Church Choir Asked to Sign Antigay Covenant

Choir members at the Crystal Cathedral in Orange County have been asked to sign a document that expresses their commitment to holding the "biblical view" of sexual intimacy and marriage.

According to the Associated Press, "Former and current choir members say they are particularly offended by a statement in the document that refers to homosexuality. Long-time church members say this is the first time they have seen the cathedral take a firm stand against homosexuality and are disturbed by it."

The covenant reads: "I understand that in an era where images of family relationship and personal sexuality are often confused, Crystal Cathedral Ministries believes that it is important to teach and model the biblical view. I understand that Crystal Cathedral Ministries teaches that sexual intimacy is intended by God to only be within the bonds of marriage, between one man and one woman."

Several current and former choir members said they were offended by the covenant. A cathedral spokesman said the covenant was intended as an expression of church beliefs, and not a ban on gay choir members.

The AP reports that the megachurch has been mired in controversy for several years, rocked by rifts among the founding family, and concerns about salaries and housing allowances. Crystal Cathedral Ministries filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last year.