United Church of Christ accused of apostasy for sponsoring Gay Games

Gaystarnews.com | August 13, 2014

US Christian news websites CrossMap and ChristianNews.net circulated by the Christian News Network have accused members of America’s United Church of Christ of committing apostasy by being a major sponsor of this year’s Gay Games, accusing them of abandoning Biblical principles.

‘Being the Silver Sponsor, Apostate United Church of Christ Sponsoring Ohio’s Gay Games,’ one headline read.

The following articles claimed that the United Church of Christ ‘is considered to be apostate by biblical Christians’ and accused it of being ‘outside of biblical orthodoxy’ for being welcoming and affirming of LGBTI people.

The United Church of Christ is a Silver Sponsor of this year’s Gay Games, which are being held this week in Cleveland Ohio until Saturday, and over 30 of its congregations contributed donations to make that possible.

In addition to the sponsorship, two senior United Church of Christ staff are competing in the games in running, swimming and golfing events.

The church hopes to use the event to show that not all faiths reject LGBTI people.

‘It’s a win-win offer of support that will enable the United Church of Christ to be listed among the Gay Games’ top corporate sponsors,’ openly gay UCC national officer J Bennett Guess said ahead of the games.

‘Organizers realize that the UCC can play an integral and important role in dispelling the pervasive myth that all people of faith are anti-gay, and we are excited to share our message of extravagant welcome and radical inclusivity.’

In Christianity apostasy is defined as a willful falling away from, or rebellion against, ‘Christian truths.’

Source: http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/us-united-church-christ-accused-apostasy-sponsoring-gay-games130814#sthash.tOjT2d7l.dpuf