Religion and homosexuality seem to always be at opposite ends of the debate when it comes to gay rights.
Mainstream Christian traditionalists typically preach homosexuality is against the teachings of the Bible and should not be condoned in the public sphere, while the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community often say church and state are constitutionally divorced from each other and morality should not be legislated.
Despite the apparent ideological differences between these two camps, there is a Christian church in Baton Rouge that believes there is a biblical basis for acceptance of gays in religion and society.
The Metropolitan Community Church of Baton Rouge is a member of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches denomination. It was founded in Los Angeles in 1968 by Troy Perry, a gay man who had previously been a Church of God minister.
Perry said he hoped a predominantly gay Christian church would bring understanding and acceptance to both sides of the gay rights debate.
The church identifies itself as a mainline Protestant church, but their views concerning what the Bible says about homosexuality are unique.
“Our main belief is that Jesus is the Christ and our way of salvation,” said the Rev. Keith Mozingo, MCC of Baton Rouge pastor.
Mozingo said many Christians interpret homosexuality as a sin. He said this viewpoint stems from a false interpretation of the Bible.
“Some churches used to say that being black was a curse from God, and that was just something you had to live with,” Mozingo said. “And they had scriptures to back that up. I don’t think you’re going to find many theologians today who would agree with that, and yet, they continue to teach people in today’s society that they’re a curse.”
Mozingo said the Bible is open and accepting of all people, and the places where homosexuality is specifically mentioned have been taken out of context by people who use those passages against gay people.
He said when the Bible condemns homosexuality, it actually condemns sexual excess and pagan worship. Loving, same-sex, monogamous relationships are not mentioned in the Bible.
“Metropolitan Community Church isn’t a gay church,” Perry says on the church’s Web site. “Metropolitan Community Church is a Christian church that offers the message that gay people are welcome.”
The church has almost 300 locations worldwide, with 48 in the United States.
MCC of Baton Rouge is located on Tom Drive – a street off Airline Highway – in a modest building that, at first glance, looks like it houses offices. It is recognizable by its rainbow-colored sign.
The church does not have an on-campus ministry, but church officials are hoping to expand to the University soon, according to Jonathan Hammett, a church clergy candidate.
Other Christian churches take the more traditional stance that homosexuality is a sin and an affront to the relationship model of one man and one woman they believe the Bible advocates.
The Southern Baptist Convention published a pamphlet in 1977 called “Critical Issues: Homosexuality” stating sexual orientation is a choice that stems from an unhealthy relationship with one’s parents. It also said gays can lead moral lives if they are celibate and homosexual activity is a sin but not one that is unpardonable.
University students expressed their opinions on the existence of a church that preaches gay acceptance.
“I don’t believe that the Bible is the word of God,” said Jack Caffery, business sophomore. “As such, I see no problem with a group of worshippers who support homosexuality, but I can promise it’s technically not biblically correct.”
Another student said homosexuality is a sin, but gay people should still be accepted.
“Gay people have just as much a right and an ability to worship in a church as straight people,” said Megan Miclette, English sophomore. “I don’t think that gay people are more sinful than straight people. We all have temptations, and that just happens to be one of theirs.”
The MCC of Baton Rouge allows gays, lesbians and women to be ordained as ministers. The church also performs same-sex holy unions, said Mozingo.
“Being gay isn’t a sin but not living the way God created you to be is,” Mozingo said.
—-Contact Joanna Brown at [email protected]