JOHN THOMAS CALLS GLBT FOLKS LOST PRODIGALS.

CANDIA, NH - In a recent speech which has drawn widespread attention for its angry, defensive attack against UCC evangelicals, President Thomas also remarkably called Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual and transgender folk prodigal children who are "lost," and whom the UCC welcomes back from the pig stye in repentance.

Accusing his critics of being the 'older brother' in the famous parable, he said, "We know there are those in our church who struggle out of their own sense of biblical integrity over the church's welcome and affirmation of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons. But when I receive emails and letters from UCC members railing against such a welcome, angry that God's gracious love is lavished on the unworthy, bitter that the church's attention is being directed to the lost rather than to those who have faithfully tended the farm, then I sense the voice of the older brother in our midst."

He went on to say, "When I receive emails and letters from UCC members and pastors . . . . who wonder why we should sully ourselves in the pig styes of the far country, who admonish me and us to return to the proper work of managing the family farm, then I sense the voice of the older brother."

Following the speech one Conference Minister emailed BWF to say, "This is the first time I can recall the UCC President saying that GLBT life choices could be sinful, requiring repentance to be restored into fellowship."

Renewal News Service - October 21, 2005