Intense Report: LMM Shares God's Truth and Love at "Gay-Christian Event"

With Wonder

"Can you be queer and a Christian?" That was the marketing hook for Maurice Tomlinson's latest failed effort at faking compatibility between homosexuality and Christianity. The event which featured a heart-breaking film centered on the journeys of several members of the LGBT community from across the world in relation to "god" (they used the common "g" in the film) was saturated with just as much emotion as there was deception. It sought to marry homosexual behavior to Biblical faith, with the exception of one of the 6 characters openly cursing expletives at "Jesus" and celebrating the worship of Hindu gods.

The recently appointed Bishop of Kingston in the Anglican Church, Bishop Garth Minott brought the keynote address. Rather than defending the holiness of God and stressing the need for repentance according to the Scriptures, his address contained no biblical references at all. He expressed his hope for the removal of the law against buggery and the wish for the shooting of a similar film with homosexual children as the focus.

Dialogue or no dialogue?

Subsequently, the floor was opened by the host, Maurice Tomlinson who invited the 30 persons who attended to a dialogue on the film and the themes therein. I raised my hand and was acknowledged and asked a question that sought to address the substantive reason for the event. I asked the Bishop this question:

1st Corinthians 6:9-11, Genesis 19, Jude vs 7, 1 Timothy 1, Romans 1. These are verses that speak to homosexuality — how do you reconcile the reality of what these verses say — disobey them and say God accepts this practice as holy?

I then proceeded to read 1 Corinthians 6:9 & 11 and was interrupted after the first few words "Do not be deceived". The host, Maurice Tomlinson, who claims to be a Christian and a homosexual noted that he did not want me to read the verse. I conceded. The Bishop then went on to say that the Bible does not address homosexuality but is open to same-sex relationships. He cited David and Jonathan as an example of such. I asked if he was saying that David was a homosexual. To which he replied "That isn't what I'm suggesting" though clearly, it was — what else would be the purpose of mentioning David and Jonathan in that context?

I was then threatened with being kicked out and told that it in fact wasn't a dialogue. Moments later I recognized that the reading of the Word of God was barred at this so-called "gay-Christian event", and so was any dialogue that would highlight the lies which were already being spoken. I rose to my feet and boldly read the scripture: "1st Corinthians 6:9 says: Do not be deceived. The sexually immoral, adulterers, men who have sex with men and thieves will not inherit the kingdom of God." While Maurice Tomlinson pushed me out I said "We love you guys but the only hope for coming to Jesus Christ is with repentance and turning away from sin. Jesus loves you. We recognize the dignity of every person but there must be repentance to be holy. Jesus is Holy!" And the door slammed shut before me.

Dayna shares her thoughts

At the "With Wonder" film premiere, I went with the expectation to witness to the word of God and what is clearly stated in the scriptures. I went to have an honest biblical dialogue, hoping my questions would be answered. What I was not prepared for was a discussion purely centered on a secular worldview justifying a lifestyle that was contrary to the Word of God. What I was also not prepared for was a film that showcased men and women as ministers in the church, fists raised high in the face of God, blatantly indulging in a lifestyle that was against God's truth.

The brokenness was palpable and so was the war for truth. To be queer and Christian was the main paradox of the evening. I managed to ask one question: "Do you believe that we need to come alongside those who are wrestling with same-sex attraction and attend to that brokenness instead of rejecting the truth of God that says the homosexual lifestyle/practice is a sin; and where is the response to the Gospel that bids us forsake ourselves?" To my shock, my question couldn't be answered. I headed to the Bishop of Kingston and asked, "Where do we draw the line?" To which he responded: "We do not draw a line, all are welcome, all are acceptable, all must be tolerated." However, as a Christian, I know that God has already drawn the line and there can be no middle ground.

Sarah shares her thoughts

"With Wonder" was my first time at an event of this kind — an LGBT event that purported to be Christian. During the discussion section, it was evident that though the occasion was said to be about being Christian, there was no acceptance of Christ. When Daniel started to read the scripture he was cut short, with the comment "we know what the scriptures say, we don't need to have the scriptures". This quote is the essence of the LGBT deception in the church. All those who claim to be Christians and accept LGBT lifestyles as good know what scripture says but believe they don't need it.

When it was time for me to ask my question, I first asked "can I read the bible" but I was quickly told "no bible reading please". Once more this solidified that the Word of God and Christ himself were not welcomed at this event. God's love is transformative. When we claim to be Christians and still cling to sin we are saying 'God's love is not powerful enough to change me.' And nothing could be further from the truth.

Alison shares her thoughts

The film itself was heartbreaking. Persons who have experienced genuine hurt, and very poor counsel, stand on their trauma as the proverbial soap box and justification to live any way they please. Christianity is merely a cloak they wear, and is as malleable as their own self-perceptions.

I asked Bishop Minott if he could provide any scriptural evidence for the position of being queer and Christian. Before he could respond, Sean Major Campbell interjected that the question was baseless since we don't consult the Bible on many things we do nowadays like brushing our teeth and using microwaves. Bishop Minott then said "If I gave you a scripture that would suggest being queer and Christian, I would be dishonest to you, because the word queer is not in the bible." I tried to clarify but Maurice Tomlinson was in my face, shouting at me to leave.

After the meeting closed I spoke with the Bishop. I quoted 1st Corinthians 13 — the Bible's definition of love — and stopped at verse six: "Love does not rejoice in evil but rather rejoices in the truth." He said "evil means anything that is not love." I realized in that moment that this was a conversation in futility.

Isaiah 66:2 — These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.

There are those who claim to be Christians but who have no regard for the Word of God; others twist the Word to mean what they wish. Brothers and sisters, we feel "compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God's holy people." (Jude 3-4). Contend.