Houston Mayor Annise Parker, the city’s first openly lesbian mayor, launched an unprecedented attack on religious liberty earlier this week. The city issued subpoenas demanding a group of pastors turn over any sermons dealing with homosexuality, gender identity, or Annise Parker. Those who fail to comply could be held in contempt of court.

At issue is Houston’s Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) established in January. Essentially, the mayor wants to brand sermons against homosexuality as “hate speech.”

Public outcry was swift and vociferous. Pastors made it clear they would not comply, even if it meant going to jail. One thing I know about pastors: they are a stubborn lot, especially when it comes to the preaching of the Word of God and religious liberty.

Parker has since announced that she is backing off these subpoenas. Wise move. Her misguided attempt was clearly a breach of first amendment rights.

Preachers should preach the Bible. Since the Good Book talks about homosexuality, preachers have no choice, if they want to be faithful to their Master, but to preach on homosexuality. But, as in most things, the trick is in how you go about it.

Here are five things to remember:

1. Preach from Scriptural Authority.

The Bible is clear concerning homosexuality in both the Old Testament and New Testament. It is a sin. No amount of text juggling or hermeneutical legerdemain can alter the fact. Preachers should deal squarely with Romans 1:18-32, not to mention other biblical passages, expounding the meaning to their congregations. Our authority comes from the Word of God.

2. Preach with Spiritual Discernment.

Since homosexuality is such a divisive issue in our culture, preachers should approach the subject with lots of discernment. Careful thought should be put into sermon preparation, especially the introduction and application. Especially on this subject it is not only vital what you say, but how you say it.

3. Preach with Sensitivity.

Make it personal. At the beginning of your sermon, address any homosexuals who may be present. Acknowledge that many in the homosexual community honestly believe that Christians hate them. Follow that up by stating that where Christians have spoken and acted in un-Christian and un-Biblical ways towards them, there should be repentance before God and forgiveness sought from those wronged.

Let them know you love them and that God loves them.

Address the church as well at the beginning of your sermon by acknowledging that many have family members and friends who have adopted a gay lifestyle. State that you are aware that some people in our churches honestly struggle with same-sex attraction.

Let people know they are loved, first by the Lord, . . . and by us. There is no room for bombast here. Don’t marginalize people. Preach pastorally with a pastor’s heart. Preach the truth, yes, but preach the truth in love.

4. Preach Sin as Sin.

While different sins have different temporal consequences, all sin separates us from God and has eternal consequences. Homosexuality is no more sinful than heterosexual sins in God’s eyes.

Take them to 1 Corinthians 6:9-11. Show them that homosexuality is only one among many sins on Paul’s list. Make it clear that people aren’t sinners because they sin; people sin because they are sinners. Address the root of the problem.

5. Preach the Savior!

Preach Christ! Preach Christ’s salvation. Preach forgiveness. Preach hope. Offer them Jesus as the only hope for eternal salvation. Jesus is an equal opportunity Savior.

Homosexuals are like everybody else: searching for love, meaning, and acceptance. Let them know that all of these can only be found in Christ.

Like D. L. Moody, . . . “love them in.”