Interview Follows Controversial Blog by Southern Baptist Seminary President Albert Mohler
Contact: Dane Rose, Faith and Action, 202-546-8329, ext 106, 703-447-1072, DaneRose@FaithAndAction.org
WASHINGTON, Mar. 18 /Christian Newswire/ -- Rev. Rob Schenck (pronounced SHANK), National Clergy Council president and founder of Faith and Action, America's only Christian outreach to government officials located across the street from the US Supreme Court, was interviewed by Washington Post reporter Lynne Duke on March 17, about Southern Baptist Seminary professor Albert Mohler's suggestion there may be a physical cure for homosexual behavior. In a blog posted March 16, Mohler asserted it is likely science will prove a biological component to same-sex attractions. He went on to say a hormone patch to be worn by pregnant women might change a baby's sexual orientation. Such a "fix" should be embraced, he wrote.
"I told the Post I fundamentally agree with Dr. Mohler," said Rev. Schenck. "But when it comes to such a chemical or even surgical 'fix,' we must be extremely prayerful and careful. Toying with a developing child's genetic or biochemical make-up comes dangerously close to violating the sanctity of human life. It's not an easy subject."
Schenck posted his own blog in response to Mohler's and the Washington Post interview. The Post article is the second published on this general subject and involving Schenck. The first, by reporter Alan Cooperman, appeared last year and included comments by Schenck about possible genetic origins of same-sex attractions:
"It was too early for me to talk about it back then," said Schenck, who received a storm of criticism after the front page article appeared, especially from fellow Evangelicals. "I didn't have enough information and my thoughts on the subject were not fully formed. I've had a lot of time and prayerful reflection and investigation since then and have come to better informed conclusions."
Schenck clarifies his position in his latest blog posting, but encourages Christians and church leaders to keep the conversation going. "I don't know a lot about this right now, but what I do know is we must prayerfully have this conversation now so we are not caught off guard in the near future, ill-prepared and unable to give critically important spiritual, biblical and moral insights into whatever discoveries are made, and whatever proposals or actions follow. Let's all keep praying, reading and talking; talking, reading and praying," he concludes.
Sunday's article: The Problem, in A Fundamental Nutshell: 'Is Your Baby Gay?' By Lynne Duke, Washington Post Staff Writer, March 18, 2007; Page D01*
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