EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) -
A longtime Tri-State pastor speaks out about the very controversial issue of an Evansville church and its new policy on homosexual members.
It's very clear church leaders at American Baptist East in Evansville do not want to speak to 14 News about their policy. In fact, they called the police on us this afternoon as we worked to get the facts.
But, one Tri-State pastor we spoke with on Wednesday says for him, the issue is very simple-keep the doors open to everyone.
Rev. Phil Hoy says, "I can't imagine Jesus standing at the door and locking people out."
Rev. Phil Hoy served as pastor to both straight and gay couples during the nine years he spent at Zion United Church of Christ in Henderson. To him a church should always have an open door policy.
"To me, it's whosoever will may come. The door is open," says Rev. Hoy.
Which is why he says he feels for those who may not fall within the new mission statement at American Baptist East.
"I can't imagine the amount of sorrow, rejection, and grief that they feel," Rev. Hoy says.
Several members of American Baptist East tell 14 News that church leaders recently announced the church would no longer condone homosexuality. Those members say current gay members could be grandfathered into the congregation, but any gay person wanting to join the church in the future would be considered on a case by case basis.
Rev. Hoy says, "That's like saying you're not welcome."
Rev. Hoy, who was raised a Baptist, says the issue of homosexuality is something churches have and will continue to struggle with.
"We're so afraid of sexuality. We're scared to death and we shouldn't be," Rev. Hoy says.
The reverend says some churches tend to focus on this issue, even though he says Jesus said nothing about homosexuality in his teachings.
"You could make a case against people with pierced ears and tattoos from those texts because it talks about marking your body and all that. So where are you going to stop and start that?" says Rev. Hoy.
Rev. Hoy says his church studied the issue and has benefited from its open door policy.
Again, we have tried to talk to church leaders at American Baptist East for two days now. Our phone calls and e-mails have not been returned.
We'll keep you updated on this story.
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