[achilles2000]

I agree that clerics should not discriminate against anyone — this is Biblical.”

Not “discriminate” against anyone? To discriminate against is to treat differently - how about pedophiles? Murderers? and, of course, sodomites? These are all abominations. A clergyman who doesn’t discriminate against them inside and outside the pulpit in both word and deed is unfit for office. I would also add that failing to “discriminate” is not Biblical. Our actual obligation is to use Biblical standards when we do.

Discrimination in favor of, and against, some things and some people is not only necessary and unavoidable, to fail to do so would be grossly immoral.

[mlocher]

A cleric has the responsibility to share Jesus Christ with all people. He may alter how he approaches a person it based on that person's sin, but his responsibility is clear.

As I stated earlier, the congregation (not necessarily the cleric) has the responsibility to keep it membership free from "defect" (so to speak), and this is Biblical. By the way, when a congregation excommunicates a person, it is a JUDGMENT, not descrimination.