ZEELAND, MI - A West Michigan pastor's comparison of coming out as gay to coming out as an axe murderer and whether either should be culturally acceptable has prompted a Detroit-area man to call for an apology.

Daniel Vanderley says he grew up as part of First Baptist Church in Zeeland, and he didn't like hearing the juxtaposition in a March 1 sermon by Pastor Clint Echols.

In the address to church members, Echols speaks about the attack on marriage between a man and a woman, framing homosexuality as a lifestyle choice that can be discovered at any point in a person's life.

"It's an internal compass and a person can discover their sexuality at any moment...oh wait a second, I'm gay, I'm bisexual, I want to change my gender, these things, and that's being true to themselves and being true to their internal compass " Echols says.

"For instance on another, a completely other playing field, if tomorrow I woke up because I have this internal compass that's telling me what truth is. Tomorrow, if I wake up and say, well, I think I'm an axe murderer, now I'm an axe murderer, would you be happy with that? Would you agree? Would you want me to follow that internal compass?

The sermon was a call for the church to clarify its beliefs about marriage and sexuality. Church leaders have proposed an amendment to the congregation's constitution.

"That's not a problem," Vanderley said of the amendment. "They can exclude anyone they want, but I would like them to tell the world that they're doing it. And I would like them to apologize for comparing people who come out as gay to people who come out as axe murderers.

"Don't bully by making this comparison. Coming out is a hard enough time for people."

Proposed First Baptist Church statement on marriage, sexuality

We believe God, through his design and clear prescription in his holy word, instituted monogamous marriage between a biological male and biological female as the foundation of family and the basic structure of human society.



We believe God's plan for human sexuality is to be expressed only within the context of marriage.

That God created man and woman as unique biological persons made to complete each other. Gender is not simply a human choice, or a cultural construct, but a divine gift that is woven unmistakably into creation at conception.

Therefore, all sexual activity is reserved for enjoyment, procreation and protection of the purity of the one-flesh union of marriage. Any sexual behavior outside of monogamous marriage is therefore contrary to God's design, and sin. All forms of premarital sex, not just intercourse, are not purposed by God but are the designs of man.

That homosexuality is not a condition one is born with, but each person is created intentionally by God in specific gender, for God's glory. Homosexuality is not approved by the God of the Bible, but is sin.

Anyone who wishes to turn from sexual behavior that is contrary to the scripture may approach the loving, forgiving and healing God of the Bible by faith. It is rebellion against God to deny his created order.

That individuals may struggle with their gender identity due to a number of environmental influences, psychological tendencies or physiological propensities. Yet, God calls us to embrace our created order.

Marriage is created by God, purposed for God and ordained by God and God is glorified in it. Marriage is not to be redesigned by man, broken by man, denied by man for his purposes and interests. Also, sexuality is created by God, purposed for God, ordained by God and God is glorified in it. God-honoring sexuality is not to be repurposed, misused, perverted or despised.

Vanderley plans a 9 a.m. Sunday, March 15, rally outside the church building, 246 W. Main Ave. in Zeeland. An

"Equality Zeeland" Facebook page

has a small number of "likes," and

this petition

has few signatories.

Vanderley has posted photos making it appear that the notorious Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas recently protested outside the church, but he said it was just him and some friends.

"I did it to highlight the equal nature of vitriol" among the two congregations, he said.

Echols, the church pastor, said in his sermon the proposed amendment isn't hate speech, but rather God's word. He said "this vitriol we are facing as the church of Jesus Christ is because there are people who hate God."

Click here to hear the full sermon.

"We're a church that tries to uphold the word of God in grace and in truth," Echols said by phone. "We will continue to honor God's word as a church with malice toward no one and love toward all."

RELATED: Rob Bell on gay marriage: 'We're moments away' from church embracing it

Echols in his March 1 sermon cited a movement in the broader culture that disagrees with the "biblical idea of marriage." To maintain doctrinal purity, preserve congregational unity and clear up any confusion among members, church leaders proposed an amendment to the church's governing documents.

Here are some excerpts from the sermon:

Matt Vande Bunte covers government for MLive/Grand Rapids Press. Email him at mvandebu@mlive.com or follow him on Twitter and Facebook.