Now I come to the most important reason of all. I see no condemnation for those of homosexual orientation in the words of Jesus, my Lord and model. I do see and hear condemnation for those who interpreted the Scriptures and formed their own human laws. But I see Jesus loving and identifying with all persons who were marginalized and shamed by others.

In answer to a lawyer's question about which commandment in the law was the greatest, Jesus said, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the greatest and first commandment. And the second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets" (Matthew 22:37-40).

I am sick and tired of the terms "heterosexual" and "homosexual," and I long for the day when we no longer label one another, but reach out in love and caring concern for each other. Then we can admit that we do not have all the answers and trust God to show us how to listen to each other and accept each other with love, as we allow each person to have the freedom that God gives to all of us.

I wonder what history will record about the decisions made by the church in 1995 and 1997. I believe God is weeping for all God's children.