Open Hearts, Affirming Pages -- A New Blog

Steve Kindle, whose article on welcoming gays into the church recently appeared in Sharing the Practice has launched a new blog: -- Open Hearts, Affirming Pages. Steve is a Disciples of Christ pastor and is also the Executive Director of Clergy United for the Equality of Homosexuals.

The subheading of this new blog states it's purpose clearly --

This blog is intended to be a spirited conversation with the church regarding our reluctance and our need to affirm gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Christians.

In his opening post he writes:

This blog, then, is an effort to bring the straight church to its senses. It is an effort to bring the message of the inclusive gospel that will confront us with our sins and bring us to our knees. It is a plea to those we’ve textually abused to not abandon us, but to nurture us and witness to the life changing power of Jesus. This is why I am in this struggle, and hope to convince you to join it yourself. I can guarantee you two things: your life will never be the same, and you’ll be thankful for that. On the other hand, if you don’t need convincing, welcome aboard. I hope to hear from you, as well as those who disagree. Maybe we can come together on at least this: what we share in Christ is more valuable than our disagreements. And I ask you, would you be willing to extend that grace to those “other than ourselves?”

This is a controversial and divisive issue, one which Steve has taken a leading role in seeking a solution. So check it out and give your thoughts.