EPISCOPALIANS UNITED We're young. We're queer. We're gonna rule the world!" "Sodomy is love!" "Civil rights or civil war!" November 12, 1993 Dear ------ These refrains, heard repeatedly at the Gay March in Washington, D.C. last April, now echo across our land and into the sanctuaries of our churches. Just a few years ago, it seemed beyond belief that homosexuals could ever have much influence in America -- let alone in our Church! Yet today, by a misleading campaign of "civil rights" and through a process of deliberate subversion, they have gained a widespread following. We must no longer deny it! Many of us know one or more homosexuals. But we must not let individual personalities blind us to the ugliness of the gay agenda. Among the demands they posted in Washington are: Repeal of all sodomy laws and legalization of all forms of sexual expression. Changing the age of consent to allow sex with children. Legalization of adoption, child custody and foster care for homosexual couples. Inclusion of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and trans- genders in education and child care. It's time to stop pretending that our Church is safe from attack. The fact is, radical homosexuals are closer than ever to securing the power and influence they need to impose key parts of their agenda on millions of faithful Episcopalians like you and me at the 1994 General Convention. If they are to be stopped, we must act now. If we don't stop them now, then it will be impossible to restrain even the most radical elements of the pro-homosexual movement. I am very reluctant to raise this subject with you again, and yet it is absolutely necessary. I would much rather write about our efforts to bring renewal through discipleship, prayer, and provisions of biblically sound educational resources for our children, youth, and adults. I'd rather tell you about how hurting people have been healed, forgiven, restored, and transformed by God's mighty power -- after years of captivity to depression, guilt, alcohol, drugs, and sexual abuse. But because the pro-homosexual lobby is relentless ... because the soul of our Church is at stake ... because the authority of Holy Scripture is challenged ... and because of recent new developments ... AVOIDING THE SUBJECT IS NOT AN OPTION! Once scripture has been circumvented, we expose ourselves to all sorts of ungodly possibilities. Our seminaries were established to train leaders for our Church who will serve God. But in a stunning betrayal of this mission, some of them are now turning out graduates with a far different goal -- to further the homosexual agenda. Carter Heyward, an avowed lesbian and an ordained Episcopal priest is professor of theology at Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In her book, "Touching our Strength: The Erotic as Power and the Love of God," she writes, "The Bible is not, therefore, a 'sacred text' in the traditional sense of being able to stand by itself, immune from critical accountability ... " This book is recommended reading for the sexuality dialogues in our church! And that's only the beginning: Heyward's concept of moral accountability denies clear biblical teaching: "We are first and finally moral monads, accountable to the pangs of our own God- consciousness, not to a God whose justice may be calling us to account ... " Regarding sin, she quotes Robert Williams: "I believe that for gay men, as for most women, the original sin is not pride but shame. The way of salvation, then, the overcoming of sin, is through pride ... To be able to say 'I'm gay and I'm proud' is a salvific act." Carter Heyward is training the future leaders of our Church with lies that come straight from the pit of hell. Our trust has been betrayed. We must fight back! And while Heyward has been open about her beliefs, not all the attacks against the integrity of our Church have been conducted in the open. In September, Otis Charles, former Bishop of Utah, retired as Dean of Episcopal Divinity School and abruptly announced his homosexuality -- a secret he kept hidden throughout his many years of service. He intends to divorce his wife of 42 years and move to San Francisco. I am deeply angered that Bishop Charles influenced the decisions of our Church and worked to prepare the priests who now serve our parishes. He betrayed our trust and the holy oath he swore when he accepted his office. And now we are applauding this man for his honesty? How ironic. What's worse, Bishop Charles will continue to influence Church decisions. In part because of Bishop Charles' betrayal, the pro- homosexual agenda is now seriously threatening our families and our Church. WE MUST ALL BECOME INVOLVED TO STOP IT. In yet another tragic development, longtime Integrity member Thomas K. Chu has been appointed Episcopal Church Center staff officer for Young Adult and Higher Education Ministries. The subversion of our Church continues ... And we will never stop this subversion unless we first change the complexion of our Church leadership to reflect the biblical views of the vast majority of our laity -- and it won't be easy. That's why we desperately need your support today. We must resist this subversion by radical homosexual elements. And we must have a decisive impact at the 1994 General Convention. As I mentioned in my last letter, it is absolutely crucial to elect a moderate or conservative as the new Vice President of the House of Deputies ... and we must also ensure a fair balance on the committee which will nominate candidates to replace Presiding Bishop Edmond L. Browning when his term ends in 1997. We're already working hard with deputies to build alliances, prepare position papers, and research the backgrounds and teachings of potential candidates. Now we need your help. There is also an urgent need to educate the people in our parishes about the pro-homosexual threat. So, in return for your help, I want to send you two vital resources -- a shocking video entitled, GAY RIGHTS: SPECIAL RIGHTS, and a highly informative book with a plan for action entitled, A WHOLESOME EXAMPLE. GAY RIGHTS, SPECIAL RIGHTS is perhaps the single most compelling presentation I have ever experienced. It will actually take you behind the scenes of the militant homosexual movement, to see and hear their leaders explain their strategy to take control of American public life and thought. You'll hear of their plans to infiltrate churches. Much of this video was shot undercover. Some of this video will be extremely disturbing. It is definitely not appropriate for children. A WHOLESOME EXAMPLE will equip you with the bedrock biblical view of human sexuality in a clear, concise package you can use when friends ask about your stand on the issue. And while you are using these powerful tools in your parish and with your friends, Episcopalians United will be using your gift to make essential preparations for the 1994 General Convention. Your gift today will help us assure your fair representation at the General Convention. We plan to be at every deputy meeting, every debate, and every testimony to represent your views. And if you can help Episcopalians United fight against the pro-homosexual agenda with a gift of $35 or more, I'll send you your choice of either of these two dynamic resources. If you can help with a gift of $60 or more, I'll send you both. Please ask God right now about His role for you in this crucial battle, then send the most generous gift you can to help us keep fighting. All the radical homosexuals need to win is the silence of faithful people like you and me. They must not get it. Please join Episcopalians United in making a critical difference for our Church, our children, and our grandchildren. Don't hide from the facts any longer. Please write today! In Christ, /s/ The Rev. Todd H. Wetzel Executive Director P.S. The 1994 General Convention could be our last chance to change the direction of our beloved Episcopal Church. We can make a difference, but only if you help. We simply must have your gift today. We can't wait any longer! [handwritten addition to letter] Dear Friend, Since this letter was prepared, there have been two new developments which further underline the need for immediate action to save our Church. In San Francisco, gay and lesbian activists invaded an evangelical church to disrupt a service because they objected to its biblical message regarding homosexuality. Between 75 and 100 protesters overran the church grounds and blocked the doors. They shouted, threw rocks, grabbed at, and threatened church members as they entered and left the service. Rioters also tore down the church's Christian flag and replaced it with a rainbow banner (a symbol of homosexual rights). According to the pastor, elderly and physically disabled residents were terrified, as were children inside the church who heard the mob shouting, "We want your children. Give us your children." The second development involves the Youth Ministries Office at Episcopal Church Center. Some time ago, this office released a brochure entitled "What Young People Should Know About Aids." Incredibly, it was sent at Church expense to thousands of youth across the nation. The back cover of the brochure instructs young people to call 1-800-767-4297 for "vital life and death information" provided by a "counseling" hotline operated by the National Gay and Lesbian Task force. However, the number is actually that of "Manfinder." It advises callers to stay on the line for "the hottest gay phone sex around." A mistake? Maybe. But this time it touches our children. Can we doubt any longer what the radical homosexuals are planning for our families and our Church. I don't think so. We must stop them NOW! Your gift today is URGENT. Please don't delay any longer. Todd H. Wetzel