Homosexuality and the Orthodox

https://www.completerehabsolutions.com/blog/jdtchglpk49 One of my readers asked me to speak to the issue of homosexuality and the Orthodox Church. This is one of those times that I am simply going to quote a statement by the bishops of the Orthodox Church in America:

Convinced of these God-revealed truths, we offer the following affirmations and admonitions for the guidance of the faithful:

Homosexuality is to be approached as the result of humanity’s rebellion against God, and so against its own nature and well-being. It is not to be taken as a way of living and acting for men and women made in God’s image and likeness.

Men and women with homosexual feelings and emotions are to be treated with the understanding, acceptance, love, justice and mercy due to all human beings.

https://www.clawscustomboxes.com/c3q9sqx482 People with homosexual tendencies are to be helped to admit these feelings to themselves and to others who will not reject or harm them. They are to seek assistance in discovering the specific causes of their homosexual orientation, and to work toward overcoming its harmful effects in their lives.

Persons struggling with homosexuality who accept the Orthodox faith and strive to fulfill the Orthodox way of life may be communicants of the Church with everyone else who believes and struggles. Those instructed and counselled in Orthodox Christian doctrine and ascetical life who still want to justify their behavior may not participate in the Church’s sacramental mysteries, since to do so would not help, but harm them.

https://mandikaye.com/blog/i8fzdonqu Assistance is to be given to those who deal with persons of homosexual orientation in order to help them with their thoughts, feelings and actions in regard to homosexuality. Such assistance is especially necessary for parents, relatives and friends of persons with homosexual tendencies and feelings. It is certainly necessary for pastors and church workers.

https://transculturalexchange.org/hql9sxe I agree with the above statement. Do notice the line that says, “Persons struggling with homosexuality who accept the Orthodox faith and strive to fulfill the Orthodox way of life may be communicants of the Church with everyone else who believes and struggles.” The issue is whether any person accepts the Orthodox faith and strives to fulfill the Orthodox way. It is common for OCA priests to tell their people that if they do not participate in the life of the Church, to include monthly confession, then they may not participate in the Body and Blood of Christ. Being a communicant is dependent on accepting the Orthodox faith and striving to fulfill the Orthodox way. That is common for every Orthodox member.