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Introduction to the New Book
(The following is an introduction to Why the Church of the Nazarene Should be Fully LGBTQ+ Affirming) The essays in this book were written in response to an invitation. We (Tom and Alexa) invited people to contribute to a book we would title, “Why the Church of the Nazarene Should be Fully LGBTQ+ Affirming.” You’re…
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Steve McCormick’s Testimony at Oord Queer Trial
Orthodox Christian Dogma Cannot Stand Alone. Only Love Can Stand Today, as we continue to move ever closer to the ecclesial precipice from which we cannot return, I would like to make a sincere plea to all of our better angels before we determine not only Tom Oord’s future in the Church of the Nazarene…
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Bethany Raya’s Testimony for Oord’s Queer Church Trial
By Bethany Raya “Power properly understood is nothing but the ability to achieve purpose. It is the strength required to bring about social, political, and economic change…” —Martin Luther King, Jr. In Western culture, the word “power” often makes us uncomfortable. After all, we have seen time and time again how politics, religion, and individuals…
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Eric Severson’s Testimony at Oord’s Queer Trial
Dear David Busic, Gary Hartke, Scott Shaw, and anyone else concerned, Thomas Jay Oord has asked me to serve as a witness in light of accusations and trials related to his vocal support for inclusion of LGBTQIA persons in the Church of the Nazarene. I read this recent request: “To ask the RBOD to require…
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Keegan Osinski’s Testimony at Oord’s Trial
Thomas Oord is charged with teaching doctrine out of harmony with the Church of the Nazarene by calling for inclusion and affirmation of LGBTQ+ people. However, given the Manual statement on human sexuality and marriage (paragraph 31 in the Covenant of Christian Conduct) and the Articles of Faith (primarily Articles V [Sin, Original and Personal]…
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Sam Powell’s Testimony at Oord’s Trial
Since, “the prosecution has the burden of proving guilt to a moral certainty and beyond a reasonable doubt” my goal this morning is to raise reasonable doubt the charge of conduct unbecoming of a minister. Before responding to individual points of the charge, I want to observe that the Manual offers no definition of this…
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Kara Hudson’s Testimony at Oord Trial
On July 25, 2024, Thomas Jay Oord was tried by the Church of the Nazarene for his views on LGBTQ+ matters. As part of his defense, he asked several people to testify on his behalf. Some could do so in person, others joined by Zoom. For a portion of Oord’s own defense, see his book My…
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Craig Keen’s Testimony at Oord’s Trial
On July 25, 2024, Thomas Jay Oord was tried by the Church of the Nazarene for his views on LGBTQ+ matters. As part of his defense, he asked several people to testify on his behalf. Some could do so in person, others joined by Zoom. For a portion of Oord’s own defense, see his book…
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Where Do Gaybies Come From?
by Michael Joseph Brennan In response to my support for Thomas Oord, a friend asked, “Why do you stay in the Nazarene denomination rather than find an affirming church? Why do you fight the denomination?” I replied, “I don’t fight the denomination; I support queer people. If Nazarenes stop having gay babies, then no one…
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How I Became Queer Affirming
by: Randall Hartman The feeling was surreal as I entered the room. In the center of the room a series of tables resembled one large table. Around those tables sat “jurors”, many who were ministerial colleagues. Their task was to decide if I was guilty of the formal charge of teaching doctrine contrary to the…
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Part Two
God’s power is persuasive rather than coercive. This means that God works through love and influence rather than force, encouraging the flourishing of all creation in a way that respects human freedom and diversity.