On December 17th two congregations in Virginia voted to break away from the American Episcopalian church because of its acceptance of homosexuality, joining rather with the more traditional Anglican Church of Nigeria. America's first president, George Washington, had worshipped in one of those two churches. This news of congregational defections from a mainstream denomination follows closely the revelation that Ted Haggard, former president of the National Association of Evangelicals, had a sexual relationship with a male prostitute for three years. Two hundred and twenty-five years ago, nearly everyone agreed on the subject of homosexuality. Today that is decidedly not the case. Faithfulness to the Bible is being challenged from many quarters, unsettling those who believe the Bible is the Word of God. Christians aren't the only ones facing this challenge. Reformed Jews have been ordaining gay men and women since 1990. Now, on December 6th, Conservative Jews have voted to give permission for same-sex commitment ceremonies and ordination of gay rabbis. Beyond religion, the U.S. Congress has given us the Mark Foley scandal involving underage male pages, while James McGreevey, former Governor of New Jersey, after hiding his sexuality for decades, has now written his book "The Confession" and is boasting of how much better it is now that he's come out of the closet. Expect more to follow. Rosie O'Donnell may help this trend along. Since assuming her new role on The View, she has been avidly promoting the gay lifestyle on national daily television. Oprah's been doing the same for years. The dilemma for churches is simple. The Bible condemns homosexual acts. Leviticus 18:22 states: "You shall not lie with a male as with a woman." In Romans chapter 1 the Apostle Paul, who was very familiar with the pro-gay Hellenistic culture, condemns both homosexual and lesbian acts. Writing to the Corinthians he condemns fornication, idolatry, adultery and homosexuality and adds: "And such were some of you" (1 Corinthians 6:11) suggesting that it is possible to change. Today, we have organizations like "Exodus International" and "Homosexuals Anonymous" that are dedicated to helping people change and exit from that type of culture. The reason why churches should oppose homosexual acts is not just to stop offending heterosexuals. It's because God says that all sex outside of the marriage relationship between a husband and wife is sin. "Sin is the transgression of the law" (1 John 3:4). If churches do not uphold God's laws, there is no reason for their continued existence. Clearly, some in the clergy do not believe that it's possible for homosexuals to change, thereby denying scripture. Sadly, some, perhaps many, choose to live a double life, teaching one thing but living another. These should be mindful of another biblical verse: "Be sure your sin will find you out" (Numbers 32:23). Any Christian struggling with the conflicting desires of serving God and seeking to fulfill sexual desires that are not sanctioned in Scriptures needs to seek help before his sins do find him out. This is where churches often fail their members. Too many are unprepared to give the help that is needed. Others accept almost all lifestyles. Many pastors deny that they have anybody in their congregation who is homosexual or struggles with homosexual temptations. This is very naïve. Most congregations will have enough needful people to start a program that is geared to helping them deal with this issue in harmony with the teachings of God's Word. The problem also raises questions about the effectiveness of some pastors, about why people feel so reluctant to share their personal problems with their spiritual leaders. When Jesus was criticized by the religious leaders of His day for conversing about spiritual matters with sinners, He pointedly corrected them with the words: "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick" (Matthew 9:12). Many people in every congregation need help with their personal problems, whether sexual or non-sexual. Churches in this day and age should be able to meet the needs of their congregations and provide adequate training for their pastors. Only then will they be able to help bring an end to the sexual scandals that constantly hit the headlines! Perhaps what is most needed is a fresh look at the criteria Jesus Christ set for His church when He established it. If you would like a clear presentation of His objectives and instructions for His church, I recommend that you read our candid booklet on this subject. Just request or download your free copy of: The Church Jesus Built.