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What does our Church think about homosexuality?

By definition 'Homosexuality' is a predominant, persistent and exclusive psychosexual attraction toward members of the same sex. A homosexual person is one who feels a tendency to direct sexual desire towards another of the same sex.

No one is born homosexual, nor is it something over which one has no control. It is a fact that our biological composition has a profound influence on our lives. Hormones have a great impact on our sexual drive. However, scientists have found that the hormonal level of male and female homosexuals to be the same as heterosexuals. There is no scientific evidence to support the notion that homosexuality is inherited. It is safe to say that one's genetic and biological makeup does indeed determine his or her sex, but not his or her sexual preference.

Homosexuality is a learned behavior. Homosexuals develop homosexuality by thinking positively of homosexual practices. Participating in such practices provides pleasure and consequently leads to acceptance and positive thoughts toward homosexuals.

An inclination toward homosexuality usually occurs so early in life that the person thinks he was born with it, yet no one is born homosexual. It is formed in him or her.

As Christians, we base our faith and beliefs on the Holy Bible, which is the inspired Word of God. The Holy Bible teaches us that "But from the beginning of the creation, God 'made them male and female" (Mk 10:6). Sexual expression is permitted only within marriage, between man and woman, male and female. Anything else is an abnormality and against nature.

God condemned homosexuality. In the Old Testament, homosexuality was considered a sin, an abomination a capital offense, that is, punishable by death. "If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them" (Lev 20:13). In addition, "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination" (Lev 18:22).

The New Testament considers homosexuality as depraved passion "For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due" (Rom 1:26-27).

The Holy Bible is clear, homosexuals will not enter the kingdom of heaven, "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God" (1 Cor 6:9-10).

For more information about homosexuality read "Homosexuality" By H.H. Pope Shenouda III at this website http://www.coptnet.com/Pope-Books/ordofwom/index.htm.