Some of the NARTH speakers were really gripping. I really enjoyed the talk by Bishop John David Schofield. He discussed the journey of his (formerly) Episcopal diocese in Fresno into a new network of churches when the Episcopals strayed from the authority of scripture. He quoted this text to support and explain the move: (People will be) "lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God -- having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them. (2 Timothy 3:4-5)
He went on to describe the remarkable work of New Creation Ministries with the sexually broken in Fresno. Their major fund raising event was overwhelmed with QueerNation followers continually blowing whistles. It was deafening and disorienting, but the 600 attenders began praying and worshipping. Eventually, police arrived in riot gear to dispel the rebels. When all was said and done, the event yielded a tremendous offering, prompting the Bishop to jokingly ask the ministry director how much it cost to ship in the activists from San Francisco.
Finally, he shared some first-hand experience of California politics. At great cost, the Fresno mayor ("Bubba" from television, and I still don't know who that is) and a leading Pastor led the fight against the gay marriage amendment in Fresno, organizing a huge rally on the courthouse steps. Eventually, each needed police protection from, as the Bishop noted, a community that desires tolerance, acceptance and diversity.
He went on to describe the remarkable work of New Creation Ministries with the sexually broken in Fresno. Their major fund raising event was overwhelmed with QueerNation followers continually blowing whistles. It was deafening and disorienting, but the 600 attenders began praying and worshipping. Eventually, police arrived in riot gear to dispel the rebels. When all was said and done, the event yielded a tremendous offering, prompting the Bishop to jokingly ask the ministry director how much it cost to ship in the activists from San Francisco.
Finally, he shared some first-hand experience of California politics. At great cost, the Fresno mayor ("Bubba" from television, and I still don't know who that is) and a leading Pastor led the fight against the gay marriage amendment in Fresno, organizing a huge rally on the courthouse steps. Eventually, each needed police protection from, as the Bishop noted, a community that desires tolerance, acceptance and diversity.
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