[3096] Gay Christians’ eligibility for theological education enters PCT radar

Gay Christians’ eligibility for theological education enters PCT radar

Reported by staff reporters

Written by Lydia Ma

When three PCT seminaries held their respective convocations this summer, a small and colorful handmade windmill adorning a corner of an aisle at Taiwan Theological College and Seminary’s (TTCS) auditorium caught some people’s attention. The windmill had been placed by Tong-Kwang Lighthouse Presbyterian Church (a church not affiliated with the PCT) to celebrate the graduation of one of its own – Chen Wei-jen – and to draw attention to the plight of gays in obtaining a formal degree at PCT seminaries.

According to reports, Chen Wei-jen, a self-avowed homosexual, had obtained a bachelor’s degree from National Chengchi University’s Department of Management Information Systems. He applied to TTCS’s Master of Divinity (M.Div.) program but was denied admission when he admitted his sexual orientation during the admission oral exam. TTCS professors later encouraged him to apply for the school’s bachelor-level certificate program, which he completed this year.

While Chen was enrolled in the first year of this program, he reapplied for the M.Div. program, but his application was denied. This year, he applied again and his application was again denied. Though many professors have privately debated over the right to theological education for all and some faculty believe application to theological programs shouldn’t be rejected on the basis of sexual orientation, faculty at TTCS are striving to submit to the leadership of the school for now.  

During the convocation, TTCS Acting President Chen Shang-jen quoted Romans 1:1 to convey the school’s expectations and wishes for its newest alumni. He admonished them to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice to God and to be effective in their ministries. He also cautioned them against conforming to the world and reminded them to test everything.

In related news, a seminar on how to reach out to gays and how churches can help parents with gay children was held on June 12, 2011, hosted by Promise Giver Christian Action Network. The network’s members include anyone in the Christian community who is either gay or supports gay Christians. The seminar’s goal is to provide professional training to churches so that they know how to respond to questions and challenges gay people have in their lives in a helpful manner.

The seminar’s speaker, Wang Jung-yi, underscored that no one can confidently say that he has a 100% hold of the truth, but love is very close to the truth. Unfortunately, when churches face the gays, they often act self-righteously as though they are absolutely certain gays must be living outside God’s will. Some churches are quick to pressure or condemn gays, forgetting the latter needs God’s love just like anyone else.

Commenting on TTCS’s refusal to admit Chen Wei-jen to its M.Div. program, Wang said he opposed such a decision on the grounds that admission criteria shouldn’t be determined by whether school leaders are gay-friendly. He pointed out that there is currently no written regulations within TTCS that says gays are not eligible to apply for a Master’s program. Hence, he believes gay rights is about gender rights and must be decided through a good discussion in the PCT General Assembly.