The Seventh-day Adventist Church recognizes that every human being is valuable in the eyes of God and seeks to minister to all men and women in the spirit of Jesus. It also believes that by God’s grace and through the encouragement of the faith community, an individual can live in harmony with the principles of God’s Word.
Seventh-day Adventists believe that sexual intimacy is appropriate solely within the marital relationship between a man and a woman. This was the design established by God at Creation. Scripture declares: “That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24, NIV). Throughout Scripture, this heterosexual standard is affirmed. The Bible does not make accommodation for homosexual activity or relationships. Sexual acts outside the circle of heterosexual marriage are prohibited (Leviticus 18:5-23, 26; Leviticus 20:7-21; Romans 1:24-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Jesus Christ reaffirmed the intention of divine creation: “Haven’t you read that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’? So they are no longer two, but one flesh” (Matthew 19:4-6, NIV). For these reasons, Seventh-day Adventists oppose homosexual practices and relationships.
Seventh-day Adventists strive to follow the instruction and example of Jesus. He affirmed the dignity of all human beings and compassionately reached out to people and families suffering the consequences of sin. He offered a caring ministry and words of comfort to those who struggle, while distinguishing His love for sinners from His clear teaching on sinful practices. As disciples, Seventh-day Adventists strive to follow the instruction and example of the Lord, living a life of compassion and faithfulness similar to Christ’s.