In Theory:

As Episcopalians and Anglicans debate the issue of homosexuality in the church, other denominations are watching to see what they can learn as they eventually wrestle with the same questions. What lessons do you think your denomination can learn from the conflict roiling Anglicans?

Episcopalians/Anglicans like me are far from alone in this hard ball on holy ground “roiling.” Yes, it is about connections between sexuality-and-spirituality, and about American arrogance; but fundamentally this is about authority: the authority of the Bible and how meanings of Holy Scripture are discerned; who has authority to make decisions affecting others in this very human institution, the Body of Christ; and the authority of those with control in differing cultural contexts.

We will end our conflict when we acknowledge that only God is in control. My hope for others is that this is where they will begin.

(The Very Rev’d Canon) Peter D. Haynes

Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church

Corona del Mar

In the 21st century, Judaism must rethink its former views on homosexuality and be more receptive to it.

Features of experience strike at me, as departures from even various modern patterns of decision making.

First, our former views of sexuality have become extremely more liberal. No examples need be given.

Second, the Bible has been reinterpreted constantly by rabbis throughout the ages into Jewish law, with laws and customs constantly changing.

Third, because of reason of conscience and in the spirit of accepting other people’s viewpoints, older attitudes of others once thought long ago and had even less an influence over us. An example of this would be the rising divorce rate, now widely accepted and increasing examples of inter-marriages, now considered even a life-cycle event or experience for many people.

Fourth, having opened themselves to these opinions, the reader is asked to be open to the possibility for people to live as homosexuals, live together as a couple and raise children.

Postmodern religious thought has confidence that even man can disagree sometimes with Biblical Law. It is an individual choice we all have to make for ourselves.

Rabbi Marc Rubenstein

Temple Isaiah of Newport Beach

Evangelicalism is wrestling with its foundations right now. The new evangelicals are committed to issues like the environment and social justice while still holding strong to evangelical theology.