Here - International Pentecostal Holiness Church

May 14, 2010
Page 97 of 132
Chaplain, Colonel Gary Linsky
United States Air Force
SUBJECT: Endorser input on the Repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” Legislation and
Practicing Homosexuals Serving in the Military
From: The International Pentecostal Holiness Church, Inc.
P. O. Box 12609
Oklahoma City, OK 73157-2609
Dear Chaplain Linsky:
First of all, we want to thank the members of the Comprehensive Review
Working Group for taking the initiative to invite the Chaplain Endorsing Agencies
to express their concerns about the possible impact on the military and our
chaplains in the event that the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” legislation is repealed.
Our denomination is a member of the National Association of Evangelicals. This
diverse body of evangelicals represents over 45,000 local churches from over 40
different denominations and serves a constituency of millions. We are an affiliate
member of the National Association of Evangelicals Chaplains Commission with
over 1,000 military chaplains, and I serve as the Vice Chairman.
It was in 1985 that the NAE (National Association of Evangelicals) affirmed that
“the sexual relationship between a man and a woman within the bounds of
marriage is something natural and beautiful” and that “homosexual activity, like
adulterous relationships, is clearly condemned in Scriptures.” In addition, we
affirmed that “the Bible records God’s historic judgment on societies
characterized by this deviant behavior.” The Apostle Paul in writing to the
Romans clearly teaches that the practice of homosexuality is a degrading and
unnatural passion (Romans 1:26-27). In his letter to the Corinthians Paul defines
the practice of homosexuality as a sin that brings devastating consequences (1
Corinthians 6:9-10).
In 2004, the NAE affirmed that “We believe that homosexuality is not an
inherited condition in the same category as race, gender, or national origin, all of
which are free from moral implication. We believe that homosexuality is a
deviation from the Creator’s plan for human sexuality.” We also “affirmed that
homosexuals can be forgiven, cleansed and healed of their behavior and be
restored to healthy and godly living.” We called on “pastors and theologians,
along with medical and sociological specialists within the Christian community to
expand research on the factors which give rise to homosexuality and to develop
therapy, pastoral care, and congregational support leading to complete
restoration.”
COB Meeting July 19-20, 2010