This document discusses the question of mandated celibacy for LGBTQ individuals. It presents arguments from both sides of the issue. The main arguments discussed are whether reparative therapy is effective, whether celibacy should be chosen or mandated, the variety of results from mixed orientation marriages, and that God designed humans for community and intimate connection. The document examines what the early church taught on this issue and references perspectives from the Bible, Gregory of Nyssa, Martin Luther, and Augustine. It concludes by stating the need for a deliberative process on this complex topic.

1. The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name
May your kingdom come, may your will be done
On earth as it is in heaven
Give us this day our daily bread
And forgive us our sins
As we forgive those who sin against us
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil
For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory
Forever and ever.
Amen.

3. What is Ethical, Necessary,
and Wise to Expect of
One Another?
THE QUESTION of
MANDATED
CELIBACY

4. - Reparative Therapy
- Our gospel ≠ heterosexuality
- Some change is possible
- Should ONLY be CHOSEN
- Mixed Orientation Marriage
- Variety of results
- Story of Marriage ≠
Only The Story of Sex
- The call to celibacy
- Pain/holiness/faithfulness
MAIN ARGUMENT

5. - Luke 20:34-36
- Paul counseled abstinence for
reasons of purity/prayer
- Gregory of Nyssa
- Zealous demand; little success
- Martin Luther’s concerns
- Augustine’s counsel towards
“honorable marriage”
EARLY CHURCH HISTORY

6. - Reparative therapy is ineffective
- Chaste Singleness vs. SSA
- Saying “no” to temptation vs.
Saying “no” to love
- Chosen vs. Mandated singleness
- Straight/single people rarely
succeed at celibacy
- Designed by God for community,
including intimate connection
- Need a deliberative process
MAIN ARGUMENT

7. The Jesus Creed
Hear O’ Israel
the LORD our God,
the LORD is one;
You shall love the LORD your God
with all your heart, will all your soul,
with all your mind, and with all your strength,
and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.
There is no other commandment
greater than these.
Amen.