Editor’s note: The Nashville Statement is a new series of seven points reasserting conservative views on LGBT issues, including the condemnation of both same-sex marriage and the idea that Christians can “agree to disagree” on issues around sexuality.
It was created by the Council of Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, an evangelical organization created in 1987 to “equip the church on the meaning of biblical sexuality.” Signers include some prominent evangelical leaders, including advisers to President Trump, and as of Wednesday were overwhelmingly male.
[Mayor rebukes Nashville Statement]
The document spurred reaction across social media, including this counter-list by the Rev. James Martin, a well-known Catholic priest, author and adviser to the Vatican on communications.” Martin sent his as a seven-point list of affirmations and denials, in the same form as the original statement, in separate tweets:
- Re #Nashville Statement: I affirm: That God loves all LGBT people. I deny: That Jesus wants us to insult, judge or further marginalize them.
- I affirm: That all of us are in need of conversion. I deny: That LGBT people should be in any way singled out as the chief or only sinners.
- I affirm: That when Jesus encountered people on the margins he led with welcome not condemnation. I deny: That Jesus wants any more judging.
- I affirm: That LGBT people are, by virtue of baptism, full members of the church. I deny: That God wants them to feel that they don’t belong
- I affirm: That LGBT people have been made to feel like dirt by many churches. I deny: That Jesus wants us to add to their immense suffering.
- I affirm: That LGBT people are some of the holiest people I know. I deny: That Jesus wants us to judge others, when he clearly forbade it.
- I affirm that the Father loves LGBT people, the Son calls them and the Holy Spirit guides them. I deny nothing about God’s love for them.
The Rev. James Martin is a Jesuit priest, editor-at-large of America magazine, and author of ‘Jesus: A Pilgrimage’ and ‘Building a Bridge.’
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