The Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church has taken a tough stance on same-sex marriage.
According to its worldwide leader, Ted Wilson, the church only goes by what is found in the Bible, which is clearly against homosexuality and same-sex marriage.
“Regardless of whether something appears to be politically correct or not, we stand on what the word of God says,” Mr. Wilson said during his first official visit to The Bahamas on Saturday.
“We do it in such a way that we share the love of Christ and stand on what the scripture says. In terms of homosexuality and gay marriage, the Bible is absolutely opposed to that. This is not something the Seventh Day Adventist Church has manufactured or concocted in any way. It comes directly from the Bible.”
Mr. Wilson went on to express disappointment in religious bodies that agree with same-sex marriage, as he believes the church should be solely based on what is found in the Bible.
He said he does recognise that people have different opinions and he does not believe in hurting those who have opposing views.
He however encouraged Christians to go back to the Bible for direction, particularly on this divisive issue.
“In reality, we would not support gay marriage or homosexual activity and we believe the Lord can give each of us victory over sinful tendencies and that that is his wonderful grace and power that is available to all of us,” Mr. Wilson said.
“I know that people will exercise their love and compassion as they help people realize the beauty of the power of God in everyday life.”
Pastor Wilson also briefly touched on ethical issues surrounding stem cell research, noting that his church supports any type of scientific research as it does not involve the loss of human life.
In recent weeks, there has been a heated debate over stem cell being taken from aborted fetuses, a practice the pastor shuns.
“When it comes to the challenges that are faced when there is the potential for difficult situation in a pregnancy and that kind of thing, we plead with individuals, which of course is their personal decision. But we certainly advocate the preservation of life in all situations and we urge our hospitals to also adhere to that principle as well,” he said.
The government is hoping to pass legislation giving the green light to stem cell research and therapy in The Bahamas.
The proposed bill would create a regulatory regime covering all aspects of stem cell research including testing stem cells in people and on clinical research. This includes bench research in laboratories as well as non-human animal research.
It will also prohibit and deter procedures that are unethical or scientifically unfounded, such as human reproductive cloning.
Minister of Grand Bahama, Dr. Michael Darville has revealed that over 20 potential stem cell groups have expressed an interest in learning more about The Bahamas’ plans for the controversial procedure.
Stem cells are “mother cells” that have the potential to become any type of cell in the body.
One of its main characteristics is its ability to self-renew or multiply while maintaining the potential to develop into other types of cells.
Pastor Wilson left the country yesterday, with hopes of visiting a Family Island next time.
