Emphatic denial

(The following statement was released on April 6 by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco, which oversees Greek Orthodox churches in Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. The statement came after backers of SB 48 – the homosexual indoctrination bill pending in the state legislature -- claimed support from the Greek Orthodox Church.)

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco has been a member of various faith based organizations with the purpose of witnessing and sharing the teachings of our Christian Orthodox Faith. Membership in such organizations, however, does not mean that the Greek Orthodox Church accepts or supports initiatives that may be taken by a particular organization.

Recently, the Los Angeles Times reported on an initiative being encouraged by the California Council of Churches. Since that article has been published, other news agencies have picked up the announcement questioning the statement, “Greek Orthodox Church supports gay-themed science education?” The lobbying efforts of the California Council of Churches are being spearheaded by California Church Impact. This lobbying group has wrongfully represented the Greek Orthodox Church and Her teachings regarding gay, lesbian and transgender acceptance.

The Los Angeles Times has reported that the Greek Orthodox Church supports California Senate Bill 48, that is winding through the California State Legislature to “study of the role and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Americans… to the economic, political and social development of California and the United States of America, with particular emphasis on portraying the role of these groups in contemporary society.”

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco emphatically denies participating or making any statement in support of that effort.

The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco is dedicated to the teachings established by our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ as confessed by the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. The teachings of the Christian Orthodox Church are based on Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition that affirm that God has created male and female in His image and according to His likeness (Genesis 1:27-31). It is in the love and mercy expressed by Jesus Himself that we offer our spiritual care to all humanity.

We believe that God calls all people to holiness (Eph. 1:4; 1 Pet. 1:15-16). In as such, one’s conduct and moral principles must be in harmony with Holy Scripture and Holy Tradition. Supporting any initiative for a study on the moral and political influence of a way of life contrary to Christian Orthodox teachings cannot be accepted.

From http://www.calcatholic.com/