Posted by
Mark McConnell on Wednesday, December 13, 2006 12:34:41 PM
As a preemptive measure against a rumored plot to disclose the homosexual activity of
Rev. Paul Barnes, the Denver pastor admitted to his church's board of elders that he is "guilty of infidelity", and resigned. The rumor came to light through an anonymous phone-call, in which the caller revealed having "
overheard a
conversation in which someone mentioned 'blowing the whistle' on
evangelical preachers engaged in homosexuality, including Barnes".
In a tearful videotaped message, Barnes revealed his struggle and failures to the congregation, according to a December 11 story in the Denver Post. (h/t Jollyblogger).
Updates:
- A follow-up story in the Post, Rev. Barnes, ex-church chart future.
I'm not sure why the headline says "ex-church". It appears that the neither the church nor the ex-pastor intend removal from the church. The article says that Barnes offered details, and assured the elders that there are no children or church members involved. Nevertheless, a spokesman said that the church anticipates that more revelations will be forthcoming. So far, it appears that the elders and other members have reacted in an exemplary way. - Another follow-up, Gay scandals could spark compassion:
Comments from Tony Compolo and H.B. London Jr. are profitable.
- Frankly, this is another example of the disgrace of the Wesleyan doctrine of "entire sanctification" or "sinless perfection" - not the version that is taught (because who teaches it anymore?), but the version that is believed regardless of what is taught. Many believe that "real Christians" don't do such things, or they can't do such things. If he does such things, it is denied that he is a real Christian; or otherwise, if it cannot be denied that he is a believer, then the sinfulness of what he has done is doubted.