A Biblical Defense Guide for Gays, Lesbians and Those Who Love Them

Oftentimes cultural prohibitions thrive unchecked by the general populace eventually entering the world of "known understanding". "It is this way because it has always been this way", becomes the reflexive response to change for the dominant culture. This was certainly the case while institutional approval of human slavery existed. It was also the case when Women sought to exert their independence grasping for equality in a male-dominated world. Throughout the past three decades, members of the Gay and Lesbian community have sought freedom from hate as well as religious and societal tolerance gaining some small degree of success. A Biblical Defense Guide was researched and ultimately authored to be used as a tool for mutual understanding. Those who seek a clear understanding of the societal prohibition and oppression of cultural minorities will be well served in seeking answers outside of the known cultural understanding of "It is this way because it has always been this way". A Biblical Defense Guide will offer interesting insights to all those who seek to understand the historical, cultural, and societal prohibitions that are at work in the world today.

"I pray that none will be offended if I seek to make of the Christian Religion an Inn where all are received joyously, rather than a place where a few close friends of the family are received." Richard Hooker

These words of Richard Hooker inspired Craig Bettendorf as he studied for ministry within the Anglican tradition. This message of creating a place of inclusivity and mutuality has been a hallmark endeavor throughout his faith journey and ministry. The study of Liberation theology as expressed by Gustavo Gutierrez and exemplified by the life of fallen Archbishop Oscar Romero gave Bettendorf great faith and spiritual determination. The following statement of events briefly depicts the journey that lead to the writing of A Biblical Defense Guide for Gays, Lesbians and those who love them.

September 27, 1959, Baptized, Gesu Roman Catholic Church, Milwaukee, WI.

April 15, 1973, Confirmed, Apostles Lutheran Church, Franklin Park, IL.

December 6, 1992, Ordained Deacon, St. Jude Church, Philippine Independent Church (Anglican Catholic Church of the Philippines), Huntington Beach, CA +Juan Baladad, Missionary Bishop.

May 2, 1993, Ordained Priest, St. Jude Church, Philippine Independent Church (Anglican Catholic Church of the Philippines), Huntington Beach, CA +Macario V. Ga, Supreme Bishop.

December 1992-June 1994, served as assistant Rector and Rector within two parishes serving the Filipino community in Los Angeles, CA.

June 1994-August 1997, served as Rector of All Saints Anglican Church, Los Angeles, CA.

June 1994, Established the Anglican Institute of Affirmative Christian Studies in Redondo Beach, CA.

December 4, 1994, Elected and consecrated to the office of Bishop, Evangelical Anglican Church in America, All Saints Parish, Los Angeles, CA, +G. Stephen Trivoli-Johnson.

September 3, 1996, Denounced the Federal Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) signing the National Freedom to Marry Resolution, All Souls Church, New York City, NY.

April 23, 1999, Presented to the students and faculty of The Harvard Divinity School, Cambridge, MA.

May 27, 2001, Installed as Presiding Bishop of the Anglican Church in America, Cathedral of St. Jerome, Tulsa, OK.+G. Stephen Trivioli-Johnson.

October 17, 2002, Facilitated a Concordat agreement between the Evangelical Anglican Church in America and the Open Episcopal Church of Great Britain and Ireland, bringing both churches into full Inter-communion.

August 27, 2004, Consecrated Carmen Valenzuela and Rusty Smith for the Office of Bishop for the Evangelical Anglican Church in America, Cathedral of Jesus of Nazareth, Tampa, FL. Announcing his own retirement.