Walking in Truth and Grace: Perspective On The Methodist Church’s Homosexuality Debate

By Ernest S. Doitoe

doitoe29@gmail.com

The topic of homosexuality within the Methodist Church of Liberia is a deeply emotional and divisive issue that strikes at the heart of our faith, cultural beliefs, and personal convictions. As believers in Christ, we are called to chart these difficult conversations with both truth and love. This balance is crucial, especially when discussing matters that challenge traditional interpretations of Scripture.

Scripture serves as the bedrock of our faith. It is through God’s Word that we derive our understanding of morality, and the Bible has long been interpreted as affirming marriage between a man and a woman. Verses such as Genesis 2:24, which states, “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh,” provide the foundation for the traditional view of marriage. Additionally, passages like Romans 1:26-27 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 have been commonly cited in discussions about sexual immorality, including homosexuality.

However, while upholding these convictions, we must also reflect the love and grace of Jesus Christ, who reached out to those marginalized by society. In John 8:7, when the crowd wanted to stone a woman caught in adultery, Jesus simply said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” This profound message highlights that none of us is without fault, and it is only through God’s grace that we stand justified. Similarly, the church must extend compassion and grace to all people, regardless of their orientation, just as Christ extends His love to us.

In a world filled with division, it is easy to allow issues like homosexuality to create further rifts within the church. But Jesus prayed for the unity of His followers in John 17:21, saying, “That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me, and I am in you.” Unity, however, does not mean uniformity. It means embracing our differences while striving toward mutual understanding. Respectful dialogue is essential within the church, where all voices are heard and where everyone is encouraged to share their perspective, even on contentious matters. This approach will not only foster a spirit of inclusion but will also reflect the unconditional love of God, who “so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son” (John 3:16).

One of the greatest commandments Jesus left us with is to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). Love, in this context, is not conditional upon agreement, nor is it limited to those who share our beliefs. It is a love that seeks to understand, forgive, and extend grace. The church, therefore, should be a sanctuary for all individuals, where everyone feels welcomed and valued. Jesus never turned anyone away, even when they were considered outcasts by society. Instead, He invited them into deeper relationship with God, encouraging transformation through love and grace.

To sum up, while I personally affirm the traditional biblical understanding of marriage as a union between a man and a woman, I firmly believe that the church’s response to the issue of homosexuality must be rooted in Christ’s teachings of love, mercy, and compassion. We cannot claim to follow Christ if we do not embody His love, especially toward those we may disagree with. We are all sinners saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), and as such, our interactions with others should reflect that grace. The church should be a place where every person—regardless of their background, struggles, or beliefs—feels the warmth of Christ’s embrace and is encouraged to pursue a deeper relationship with Him.

Let us stand firm in our convictions but let us also be known by our love (John 13:35). After all, it is through love that we most powerfully reflect the heart of God to a broken world.