[Theophylact]

Not as ministers; as members.

Quote:

Ayers said his church has never discussed the issue of homosexuality and did not go through a process of declaring itself "open and affirming" to gays and lesbians, as some other churches have.

He said church leaders didn't ask the men if they were homosexuals.

"In our tradition, we open the church doors to everyone who comes to know Christ," Ayers said. "Jesus told us to fish for people. He didn't say to use fishhooks, but nets. It's not our job to sort the fish. He'll take care of any sorting."