True Freedom Trust

So...

I am now a member of True Freedom Trust - an organisation that provides suport to gay Christians who choose to aim for celibacy. (see previous post here)

I am still inactive, though, through pressure of time. I need to meet up with them face to face soon, but can’t seem to find a slot.

I find TFT’s theology is very close to mine. Not absolutely spot on, but close. The main difference lies in the balance of environmental v congenital factors. I see the way we are born (as part of a fallen race) to be more significant than TFT suggest. They place more emphasis on homosexuality primarily as one of several possible outcomes of low self esteem issues arising from early childhood. Thus although they see attempting to 'cure' homosexuals as harmful, ie they are not an 'ex-gay' organisation, they do more in that direction than I would.

Also, I have several relatively minor points of divergence with their biblical exegesis.

They are also a bit more directive than I would wish.

However, since no two people will ever think exactly the same on these issues, TFT seems to be a the best place for me to sit and minister.

I feel confidant that this is the place to which God has brought me – to hold to the truth of scripture and yet provide realistic support for gay people in the church who choose celibacy. (I don’t feel I have a mandate to counsel those that do not choose celibacy. I don’t think I would be much help to them. All I could do is put them in contact with a liberal ‘Christian’ LGBT group and suggest they may feel more comfortable in a church with teaching closer to their own.)

Note that I have not joined up as a know-it-all God-squad heterosexual trying to boss people around or tell gay people how they should live their lives. TFT is set up by gays for gays: I can only provide assistance within their own programme, and help what they are already independantly doing. They will always have ownership and leadership, and I will only ever be a camp follower. [Did I really just say 'camp'?]

Please pray that my role will become clearer. Possibilities are:

• Act as a voluntary worker for TFT
• Act as a contact point for TFT in my church
• Arrange for TFT to speak at my church and/or promote a generally more open atmosphere there
• Promote “get-to-understand-each-other-and-develop-mutual-respect” contacts between my church and gay organisations in the town (fraught with pitfalls!)
• Something else that I have not seen yet

I now feel that I have rebuilt my lego model. Similar to before, but more robust and practical.