Reverend Thomas Jay Oord Loses Credentials for Advocating LGBTQ Inclusion at Church of the Nazarene
The verdict was announced Saturday night (July 28) by the Regional Disciplinary Board, which said Oord taught doctrines that were at odds with the Church of the Nazarene’s statement. “We conclude unanimously, with moral certainty and beyond a reasonable doubt…that Thomas Jay Oord is guilty of conduct unbecoming a minister,” the court said.
The Church of the Nazarene maintains that “the practice of same-sex sexual intimacy is contrary to the will of God.” The court cited a book written by Oord and his daughter, Alexa Oord, titled “Why the Church of the Nazarene Must Be Fully LGBTQ+ Affirming” as evidence of their dissenting positions.
Oord’s trial took place on July 25, following a similar verdict last year against Selden Kelley, a San Diego Nazarene minister who was also defrocked for advocating dialogue on queer issues.
The five-page ruling was emailed to Oord late Saturday. The church court criticized Oord for repeatedly defying church rules and showing no remorse or willingness to submit to church authority.
Oord, when reached, expressed disappointment but not surprise at the decision. “I had hoped that the church could be a place for me and those like me who fully affirm queer people and support their allies.”
Samuel Powell, a retired professor of theology at Point Loma Nazarene University, said Oord’s sentence was unprecedented and was seen as punitive. “The expulsion was not unexpected, but expelling him from the association is harsh and vindictive,” Powell said.
By Ezatamentchy
Source: Maxima
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