Yeah, yeah, I know. A lot of the folks that visit this site instinctively cringe when they see the word Baptist. The Southern Baptist Convention is one of, if not the most, anti-gay religious denominations around.
There are other Baptists, however, and The Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists has gathered up a group of them that are GLBT friendly. From their website:
Ten years ago, after the lgbt community had been dealt yet another blow by members of their denomination, a group of American Baptist pastors decided that it was time to stand up and declare their affirmation of glbt people. The network of churches they founded, the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists (AWAB), has now grown to more than 60 churches and organizations. AWAB members are Baptist churches, organizations, and individuals who have gone on record as being welcoming and affirming of all persons, without regard to sexual orientation.
We know that much abuse of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons has been fostered and encouraged by the rhetoric of the church, leaving many people feeling that they must choose between their faith and their sexuality. AWAB members have joined together to advocate for inclusion of lgbt persons within Baptist communities of faith. Initiated at a gathering of pastors in 1991 at the American Baptist Biennial Meeting in Charleston, West Virginia, the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists was formally organized at the 1993 Biennial in San José, California. (For more on our formation and developments within the ABC, read our brief history.)
Currently, the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists consists of 48 congregations, several local support chapters, church groups and pastoral counseling centers, an international ministry, and individuals. See our current membership list for a list of Welcoming & Affirming congregations and ministries.
Click here to visit their website.
March 31, 2009
March 30, 2009
Transgender Day of Visibility
This is coming up on March 31. Here is an essay from a gay writer about why this day is needed:
The truth is I still hardly ever talk or write about transgender issues. That’s partly because I’m no expert on them. There are only so many minutes in an hour (or lines in a column), and you can’t cover everything.
But to be frank, it’s also partly because I’m nervous about offending people whom society has already hurt enough. It’s a touchy subject, and like many touchy subjects, it’s often easier for those of us without a direct stake in it simply to avoid it.
And that’s probably as good a reason for Transgender Day of Visibility as any. Our discomfort around the issue—I know I’m not alone in this—means that we’ve got some learning to do. Bravo to those trans people willing to come out and teach us.
I second that sentiment. One of the more interesting aspects of my connecting with so many people on Facebook is the large number of transgender people that are now my Facebook friends. Many of them have expressed a deep appreciation for my simple efforts of trying to tell people that God loves them just as much as He does me.
I'm coming to believe that understanding transgender is near impossible for someone who doesn't directly experience it.
That's okay. God didn't tell us to understand people--he told us to love them.
I can do that. I hope you can too.
The truth is I still hardly ever talk or write about transgender issues. That’s partly because I’m no expert on them. There are only so many minutes in an hour (or lines in a column), and you can’t cover everything.
But to be frank, it’s also partly because I’m nervous about offending people whom society has already hurt enough. It’s a touchy subject, and like many touchy subjects, it’s often easier for those of us without a direct stake in it simply to avoid it.
And that’s probably as good a reason for Transgender Day of Visibility as any. Our discomfort around the issue—I know I’m not alone in this—means that we’ve got some learning to do. Bravo to those trans people willing to come out and teach us.
I second that sentiment. One of the more interesting aspects of my connecting with so many people on Facebook is the large number of transgender people that are now my Facebook friends. Many of them have expressed a deep appreciation for my simple efforts of trying to tell people that God loves them just as much as He does me.
I'm coming to believe that understanding transgender is near impossible for someone who doesn't directly experience it.
That's okay. God didn't tell us to understand people--he told us to love them.
I can do that. I hope you can too.
March 29, 2009
Sunday Worship 3/29/09
If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. Here are links to some worship music and services from open and affirming ministries (all times eastern). I hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
We appreicate all of the positive feedback we've received for our Sunday Worship series. If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with me.
Worship Music--sing along with Michael W. Smith and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Live Worship Services--all times Eastern
Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, WA 1:30 PM Eastern (also archives of pervious services)
Recent Recorded Worship Services
Rainbow Community Church of Vancouver, BC
Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
We appreicate all of the positive feedback we've received for our Sunday Worship series. If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with me.
Worship Music--sing along with Michael W. Smith and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Live Worship Services--all times Eastern
Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, WA 1:30 PM Eastern (also archives of pervious services)
Recent Recorded Worship Services
Rainbow Community Church of Vancouver, BC
Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Fort Lauderdale, FL
March 27, 2009
GLBT News & Political Roundup 3/27/09
Same-sex couples in Vermont shouldn't make their wedding plans quite yet. Gov. Jim Douglas has taken the unusual step of announcing his plans to veto it if it reaches his desk.
Pam's House Blend has an extensive update on the status of pro-LGBT bills around the nation.
The HRC took a LOT of grief for supporting an ENDA bill that excluded protection for transgender people. They aren't making that mistake again.
Rep. Barney Frank likely won't be breaking bread with "homophobe" Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia anytime soon. He explained why in this essay for The Huffington Post.
Lisa Larges, an openly lesbian candidate for ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), had her certification set aside by a church commission. More Light Presbyterians continue to support her ordination quest.
Larges herself weighs in at the Advocate.com.
Overseas, Japan OK's foreign marriages for gay citizens and Serbia passed an anti-discrimination law including sexual orientation and gender.
Pam's House Blend has an extensive update on the status of pro-LGBT bills around the nation.
The HRC took a LOT of grief for supporting an ENDA bill that excluded protection for transgender people. They aren't making that mistake again.
Rep. Barney Frank likely won't be breaking bread with "homophobe" Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia anytime soon. He explained why in this essay for The Huffington Post.
Lisa Larges, an openly lesbian candidate for ministry in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A), had her certification set aside by a church commission. More Light Presbyterians continue to support her ordination quest.
Larges herself weighs in at the Advocate.com.
Overseas, Japan OK's foreign marriages for gay citizens and Serbia passed an anti-discrimination law including sexual orientation and gender.
March 26, 2009
High Level Support for Same-Sex Marriage in New York
Two of the most powerful politicians in the state of New York, U. S. Senator Charles Schumer and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, have recently stated very strong support for legalizing same-sex marriage in that state.
First, Senator Schumer:
Sen. Charles Schumer reached out to gay leaders earlier this month and convened a meeting at an upscale Manhattan restaurant to make an important announcement: He was supporting gay marriage after years of opposing it.
The reversal marked a significant shift for the Democratic senator and gave further momentum to gay marriage in New York, where every other statewide Democratic official supports such unions.
Schumer's change, some political observers suggested, stemmed from pressure to bring his position on gay marriage in line with the other officials, while coming at a time when support for same-sex unions is strong in New York. Also, it's likely New York's gay rights interest groups, which played a role in Democrats retaking control of the state Senate last November, were pressing Schumer to change his position.
"At this point we have a fair amount of knowledge that supporting gay marriage in the Northeast is not the kiss of death politically" that it could be as recently as a decade ago, said Lee Badgett, director of the Center for Public Policy and Administration at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and research director at the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy at UCLA.
If anything, Schumer's support for gay marriage is likely to bolster momentum for legalizing gay marriage in New York, where a gay marriage bill passed the Assembly in 2007.
Although not a change of position for him, Mayor Bloomberg restated his support yesterday:
Mayor Bloomberg said Wednesday night he stands ready to ask the Legislature to allow gay marriage in New York State, but doesn't know when the time will be right.
"We see that the tide is turning, that support is mounting," Bloomberg told the annual dinner of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. "Make no mistake, the time will come ... and we will pass this bill."
Bloomberg has made similar pledges to testify in Albany for almost three years, but the GOP-run state Senate blocked any such bill.
Democrats now run the Senate but have not been able to round up votes to pass the measure - increasing pressure on Bloomberg to follow through.
"I don't know whether it's more likely or not" this year, Bloomberg said before his speech. "If they consider a bill, I think they should pass it, and I would be happy to testify for it."
Let's hope that day comes soon.
First, Senator Schumer:
Sen. Charles Schumer reached out to gay leaders earlier this month and convened a meeting at an upscale Manhattan restaurant to make an important announcement: He was supporting gay marriage after years of opposing it.
The reversal marked a significant shift for the Democratic senator and gave further momentum to gay marriage in New York, where every other statewide Democratic official supports such unions.
Schumer's change, some political observers suggested, stemmed from pressure to bring his position on gay marriage in line with the other officials, while coming at a time when support for same-sex unions is strong in New York. Also, it's likely New York's gay rights interest groups, which played a role in Democrats retaking control of the state Senate last November, were pressing Schumer to change his position.
"At this point we have a fair amount of knowledge that supporting gay marriage in the Northeast is not the kiss of death politically" that it could be as recently as a decade ago, said Lee Badgett, director of the Center for Public Policy and Administration at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and research director at the Williams Institute on Sexual Orientation Law and Public Policy at UCLA.
If anything, Schumer's support for gay marriage is likely to bolster momentum for legalizing gay marriage in New York, where a gay marriage bill passed the Assembly in 2007.
Although not a change of position for him, Mayor Bloomberg restated his support yesterday:
Mayor Bloomberg said Wednesday night he stands ready to ask the Legislature to allow gay marriage in New York State, but doesn't know when the time will be right.
"We see that the tide is turning, that support is mounting," Bloomberg told the annual dinner of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center. "Make no mistake, the time will come ... and we will pass this bill."
Bloomberg has made similar pledges to testify in Albany for almost three years, but the GOP-run state Senate blocked any such bill.
Democrats now run the Senate but have not been able to round up votes to pass the measure - increasing pressure on Bloomberg to follow through.
"I don't know whether it's more likely or not" this year, Bloomberg said before his speech. "If they consider a bill, I think they should pass it, and I would be happy to testify for it."
Let's hope that day comes soon.
March 25, 2009
Pioneers in GLBT Faith; Michael Kelly
From the LGBT Religious Archives Network:
Michael Bernard Kelly is known internationally for his work in integrating Christian spirituality and gay experience. Born in Australia in 1954 into a devout Catholic family, he joined the Franciscans after finishing high school, and his spirituality has continued to be nourished by the spirit, vision and example of Francis of Assisi, though outside formal religious structures. Michael is an educator, writer, activist, and retreat leader who has worked in the U.S. the U.K. and Australia. He holds professional qualifications in theology, spirituality, creative media and education, and is currently working on a doctorate in the field of Christian mysticism and gay experience.
For 17 years Michael was a religious education specialist and campus minister in Catholic schools and universities, in both Australia and the U.S. In 1993, he came out publicly and let go of his career in the church. Since then he has committed himself to developing new forms of creative ministry with gay and lesbian people. In 1995, Joseph Kramer of Erospirit Institute published Michael's eight-hour video lecture series, "The Erotic Contemplative: the spiritual journey of the gay Christian," which John J. McNeill hailed as "The most powerful and insightful study of gay spirituality that I know of." Michael has created communities of ritual and challenge on the fringes of the church and has offered spiritual direction to gay men from many Christian communities. In 1998, he co-founded the Rainbow Sash Movement in Australia, which publicly challenges the Catholic Church's treatment of gay and lesbian people. In this role, he became a prominent media spokesperson for gay Catholics in Australia, and he is frequently sought after for commentary on current religious issues.
Click here to read more about Michael Day.
Michael Bernard Kelly is known internationally for his work in integrating Christian spirituality and gay experience. Born in Australia in 1954 into a devout Catholic family, he joined the Franciscans after finishing high school, and his spirituality has continued to be nourished by the spirit, vision and example of Francis of Assisi, though outside formal religious structures. Michael is an educator, writer, activist, and retreat leader who has worked in the U.S. the U.K. and Australia. He holds professional qualifications in theology, spirituality, creative media and education, and is currently working on a doctorate in the field of Christian mysticism and gay experience.
For 17 years Michael was a religious education specialist and campus minister in Catholic schools and universities, in both Australia and the U.S. In 1993, he came out publicly and let go of his career in the church. Since then he has committed himself to developing new forms of creative ministry with gay and lesbian people. In 1995, Joseph Kramer of Erospirit Institute published Michael's eight-hour video lecture series, "The Erotic Contemplative: the spiritual journey of the gay Christian," which John J. McNeill hailed as "The most powerful and insightful study of gay spirituality that I know of." Michael has created communities of ritual and challenge on the fringes of the church and has offered spiritual direction to gay men from many Christian communities. In 1998, he co-founded the Rainbow Sash Movement in Australia, which publicly challenges the Catholic Church's treatment of gay and lesbian people. In this role, he became a prominent media spokesperson for gay Catholics in Australia, and he is frequently sought after for commentary on current religious issues.
Click here to read more about Michael Day.
March 24, 2009
Advocacy Group: Vermont Freedom to Marry
Vermont could very well become the next state to legalize full-rights same-sex marriage. One of the groups at the forefront of that effort is Vermont Freedom to Marry. From their website:
The Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force (VFMTF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to gaining civil marriage equality for same-sex couples in Vermont. VFMTF formed in 1996 as a coalition of individuals and associations in Vermont who support the freedom for same-sex couples to enter into civil marriages. We work throughout the state to educate Vermonters about the importance of civil marriage equality for same-sex couples and their families. In doing so, we do the following:
Below is a snapshot of our work:
o Tabling: Supporters volunteer at our informational table at county fairs and community events.
o Public speaking: We train volunteers to speak at churches and synagogues, Rotary Clubs and other local associations.
o Hosting house parties: Our supporters host house parties for equality to provide one-on-one education to their fellow community members.
o Collecting signatures of support: Volunteers work at community events to provide supporters of equality the opportunity to sign our Marriage Resolution.
o Other activities include: Organizing supportive businesses, clergy and parents of gay and lesbian individuals, grassroots lobbying and media relations.
If you live in Vermont or are just a supporter of equality, check them out and see what you can do to help.
The Vermont Freedom to Marry Task Force (VFMTF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to gaining civil marriage equality for same-sex couples in Vermont. VFMTF formed in 1996 as a coalition of individuals and associations in Vermont who support the freedom for same-sex couples to enter into civil marriages. We work throughout the state to educate Vermonters about the importance of civil marriage equality for same-sex couples and their families. In doing so, we do the following:
Below is a snapshot of our work:
o Tabling: Supporters volunteer at our informational table at county fairs and community events.
o Public speaking: We train volunteers to speak at churches and synagogues, Rotary Clubs and other local associations.
o Hosting house parties: Our supporters host house parties for equality to provide one-on-one education to their fellow community members.
o Collecting signatures of support: Volunteers work at community events to provide supporters of equality the opportunity to sign our Marriage Resolution.
o Other activities include: Organizing supportive businesses, clergy and parents of gay and lesbian individuals, grassroots lobbying and media relations.
If you live in Vermont or are just a supporter of equality, check them out and see what you can do to help.
March 22, 2009
Welcome to Sunday Worship 3/22/09
If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. Here are links to some worship music and services from open and affirming ministries (all times eastern). I hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
We appreicate all of the positive feedback we've received for our Sunday Worship series. If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with me.
Worship Music--sing along with Hillsong and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Live Worship Services--all times Eastern
Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, WA 1:30 PM Eastern (also archives of pervious services)
Recent Recorded Worship Services
Rainbow Community Church of Vancouver, BC
Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
We appreicate all of the positive feedback we've received for our Sunday Worship series. If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with me.
Worship Music--sing along with Hillsong and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Live Worship Services--all times Eastern
Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, WA 1:30 PM Eastern (also archives of pervious services)
Recent Recorded Worship Services
Rainbow Community Church of Vancouver, BC
Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Fort Lauderdale, FL
March 21, 2009
GLBT News and Political Roundup 3/21/09
The marriage debate is picking up in Vermont as the state legislature takes up a bill that would give same-sex couples the right to enjoy full marriage rights.
The measure would replace Vermont's first-in-the-nation civil unions law with one that allows marriage of same-sex partners beginning Sept. 1. Civil unions, which confer some rights similar to marriage, would still be recognized but no longer granted after Sept. 1.
Supporters cast the debate as a civil rights issue, saying a civil unions law enacted by the state in 2000 has fallen short of the equality it promised same-sex couples. Its appeal has declined, too: In 2001, the state granted 1,876 civil unions, compared with only 262 last year.
New Hampshire's lawmakers are also moving forward with important legislation.
New Hampshire lawmakers will vote next week on two LGBT rights bills - one that would allow same-sex couples to marry and one extending the state’s human rights laws to include protections for transpeople.
If they passed the House, the bills would then go to the Senate.
Rep. Jim Splaine, who sponsored the state’s civil unions law, said he believes there will be enough votes to pass his same-sex marriage bill and to block an attempt to amend the constitution to bar same-sex marriage.
Sadly, the Pope has again demonstrated just how out of touch he really is.
A day after Pope Benedict XVI prefaced his visit to Cameroon and Angola by saying the "scourge" of HIV could be made worse, not better, by the distribution of condoms, France, Germany and Belgium criticised his message as irresponsible. The UNAids agency said condoms were a vital part of the battle against HIV, which infects more than 7,000 people a day.
Here's another debate: Did Proposition 8 lead to an increase in anti-gay hate crimes in California?
Hate crime cases involving anti-gay sentiment shot up in Santa Clara County last year, a striking increase that a leading prosecutor attributes to controversy over Proposition 8, the voter-approved ban on gay marriage.
Anti-gay incidents accounted for more than half of hate-crime cases last year — 56 percent — a big jump from only 15 percent in 2007. There were 14 anti-gay cases out of 25 hate-crime cases in 2008, compared with only 3 out of 20 in 2007.
"My belief from having done this work for many years is that surges in types of hate incidents are linked to the headlines and controversies of the day,'' said Deputy District Attorney Jay Boyarsky, who is assigned to monitor hate crimes. "Marriage equality and Proposition 8 have been in the news, and we have seen an increase in gay-bashing.''
Better late than never, the U.S. will endore the U.N. declaration calling for the worldwide decriminalzation of homosexuality.
The Obama administration on Wednesday formally endorsed a U.N. declaration calling for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality, a measure that former President George W. Bush had refused to sign.
"The United States is an outspoken defender of human rights and critic of human rights abuses around the world," Wood told reporters. "As such, we join with other supporters of this statement, and we will continue to remind countries of the importance of respecting the human rights of all people in all appropriate international fora."
Think all GLBT folks are affluent? Think again, says this new study.
Lesbian couples are more likely to be poor than married heterosexuals, and children of same-sex parents are twice as likely to live in poverty as those of traditional married couples, a new report shows.
The measure would replace Vermont's first-in-the-nation civil unions law with one that allows marriage of same-sex partners beginning Sept. 1. Civil unions, which confer some rights similar to marriage, would still be recognized but no longer granted after Sept. 1.
Supporters cast the debate as a civil rights issue, saying a civil unions law enacted by the state in 2000 has fallen short of the equality it promised same-sex couples. Its appeal has declined, too: In 2001, the state granted 1,876 civil unions, compared with only 262 last year.
New Hampshire's lawmakers are also moving forward with important legislation.
New Hampshire lawmakers will vote next week on two LGBT rights bills - one that would allow same-sex couples to marry and one extending the state’s human rights laws to include protections for transpeople.
If they passed the House, the bills would then go to the Senate.
Rep. Jim Splaine, who sponsored the state’s civil unions law, said he believes there will be enough votes to pass his same-sex marriage bill and to block an attempt to amend the constitution to bar same-sex marriage.
Sadly, the Pope has again demonstrated just how out of touch he really is.
A day after Pope Benedict XVI prefaced his visit to Cameroon and Angola by saying the "scourge" of HIV could be made worse, not better, by the distribution of condoms, France, Germany and Belgium criticised his message as irresponsible. The UNAids agency said condoms were a vital part of the battle against HIV, which infects more than 7,000 people a day.
Here's another debate: Did Proposition 8 lead to an increase in anti-gay hate crimes in California?
Hate crime cases involving anti-gay sentiment shot up in Santa Clara County last year, a striking increase that a leading prosecutor attributes to controversy over Proposition 8, the voter-approved ban on gay marriage.
Anti-gay incidents accounted for more than half of hate-crime cases last year — 56 percent — a big jump from only 15 percent in 2007. There were 14 anti-gay cases out of 25 hate-crime cases in 2008, compared with only 3 out of 20 in 2007.
"My belief from having done this work for many years is that surges in types of hate incidents are linked to the headlines and controversies of the day,'' said Deputy District Attorney Jay Boyarsky, who is assigned to monitor hate crimes. "Marriage equality and Proposition 8 have been in the news, and we have seen an increase in gay-bashing.''
Better late than never, the U.S. will endore the U.N. declaration calling for the worldwide decriminalzation of homosexuality.
The Obama administration on Wednesday formally endorsed a U.N. declaration calling for the worldwide decriminalization of homosexuality, a measure that former President George W. Bush had refused to sign.
"The United States is an outspoken defender of human rights and critic of human rights abuses around the world," Wood told reporters. "As such, we join with other supporters of this statement, and we will continue to remind countries of the importance of respecting the human rights of all people in all appropriate international fora."
Think all GLBT folks are affluent? Think again, says this new study.
Lesbian couples are more likely to be poor than married heterosexuals, and children of same-sex parents are twice as likely to live in poverty as those of traditional married couples, a new report shows.
March 19, 2009
Welcoming the "T" to the White House
Mara Keisling is the Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, also happens to be a transwoman herself. She was recently invited to the White House to attend a signing ceremony and blogged about it at The Bilerico Project.
At NCTE, we do not pretend that our having been invited to send me to a mostly ceremonial, albeit significant, moment is akin to Perkins being the first woman in the cabinet. I was not, to say the least, in the high seats. But, imagine, this week a transperson was invited as a transperson to the White House. And bigger, more significant firsts have already happened this year. A transgender man, Diego Sanchez, was the first openly out transperson to become a staffer on Capitol Hill, standing on the shoulders of at least one other transperson who worked for a Senator in a district office. And this year a transgender person, Shannon Minter, argued for the second time before the California Supreme Court and was named Lawyer of the Year by California Lawyer magazine, standing on the shoulders of numerous trans lawyers who had mentored him. And this year, other firsts have happened and will continue to happen, and in years hence, these firsts will stand as foundations on which new, taller firsts will stand.
In the mean time, of course, trans people around the country and the world continue to face horrible disrespect, discrimination and violence, and I know my invitation to the White House this week is only one tiny step toward lessening those years from now.
I know more of us will be invited again soon, and next time hopefully to witness the signing of a Hate Crimes law or ENDA or maybe the much needed Executive Order protecting transgender federal employees.
Click here to rest the rest of the post at The Bilerico Project.
At NCTE, we do not pretend that our having been invited to send me to a mostly ceremonial, albeit significant, moment is akin to Perkins being the first woman in the cabinet. I was not, to say the least, in the high seats. But, imagine, this week a transperson was invited as a transperson to the White House. And bigger, more significant firsts have already happened this year. A transgender man, Diego Sanchez, was the first openly out transperson to become a staffer on Capitol Hill, standing on the shoulders of at least one other transperson who worked for a Senator in a district office. And this year a transgender person, Shannon Minter, argued for the second time before the California Supreme Court and was named Lawyer of the Year by California Lawyer magazine, standing on the shoulders of numerous trans lawyers who had mentored him. And this year, other firsts have happened and will continue to happen, and in years hence, these firsts will stand as foundations on which new, taller firsts will stand.
In the mean time, of course, trans people around the country and the world continue to face horrible disrespect, discrimination and violence, and I know my invitation to the White House this week is only one tiny step toward lessening those years from now.
I know more of us will be invited again soon, and next time hopefully to witness the signing of a Hate Crimes law or ENDA or maybe the much needed Executive Order protecting transgender federal employees.
Click here to rest the rest of the post at The Bilerico Project.
March 18, 2009
Pioneers in GLBT Faith: Rev. Howard Warren
From the LGBT Religious Archives Network:
The Rev. Howard B. Warren, Jr., affectionately known as "God's Glorious Gadfly," was born September 7, 1934, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was a graduate of McCormick Theological Seminary; and he held degrees from Missouri Valley College and Union Theological Seminary (New York). He also held a masters degree from the School of Social Work at Hunter College. Ordained by the Presbytery of Kansas City in 1965, Warren served Presbyterian churches for 25 years. His pastorates were in Milford, Penn.; Vernon, Fayetteville and Huntington, New York; Pontiac, Michigan; and Orchard Park, Indiana.
In 1987, Howard came out to the Presbytery of Detroit as a person with AIDS and a gay man. Active in Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns (now More Light Presbyterians), he was a founder of Presbyterians Act Up, was active with the Presbyterian AIDS Network and was a founding supporter of That All May Freely Serve.
From the time of his diagnosis with HIV/AIDS in 1987, until he required hospital and nursing home care in 2001, he was an advocate and caregiver for persons with HIV/AIDS and their families, friends and partners. He served as the director of pastoral care at the Damien Center in Indianapolis from 1989 to 1999, a care site for HIV/AIDS patients that was established by the Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis and the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis.
March 17, 2009
Advocacy Group: Integrity USA
The Episcopal Church has been a primary battleground for GLBT equality issues, especially since openly gay Bishop Eugene Robinson was ordained. This painfully public schism points out that there is still very strong resistance toward GLBT equality within the denomination.
That's where Integrity USA steps in. From their website:
Integrity is a nonprofit organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender [LGBT] Episcopalians and our straight friends. Since our founding by Dr. Louie Crew in rural Georgia in 1974, Integrity has been the leading grassroots voice for the full inclusion of LGBT persons in the Episcopal Church and our equal access to its rites. However, advocacy is only one facet of our ministry. At the national level and in local chapters and diocesan networks throughout the country, the primary activities are:
* worship
* fellowship
* education
* communication
* outreach, and
* service to the church
Through Integrity's evangelism, thousands of LGBT people, estranged from the Episcopal Church and other denominations, have returned to parish life.
Although the Episcopal Church has made tremendous strides toward inclusiveness, it still has a long way to go. Unfortunately, in too many parishes and dioceses, prejudice and oppression are still the norm.
Integrity is a member of The Institute for Welcoming Resources. They offer a regular newsletter and have a blog for updates. Their website's front page also offers a section for Faith-Based Community Organizing.
Click here to visit the Integrity USA website.
That's where Integrity USA steps in. From their website:
Integrity is a nonprofit organization of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender [LGBT] Episcopalians and our straight friends. Since our founding by Dr. Louie Crew in rural Georgia in 1974, Integrity has been the leading grassroots voice for the full inclusion of LGBT persons in the Episcopal Church and our equal access to its rites. However, advocacy is only one facet of our ministry. At the national level and in local chapters and diocesan networks throughout the country, the primary activities are:
* worship
* fellowship
* education
* communication
* outreach, and
* service to the church
Through Integrity's evangelism, thousands of LGBT people, estranged from the Episcopal Church and other denominations, have returned to parish life.
Although the Episcopal Church has made tremendous strides toward inclusiveness, it still has a long way to go. Unfortunately, in too many parishes and dioceses, prejudice and oppression are still the norm.
Integrity is a member of The Institute for Welcoming Resources. They offer a regular newsletter and have a blog for updates. Their website's front page also offers a section for Faith-Based Community Organizing.
Click here to visit the Integrity USA website.
March 16, 2009
Some Things Just Can't Be Compromised
That's the gist of this post by Jenna Lowenstein on 365gay:
We live in a country founded on the tenet that all men are equal. Period. If we decide that we should push for civil unions, if we decide that’s the responsible battle to fight because it might be easier or faster or might not ruffle as many feathers, than we need to be willing to decide that we’re ok with compromising that founding ideal.
I don’t know about you, but I’m certainly not there yet.
The idea that there is a trade-off for any rights movement– between principle and compromise, revolution and assimilation, absolutism or gradualism, belief and strategy– is what forces this debate, but I think the answer is easy.
During the debate on ENDA last summer, Congressman Rush Holt gave a floor speech in which he quoted Congressman John Lewis quoting Martin Luther King:
“Mr. Speaker, our distinguished colleague John Lewis often reminds us of the words of Dr. King, “The time is always right to do the right thing.” Dr. King warned us against the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. I am concerned that when we break apart legislation, some pieces fall on the floor to get swept into the dustbin of history or to be considered only years later. We should not do this to members of our society who need and deserve the same protections as all other Americans.”
I think Holt’s and Lewis’ and King’s point is spot on. We can compromise on taxes and on infrastructure funding and on health care costs. But we cannot– we must not– sell out the fundamental right to equality.
Emma Ruby-Sachs takes a more pragmatic approach in this essay, also on 365gay:
In the debate about gay marriage, a lot of attention is paid to civil unions vs. marriage and, while I agree with Jenna that creating inequalities in law – even if the two terms fundamentally stand for the same thing – creates untenable violations of the rights of LGBT people, I am a pragmatist at heart.
What this history tells us is that these little battles that have been playing out in states across the country are important. And the battles we fight everyday to have employers recognize our relationships without a government mandate are also essential.
But no government, not even Obama, will leap into equality without being forced to do so. And while I believe in activism by the courts, maybe we all have to settle for a piecemeal struggle for the rights in the marriage basket. That is what the new DOMA challenge is about.
--
I am infuriated by calls for separate but equal and am frustrated by the inaction of the current administration. But that part of me that understands politics and history recognizes that rights may have to be won one by one before real equality can be achieved.
Should our society settle for gathering up crumbs a little at a time to eventually have enough to make a cake, or should their be a principled, uncomromising push for the entire cake of full equality.
We all need to look at what is in our hearts and answer one simple question--what is the right thing to do--and proceed accordingly.
In my heart, compromise is NOT the right thing to do.
We live in a country founded on the tenet that all men are equal. Period. If we decide that we should push for civil unions, if we decide that’s the responsible battle to fight because it might be easier or faster or might not ruffle as many feathers, than we need to be willing to decide that we’re ok with compromising that founding ideal.
I don’t know about you, but I’m certainly not there yet.
The idea that there is a trade-off for any rights movement– between principle and compromise, revolution and assimilation, absolutism or gradualism, belief and strategy– is what forces this debate, but I think the answer is easy.
During the debate on ENDA last summer, Congressman Rush Holt gave a floor speech in which he quoted Congressman John Lewis quoting Martin Luther King:
“Mr. Speaker, our distinguished colleague John Lewis often reminds us of the words of Dr. King, “The time is always right to do the right thing.” Dr. King warned us against the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. I am concerned that when we break apart legislation, some pieces fall on the floor to get swept into the dustbin of history or to be considered only years later. We should not do this to members of our society who need and deserve the same protections as all other Americans.”
I think Holt’s and Lewis’ and King’s point is spot on. We can compromise on taxes and on infrastructure funding and on health care costs. But we cannot– we must not– sell out the fundamental right to equality.
Emma Ruby-Sachs takes a more pragmatic approach in this essay, also on 365gay:
In the debate about gay marriage, a lot of attention is paid to civil unions vs. marriage and, while I agree with Jenna that creating inequalities in law – even if the two terms fundamentally stand for the same thing – creates untenable violations of the rights of LGBT people, I am a pragmatist at heart.
What this history tells us is that these little battles that have been playing out in states across the country are important. And the battles we fight everyday to have employers recognize our relationships without a government mandate are also essential.
But no government, not even Obama, will leap into equality without being forced to do so. And while I believe in activism by the courts, maybe we all have to settle for a piecemeal struggle for the rights in the marriage basket. That is what the new DOMA challenge is about.
--
I am infuriated by calls for separate but equal and am frustrated by the inaction of the current administration. But that part of me that understands politics and history recognizes that rights may have to be won one by one before real equality can be achieved.
Should our society settle for gathering up crumbs a little at a time to eventually have enough to make a cake, or should their be a principled, uncomromising push for the entire cake of full equality.
We all need to look at what is in our hearts and answer one simple question--what is the right thing to do--and proceed accordingly.
In my heart, compromise is NOT the right thing to do.
March 15, 2009
Welcome to Sunday Worship 3/15/09
If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. Here are links to some worship music and services from open and affirming ministries (all times eastern). I hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
We appreicate all of the positive feedback we've received for our Sunday Worship series. If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with me.
Worship Music--sing along and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
We Want to See Jesus Lifted High
Open the Eyes of My Heart
As the Deer
Live Worship Services--all times Eastern
Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, WA 1:30 PM Eastern (also archives of pervious services)
Recent Recorded Worship Services
Rainbow Community Church of Vancouver, BC
Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
We appreicate all of the positive feedback we've received for our Sunday Worship series. If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with me.
Worship Music--sing along and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
We Want to See Jesus Lifted High
Open the Eyes of My Heart
As the Deer
Live Worship Services--all times Eastern
Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, WA 1:30 PM Eastern (also archives of pervious services)
Recent Recorded Worship Services
Rainbow Community Church of Vancouver, BC
Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Fort Lauderdale, FL
March 14, 2009
GLBT News and Political Roundup 3/14/09
In the upcoming 2010 Census, legal same-sex marriages will be treated as "unmarried partners" as stipulated by the Federal Defense of Marriage Act.
Equality California is importing some help with a good track record in it efforts to overturn Proposition 8. Marc Solomon, who develop MassEquality into a powerful advocacy force in the fight for equality in Massachussets, will be leading the effort to restore marriage equality in California.
Despite the efforts to fight AIDS in Africa, HIV is still a major problem in the United States, and this report states that the highest death rate in the counrty is in the nation's capital.
Fairness West Virginia is off to a good start in organizing a GLBT advocacy group in a state not known for its forward thinking.
The rate that we are gathering supporters is unbelievable,” said Stephen Skinner, a lawyer from the state’s Eastern Panhandle.
“ And they’re from all over West Virginia and I don’t know whether they are gay or lesbian or straight or the parents or the brother or the sister, but they’re there. And they’re ready to be heard this year,” he said.
Canadians are wondering what is the big deal about same-sex marriage south of their border.
Although anti-gay factions in the U.S. charge that marriage equality would present a long list of dangers to religious freedom, families, and civilization itself, Canada has proven that with sensible and equitable laws in place, everyone’s rights can remain intact.
Such was the gist of a Mar. 11 Vancouver Sun article titled, "Note to Americans: Canada resolved the contentious issue four years ago and the sky did not fall.
"The article noted, "With almost four years having passed since we resolved the same-sex marriage question, it’s hard to remember there was controversy in the first place."
Out Maryland State Senator Richard Madaleno (who represents my district and is one of my favorite politicians) has an op-ed in the Washington Blade making his case for trans rights in our state:
The Washington Area Transgender Needs Assessment survey estimates that 42 percent of transgender people in the D.C. Metro Area are unemployed, 31 percent have incomes of less than $10,000 per year and 19 percent do not have their own living space. These statistics mirror statistics from around the country that have found similar alarming rates of discrimination for transgender persons.
FORTUNATELY, MORE THAN 100 jurisdictions across the country have gender identity anti-discrimination laws, including 13 states and Washington, D.C. In Maryland, Montgomery County last year joined Baltimore City in enacting such a law, and Gov. O’Malley signed an executive order banning such discrimination in state personnel practices. Now, I am sponsoring legislation with my colleague from Prince George’s County, Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk, to outlaw discrimination on the basis of gender identity in housing, employment, credit and public accommodations statewide.
Equality California is importing some help with a good track record in it efforts to overturn Proposition 8. Marc Solomon, who develop MassEquality into a powerful advocacy force in the fight for equality in Massachussets, will be leading the effort to restore marriage equality in California.
Despite the efforts to fight AIDS in Africa, HIV is still a major problem in the United States, and this report states that the highest death rate in the counrty is in the nation's capital.
Fairness West Virginia is off to a good start in organizing a GLBT advocacy group in a state not known for its forward thinking.
The rate that we are gathering supporters is unbelievable,” said Stephen Skinner, a lawyer from the state’s Eastern Panhandle.
“ And they’re from all over West Virginia and I don’t know whether they are gay or lesbian or straight or the parents or the brother or the sister, but they’re there. And they’re ready to be heard this year,” he said.
Canadians are wondering what is the big deal about same-sex marriage south of their border.
Although anti-gay factions in the U.S. charge that marriage equality would present a long list of dangers to religious freedom, families, and civilization itself, Canada has proven that with sensible and equitable laws in place, everyone’s rights can remain intact.
Such was the gist of a Mar. 11 Vancouver Sun article titled, "Note to Americans: Canada resolved the contentious issue four years ago and the sky did not fall.
"The article noted, "With almost four years having passed since we resolved the same-sex marriage question, it’s hard to remember there was controversy in the first place."
Out Maryland State Senator Richard Madaleno (who represents my district and is one of my favorite politicians) has an op-ed in the Washington Blade making his case for trans rights in our state:
The Washington Area Transgender Needs Assessment survey estimates that 42 percent of transgender people in the D.C. Metro Area are unemployed, 31 percent have incomes of less than $10,000 per year and 19 percent do not have their own living space. These statistics mirror statistics from around the country that have found similar alarming rates of discrimination for transgender persons.
FORTUNATELY, MORE THAN 100 jurisdictions across the country have gender identity anti-discrimination laws, including 13 states and Washington, D.C. In Maryland, Montgomery County last year joined Baltimore City in enacting such a law, and Gov. O’Malley signed an executive order banning such discrimination in state personnel practices. Now, I am sponsoring legislation with my colleague from Prince George’s County, Del. Joseline Peña-Melnyk, to outlaw discrimination on the basis of gender identity in housing, employment, credit and public accommodations statewide.
March 12, 2009
Thoughts From a GLBT Grassroots Advocate
DC's Metro Weekly published an extensive interview with Michael Crawford, a veteran GLBT advocacy organizer who currently is heading up the fight for legalizing same-sex marriage in the nation's capital. Here are a couple of excerpts:
Right now, with strong Democratic majorities in the House and Senate and with President Obama in the White House, we have a really strong chance of getting hate crimes, ENDA and a national AIDS strategy all this year -- and potentially next year, Don't Ask, Don't Tell repealed. The work we really need to be doing right now is, frankly, not in D.C. HRC needs to be doing its work in D.C. on the Hill, lobbying, pushing that message out, working the national media, etc. But for the folks out in the states, the best work that they could be doing right now is pushing their state legislators to enact pro-LGBT legislation and urging their members of Congress to vote for hate crimes, ENDA and other federal pieces of legislation.
Really, the most effective strategies are going to be the ones that blend the grassroots organizing -- the Harvey Milk school of organizing -- with a lot of the online organizing that's been pioneered by groups like MoveOn. Fusing the two is what's really going to give us the best possible chance of passing our legislative agenda, bringing more people into the movement -- both gay and non-gay people -- and really shifting the way people think about gay people.
In terms of marriage here, it's going to require that the gay community do things a little differently. One, every single gay person is going to have to participate on some level. Every single gay person in the city is going to have to be part of this fight, because once a marriage bill is passed and we're facing the possibility of a Prop. 8-style ballot fight, the national anti-gay organizations are going to pour money into D.C. and we're going to have to be ready to defend ourselves.
Two, we are going to have to realize that it's not just about us. It's not just gay people who think gay people should be able to marry, but a lot of our straight friends and families believe that as well. We're going to have to create spaces where non-gay people can work with us in terms of pushing for marriage equality. And we're going to have to do a lot of the work that we haven't done before, in terms of reaching out to folks outside of the gay community, including the African-American community and communities of faith.
Click here to read the rest of the interview.
Right now, with strong Democratic majorities in the House and Senate and with President Obama in the White House, we have a really strong chance of getting hate crimes, ENDA and a national AIDS strategy all this year -- and potentially next year, Don't Ask, Don't Tell repealed. The work we really need to be doing right now is, frankly, not in D.C. HRC needs to be doing its work in D.C. on the Hill, lobbying, pushing that message out, working the national media, etc. But for the folks out in the states, the best work that they could be doing right now is pushing their state legislators to enact pro-LGBT legislation and urging their members of Congress to vote for hate crimes, ENDA and other federal pieces of legislation.
Really, the most effective strategies are going to be the ones that blend the grassroots organizing -- the Harvey Milk school of organizing -- with a lot of the online organizing that's been pioneered by groups like MoveOn. Fusing the two is what's really going to give us the best possible chance of passing our legislative agenda, bringing more people into the movement -- both gay and non-gay people -- and really shifting the way people think about gay people.
In terms of marriage here, it's going to require that the gay community do things a little differently. One, every single gay person is going to have to participate on some level. Every single gay person in the city is going to have to be part of this fight, because once a marriage bill is passed and we're facing the possibility of a Prop. 8-style ballot fight, the national anti-gay organizations are going to pour money into D.C. and we're going to have to be ready to defend ourselves.
Two, we are going to have to realize that it's not just about us. It's not just gay people who think gay people should be able to marry, but a lot of our straight friends and families believe that as well. We're going to have to create spaces where non-gay people can work with us in terms of pushing for marriage equality. And we're going to have to do a lot of the work that we haven't done before, in terms of reaching out to folks outside of the gay community, including the African-American community and communities of faith.
Click here to read the rest of the interview.
March 11, 2009
Pioneers in GLBT Faith: Rev. Ann B. Day
From the LGBT Religious Arcihves Network.
Baptized in the United Methodist Church, influenced by the Church of the Brethren, and raised in the Southern Presbyterian Church, it is little wonder that the Rev. Ann B. Day found a spiritual home in the ecumenically-committed United Church of Christ (UCC). Equally drawn by its Christ-centered life and commitment to social justice, she was ordained in the UCC after completing her Master of Divinity degree at Vanderbilt Divinity School in 1978. While in seminary, she served as the first coordinator of the Women’s Office at the Divinity School.
After seminary, Ann served as associate pastor at First Congregational Church UCC in Holden, Massachusetts, until 1981. In the years following, she discovered and became increasingly involved with the United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns (now the UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns). In 1987, she became coordinator for its new Open and Affirming (ONA) program, which assists UCC settings in becoming and being ONA (publicly welcoming to LGBT persons). The program maintains the listings of ONA settings in the UCC and, in cooperation with national UCC staff and others, provides the primary leadership and resources for assisting settings in an ongoing process of ONA study and witness. Ann’s ministry includes writing, preaching, resource development, pastoral support, and offering educational programs. Her partner, Donna Enberg, is the ONA Administrative Assistant, doing invaluable work to keep the database and finances of the program in order and seeing that resources are sent on their way promptly. As staff for the ONA program, Ann and Donna are also actively involved in the ecumenical “Welcoming Church Movement.”
Click here to read more about Rev. Day.
Baptized in the United Methodist Church, influenced by the Church of the Brethren, and raised in the Southern Presbyterian Church, it is little wonder that the Rev. Ann B. Day found a spiritual home in the ecumenically-committed United Church of Christ (UCC). Equally drawn by its Christ-centered life and commitment to social justice, she was ordained in the UCC after completing her Master of Divinity degree at Vanderbilt Divinity School in 1978. While in seminary, she served as the first coordinator of the Women’s Office at the Divinity School.
After seminary, Ann served as associate pastor at First Congregational Church UCC in Holden, Massachusetts, until 1981. In the years following, she discovered and became increasingly involved with the United Church Coalition for Lesbian/Gay Concerns (now the UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns). In 1987, she became coordinator for its new Open and Affirming (ONA) program, which assists UCC settings in becoming and being ONA (publicly welcoming to LGBT persons). The program maintains the listings of ONA settings in the UCC and, in cooperation with national UCC staff and others, provides the primary leadership and resources for assisting settings in an ongoing process of ONA study and witness. Ann’s ministry includes writing, preaching, resource development, pastoral support, and offering educational programs. Her partner, Donna Enberg, is the ONA Administrative Assistant, doing invaluable work to keep the database and finances of the program in order and seeing that resources are sent on their way promptly. As staff for the ONA program, Ann and Donna are also actively involved in the ecumenical “Welcoming Church Movement.”
Click here to read more about Rev. Day.
March 10, 2009
Advocacy Group: Equality California
One of the organizations at the forefront of overturning Proposition 8 in the state is Equality California. From their website:
Equality California has strategically moved California from a state with extremely limited legal protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals to a state with some of the most comprehensive civil rights protections in the nation.
EQCA works to achieve equality and secure legal protections for LGBT people. To improve the lives of LGBT Californians, EQCA sponsors legislation and coordinates efforts to ensure its passage, lobbies legislators and other policy makers, builds coalitions, develops community strength and empowers individuals and other organizations to engage in the political process.
In the past decade, EQCA has successfully passed more than 45 pieces of civil rights legislation for the LGBT community – more than any other statewide LGBT organization in the nation.
Working in partnership with California’s LGBT Legislative Caucus, EQCA is committed to building a better future for all Californians by protecting youth, strengthening families and empowering communities. Each year at the Capitol, EQCA monitors thousands of bills and leads the state’s efforts to defeat legislation that could have a negative impact on LGBT Californians and their families.
EQCA, on behalf of its memebers, is an organizational plaintiff in the historic lawsuit asking the California Supreme Court to strike down state law that bars same-gender couples from marriage. In court, EQCA has also successfully defended California’s domestic partnership laws and related state policies that have been implemented in response to EQCA-sponsored legislation.
I encourage to check out their website for updates on the court challenge to Prop 8 and other news impacting the GLBT community.
Equality California has strategically moved California from a state with extremely limited legal protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals to a state with some of the most comprehensive civil rights protections in the nation.
EQCA works to achieve equality and secure legal protections for LGBT people. To improve the lives of LGBT Californians, EQCA sponsors legislation and coordinates efforts to ensure its passage, lobbies legislators and other policy makers, builds coalitions, develops community strength and empowers individuals and other organizations to engage in the political process.
In the past decade, EQCA has successfully passed more than 45 pieces of civil rights legislation for the LGBT community – more than any other statewide LGBT organization in the nation.
Working in partnership with California’s LGBT Legislative Caucus, EQCA is committed to building a better future for all Californians by protecting youth, strengthening families and empowering communities. Each year at the Capitol, EQCA monitors thousands of bills and leads the state’s efforts to defeat legislation that could have a negative impact on LGBT Californians and their families.
EQCA, on behalf of its memebers, is an organizational plaintiff in the historic lawsuit asking the California Supreme Court to strike down state law that bars same-gender couples from marriage. In court, EQCA has also successfully defended California’s domestic partnership laws and related state policies that have been implemented in response to EQCA-sponsored legislation.
I encourage to check out their website for updates on the court challenge to Prop 8 and other news impacting the GLBT community.
March 09, 2009
Another Failed Attempt to Live a Lie
I've written often here about a person failing to live a honest life, where they are being true to who they are, is a recipe for misery and disaster. Here is another cautionary tale supporting that thesis:
From the San Francisco Sentinel:
For much of Jacques Whitfield’s 11-year marriage he maintained a parallel life. He cheated on his wife and, he said, cheated himself.
But that’s over. Whitfield, a veteran Sacramento attorney, quit years of therapy that he once thought would exorcize his homosexuality. Today he is openly gay and has lent his voice in opposition to California’s ban on gay marriage.
While the state Supreme Court weighs the constitutionality of Proposition 8, Whitfield said he believes the court decision alone won’t change public opinion. So he wants to help change some minds.
Exit polls showed a majority of African Americans and Latinos supported the same-sex marriage ban.
Whitfield, who is African American, acknowledged that churches, and long-held notions of right and wrong, held sway. That’s why he believes it’s important for some in his community to stop hiding.
“People like me should have been empowered to have the courageous conversation with people that look like me,” said Whitfield, who recently became board chairman of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center.
That was not a strong enough element in the No on 8 campaign, Whitfield said. There should have been more African Americans delivering a message that gay marriage is a civil rights issue, he said.
Kudos to Mr. Whitfield for putting himself out there. Hopefully his story will influence others who are trying to live the type of secret life he did, and will also open eyes of those who voted to take away a basic civil right from people like him.
Click here to read the rest of the Sentinel's story.
From the San Francisco Sentinel:
For much of Jacques Whitfield’s 11-year marriage he maintained a parallel life. He cheated on his wife and, he said, cheated himself.
But that’s over. Whitfield, a veteran Sacramento attorney, quit years of therapy that he once thought would exorcize his homosexuality. Today he is openly gay and has lent his voice in opposition to California’s ban on gay marriage.
While the state Supreme Court weighs the constitutionality of Proposition 8, Whitfield said he believes the court decision alone won’t change public opinion. So he wants to help change some minds.
Exit polls showed a majority of African Americans and Latinos supported the same-sex marriage ban.
Whitfield, who is African American, acknowledged that churches, and long-held notions of right and wrong, held sway. That’s why he believes it’s important for some in his community to stop hiding.
“People like me should have been empowered to have the courageous conversation with people that look like me,” said Whitfield, who recently became board chairman of the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center.
That was not a strong enough element in the No on 8 campaign, Whitfield said. There should have been more African Americans delivering a message that gay marriage is a civil rights issue, he said.
Kudos to Mr. Whitfield for putting himself out there. Hopefully his story will influence others who are trying to live the type of secret life he did, and will also open eyes of those who voted to take away a basic civil right from people like him.
Click here to read the rest of the Sentinel's story.
March 08, 2009
Sunday Worship 3/8/09
If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. Here are links to some worship music and services from open and affirming ministries (all times eastern). I hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
We appreicate all of the positive feedback we've received for our Sunday Worship series. If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with me.
Worship Music--sing along and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Shout to the Lord
Trading My Sorrows
You Are God Alone
Live Worship Services--all times Eastern
Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, WA 1:30 PM Eastern (also archives of pervious services)
Recent Recorded Worship Services
Rainbow Community Church of Vancouver, BC
Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
We appreicate all of the positive feedback we've received for our Sunday Worship series. If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with me.
Worship Music--sing along and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Shout to the Lord
Trading My Sorrows
You Are God Alone
Live Worship Services--all times Eastern
Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, WA 1:30 PM Eastern (also archives of pervious services)
Recent Recorded Worship Services
Rainbow Community Church of Vancouver, BC
Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Fort Lauderdale, FL
March 07, 2009
GLBT News and Political Roundup 3/7/09
Here's some of the news items that impacted the GLBT community this week:
From the Washington Blade, the Obama administration plans to boost domestic AIDS spending in 2010.
Proposition 8 had its day in court on Thursday. The reports indicate that the court seemed to lean toward upholding the validity of the referendum, but leaving marriages legally performed prior to its passage as valid. Here are reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and Time Magazine.
HRC President Joe Solmonese called out Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele in this essay in Politico.
This is a time for a new direction, not more of the same old, same old when it comes to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered America and the Republican Party. Most voters are dead tired of rhetoric that vilifies one group of Americans, or diminishes one family over another, or says to one teenager, “You’re OK” and to another, “You’re not.” And those lines are not drawn by a level of civic participation, scholastic aptitude or family values; they’re drawn by age-old prejudice that has no place in the uncertain world we all live in today.
Chairman Steele would do well to look closer at where America is headed on these issues of family, heart, and basic fairness and to lead his party forward. Hip-hop, after all, is about authenticity, if nothing else. This three steps forward, two steps back approach not only won’t win elections; it won’t win many new party members, either.
On a trip to Brussels, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton spoke out very clearly in support of GLBT rights.
In an answer to a Moldovan gay rights activist who was wearing an 'I Love Hilary' tshirt, she said:
“Human rights is and always will be one of the pillars of our foreign policy. In particular, persecution and discrimination against gays and lesbians is something we take very seriously.
"I can only hope that we all live long enough to see the end to this kind of discriminatory treatment and recognition that human rights are the inalienable rights of every person no matter who that person loves."
Former NLGTF Executive Director Matt Foreman says GLBT advocates need to get more personal.
“I believe that if every LGBT person in California had a heartfelt discussion about Proposition 8 with three people they knew, we would have won,” Foreman said. “The personal is essential to the political. We can’t look to Equality Texas or Equality Maryland to do this for us if we can’t do it for ourselves at home.”
From the Washington Blade, the Obama administration plans to boost domestic AIDS spending in 2010.
Proposition 8 had its day in court on Thursday. The reports indicate that the court seemed to lean toward upholding the validity of the referendum, but leaving marriages legally performed prior to its passage as valid. Here are reports from the San Francisco Chronicle and Time Magazine.
HRC President Joe Solmonese called out Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele in this essay in Politico.
This is a time for a new direction, not more of the same old, same old when it comes to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered America and the Republican Party. Most voters are dead tired of rhetoric that vilifies one group of Americans, or diminishes one family over another, or says to one teenager, “You’re OK” and to another, “You’re not.” And those lines are not drawn by a level of civic participation, scholastic aptitude or family values; they’re drawn by age-old prejudice that has no place in the uncertain world we all live in today.
Chairman Steele would do well to look closer at where America is headed on these issues of family, heart, and basic fairness and to lead his party forward. Hip-hop, after all, is about authenticity, if nothing else. This three steps forward, two steps back approach not only won’t win elections; it won’t win many new party members, either.
On a trip to Brussels, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton spoke out very clearly in support of GLBT rights.
In an answer to a Moldovan gay rights activist who was wearing an 'I Love Hilary' tshirt, she said:
“Human rights is and always will be one of the pillars of our foreign policy. In particular, persecution and discrimination against gays and lesbians is something we take very seriously.
"I can only hope that we all live long enough to see the end to this kind of discriminatory treatment and recognition that human rights are the inalienable rights of every person no matter who that person loves."
Former NLGTF Executive Director Matt Foreman says GLBT advocates need to get more personal.
“I believe that if every LGBT person in California had a heartfelt discussion about Proposition 8 with three people they knew, we would have won,” Foreman said. “The personal is essential to the political. We can’t look to Equality Texas or Equality Maryland to do this for us if we can’t do it for ourselves at home.”
March 06, 2009
Affirming Church: Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, WA
A couple we are close to and love dearly, Pastors Debbie and Susan George, lead Living Water Fellowship in suburban Seattle. Here's the welcoming message from their website:
We invite you to come and be a part of our church family. We exist to bring the unconditional love of Jesus Christ to all people regardless of age, ethnicity, or orientation. Our heart is to see each person that crosses our path know that they are loved and accepted by God.
Our goal is to minister to the whole person; body, soul and spirit.
We provide a place to not only heal but to grow in your relationship with God and each other.
Have you gone to other churches and felt unwelcome or unaccepted because you didn't quite fit in? Have you been looking for a place where you can be yourself and pursue a deeper relationship with God? You are welcome and accepted at Living Water Fellowship.
We are a family of people who desire to touch and better the lives of others in our community through various events including a homeless outreach, Isaiah 58 monthly food bank, weekly ministry center and various other outreach and ministry events.
You can find us at 7204 NE 175 ST, Kenmore, WA 98028.
We link to the live stream of their worship service every Sunday, but you can view the archives of recent services here. If you like lots of charismatic worship music and preaching in an open, affirming, and welcoming environment, I encourage you to visit Living Water, either in person or on the Internet. Their services start at 10:30 AM Pacific time every Sunday.
We invite you to come and be a part of our church family. We exist to bring the unconditional love of Jesus Christ to all people regardless of age, ethnicity, or orientation. Our heart is to see each person that crosses our path know that they are loved and accepted by God.
Our goal is to minister to the whole person; body, soul and spirit.
We provide a place to not only heal but to grow in your relationship with God and each other.
Have you gone to other churches and felt unwelcome or unaccepted because you didn't quite fit in? Have you been looking for a place where you can be yourself and pursue a deeper relationship with God? You are welcome and accepted at Living Water Fellowship.
We are a family of people who desire to touch and better the lives of others in our community through various events including a homeless outreach, Isaiah 58 monthly food bank, weekly ministry center and various other outreach and ministry events.
You can find us at 7204 NE 175 ST, Kenmore, WA 98028.
We link to the live stream of their worship service every Sunday, but you can view the archives of recent services here. If you like lots of charismatic worship music and preaching in an open, affirming, and welcoming environment, I encourage you to visit Living Water, either in person or on the Internet. Their services start at 10:30 AM Pacific time every Sunday.
March 04, 2009
Finding Jesus
The National Council of Churches issued this disturbing report recently:
The 77th annual edition of the Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches, long a highly regarded chronicler of growth and financial trends of religious institutions, records a slight but startling decline in membership of the nation's largest Christian communions.
Membership in the Roman Catholic Church declined 0.59 percent and the Southern Baptist Convention declined 0.24 percent, according to the 2009 edition of the Yearbook, edited by the National Council of Churches and published by Abingdon.
This year's reported decline raises eyebrows because Catholic and Southern Baptist membership has grown dependably over the years. Now they join virtually every mainline church in reporting a membership decline.
Click here to read the entire report
This report comes out at an interesting time in our ministry, since Brenda and I recently
left our church and are currently unaffiliated.
I have been a member of four churches in my life; two Southern Baptist congregations, one Roman Catholic, and recently an independent Charismatic fellowship. I left the first one when I was ostracized following a divorce, the second when I was fired from employment there, the third out of disinterest, and most recently Brenda and I left BCF due to a difference in the direction of our ministry compared to that of the church leadership.
I offer that information as my credentials to talk about why people leave churches.
People who switch congregations are not the issue, in my opinion, because they are still seeking connection, still seeking a place to worship, still seeking a place to be spiritually fed.
The much bigger problem is the people who leave the church experience completely.
Here's some insight, a quote from the book "Jesus Wants to Save Christians," by Rob Bell and Don Golden:
"A church's authority.....comes from how we've been broken open and poured out, not from how well we've pursued power and lobbied and organized ourselves to triumph. This is why when Christians organize politically and start flexing that muscle, making threats about how they are going to impose their way on others, so many people turn away from Jesus.
Jesus' followers at that point are claiming to be the voice of God, but they are speaking the language of Caesar and using the methods of (the Roman Empire)."
Jesus came to aid the weak and disenfranchised, yet many churches are led by those who seek strength by accumulating power and wealth.
Jesus came to earth as a living sacrifice to die for us, yet many churches ask their members to sacrifice to sustain the church.
Jesus didn't brag about how many people came to hear Him speak, yet many churches measure their success by counting heads in the congregation and/or baptisms they perform.
Jesus never had a home base, never built a facility, yet many churches focus much of their members' energy in obtaining, growing, furnishing, and maintaining buildings.
Jesus reached out to people at the lowest rung of society, yet many churches reject people who aren't dressed "properly", aren't the right color, or who love someone of the same gender.
Jesus kept the focus of His short time on earth toward ministering to those who needed Him and training those who would follow in leadership, yet many churches have most of their focus on sustaining itself and meeting the needs of people already in their congregations at the expense of those outside the walls who truly need love and sustenance.
You can find many churches without any trace of the real Jesus.
You can connect with the real Jesus without stepping foot in a church.
You can find Him in your living room.
You can find Him at a park bench.
You can find Him while breaking bread with other seekers in a restaurant.
Sometimes, you have a better chance of connecting with Jesus beyond the walls of the church.
That's where most of the people He originally came to save can be found.
That's beyond the politics, power struggles, financial concerns, committees, and drama that often take the place of ministry and worship in what should be the Lord's House.
The church is growing in China through a network primarily focused on house churches, small groups meeting in someone's home.
The house church movement is starting to grow in the United States. Groups like DOVE Christian Fellowship International are facilitating that growth.
People are still seeking Jesus.
More people are looking outside the box, namely the walls of the church, to find Him.
Sometimes that can be the purest form of worship, just praising Him without a band, stereo system, and video display.
Simply a small group making a joyful noise because they love the Lord.
Just like they did in the early Church as recorded in the Book of Acts.
Perhaps we should get back to the basics.
If you've been rejected by the church, there are alternatives.
Sometimes something can be so simple, so pure, we completely miss it.
Just because the door of the church has been slammed shut in your face, don't close the door on Jesus.
He's still ready to welcome you with open arms and love you.
Just as you are, right where you are.
The 77th annual edition of the Yearbook of American & Canadian Churches, long a highly regarded chronicler of growth and financial trends of religious institutions, records a slight but startling decline in membership of the nation's largest Christian communions.
Membership in the Roman Catholic Church declined 0.59 percent and the Southern Baptist Convention declined 0.24 percent, according to the 2009 edition of the Yearbook, edited by the National Council of Churches and published by Abingdon.
This year's reported decline raises eyebrows because Catholic and Southern Baptist membership has grown dependably over the years. Now they join virtually every mainline church in reporting a membership decline.
Click here to read the entire report
This report comes out at an interesting time in our ministry, since Brenda and I recently
left our church and are currently unaffiliated.
I have been a member of four churches in my life; two Southern Baptist congregations, one Roman Catholic, and recently an independent Charismatic fellowship. I left the first one when I was ostracized following a divorce, the second when I was fired from employment there, the third out of disinterest, and most recently Brenda and I left BCF due to a difference in the direction of our ministry compared to that of the church leadership.
I offer that information as my credentials to talk about why people leave churches.
People who switch congregations are not the issue, in my opinion, because they are still seeking connection, still seeking a place to worship, still seeking a place to be spiritually fed.
The much bigger problem is the people who leave the church experience completely.
Here's some insight, a quote from the book "Jesus Wants to Save Christians," by Rob Bell and Don Golden:
"A church's authority.....comes from how we've been broken open and poured out, not from how well we've pursued power and lobbied and organized ourselves to triumph. This is why when Christians organize politically and start flexing that muscle, making threats about how they are going to impose their way on others, so many people turn away from Jesus.
Jesus' followers at that point are claiming to be the voice of God, but they are speaking the language of Caesar and using the methods of (the Roman Empire)."
Jesus came to aid the weak and disenfranchised, yet many churches are led by those who seek strength by accumulating power and wealth.
Jesus came to earth as a living sacrifice to die for us, yet many churches ask their members to sacrifice to sustain the church.
Jesus didn't brag about how many people came to hear Him speak, yet many churches measure their success by counting heads in the congregation and/or baptisms they perform.
Jesus never had a home base, never built a facility, yet many churches focus much of their members' energy in obtaining, growing, furnishing, and maintaining buildings.
Jesus reached out to people at the lowest rung of society, yet many churches reject people who aren't dressed "properly", aren't the right color, or who love someone of the same gender.
Jesus kept the focus of His short time on earth toward ministering to those who needed Him and training those who would follow in leadership, yet many churches have most of their focus on sustaining itself and meeting the needs of people already in their congregations at the expense of those outside the walls who truly need love and sustenance.
You can find many churches without any trace of the real Jesus.
You can connect with the real Jesus without stepping foot in a church.
You can find Him in your living room.
You can find Him at a park bench.
You can find Him while breaking bread with other seekers in a restaurant.
Sometimes, you have a better chance of connecting with Jesus beyond the walls of the church.
That's where most of the people He originally came to save can be found.
That's beyond the politics, power struggles, financial concerns, committees, and drama that often take the place of ministry and worship in what should be the Lord's House.
The church is growing in China through a network primarily focused on house churches, small groups meeting in someone's home.
The house church movement is starting to grow in the United States. Groups like DOVE Christian Fellowship International are facilitating that growth.
People are still seeking Jesus.
More people are looking outside the box, namely the walls of the church, to find Him.
Sometimes that can be the purest form of worship, just praising Him without a band, stereo system, and video display.
Simply a small group making a joyful noise because they love the Lord.
Just like they did in the early Church as recorded in the Book of Acts.
Perhaps we should get back to the basics.
If you've been rejected by the church, there are alternatives.
Sometimes something can be so simple, so pure, we completely miss it.
Just because the door of the church has been slammed shut in your face, don't close the door on Jesus.
He's still ready to welcome you with open arms and love you.
Just as you are, right where you are.
Pioneers in GLBT Faith: Rev. Robert W. Wood
From the LGBT Religious Arcihves Network:
Wood was ordained in the Congregational Christian denomination on June 17, 1951 in Fair Haven, Vermont. He served on the staff of Broadway Tabernacle in New York City for two years and then as pastor in Spring Valley, New York, for 11 years; in an inner-city congregation in Newark, New Jersey, for 13 years; and finally in Maynard, Mass. for eight years. During this time, he served six years on the United Church of Christ's Board for Homeland Ministries and another six years on the Board for World Ministries.
Robert engaged Christian attitudes toward homosexuality throughout his ministry. In 1956 he wrote an article entitled "Spiritual Exercises" for a gay physique magazine Grecian Guild, in which his photo in a clerical collar appeared. After meeting Donald Webster Cory, author of the ground-breaking 1951 book The Homosexual in America, Robert started writing a book on Christianity and homosexuality. Christ and the Homosexual was published in 1960 by Vantage Press. Wood's photo appeared on the dust jacket and his congregation was identified in the book. All 5,000 printed copies were sold. A review in ONE magazine said: "Sparkling, intimate, compassionate and well-informed--this book is among other things probably the best and most readable description of gay life currently in print...This is the first book written by a responsible clergyman to welcome homosexuals into the Church without demanding that they give up the practice of homosexuality." Wood was honored with Awards of Merit from the Mattachine Society and The Prosperos that year. In August, 1962, Wood was a featured speaker at the Ninth Annual Conference of the Mattachine Society. He was the only clergy among 18 gay men and 7 lesbians who picketed in front of the Civil Service Building in Washington, D.C. on June 25, 1965, in a protest organized by Frank Kameny.
Click here to read the rest of the profile for Rev. Wood.
Wood was ordained in the Congregational Christian denomination on June 17, 1951 in Fair Haven, Vermont. He served on the staff of Broadway Tabernacle in New York City for two years and then as pastor in Spring Valley, New York, for 11 years; in an inner-city congregation in Newark, New Jersey, for 13 years; and finally in Maynard, Mass. for eight years. During this time, he served six years on the United Church of Christ's Board for Homeland Ministries and another six years on the Board for World Ministries.
Robert engaged Christian attitudes toward homosexuality throughout his ministry. In 1956 he wrote an article entitled "Spiritual Exercises" for a gay physique magazine Grecian Guild, in which his photo in a clerical collar appeared. After meeting Donald Webster Cory, author of the ground-breaking 1951 book The Homosexual in America, Robert started writing a book on Christianity and homosexuality. Christ and the Homosexual was published in 1960 by Vantage Press. Wood's photo appeared on the dust jacket and his congregation was identified in the book. All 5,000 printed copies were sold. A review in ONE magazine said: "Sparkling, intimate, compassionate and well-informed--this book is among other things probably the best and most readable description of gay life currently in print...This is the first book written by a responsible clergyman to welcome homosexuals into the Church without demanding that they give up the practice of homosexuality." Wood was honored with Awards of Merit from the Mattachine Society and The Prosperos that year. In August, 1962, Wood was a featured speaker at the Ninth Annual Conference of the Mattachine Society. He was the only clergy among 18 gay men and 7 lesbians who picketed in front of the Civil Service Building in Washington, D.C. on June 25, 1965, in a protest organized by Frank Kameny.
Click here to read the rest of the profile for Rev. Wood.
March 03, 2009
Advocacy Group: Faith in America
The advocacy organization "Faith in America" sets the bar pretty high with their mission statement--"Ending the Harm Caused by Religious-Based Bigotry."
From their website:
Faith In America's mission is to educate the public about the harm caused when religious beliefs are used to promote and justify prejudice, discrimination and violence toward gay Americans with emphasis on the negative impact on youth. The goal of this education process is to end the advance of religion-based bigotry and prejudice toward gay citizens and to marginalize those groups or individuals who bring that harm to bear on good, decent and law-abiding Americans simply because of sexual orientation.
We have injected a new voice into the national dialogue on full and equal rights for gay Americans. No longer will the Tony Perkins, James Dobsons or Frank Tureks of the world be allowed to justify and promote attitudes of rejection, condemnation and violence with impunity.
No longer should gay and lesbian individuals have to hear themselves called sinners and unworthy by media spokespersons, elected officials, religious leaders, or any advertisements stemming from pro-LGBT initiatives.
It simply no longer can be acceptable or tolerated because of the immense emotional, psychological and spiritual violence it brings to bear on our families and communities, gay and straight.
We will not agree to disagree when it comes to young lives being wrecked.
Making people aware of that harm and helping them understand the pain is of course the reason Mitchell Gold, our founder, in Sept. 08 published the book "CRISIS: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay In America" Crisis." (reviewed at this blog a few weeks ago) It is changing a heart and a mind of someone in America. CRISIS is perhaps the single, most effective educational tool that exists in the public discourse today when it comes to our message.
Almost daily, we receive a personal story from someone who has been impacted by Mitchell Gold's book. It is allowing parents, teachers, counselors, pastors and others to see the true face of the harm caused by religion-based bigotry and in doing so gives them the reason to move away from a position that promotes such harm.
We hope you'll join us in ensuring that more and more Americans in 2009 will come to see that the harm caused by religion-based bigotry and prejudice toward gay and lesbian Americans is indeed one of the greatest moral failures of our day.
Touching on one of my key concerns, Faith in America has demonstrated a willingness and established a track record of collaboration with other GLBT advocacy organizations to fulfill their common missions.
I encourage you to check out their website.
From their website:
Faith In America's mission is to educate the public about the harm caused when religious beliefs are used to promote and justify prejudice, discrimination and violence toward gay Americans with emphasis on the negative impact on youth. The goal of this education process is to end the advance of religion-based bigotry and prejudice toward gay citizens and to marginalize those groups or individuals who bring that harm to bear on good, decent and law-abiding Americans simply because of sexual orientation.
We have injected a new voice into the national dialogue on full and equal rights for gay Americans. No longer will the Tony Perkins, James Dobsons or Frank Tureks of the world be allowed to justify and promote attitudes of rejection, condemnation and violence with impunity.
No longer should gay and lesbian individuals have to hear themselves called sinners and unworthy by media spokespersons, elected officials, religious leaders, or any advertisements stemming from pro-LGBT initiatives.
It simply no longer can be acceptable or tolerated because of the immense emotional, psychological and spiritual violence it brings to bear on our families and communities, gay and straight.
We will not agree to disagree when it comes to young lives being wrecked.
Making people aware of that harm and helping them understand the pain is of course the reason Mitchell Gold, our founder, in Sept. 08 published the book "CRISIS: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay In America" Crisis." (reviewed at this blog a few weeks ago) It is changing a heart and a mind of someone in America. CRISIS is perhaps the single, most effective educational tool that exists in the public discourse today when it comes to our message.
Almost daily, we receive a personal story from someone who has been impacted by Mitchell Gold's book. It is allowing parents, teachers, counselors, pastors and others to see the true face of the harm caused by religion-based bigotry and in doing so gives them the reason to move away from a position that promotes such harm.
We hope you'll join us in ensuring that more and more Americans in 2009 will come to see that the harm caused by religion-based bigotry and prejudice toward gay and lesbian Americans is indeed one of the greatest moral failures of our day.
Touching on one of my key concerns, Faith in America has demonstrated a willingness and established a track record of collaboration with other GLBT advocacy organizations to fulfill their common missions.
I encourage you to check out their website.
March 02, 2009
Are You Straight?
Here is a link, thanks to the Houston Chronicle's religion blog, that asks the question in a way all too many of you may be familiar with.
Don't worry, it's nothing to be ashamed of. After all, God made us that way.
Don't worry, it's nothing to be ashamed of. After all, God made us that way.
March 01, 2009
Sunday Worship 3/1/09
If you don't have a welcoming church near you, or you just can't make yourself step into one, we're bringing worship to you. Here are links to some worship music and services from open and affirming ministries (all times eastern). I hope you are blessed and take time out of your busy schedule to enter into the Lord's day.
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with me.
Worship Music--sing along and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Beautiful One
Friend of God
I Could Sing of Your Love Forever
Live Worship Services--all times Eastern
Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, WA 1:30 PM Eastern (also archives of pervious services)
Recent Recorded Worship Services
Rainbow Community Church of Vancouver, BC
Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Don't forget to click on the tab on the upper right of this blog and leave your prayer requests in the comment section so we can petition the Lord for your needs.
If you know of a service we should add to our list, please send an e-mail and share it with me.
Worship Music--sing along and make a joyful noise unto the Lord!
Beautiful One
Friend of God
I Could Sing of Your Love Forever
Live Worship Services--all times Eastern
Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, WA 1:30 PM Eastern (also archives of pervious services)
Recent Recorded Worship Services
Rainbow Community Church of Vancouver, BC
Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Fort Lauderdale, FL
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