Dilemma for leaders

Christian leaders, who believe and express the Scriptural prohibition of homosexual sex, are sometimes accused of being homophobic by those who take a more liberal viewpoint. This is often grossly unfair. For instance, accusations of homophobia frequently come from 'gay evangelicals' who become more liberal in their thinking and perhaps defensively react to those with whom they now disagree. They may feel criticised or even condemned by their 'former comrades or allies', even though this may not be what is really happening.

In TfT we are often contacted by church leaders who feel trapped in a painful and confusing dilemma. A Christian shares with them how they now believe their homosexual relationship is not against the teaching of Scripture. The leader is torn between caring for the person and not wanting to condone what he or she sincerely believes hurts and offends God. A question I'm frequently asked is, "How can I respond in the right way, without making them feel rejected?" So often those who make accusations of homophobia seem completely insensitive and unthinking when they accuse leaders, who genuinely love God and the homosexual person. They seem unaware of the often very painful dilemma faced by many church leaders.