At 22, I chose to pursue those attractions and for eleven years, I was an active homosexual. For six of those years, I was in a monogamous relationship. Yet, the conflict between the life I was living and the youthful commitment I had made to God remained.

In 1987, I realized that I could no longer ignore the inner torment I was experiencing and began to search the Bible for passages that could show me that God affirmed homosexuality. My quest for answers only increased my anxiety.

Arguments commonly used to support homosexuality seemed weak and elevated one’s personal experience as the highest authority of truth. I asked God to help me find resolution and inner peace.

God crossed my path with others who were searching like me and I realized there was a way out.

Through their support, in August of 1987, I rededicated my life to Jesus. In January 1988, I attended my first Regeneration meeting in Northern Virginia where I gained clear understanding regarding the root issues for my same-sex attractions. I also found many men and women who were able to walk away from homosexuality, which offered me hope and confirmed that change was possible.

Gradually my inner battle and homosexuality were left behind.

My personal conflict over this issue exemplifies the larger conflict in our culture today. Gay clergy and same-sex unions ignore the truth and parameters that God has provided for His creation. God, not being ignorant of where our culture would be in 2007, still established only one sanctified expression for sexual union.

To endorse any other expression would be to ignore my life experiences as well as biblical truths that do not fluctuate according to cultural mores or human impulses.

Bob Ragan is director of Regeneration in Northern Virginia, a ministry that helps men and women who are struggling with sexual and relational brokenness in D.C. Metro area.