Presbyterians use three documents to affirm and guide their faith. Historically, Scripture has been interpreted as prohibiting the practice of homosexuality. While many Biblical scholars hold to the historical interpretation, some have challenged interpretations of key texts. Likewise, some New Testament scholars have questioned whether Paul is really such a hard-liner against homosexual activity. If nothing else, the work of these contemporary scholars reminds us that we cannot understand Scripture without thoroughly considering its literary, cultural and theological context.
Scripture prohibits adulterous and homosexual activity.
Moreover, what the Bible says primarily about sexual conduct is that God intends for a man and a woman to live in a monogamous, lifelong relationship with each other. Similarly, our confessions and Book of Order have consistently agreed that living in adultery or homosexuality is a prohibition against ordination as a church officer. If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones.