Rabbi Wes Odell
Photo: Michael Robinson Chavez
Rabbi Wes Odell photographed in the Sanctuary of Temple Israel in Dover, NH. |
By Diego Ribadeneira, Boston Globe Staff
Rabbi Wes Odell stood in front of his congregation at Temple Israel in Dover, N.H., determined to tell the truth - even if it cost him his job.
Last September on Rosh Hashonah, a Jewish high holiday, Rabbi Odell's sermon was about integrity and honesty. So he decided to start with himself.
"It is time to tell you who I am, and the truth is I am gay," Rabbi Odell recalled saying to the hushed congregation.
Afterward, he said, "There was a line out the door with people coming up to me hugging me and crying and saying how proud they were. The president of the synagogue was afraid I would scare off some new members. But not one member has left. I felt relieved."
Few issues in American religion today are causing greater division and debate than homosexuality.
While most biblical scholars, gay advocates and critics of homosexuality agree that the Bible denounces homosexuality, there are widely divergent views on how to interpret scripture - whether literally, as conservatives say, or to fit contemporary society, as liberals say.
In some churches and synagogues, the debate about how to treat gays and lesbians has become so explosive, the faithful on both sides have threatened to abandon the pews if their position loses.
"Homosexuality is one of the hottest and most divisive issues in many denominations - and people are being forced to deal with it whether they want to or not," said Keith Hartman, an Atlanta journalist, whose book, "Congregations in Conflict: The Battle over Homosexuality," was published in February.
The debate in many faiths and denominations centers on whether openly gay and lesbian people can be ordained and whether churches and synagogues should bless same-sex unions.
In recent months, disputes about homosexuality have roiled several denominations and faiths. For example:
Four San Francisco congregations were expelled in March from the American Baptist Churches in the U.S.A. for welcoming sexually active gays and lesbians. In response, Park Street Baptist Church in Framingham publicly announced that openly gay and lesbian worshipers are welcome in their congregation.
The Central Conference of American Rabbis, the nation's largest group of rabbis representing the Reform, or liberal, branch of Judaism, voted March 28 to endorse government recognition of same-sex marriages. But it left to individual rabbis the decision whether to bless same-sex unions.
The United Methodist Church voted in April to retain its ban on the ordination of "self-avowed, practicing homosexuals," despite a protest by 15 bishops.
An Episcopal Church court in May exonerated a retired bishop of heresy charges for ordaining an openly gay man and ruled that there was no Episcopal "core doctrine" forbidding the practice. The decision is likely to spark intense debate at the church's convention next year because conservative leaders plan to press for a formal resolution to ban the ordination of openly gay and lesbian people.
Meanwhile, the Episcopal Synod of America, a Dallas-based group of traditionalists in the Episcopal Church, have asked supporters to refuse Holy Communion from clergy who support homosexuals. Some priests have responded by advocating the expulsion of rebellious members.
The Southern Baptist Convention in June voted to boycott the Walt Disney Co. for giving health benefits to the partners of homosexual employees.
Earlier this month, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) adopted an amendment to its rulebook, called The Book of Order, denying ordination as pastor, elder or deacon to practicing homosexuals.
Prior to the vote, an editorial in the Presbyterian Layman, a conservative church newspaper, said, "Our congregations will neither respect nor follow persons who flaunt their failures at sexual self-control."
The Roman Catholic Church, which only allows celibate men to be priests, considers homosexuality a sin.
Among major American religious bodies, only the Unitarian-Universalist Association and the Reform branch of Judaism permit the ordination of openly gay and lesbian ministers. The United Church of Christ also urges local churches not to deny the ministry to homosexuals, although final authority rests with the denomination's 204 regional associations. The Unitarian Universalists, with some United Church of Christ churches and some Quaker meetings, also bless same-sex unions.
Fundamentally, the battle grows out of a simple question: Is homosexuality a sin? More traditionalist and conservative Christians and Jews say it is because the Bible condemns homosexuality. But mainstream and liberal religious believers say biblical strictures should be tailored to modern times. They say the crux of the debate is scriptural authority as opposed to compassion for the weak, the powerless and the oppressed.
"Just because the Bible says do or don't do something, does that mean it's an absolute timeless principle to be followed at all costs?" asked Michael Coogan, a professor of religious studies at Stonehill College in Easton and co-editor of "The Oxford Companion to the Bible."
He noted that the Bible condones slavery and condemns the lending of money with interest. "No major Christian or Jewish denomination would hold that all statements in the Bible ought to be observed," Coogan said.
Rabbi David Wolfman, a Needham-based leader of Reform Judaism, said, "It is unquestionable that the Bible says homosexuality is a sin. However, the commandment, 'Love thy neighbor as thyself,' speaks to me louder."
But Rev. Mark Acuff of Grace Baptist Church in Hudson, said he believes homosexuality is wrong.
All content herein is © 1996 the Globe Newspaper Company, Boston, and may not be republished without permission.