other identity does not encourage may, indeed, feel those to be much definition. In any given context, one activities or offer behaviors that are more important than the sex of cannot know in advance whether in conflict with a Christian identity, the person one is romantically one’s hearers, be they inside or we rarely fuss about this. However, attracted to. Even so, the “gay outside the church, are those who when the identities do come into Christian” will have to recognize make careful distinctions between conflict, we need to find ways to that--rightly or wrongly--the primary orientation, activity, and identity articulate the primacy of Christian interpretation by heterosexuals of or those who lump all those things behaviors over “American behaviors” the identity “gay” layered on top of together. Since the goal of the paper or “Evangelical behaviors.” And so the identity “Christian” is going to is clarity over confusion, it would be sincere, patriotic American Christians be sexual in nature. However, if that counterproductive to encourage the might have to say explicitly, “I’m interpretation is prejudicial or unfair, use of the phrase “gay Christian” in a Christian first, and an American then perhaps using the phrase “gay all contexts when it might as easily second, and if I have to choose, I will Christian” would, indeed, open the create misunderstandings as bridges follow Jesus rather than Uncle Sam.” door to better conversations about or connections. Can the phrase be Such identity conflicts may be painful those layered identities in ways that used sensibly when contextualized and may even cause significant would mutually inform those who the way it is in the paper? Yes. Will cognitive dissonance for some people, identifiy as “gay” and those who do enough people inside and outside the but there are clear ways to handle not of their different perspectives and church sufficiently understand that them. experiences. Those are likely to be context so that the phrase is a useful Can the same be said for the phrase difficult and awkward conversations, one? That remains to be seen. That “gay Christian”? Are there activities but sometimes those are the kind of said, the most charitable response encouraged or behaviors offered by conversations we need most. to this problem may be this: “Go the “gay” identity that are not in That conversation, however, ahead and try it and see if it works. If conflict with the Christian identity, is likely to be one internal to it creates bridges of understanding, at least if one accepts--as the authors the church, but it is the external so much the better. But if it creates of the paper explicitly do--that conversation that seems to drive confusion, perhaps you should seek homosexual activity falls outside of this paper more. According to the clearer alternatives to articulate the the boundary lines around Christian authors of this paper, allowing the realities that concern you.” activity? Identities that do not shape use of the phrase “gay Christian” There is an additional concern behavior are not identities at all, so would open the doors of the church when using the phrase “gay Christian” one cannot say, “I’m gay, but that to those who experience SSA without without sufficient context, and has no impact on what I do.” If the compromising the church’s moral that has to do with the relationship layered identity “gay Christian” is stands. After all, someone who between identity and activity. On one to make sense, then those who own experiences SSA but is told there is no level, we use adjectives along with the the label should be able to articulate such thing as a “gay Christian” is not word “Christian” all the time. We may the activities and behaviors that this going to feel welcome in church. That talk about an American Christian or identity offers that do not conflict much is likely to be true. However, an Evangelical Christian or a Black with the core Christian identity. That if a non-Christian who experiences Christian. In these and other cases, articulation goes beyond the scope of SSA hears the phrase “gay Christian” this paper, but it nevertheless would

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 39 positively endorsed, he or she is also the effectiveness of words about likely to hear that the church affirms color. If those who have committed the validity of his or her sexual themselves to Christ and are activity. When they find out that this pursuing entire sanctification want is false, whatever door the phrase to use the word “gay” to articulate opened is likely to be slammed shut. their experience of SSA, then it If mission is the central concern—and seems charitable to listen to their that is how it should be—then some experiments with that language. deeper, more carefully consideration The rest of us can raise questions should be given to making sure the and point out potential pitfalls about phrase “gay Christian” is heard only such language. We can be alert to in the senses that the authors of this confusions and ask for clarifications. paper intend. We can filter back to our conversation To that extent, this paper partners what we heard to make sure represents a work in progress, that that is what was intended to say. a beginning much more than All of this is how we play the role an ending—and that is entirely of good conversation partners, and appropriate for anything that calls that is now what this conversation itself a “position paper.” More than needs. By listening and responding anything else, this position paper with clarity and charity, we cannot is a plea to be heard from people in help but make progress in our the church who often feel unheard. understanding and show the world Whether we begin from a place of how followers of Christ solve their empathy or suspicion, it is always a differences. And that in and of itself loving thing to listen. Those who do will contribute to the mission that not experience SSA cannot evaluate drives this paper, whether or not we how well certain words articulate find the common ground that the that experience any more than paper seeks. someone who is blind can evaluate

FAITHFUL WITNESSES 40 The Ad Hoc Committee on Entire Sanctification and Identity | Commissioned by: Love Wins.: LGBT, A ministry of Trinity Family Midtown Church of the Nazarene