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Hollywood Community Church Position on Heterosexuality & Homosexuality

We fully affirm that the Bible is the infallible Word of God with supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct (II Timothy 3:15, 16; Hebrews 4:12).  Secondly, we affirm that God is offended by man’s sin however large or insignificant it may seem (Isaiah 59:2; Romans 3:23).  Thirdly, we believe that every Christian should live for the glory of God (I Cor. 10:31).  With those foundational truths in mind we offer the following eight declarations about heterosexuality, homosexuality, and ministering to homosexual persons.

1. We believe that heterosexuality is God's revealed will for man. God, as our loving caretaker created woman as a partner for man so both his and her physical, emotional and familial needs would be fulfilled.  (Genesis 2:22-24; Matthew 19:5, 6)

2. We believe that a homosexual orientation is a result of the fall of humanity into a sinful condition that affects every person.  Whatever biological or familial causes of homosexuality that may be determined, we do not believe that these would sanction or excuse homosexual behavior.   We do admit, though, that these factors should deepen our compassion and patience for those who are struggling to be free from sexual temptations.  (Romans 1:18-32; 3:10, 23)

3. We believe there is hope for the person with a homosexual orientation and that Jesus Christ offers a healing alternative in which the power of sin is broken and the person is freed to know and experience his or her true identity in Christ and in the fellowship of His Church.  (Romans 6:6, 7; I Corinthians 15:57)

 4. We believe that this freedom is attained through a process which includes recognizing homosexual behavior as sin, renouncing the practice of homosexual behavior, submitting oneself to Bible study and discipleship, embracing a biblically acceptable sexual lifestyle, and realizing that in the age to come, we will receive a glorified body that will be free from every sinful temptation. We believe that this freedom comes through faith in Jesus Christ, by the power of his Spirit. (Romans 8:1-11)

5. We believe that all persons have been created in the image of God and should be treated with human dignity. We reject and repudiate any hateful, fearful, mean-spirited harassment of persons with a homosexual orientation.  We believe that respect for persons with a homosexual orientation involves a loving, honest articulation of the biblical facts concerning the immorality and liability of homosexual behavior (Genesis 1:26, 27; James 3:9).

6. We believe that Hollywood Community Church has been commissioned to reach out in love and truth to minister to people touched by homosexuality, and that those who Biblically fight against their own sexual temptations should be patiently encouraged and assisted in their battle, not criticized, ostracized or disdained (Galatians 6:1, 2: Ephesians 4:29-32).

 7. We affirm that both heterosexual and homosexual persons should find love, help and encouragement in the church to engage in the Biblical battle against all improper sexual thoughts and behaviors (II Corinthians 2:5-7; Galatians 6:1, 2; James 5:19, 20).

8. Since we believe that homosexuality is sinful just as viewing pornography, committing adultery, lying and stealing, we hold that a person involved in such an action is not qualified to serve in leadership at Hollywood Community Church (I Timothy 3:1-12; Titus 1:5-9).