In the eyes of Christianity, homosexuality is often seen from different viewpoints based on Biblical interpretation.

There are churches that solely believe in sexual relationships between a man and a woman, while other churches believe God accepts and loves all people and homosexuality was created as a gift.

The recent debate over gay rights has caused a divide in society as well as in the Christian community. Why is it that churches perceive this issue differently?

About six churches spoke their faith at the San Francisco Pride Parade on June 26. Among those churches were the Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco, Dolores Street Baptist Church, and Freedom in Christ Church of San Francisco. The churches held open, welcoming arms out to the gay community, striving to share their faith and support.

“We feel it’s a gift,” said Richard Davis, member of the board of directors at Metropolitan Community Church. “That’s how God made us … (and) it’s a wonderful thing.”

Freedom in Christ Church shared the same ideas.

They said scripture from the Bible can be interpreted in different ways. The church believes being gay or lesbian is not a choice, but the way an individual was created.

“It’s fine. God loves all of us. God made no junk,” said Candice Keller, a member of Freedom in Christ Church.

Dolores Street Baptist Church member Bryan Dixon agreed.

“It’s important to show the gay community they’re accepted. Jesus loves everybody,” said Dixon.

San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom also presented his view on homosexuality.

“We’re all God’s children,” he said. “We’re all different, but we share the same common humanity … how dare we deny someone their God-given rights.”

Newsom is Roman Catholic, and the Catholic church does not approve of same-sex relations.

Glen Lewis, a member of Living Hope Church in Dixon, Calif., said homosexuality was a sin but put the matter in a larger context.

“I believe that homosexuals are no different than any other person," Lewis said. "We are all sinners … no better or no worse than any other person. I do not believe people can live a life of prejudice against somebody just because of their sexual preference, but that is not to say I believe homosexuals are a minority in the sense of African-Americans or Hispanics. I believe some people are born homosexual, but I don’t believe that homosexuality should be encouraged in those who are questioning their sexuality. For many it is just a lifestyle of sin.”

Edward Perry, a member of Parkway Community Church in Fairfield, said he believes homosexuality is a sin.

“We don’t approve of it, but it’s still forgiven by God,” said Perry.

Christianity differs and divides in the way homosexuality is perceived. Churches that support homosexuality state the Bible does not speak of same-sex behavior, while other churches will cite certain verses as the reason for not accepting homesexuality. Some may accept homosexuality as a gift while others view it as a sin. For Christians, the answers and beliefs are all in the interpretation of the reader.

Editor’s Note: Kayla Eddy is a member of the Living Hope Church