Statement On Sexuality

There is great confusion and disagreement within American culture (and, sadly, within the American church) on issues of sexuality and gender identity. New Yorkers for Constitutional Freedoms (NYCF) is an evangelical Christian organization that defends God’s truth about these important matters. The purpose of this Statement on Sexuality and Gender Identity is to clearly set forth what we believe about sexuality and gender identity and why we believe it.

1. God made humankind male and female (Genesis 1:27) and ordained marriage as the union of husband and wife (Genesis 2:18-24).

A person’s sex is not a haphazard biological accident, a personal choice, or a social construct; rather, it is an integral, God-given part of a person’s identity.

2. God places boundaries on human sexual behavior for our good.

God created sexual intercourse and called it good (Genesis 1:28, 31). However, sex is only good when it is placed within its proper context; outside that context, it is destructive (II Samuel 11:1-12:14; Proverbs 5; Revelation 21:8). Sexual expression should only occur within the marital relationship between husband and wife (Genesis 2:24-25; I Corinthians 7:2; Hebrews 13:4).  Married men and women are called upon by God to remain faithful to their respective spouses (Exodus 20:14) and persons who are not married are called to abstain from sexual behavior (I Corinthians 6:18-20).

3. The Bible forbids homosexual behavior.

Some people experience what is known as same-sex (homosexual) attraction. Such persons feel sexual or romantic attractions to members of the same sex. In the 21^st century United States, homosexuality is celebrated as a positive good, and persons experiencing same-sex attraction are often encouraged to adopt lesbian, gay, or bisexual identities. While most people do not experience sexual orientation as a matter of choice, sexual behavior is a matter of choice. God loves persons who experience same-sex attraction, and He clearly and unequivocally forbids His children from engaging in homosexual relationships and behaviors (Romans 1:18-32; I Corinthians 6:9-10; I Timothy 1:9-11).

4. Sex is an immutable characteristic.

Some people experience a condition known as gender dysphoria in which they feel great discomfort with their biological sex and feel a desire to dress or identify as a member of the opposite sex, or as someone who is genderless or gender-fluid. Although it is possible for a person to use hormones or surgery to make his or her body more like the body of a person of the opposite sex, it is impossible for a person to truly change his or her sex. When a man claims to be a woman or a woman claims to be a man, such claims are dishonest (Ephesians 4:25). The Bible expresses God’s disapproval of actions that blur the distinction between male and female (Deuteronomy 22:5; I Corinthians 11:4-6).

5. We oppose parental abuse or rejection of youths due to same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria.

Young people experiencing same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria need love and compassion. Parental rejection and unsafe home environments can be devastating to young people, including youths with same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria. Loving a child does not require a parent to affirm that child’s adoption of an LGBT identity or approve of his choices.  Similarly, it does not require a parent to allow illegal, immoral, or disruptive behavior in the home. NYCF humbly encourages Christian parents not to react to a child’s struggles with sexuality or gender out of anger, but to love that child, speak the truth, and seek godly counsel.

6. Persons experiencing same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria should be encouraged to pursue holiness.

Some churches have welcomed and affirmed persons identifying as LGBT without speaking Biblical truth to them (thus displaying grace without truth). Other churches have spoken the truth about sexuality and gender in a harsh or punitive manner (thus displaying truth without grace). God’s people are called upon to display both grace and truth (I Corinthians 13:4-6) to persons experiencing same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria.

The causes of same-sex attraction are complex and disputed, but this much is clear: Same-sex attraction is not genetically hardwired, and some people who seek to resolve unwanted same-sex attraction are able—with God’s help—to do so (Proverbs 3:3-4). Our organization respectfully encourages churches to instruct Christians experiencing same-sex attraction to refrain from acting upon that attraction, to ground their identities in Christ rather than embracing LGBT identities, and to pursue holiness, whether God calls them to remain single or to marry members of the opposite sex.^[1] Similarly, we respectfully encourages churches to instruct Christians experiencing gender dysphoria to avoid the futile quest to become a member of the opposite sex. Churches are encouraged to point believers toward resources that provide help and healing to persons struggling with sexuality and gender-related concerns.

While our organization does not endorse any single approach to assisting persons who wish to resolve unwanted same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria, change therapy has been helpful for some individuals. Regarding change therapy, we support client autonomy, parental involvement for minors, appropriate boundaries between counselor and client, and professional therapy availability.

Same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria, by themselves, do not disqualify a believer from church membership or participation in ministry. However, unrepentant sin does disqualify a believer from church membership (I Corinthians 5:9-13), as does the embrace of false teachings about homosexuality or other matters (Romans 16:17-18).

7. Persons with same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27), are deeply loved by Him, and should be treated with dignity and respect.

Christians have not consistently treated persons with same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria the way that we would wish to be treated. Over the years, our failures in this regard have caused pain to our neighbors who have these experiences. In some instances, our reactions to persons with same-sex attraction or gender dysphoria have unintentionally encouraged them to embrace LGBT identities. The Bible calls Christians to love our neighbors (Mark 12:29-31) even when we disagree with them. Our organization condemns violence, bullying, and hateful rhetoric directed at any person for any reason.

8. We uphold Biblical principles on sexuality and gender in the public policy arena.

Our organization supports policies that promote religious freedom for churches, nonprofits, businesses, and individuals. NYCF opposes policies that penalize those who live out Christian beliefs about sexuality and gender.

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[1]  Persons experiencing same-sex attraction should not be urged to use marriage as a “cure” for their attractions; however, marriage may be an option for a believer whose same-sex attractions have diminished or ceased.