An Open Letter to Philip Yancey (FAXed 7/03/04)

To the Reader: The following letter was FAXed to Philip Yancey, Editor at Large of Christianity Today magazine on July 3, 2004. There has yet to be a reply (original on file).

July 3, 2004

Philip Yancey, Editor at Large
Christianity Today
Re: E-Mail Interview with Candace Chellew-Hodge

Dear Philip:

After reading the "Amazed by Grace" e-mail interview between yourself and Candace Chellew-Hodge, Founder and Editor of Whosoever--An Online Magazine for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Trans-gendered Christians (at www.whosoever.org/v8i6/yancey.shtml ), I felt led to contact you and request clarification on some of your statements.

Since the interview is presented in a public forum, this does not constitute a private meeting between us (Matthew 18:15-17). Therefore, I would appreciate your helping me to understand your point of view by answering the following questions.

But first, so there will be no misunderstanding whatsoever, I want to make it crystal clear that while I vehemently disagree with the homosexual lifestyle, I bear no animosity or hatred towards anyone within the gay community, whether homosexual, lesbian, bisexual, trans-gendered or transsexual.

Questions:

1) Do you believe the Bible is the inerrant, infallible word of God and the final authority in faith and all matters of the Christian life?
2) Prior to agreeing with and responding to the e-mail interview, were you aware of the nature of Whosoever.org and that the interview would be posted on the website?
3) You stated that you had "attended gay and lesbian churches" and that you have "met wonderful, committed Christians who attend MCC churches." In what capacity did you attend the MCC churches (fact-finding, speaking engagements, fellowship)?
4) The interview took place in April 2004. Since then, do you still consider gays and lesbians who attend the MCC churches as "committed Christians"?
5) You stated that homosexuals "need exposure to and inclusion in the wider Body of Christ." While all of the unsaved need exposure to the message of Jesus Christ through Christian churches and witnessing, do you believe that the Christian churches, as a whole, should affirm homosexuals?
6) Concerning the ordination of "gay and lesbian ministers," you stated that you are "confused, like a lot of people." Does your confusion stem from an ignorance, a misunderstanding or a disagreement with Scripture, such as Genesis 19:4-7, Leviticus 18:22; 20:13, Judges 19:22, Romans 1:24-28, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, 1 Timothy 1:8-10 and Jude 7?
7) You stated that you have "attended gay and lesbian churches whose fervency and commitment would put most evangelical churches to shame. Disapproving conservatives should have contact with those people, and vice versa." While it is obvious that the homosexual community works diligently to be an integral part of the Christian church, do you feel that "Disapproving conservatives" should have a change of heart and openly embrace homosexuals who consider themselves Christian?
8) You stated that "Obviously, if a church is saying you need to give up sexual orientation, that church needs some education. I know of some ministries who try to change sexual behavior, but none that try to change sexual orientation--all admit that any change involves a lifelong struggle." Do you believe that people are born homosexual or is homosexuality a personal choice?
9) Do you agree or disagree with the Whosoever.org "What We Believe" statement (www.whosoever.org/believe.html )?

Thank you, Philip. I look forward to your reply at your earliest possible convenience.

Sincerely in Christ,
Bud Press, Director
Christian Research Service
fearless5199@yahoo.com
(FAXed 7/3/04)

Bud Press is a Christian Investigative Researcher and the Director of Christian Research Service. As a service to the body of Christ he provides information, documentation and referral on a wide variety of issues to individuals, companies, pro-family groups, outreach ministries and the Christian news media.

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