Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

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Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

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Gay pastor shares experiences, biblical interpretations

Pastor Jeffrey Phillips says he tries fit in. He went to college, joined a fraternity, worked in a law firm and lived in the suburbs.

But Phillips, who spoke about his experiences as a gay pastor Wednesday night at University Christian Ministry, 1834 Chicago Ave., said the life he leads is difficult.

“I’m one of the few openly gay pastors in this nation,” Phillips told about 30 audience members of varying ethnicities, faiths and sexual orientations at the event co-sponsored by Rainbow Alliance.

“This is one of the most compelling topics in religion today, ” he said.

Phillips serves as an interim pastor of the local chapter of United Church of Christ in Champaign where he helps guide churches searching for permanent pastors.

“I remember being called to serve in the ministry before becoming aware of my sexual orientation,” he said.

But Phillips didn’t always dream of devoting his life to Christianity.

Upon graduating from college, he worked in a law firm for a brief period.

“I decided that divinity school sounded a lot better than law school,” said Phillips, drawing quiet laughter from the audience.

After completing his study at Harvard Divinity School, Phillips had a choice to make – whether to come out as a gay man.

For the first 10 years of his ministry, Phillips didn’t disclose his sexual orientation.

“I wasn’t being myself,” he said. “I had to dance around something that is deeply constituent to human personality – our sexuality.”

Phillips traveled to Africa in 1994 as a missionary and completed various community service outreach projects.

Upon his return, he served as an openly gay pastor in five churches affiliated with the United Church of Christ, one of the few denominations in the United States that accept openly gay and lesbian pastors. The church oversees more than 100 pastors of different sexual orientations.

Audience members asked about Phillips’ interpretations of the Bible and how he explains references in scripture to homosexuality as sinful.

Phillips noted that the Bible focuses primarily on homoerotic behavior rather than homosexuality.

“The Bible didn’t have an awareness of homosexuality,” he said. “It is a document to be interpreted. It’s no different from the Constitution or one of Dickens’ novels. There isn’t just one way to understand it. Religion is multifaceted.”

Phillips also gave advice to gay men who want to become pastors.

A strong sense of self, a solid academic background, a keen ability to recognize homophobia, the strength to endure criticism and a deep faith are among many qualities that openly gay pastors should display, Phillips said.

“A deep, profound faith is key,” Phillips said. “My God is a God of grace, not judgment. My God is a God who is moving forward, not backward.”

Phillips said he draws his courage from a variety of sources, including the United Church of Christ Coalition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Concerns, and more importantly, his family.

“If it weren’t for the love of my partner and my family, I wouldn’t be here today, ” he said.

Not everyone in the audience agreed with Phillips’ views of homosexuality.

“Homosexuality is a sin,” said Joseph Rivera, a Weinberg sophomore, who added that homosexual pastors shouldn’t be allowed to serve.

Rivera, a religion major, went on to point out that he didn’t agree with a majority of Phillips’ philosophy.

Other audience members, such as McCormick freshman Tom Sills, appreciated Phillips’ thoughts.

“He’s exposed me to something new,” he said.

Julie Windsor Mitchell, a graduate of Harvard Divinity School and campus minister of University Christian Ministry, said she feels inspired by Phillips’ fortitude.

“I have a great respect for Jeffrey’s ministry,” she said. “He is so courageous.”

Shom Dasgupta, a Weinberg sophomore, expressed admiration for the point of view Phillips shared.

“What Phillips is doing is awesome,” said Dasgupta, a religion major. “He’s broadening people’s perspectives and teaching us not to pigeonhole religion.”

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Gay pastor shares experiences, biblical interpretations