Christian response to anti-gay bill

I copied this from a blog called "Compassion in Politics".

What do Christians say about the Anti Gay Bill (the Anti-Homosexuality Bill of 2009) in Uganda?

Last winter Uganda passed an ordinance which criminalized homosexuality and subjected the practice to imprisonment and in some cases the death penalty. Two large faith based groups stood up against the anti-gay injustice and virulent hate which was in those Ugandan bills:
Christian leaders who are themselves divided over homosexuality have joined forces to oppose a proposed Ugandan law that calls for the death penalty for some homosexual behavior.

“Our Christian faith recognizes violence, harassment and unjust treatment of any human being as a betrayal of Jesus’ commandment to love our neighbors as ourselves,” reads the statement released Monday and signed by dozens of leaders. “As followers of the teachings of Christ, we must express profound dismay at a bill currently before the Parliament in Uganda.”

The bill calls for those convicted of involvement in homosexual acts to be sentenced to life in prison and those convicted of “aggravated homosexuality” to receive the death penalty.

You can read the rest of the pledge at Faith in Public Life, which suggest the anti-gay agenda in Uganda which is violent and virulent stands in opposition to scripture and Biblical teachings:

As Americans, some may wonder why we are raising our voices to oppose a measure proposed in a nation so far away from home. We do so to bear witness to our Christian values, and to express our condemnation of an injustice in which groups and leaders within the American Christian community are being implicated. We appeal to all Christian leaders in our own country to speak out against this unjust legislation.

In our efforts to imitate the Good Samaritan, we stand in solidarity with those Ugandans beaten and left abandoned by the side of the road because of hatred, bigotry and fear. Especially during this holy season of Advent, when the global Christian community prepares in hope for the light of Christ to break through the darkness, we pray that they are comforted by God’s love.
Regardless of the diverse theological views of our religious traditions regarding the morality of homosexuality, in our churches, communities and families, we seek to embrace our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters as God’s children worthy of respect and love. Yet we are painfully aware that in our country gays and lesbians still face hostility and violence. We recognize that such treatment degrades the human family, threatens the common good and defies the teachings of our Lord — wherever it occurs.

Whatever your opinions of gays and lesbians, it seems this Uganda law or the “Anti-Homosexuality Act of 2009″ while perhaps well intended, runs contrary to the Biblical principles of compassion and love that we’re called to live out on a daily basis. The message it sends also erodes some of the possibility of dialouge, healing, reconciliation, and rebirth which is (probably) necessary for personal behaviour change which is out of faith rather than fear of punishment.

My soul will choose to say, Lord blessed be Your name.

This last week and a half has been the most difficult experience of my admittedly short and blessed life. The interesting thing is that because it is so difficult, it is easier for me to trust God! I have what seems to be an impossible situation, thus only God can help me. As Bob Pierce said, it's the concept of "God room." Only when something is not humanly possible does it require faith. We need to confess our inadequacy. We are only strong in Christ.

I've been singing this song by Casting Crowns, particularly last night when I drove back to Anaheim with a long week ahead. I know God will use me not because I am so fabulous but because He uses broken and humble people, and He is transforming me to be one of those. I've always liked songs that talk about how we must choose God. We must choose to praise Him, we must choose truth, we must choose to die to ourselves. Now I'm really living it! Ginny Owens has some encouragement along these lines as well if you're looking for musical verse. BTW, the part at the end of this song below is from the Psalms, I believe.

Praise You in This Storm

I was sure by now,God, that You would have reached down
and wiped our tears away,
stepped in and saved the day.
But once again, I say amen
and it's still raining
as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain,
"I'm with you"
and as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise
the God who gives and takes away.

Chorus:
And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth
I lift my eyes onto the hills
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth

I particulary like the part that says "and as Your mercy falls, I lift my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away" as well as "I will lift my hands for You are Who You are, no matter where I am" and "though my heart is torn, I will praise You in this storm." Okay, I realize that I just quoted half the song, but I did leave out the second verse from the post. Just like in "Blessed Be Your Name" I like the part--well, I like most of the parts--that says, "You give and take away; my heart will choose to say, 'Lord, blessed be Your name.'" This paragraph is a punctuation nightmare, but you catch my drift.

Church camp started today with Sa-Rang church, and I was blessed to meet the head pastor. It has been such an encouragement to me to watch this church began to love their community. Two weeks ago, the social work intern and I found three more kids at one of the notorious motels who were eligible, and they all showed up this morning! Praise Jesus for how He is going to use this.

Kevin Toqe Music

I don't think I've every spotlighted my amazing friend Kevin Toqe. Check him out! http://www.kevintoqe.com/

He loves Jesus and has great music. You can download his music straight from his website and contribute what you see fit. Blessings.

Today's Encouragement

I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able. (2 Tim. 1:12)

Able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. (Eph. 3:20)

Able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. (2 Cor. 9:8)

Able to aid those who are tempted. (Heb. 2:18)

Able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. (Heb. 7:25)

Able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. (Jude 24)

Able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day. (2 Tim. 1:12)

Who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. (Phil. 3:21)

“Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” “According to your faith let it be to you.” (Matt. 9:28-29)

For Donovan

"Some heresy."