At least one delegate to synod indicated that the 'homosexuality' question will become the denomination's next major issue.
I disagree. There is something much more prevalent eating away at the congregation's fabric.
If national statistics hold true for the church, just one percent of Canadians (and presumably Americans) self-identify as having same-gender attractions. In fact, our local church used that very statistic a decade ago when we declared our church a 'safe place' for homosexuals, pointing out that 1 percent of our church membership at the time — 500 — means that 5 people within the congregation are dealing with same-gender attractions.
My strong suspicion is that much more than 1 per cent within any congregation is exposed to or dealing with online pornography. I admit that, when I raised this topic a few months ago, pointing out that there needs to be a safe place for pastors to go who are dealing with pornographic temptation while sitting behind the office desk, the question received very little traction. Maybe pastors and others are more willing to talk about it when it is seen as the 'congregation's' problem.
Many of our churches offer programs for recovering addicts (Celebrate Recovery), and it seems easier to admit one's addiction to alcohol or eating disorders, than it does to pornography.
Sociologists will be able to wax eloquent on the latest study pointing out the serious effects upon family and others as a result of pornography. Seems to me to be more relevant than whether or not one of our members has a same-gender attraction.
