From Q Resources via Queers United
.1. Homophobia and transphobia force us to act "macho" if we are a man or "feminine" if we are a woman. This limits our individuality and self-expression.
2. Homophobia and transphobia put pressure on straight people to act aggressively and angrily towards LGBTQI people.
3. Homophobia and transphobia can make it harder to be close friends with someone of the same sex.
4. Homophobia and transphobia often strain family and community relationships.
5. Homophobia and transphobia can cause youth to become sexually active before they are ready in order to prove they are "normal." This can lead to an increase in unwanted pregnancies and STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
6. Homophobia and transphobia prevent vital information on sex and sexuality to be readily available in classrooms, medical offices, and other educational venues. Without this information, LGBTQI people are putting themselves at a greater risk for HIV and other STIs (sexually transmitted infections).
7. Homophobia and transphobia can be used to hurt a straight person if they "appear to be gay" and/or express her/his gender outside societal expectations.
8. Homophobia and transphobia make it hard for straight people and LGBTQ people to be friends.
9. Homophobia and transphobia, along with racism, sexism, classism, etc. make it hard to put an end to AIDS.
10. Homophobia and transphobia make it hard to appreciate true diversity and the unique traits that are not “mainstream.”
December 07, 2009
Encouraging Words 12/7/09-BCF Praise Report
"You shall decree and declare a thing and it SHALL BE ESTABLISHED unto you!
Job 22:28
Greetings BCF Family & Friends,
What an awesome weekend and worship service at BCF yesterday! We had a beautiful first snowfall of the winter here in the DC area on Saturday and it just made for a picture perfect day of rest for most of us! Then worship service was just wonderful as Sister Lauren led worship on her guitar, along with Sister Linda on her guitar, Sister Jenn singing, the praise team and the heart of the congregation reaching out for the Lord! THANK YOU praise team for your faithfulness and service to the Body of Christ- you are growing so much in the flow of the Spirit, and your skills are getting better and better, too! I am totally blessed by your heart and abilities!
Elder Brenda Johnson then spoke a timely word of exhortation, reminding us all that the battle (for our provision and breakthrough) is already won, the VICTORY over sin and death is already accomplished through our Lord Jesus Christ, AND it is our responsibility to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and continue our non-stop confessions and declarations of God's WORD over our lives and circumstances. The enemy would like to get us to become complacent and begin to neglect "so great a faith" by falling back into judging, murmuring and complaining rather than decreeing and declaring what our Heavenly Father has said IS SO about us, our health, our finances, our provision, the Church and ministry- it is up to US to continue to be the occupying force until King Jesus returns. RELEASE YOUR FAITH IN GOD'S PROMISES TO YOU WITH YOUR MOUTH!!! FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE THAT MANIFESTS YOUR PROVISION- AND YOUR MOUTH IS THE KEY!Thank you Elder Brenda for preaching God's Word to us! We are DOERS of the Word, and not hearers only!
Yesterday was also our Helping Hands Sandwich Ministry Outreach. Special thanks to Ferris for coordinating everything and to everyone who stayed and helped prepare lunches and then delivered them to the needy in DC. It was a cold winter day and the Lord used us to bring the warmth of His love and provision to many people! God bless you and PRAISE GOD for the opportunity to touch other people's lives!!
Ferris asked me to remind all of us that you don't have to wait for a planned day or event to prepare some bag lunches and give them out to those in need. You can do that anytime, and in fact- you should!! How about when you are preparing your lunch, make a couple of extras and hand them out to those the Lord brings across your path. He will bring them if you will be prepared! GIVE! If you have a need- GIVE! If you want to be a blessing- GIVE! If you want to be blessed- GIVE! Give what you have, give what you can- God will bless it and increase you to give more!
We are praying for you and thinking about each of you! May the Holy Spirit flood your life right now with a fresh impartation of the LOVE of God!
We love you and we are here for you if you need us, just reach out!
God bless you with His SHALOM- with nothing missing and nothing broken in your life!
In Christ's faithful love,
Ap Dale
Job 22:28
Greetings BCF Family & Friends,
What an awesome weekend and worship service at BCF yesterday! We had a beautiful first snowfall of the winter here in the DC area on Saturday and it just made for a picture perfect day of rest for most of us! Then worship service was just wonderful as Sister Lauren led worship on her guitar, along with Sister Linda on her guitar, Sister Jenn singing, the praise team and the heart of the congregation reaching out for the Lord! THANK YOU praise team for your faithfulness and service to the Body of Christ- you are growing so much in the flow of the Spirit, and your skills are getting better and better, too! I am totally blessed by your heart and abilities!
Elder Brenda Johnson then spoke a timely word of exhortation, reminding us all that the battle (for our provision and breakthrough) is already won, the VICTORY over sin and death is already accomplished through our Lord Jesus Christ, AND it is our responsibility to cooperate with the Holy Spirit and continue our non-stop confessions and declarations of God's WORD over our lives and circumstances. The enemy would like to get us to become complacent and begin to neglect "so great a faith" by falling back into judging, murmuring and complaining rather than decreeing and declaring what our Heavenly Father has said IS SO about us, our health, our finances, our provision, the Church and ministry- it is up to US to continue to be the occupying force until King Jesus returns. RELEASE YOUR FAITH IN GOD'S PROMISES TO YOU WITH YOUR MOUTH!!! FAITH IS THE SUBSTANCE THAT MANIFESTS YOUR PROVISION- AND YOUR MOUTH IS THE KEY!Thank you Elder Brenda for preaching God's Word to us! We are DOERS of the Word, and not hearers only!
Yesterday was also our Helping Hands Sandwich Ministry Outreach. Special thanks to Ferris for coordinating everything and to everyone who stayed and helped prepare lunches and then delivered them to the needy in DC. It was a cold winter day and the Lord used us to bring the warmth of His love and provision to many people! God bless you and PRAISE GOD for the opportunity to touch other people's lives!!
Ferris asked me to remind all of us that you don't have to wait for a planned day or event to prepare some bag lunches and give them out to those in need. You can do that anytime, and in fact- you should!! How about when you are preparing your lunch, make a couple of extras and hand them out to those the Lord brings across your path. He will bring them if you will be prepared! GIVE! If you have a need- GIVE! If you want to be a blessing- GIVE! If you want to be blessed- GIVE! Give what you have, give what you can- God will bless it and increase you to give more!
We are praying for you and thinking about each of you! May the Holy Spirit flood your life right now with a fresh impartation of the LOVE of God!
We love you and we are here for you if you need us, just reach out!
God bless you with His SHALOM- with nothing missing and nothing broken in your life!
In Christ's faithful love,
Ap Dale
Matthew 25 Resource 12/7/09-Mid-South Food Bank (Memphis, TN)
Mid-South Food Bank is an independent, nondenominational 501(c)(3) Tennessee corporation founded in 1981 Mid-South Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the national network of food banks (formerly called America's Second Harvest).
Our Mission: To fight hunger through the efficient collection and distribution of wholesome food, and through education and advocacy.
Our Vision: A hunger-free Mid-South.
Our Agencies: Any 501(c)(3) charitable organization or faith-based equivalent in our service area that feeds needy and hungry people free of charge is eligible to apply to receive food from Mid-South Food Bank. Emergency food providers include food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. Other agencies are youth programs, senior programs, residential programs, daycares and schools.
Click here to find out more.
Our Mission: To fight hunger through the efficient collection and distribution of wholesome food, and through education and advocacy.
Our Vision: A hunger-free Mid-South.
Our Agencies: Any 501(c)(3) charitable organization or faith-based equivalent in our service area that feeds needy and hungry people free of charge is eligible to apply to receive food from Mid-South Food Bank. Emergency food providers include food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. Other agencies are youth programs, senior programs, residential programs, daycares and schools.
Click here to find out more.
"Whom Should We Call a Bigot?"
This is an excellent question. An exxay on 365gay by John Corvino answers it by encouraging us to use caution in tossing that word around, in part because it says as much about us as it does the alleged bigot:
“We all know what bigotry is,” a friend said to me recently. But do we?
I mean, most of us have experienced it, and we can point to clear historical examples. But can we define it, articulating what those examples all have in common? Or is it more like Justice Potter Stewart’s grasp of pornography: “I know it when I see it”?
As is often the case with controversial terms, the dictionary is of limited help here. The American Heritage Dictionary defines bigotry as “characteristic of a bigot,” which it in turn defines as “one who is strongly partial to one’s own group, religion, race, or politics and is intolerant of those who differ.” Webster’s definition of “bigot” is similar: “a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices.”
Now there must be a difference between merely disagreeing with those who differ and being “intolerant” of them. By definition, everyone disagrees with “those who differ”—that’s just what it means to “differ.” And everyone is “devoted” to at least some of his opinions. That’s the whole point of having convictions.
So it’s not bigotry merely to disagree with someone: one must also exhibit “intolerance.” But what does that mean? That one wishes to silence them? Surely it’s possible to be a bigot even while respecting free-speech rights. Thus, for example, those who believe that the races should be separated are bigots even if they believe that those who disagree should be permitted publicly to say so.
It seems, rather, that to call someone a bigot is in part to express a moral judgment. It is to suggest that the bigot’s views are not merely wrong, but somehow beyond the pale. So the dictionary definition only gets half of the picture: it’s not merely that the bigot doesn’t tolerate those who differ, it is also that we ought not tolerate him. In a free society we shouldn’t silence him, but we should certainly shun him.
“We all know what bigotry is,” a friend said to me recently. But do we?
I mean, most of us have experienced it, and we can point to clear historical examples. But can we define it, articulating what those examples all have in common? Or is it more like Justice Potter Stewart’s grasp of pornography: “I know it when I see it”?
As is often the case with controversial terms, the dictionary is of limited help here. The American Heritage Dictionary defines bigotry as “characteristic of a bigot,” which it in turn defines as “one who is strongly partial to one’s own group, religion, race, or politics and is intolerant of those who differ.” Webster’s definition of “bigot” is similar: “a person obstinately or intolerantly devoted to his or her own opinions and prejudices.”
Now there must be a difference between merely disagreeing with those who differ and being “intolerant” of them. By definition, everyone disagrees with “those who differ”—that’s just what it means to “differ.” And everyone is “devoted” to at least some of his opinions. That’s the whole point of having convictions.
So it’s not bigotry merely to disagree with someone: one must also exhibit “intolerance.” But what does that mean? That one wishes to silence them? Surely it’s possible to be a bigot even while respecting free-speech rights. Thus, for example, those who believe that the races should be separated are bigots even if they believe that those who disagree should be permitted publicly to say so.
It seems, rather, that to call someone a bigot is in part to express a moral judgment. It is to suggest that the bigot’s views are not merely wrong, but somehow beyond the pale. So the dictionary definition only gets half of the picture: it’s not merely that the bigot doesn’t tolerate those who differ, it is also that we ought not tolerate him. In a free society we shouldn’t silence him, but we should certainly shun him.
Daily Devotional 12/7/09
From: Reflections
Cor.6:19-20, KJV: What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
It boggles the mind to think what can come in small packages: a diamond, a gift certificate, a Christmas card that says more than any material gift could ever say. But the greatest gift of all came down from heaven, wrapped in flesh and bone, lived a life of service, died on a cross, rose from the grave, and now lives in many small and precious packages. What gift could possibly be any greater?
Cor.6:19-20, KJV: What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's.
It boggles the mind to think what can come in small packages: a diamond, a gift certificate, a Christmas card that says more than any material gift could ever say. But the greatest gift of all came down from heaven, wrapped in flesh and bone, lived a life of service, died on a cross, rose from the grave, and now lives in many small and precious packages. What gift could possibly be any greater?
December 06, 2009
Uganda Moving Forward With Bill Including Execution of Homosexuals
On the way home from work Friday I (Jim) saw a lone individual standing in the rain in front of the Ugandan embassy in Washington, DC protesting the law under consideration in that nation's parliment which, even in this day and age, could result in the execution of homosexuals. Please make as many people aware as possible of this potentially horrendous injustice to LGBT people. That lone protestor neeeds company.
Here is a story from PinkNews excerpting part of a strong editorial from The Guardian newspaper in the U.K. condemning this bill:
In a strongly worded leader column, The Guardian condemns Uganda's proposed law that could execute gay people or leave them facing lengthy prison sentences. The newspaper says that Sweden is right to suggest that aid to the country should be cut if the law is passed.
David Bahati, the MP for Ndorwa West in the Ugandan parliament, would not normally come to international attention. His name is becoming notorious, however, as the sponsor of a wretched piece of legislation intended to rile the west and torment an already suffering part of his country's population. Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill 2009, which is now before parliament, is unpleasant even by the standards of anti-gay laws around the world. Its supporters will decry any criticism as neocolonial interference, but the reality is that Uganda is being misled, not least by evangelical churches, some of which have links with the American Christian right.
The proposed law is more a rant against homosexuality and the west than a workable piece of legislation intended for Uganda itself. Much of it consists of a list of unfounded claims, starting with the statement that "same sex attraction is not an innate and immutable characteristic". Infamously, it calls for the execution of gay men found guilty of "aggravated homosexuality" – by which it means those who are HIV positive, or who have sex with someone who is under 18 or disabled. The bill may be amended during its passage through parliament to replace the death penalty with life imprisonment, but that change would be only a gesture to spare the blushes of Uganda's aid donors. If passed – which looks likely, since its sponsor is a member of Uganda's ruling party – the bill will continue to write hate into law.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
Here is a story from PinkNews excerpting part of a strong editorial from The Guardian newspaper in the U.K. condemning this bill:
In a strongly worded leader column, The Guardian condemns Uganda's proposed law that could execute gay people or leave them facing lengthy prison sentences. The newspaper says that Sweden is right to suggest that aid to the country should be cut if the law is passed.
David Bahati, the MP for Ndorwa West in the Ugandan parliament, would not normally come to international attention. His name is becoming notorious, however, as the sponsor of a wretched piece of legislation intended to rile the west and torment an already suffering part of his country's population. Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill 2009, which is now before parliament, is unpleasant even by the standards of anti-gay laws around the world. Its supporters will decry any criticism as neocolonial interference, but the reality is that Uganda is being misled, not least by evangelical churches, some of which have links with the American Christian right.
The proposed law is more a rant against homosexuality and the west than a workable piece of legislation intended for Uganda itself. Much of it consists of a list of unfounded claims, starting with the statement that "same sex attraction is not an innate and immutable characteristic". Infamously, it calls for the execution of gay men found guilty of "aggravated homosexuality" – by which it means those who are HIV positive, or who have sex with someone who is under 18 or disabled. The bill may be amended during its passage through parliament to replace the death penalty with life imprisonment, but that change would be only a gesture to spare the blushes of Uganda's aid donors. If passed – which looks likely, since its sponsor is a member of Uganda's ruling party – the bill will continue to write hate into law.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
LGBT Helping Hands 12/6/09-The Albert Kennedy Trust (U.K.)
AKT’s Mission is:
To ensure that all lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans young people are able to live in accepting, supportive and caring homes, by providing a range of services to meet the individual needs of those who would otherwise be homeless or living in a hostile environment.
We aim to do this by:
* Providing appropriate homes through supported lodgings, fostering and other specialist housing schemes.
* Enabling young people to manage independent living successfully.
* Improving attitudes within society towards lesbian, gay and bisexual young people.
To support our work all our staff, trustees, carers, mentors & volunteers are committed to:
* Delivering flexible and responsive services centred on the needs of LGBT young people.
* Engaging, supporting and nurturing LGBT young people.
* Providing accessible, safe and positive environments that are respectful of difference and diversity.
* Pioneering and innovative services to meet real need.
* Good communication and participation throughout the organisation and valuing and encouraging the contributions of all those involved. Excellence and best practice.
* Working in an open and honest manner, where trust is earned and given.
* Working as a team.Challenging perception both internally and externally.
And doing the above with passion, energy and enthusiasm.
Why Support AKT?
The Crisis around LGBT Youth Homeless
Despite 10 years of progressive LGB legislation which has enabled young LGBT people to feel more confident to come out at an early age – the reality is that when they do they are still greeted with the same level of homophobia & transphobia at home or school experienced 20 years ago when AKT was established in response to Albert Kennedy’s death...
Facts from AKT (2008)
* 1,400 requests for support (to our tiny organisation across Manchester & London)
* 55% of the young people who contact us in London are in need of emergency accommodation. We currently cannot meet this demand for carer households and our service is bursting at the seams.
* 85% of our young people have faced some level of rejection by their parents just for being brave enough to come out and be who they are. Previously research has suggested only 14% of LGBT young people have been rejected by their care giver.
* Over 2/3 of AKT young men have been offered sex or been forced to offer sex to get a bed for the night
Many of our young people will not use mainstream provision for fear of homophobia or transphobia from other service users or even the service itself.
AKT has developed some trailblazing partnerships with: Salford, Manchester & London Boroughs & Councils and Housing Trusts such as Knowsely,Trafford & Havering; who support our work to ensure mainstream services meet the needs of LGBT people.
AKT has recently launched it’s ‘Making a Difference’ scheme – a quality mark which is designed to help mainstream housing and homelessness services provide a service which supports LGBT young people. This is a response to our recent research report which showed a disparity in service provision for LGBT young people.
Click here to find out more.
To ensure that all lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans young people are able to live in accepting, supportive and caring homes, by providing a range of services to meet the individual needs of those who would otherwise be homeless or living in a hostile environment.
We aim to do this by:
* Providing appropriate homes through supported lodgings, fostering and other specialist housing schemes.
* Enabling young people to manage independent living successfully.
* Improving attitudes within society towards lesbian, gay and bisexual young people.
To support our work all our staff, trustees, carers, mentors & volunteers are committed to:
* Delivering flexible and responsive services centred on the needs of LGBT young people.
* Engaging, supporting and nurturing LGBT young people.
* Providing accessible, safe and positive environments that are respectful of difference and diversity.
* Pioneering and innovative services to meet real need.
* Good communication and participation throughout the organisation and valuing and encouraging the contributions of all those involved. Excellence and best practice.
* Working in an open and honest manner, where trust is earned and given.
* Working as a team.Challenging perception both internally and externally.
And doing the above with passion, energy and enthusiasm.
Why Support AKT?
The Crisis around LGBT Youth Homeless
Despite 10 years of progressive LGB legislation which has enabled young LGBT people to feel more confident to come out at an early age – the reality is that when they do they are still greeted with the same level of homophobia & transphobia at home or school experienced 20 years ago when AKT was established in response to Albert Kennedy’s death...
Facts from AKT (2008)
* 1,400 requests for support (to our tiny organisation across Manchester & London)
* 55% of the young people who contact us in London are in need of emergency accommodation. We currently cannot meet this demand for carer households and our service is bursting at the seams.
* 85% of our young people have faced some level of rejection by their parents just for being brave enough to come out and be who they are. Previously research has suggested only 14% of LGBT young people have been rejected by their care giver.
* Over 2/3 of AKT young men have been offered sex or been forced to offer sex to get a bed for the night
Many of our young people will not use mainstream provision for fear of homophobia or transphobia from other service users or even the service itself.
AKT has developed some trailblazing partnerships with: Salford, Manchester & London Boroughs & Councils and Housing Trusts such as Knowsely,Trafford & Havering; who support our work to ensure mainstream services meet the needs of LGBT people.
AKT has recently launched it’s ‘Making a Difference’ scheme – a quality mark which is designed to help mainstream housing and homelessness services provide a service which supports LGBT young people. This is a response to our recent research report which showed a disparity in service provision for LGBT young people.
Click here to find out more.
Episcopal Church Elects First Lesbian Bishop
From the Baltimore Sun:
The Rev. Canon Mary D. Glasspool, canon to the bishops of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, was elected bishop suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles on Saturday.
The Annapolis resident is the first openly lesbian priest to be elected a bishop in the Episcopal Church, and is the first openly gay bishop chosen since the 2003 election of V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire brought a longstanding divide over homosexuality within the church out into the open.
“I’m very excited about the future of the whole Episcopal Church, and I see the Diocese of Los Angeles leading the way into that future,” Glasspool, 55, told delegates at the diocese’s annual convention. “Thanks be to our loving, surprising God. I look forward, in the coming months, to getting to know you all better, as together we build up the Body of Christ for the world.”
Click here to read the rest of the story.
The Rev. Canon Mary D. Glasspool, canon to the bishops of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland, was elected bishop suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles on Saturday.
The Annapolis resident is the first openly lesbian priest to be elected a bishop in the Episcopal Church, and is the first openly gay bishop chosen since the 2003 election of V. Gene Robinson of New Hampshire brought a longstanding divide over homosexuality within the church out into the open.
“I’m very excited about the future of the whole Episcopal Church, and I see the Diocese of Los Angeles leading the way into that future,” Glasspool, 55, told delegates at the diocese’s annual convention. “Thanks be to our loving, surprising God. I look forward, in the coming months, to getting to know you all better, as together we build up the Body of Christ for the world.”
Click here to read the rest of the story.
Welcome to Sunday Worship 12/6/09
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 us.
Live Sunday Services (all times Eastern)VIDEOFL-Potters'>http://www.ustream.tv/channel/phif">FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa, 11:00 AM VA-Believers Covenant Fellowship, Vienna, 11:00 AMAL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham, 12:00 AMNC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem, 12:00 PMFL-Oasis Fellowship Ministries, Casselberry, 12:00 PMOK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa, 1:00 PMCA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach, 1:00 PMWA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, 1:30 PMCanada-Rainbow Community Church, Vancouver 9:00 PM
AUDIOCanada'>http://www.christalive.ca/?page_id=26">Canada, Vancouver-Christ Alive Community Church, 10:15 PMFL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program) 4:30 PM
Video ArchiveAL-Covenant Community Church, BirminghamCA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long BeachFL-Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Ft. LauderdaleFL-Oasis Fellowship Ministries, CasselberryFL-New'>http://www.blogofhope.com/?cat=6">FL-New Hope Christian Center, PensacolaFL-Potters House International Fellowship, TampaGA-Gentle Spirit Christian Church, AtlantaGA-New Covenant Church of AtlantaNC-Church'>http://www.renaissanceunity.org/live.htm">NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-SalemOK-Expressions Community Fellowship, Oklahoma CityOK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, TulsaTX-The One Church, GarlandWA-Living Water Fellowship, KenmoreCanada-Rainbow Community Church, Vancouver
Audio ArchiveAZ-Community Church of Hope, PhoenixAK-Open Door Community Church, SherwoodCA-Christ Chapel of Long BeachCA-Christ Chapel of the Valley, North HollywoodFL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program)FL-Body of Christ Church of God, LargoFL-New Hope Christian Center, PensecolaGA-New Covenant Church of AtlantaKY-Covenant Community Church, LouisvilleMD-Kittamaqundi Community, ColumbiaNC-Revolution CharlotteOH-Emmanuel Fellowship Church, AkronOH-All Saints Community Church, CortlandTN-Covenant of the Cross, MadisonTX-New'>http://www.nhfcdallas.org/pages/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=9">TX-New Hope Fellowship Church, DallasTX-White Rock Community Church, DallasTX-Community Gospel Church, HoustonTX-Through Him Fellowship, HoustonUT-Glory'>http://glory2godonline.com/cms/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=68">UT-Glory to God Christian Church, OgdenSouth Africa-Deo Gloria Family Church
Can we pray for you? E-mail
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 us.
Live Sunday Services (all times Eastern)VIDEOFL-Potters'>http://www.ustream.tv/channel/phif">FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa, 11:00 AM VA-Believers Covenant Fellowship, Vienna, 11:00 AMAL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham, 12:00 AMNC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem, 12:00 PMFL-Oasis Fellowship Ministries, Casselberry, 12:00 PMOK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa, 1:00 PMCA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach, 1:00 PMWA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, 1:30 PMCanada-Rainbow Community Church, Vancouver 9:00 PM
AUDIOCanada'>http://www.christalive.ca/?page_id=26">Canada, Vancouver-Christ Alive Community Church, 10:15 PMFL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program) 4:30 PM
Video ArchiveAL-Covenant Community Church, BirminghamCA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long BeachFL-Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Ft. LauderdaleFL-Oasis Fellowship Ministries, CasselberryFL-New'>http://www.blogofhope.com/?cat=6">FL-New Hope Christian Center, PensacolaFL-Potters House International Fellowship, TampaGA-Gentle Spirit Christian Church, AtlantaGA-New Covenant Church of AtlantaNC-Church'>http://www.renaissanceunity.org/live.htm">NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-SalemOK-Expressions Community Fellowship, Oklahoma CityOK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, TulsaTX-The One Church, GarlandWA-Living Water Fellowship, KenmoreCanada-Rainbow Community Church, Vancouver
Audio ArchiveAZ-Community Church of Hope, PhoenixAK-Open Door Community Church, SherwoodCA-Christ Chapel of Long BeachCA-Christ Chapel of the Valley, North HollywoodFL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program)FL-Body of Christ Church of God, LargoFL-New Hope Christian Center, PensecolaGA-New Covenant Church of AtlantaKY-Covenant Community Church, LouisvilleMD-Kittamaqundi Community, ColumbiaNC-Revolution CharlotteOH-Emmanuel Fellowship Church, AkronOH-All Saints Community Church, CortlandTN-Covenant of the Cross, MadisonTX-New'>http://www.nhfcdallas.org/pages/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=9">TX-New Hope Fellowship Church, DallasTX-White Rock Community Church, DallasTX-Community Gospel Church, HoustonTX-Through Him Fellowship, HoustonUT-Glory'>http://glory2godonline.com/cms/index.php?option=com_wrapper&view=wrapper&Itemid=68">UT-Glory to God Christian Church, OgdenSouth Africa-Deo Gloria Family Church
Can we pray for you? E-mail
December 05, 2009
Bullying a Cause of Suicide, Not a Rite of Passage
From the Salt Lake City Tribune:
When John Halligan's son Ryan committed suicide six years ago at the age of 13, he and his wife tore the house apart looking for the suicide note that would explain why he did it.
They didn't find one. But when Halligan, then an engineer with IBM in Vermont, logged onto his son's instant messaging account, he found the answer he was looking for: Ryan Halligan was a victim of cyberbullying.
Halligan was the keynote speaker at the 10th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference at Brigham Young University on Friday. The conference was conducted by the Utah County HOPE Task Force, a coalition of community groups focused on preventing suicide, and attracted educators, social workers and students.
Greg Hudnall, HOPE's executive director, said the group this year is attempting to get at the root causes of teen suicide, including bullying in its many forms.
"People don't realize the impact of bullying," he said.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
When John Halligan's son Ryan committed suicide six years ago at the age of 13, he and his wife tore the house apart looking for the suicide note that would explain why he did it.
They didn't find one. But when Halligan, then an engineer with IBM in Vermont, logged onto his son's instant messaging account, he found the answer he was looking for: Ryan Halligan was a victim of cyberbullying.
Halligan was the keynote speaker at the 10th Annual Suicide Prevention Conference at Brigham Young University on Friday. The conference was conducted by the Utah County HOPE Task Force, a coalition of community groups focused on preventing suicide, and attracted educators, social workers and students.
Greg Hudnall, HOPE's executive director, said the group this year is attempting to get at the root causes of teen suicide, including bullying in its many forms.
"People don't realize the impact of bullying," he said.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
Encouraging Words 12/5/09-"The Thorn In My Flesh"
From Relevant Magazine:
"When will it be over?" I asked myself this question as I stared at the fresh cut on my arm. I’ve been in and out of therapy for most of my life, so I should be cured by now, right? Then why do I always end up back here?
The first time I knew something was wrong was in elementary school. I would often get upset at the smallest thing, from accidentally spilling something to getting an answer wrong. When I got upset I would smack myself in the head, cry, and scream. One time I got so upset that the principal had to be called into to calm me down. My classmates got a kick out of it, so they would often provoke me by calling me names. I tried to ignore them, but in the end they would always win.
Finally one day in sixth grade I had enough of it. I tried to kill myself by jumping off the monkey bars at recess. Obviously I wasn’t very successful, but when the school called my mom, she knew I needed help. That’s when I went to my first therapist. We saw each other for about six months, and we made some progress, but by the time I was in high school I was back in therapy again.
"When will it be over?" I asked myself this question as I stared at the fresh cut on my arm. I’ve been in and out of therapy for most of my life, so I should be cured by now, right? Then why do I always end up back here?
The first time I knew something was wrong was in elementary school. I would often get upset at the smallest thing, from accidentally spilling something to getting an answer wrong. When I got upset I would smack myself in the head, cry, and scream. One time I got so upset that the principal had to be called into to calm me down. My classmates got a kick out of it, so they would often provoke me by calling me names. I tried to ignore them, but in the end they would always win.
Finally one day in sixth grade I had enough of it. I tried to kill myself by jumping off the monkey bars at recess. Obviously I wasn’t very successful, but when the school called my mom, she knew I needed help. That’s when I went to my first therapist. We saw each other for about six months, and we made some progress, but by the time I was in high school I was back in therapy again.
SNN Recommends 12/5/09-"The Journey"
Amazon.com rating: 34 of 40 reviewers gave it 5 out of 5 stars
SNN rating: 5 stars
We highly recommend this book to someone who is seeking to understand the true nature of having a relationship with Jesus Christ instead of being caught up in the judgementalism and rigidity of right-wing fundamentalism.
Billy Graham is respected and loved around the world. And this work is his magnum opus, the culmination of a lifetime of experience and ministry!
Chapter by chapter, Graham leads us on a journey in faith. We learn about God and his purpose for our lives; who Jesus is and what he has done for us. We are reminded of the things God has given us to live successfully: the Bible, the privilege of prayer, fellowship and the church, and the Holy Spirit. We learn to deal with challenges along the way: temptation, wrong thoughts and motives, emotions that can defeat us, habits that destroy our spirit, and what to do when life turns against us. And we are given practical advice on knowing God's will, making right decision, strengthening our marriages, being wise parents, and using our gifts to share Christ with others.
With insight that only comes from a life spent with God, The Journey is filled with wisdom, encouragement, hope, and inspiration for anyone who wants to live a happier, more fulfilling life.
Click here to purchase this book and read customer reviews.
SNN rating: 5 stars
We highly recommend this book to someone who is seeking to understand the true nature of having a relationship with Jesus Christ instead of being caught up in the judgementalism and rigidity of right-wing fundamentalism.
Billy Graham is respected and loved around the world. And this work is his magnum opus, the culmination of a lifetime of experience and ministry!
Chapter by chapter, Graham leads us on a journey in faith. We learn about God and his purpose for our lives; who Jesus is and what he has done for us. We are reminded of the things God has given us to live successfully: the Bible, the privilege of prayer, fellowship and the church, and the Holy Spirit. We learn to deal with challenges along the way: temptation, wrong thoughts and motives, emotions that can defeat us, habits that destroy our spirit, and what to do when life turns against us. And we are given practical advice on knowing God's will, making right decision, strengthening our marriages, being wise parents, and using our gifts to share Christ with others.
With insight that only comes from a life spent with God, The Journey is filled with wisdom, encouragement, hope, and inspiration for anyone who wants to live a happier, more fulfilling life.
Click here to purchase this book and read customer reviews.
Daily Devotional 12/5/09
From: Reflections
Heb.11:1, NIV: Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Christmas time is a time when we sometimes talk about God’s gift to us; and we may also talk about what we can give to Him in return. So let’s consider this, that one of the greatest gifts we can give to Him is to receive what He has given us like a child with a Christmas present--anticipating what He has for us, ready to dig in, and believing that there is indeed something wonderful in store for us--even though we cannot yet see it.
Heb.11:1, NIV: Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
Christmas time is a time when we sometimes talk about God’s gift to us; and we may also talk about what we can give to Him in return. So let’s consider this, that one of the greatest gifts we can give to Him is to receive what He has given us like a child with a Christmas present--anticipating what He has for us, ready to dig in, and believing that there is indeed something wonderful in store for us--even though we cannot yet see it.
December 04, 2009
Another Loss for the Shrinking LGBT Book Store Genre
From the DC Agenda (formerly the Washington Blade):
Lambda Rising, a bookstore serving the LGBT community in the nation’s capital for 35 years, is closing its D.C. store in Dupont Circle and its remaining out-of-town store in Rehoboth Beach, Del., in January.
The closings, announced Friday, mark the end of the city’s only exclusively LGBT bookstore and becomes another in a series of gay bookstores that have closed in recent years in other cities, including New York and Baltimore.
Deacon Mccubbin, 66, the store’s founder and co-owner, told D.C. Agenda in an exclusive interview that he plans to retire soon and that he and co-owner Jim Bennett, his domestic partner of 32 years, decided they would rather close the stores than sell them to a new owner who might change their focus and mission.
“The phrase ‘mission accomplished’ has gotten a bad rap in recent years but in this case, it certainly applies,” Mccubbin said.
“When we set out to establish Lambda Rising in 1974, it was intended as a demonstration of the demand for gay and lesbian literature,” he said, noting that few if any mainstream bookstores and newsstands carried gay related books and periodicals at the time.
“Today, 35 years later, nearly every general bookstore carries GLBT books, often featuring them in special sections,” he said.
Mccubbin said the Internet also enables people today to access LGBT related information from almost any location in the country, accomplishing yet another part of Lambda Rising’s mission: to provide up-to-date information to a community that could not obtain it elsewhere.
Click here to read more about Lambda Rising and it's history and impact on the DC community in The Agenda's story.
The DC LGBT Center also has a retrospective of Lambda Rising at it's website.
Lambda Rising, a bookstore serving the LGBT community in the nation’s capital for 35 years, is closing its D.C. store in Dupont Circle and its remaining out-of-town store in Rehoboth Beach, Del., in January.
The closings, announced Friday, mark the end of the city’s only exclusively LGBT bookstore and becomes another in a series of gay bookstores that have closed in recent years in other cities, including New York and Baltimore.
Deacon Mccubbin, 66, the store’s founder and co-owner, told D.C. Agenda in an exclusive interview that he plans to retire soon and that he and co-owner Jim Bennett, his domestic partner of 32 years, decided they would rather close the stores than sell them to a new owner who might change their focus and mission.
“The phrase ‘mission accomplished’ has gotten a bad rap in recent years but in this case, it certainly applies,” Mccubbin said.
“When we set out to establish Lambda Rising in 1974, it was intended as a demonstration of the demand for gay and lesbian literature,” he said, noting that few if any mainstream bookstores and newsstands carried gay related books and periodicals at the time.
“Today, 35 years later, nearly every general bookstore carries GLBT books, often featuring them in special sections,” he said.
Mccubbin said the Internet also enables people today to access LGBT related information from almost any location in the country, accomplishing yet another part of Lambda Rising’s mission: to provide up-to-date information to a community that could not obtain it elsewhere.
Click here to read more about Lambda Rising and it's history and impact on the DC community in The Agenda's story.
The DC LGBT Center also has a retrospective of Lambda Rising at it's website.
Encouraging Words 12/4/09-"I Asked God"
From The Epistle web magazine.
I asked God to take away my pain. God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, No.
Her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary.
I asked God to grant me patience. God said, No.
Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is earned.
I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No.
I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, No.
You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, No.
I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.
I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said... Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.
I asked God to take away my pain. God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole. God said, No.
Her spirit was whole, her body was only temporary.
I asked God to grant me patience. God said, No.
Patience is a by-product of tribulations; it isn't granted, it is earned.
I asked God to give me happiness. God said, No.
I give you blessings. Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain. God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares and brings you closer to me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said, No.
You must grow on your own, but I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked for all things that I might enjoy life. God said, No.
I will give you life so that you may enjoy all things.
I ask God to help me LOVE others, as much as He loves me.
God said... Ahhhh, finally you have the idea.
An Interesting Place and an Interesting Job for a Transgender Person
Obviously trying to live a normal productive life in the midst of transitioning from one gender to another if very challenging, to say the least. Add to that living in the very conservative environment of Salt Lake City Utah, and complicate that even more by working as a police office. That's the amazing story that Kerry Bell has to tell as reported by the Salt Lake City Tribune:
As a child, Kerry Bell dreamed of growing up to become a policeman -- both a police officer and a man.
Becoming a cop was relatively simple -- Bell joined the Bountiful Police Department 14 years ago. Becoming a man took more time.
Born female, Bell came out as transgender about a year and a half ago and started a transition to a new life as a man. He always had felt male, but did not think switching genders was a viable option until he saw transgender people gaining wider acceptance, along with advances in medical technology.
Surprisingly, the 42-year-old -- working in what many perceive as a super-macho culture -- says he did not fret about telling the police chief or his co-workers to start referring to him as "he," not "she."
"I wasn't worried about coming out at work," says Bell, who has had hormone treatments and surgeries. "I've worked for Bountiful for 14 years. I know everybody I work with."
Although some employees have trouble remembering to use masculine pronouns, Bountiful Police Chief Tom Ross says, "everyone's done a great job of accepting Kerry and staying focused on why we're here in the first place."
Bell, a corporal and SWAT member, is a "well-rounded police officer," Ross adds. "We're glad that he works here."
Click here to read the rest of this story.
As a child, Kerry Bell dreamed of growing up to become a policeman -- both a police officer and a man.
Becoming a cop was relatively simple -- Bell joined the Bountiful Police Department 14 years ago. Becoming a man took more time.
Born female, Bell came out as transgender about a year and a half ago and started a transition to a new life as a man. He always had felt male, but did not think switching genders was a viable option until he saw transgender people gaining wider acceptance, along with advances in medical technology.
Surprisingly, the 42-year-old -- working in what many perceive as a super-macho culture -- says he did not fret about telling the police chief or his co-workers to start referring to him as "he," not "she."
"I wasn't worried about coming out at work," says Bell, who has had hormone treatments and surgeries. "I've worked for Bountiful for 14 years. I know everybody I work with."
Although some employees have trouble remembering to use masculine pronouns, Bountiful Police Chief Tom Ross says, "everyone's done a great job of accepting Kerry and staying focused on why we're here in the first place."
Bell, a corporal and SWAT member, is a "well-rounded police officer," Ross adds. "We're glad that he works here."
Click here to read the rest of this story.
Daily Devotional 12/4/09
From: Reflections
Exodus 16:2, NIV: In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.
How many times do we ponder where we might be able to go, or where we have been, all because where we are is not what we want? How many blessings do we miss because we are so focused on the “something better” that we cannot see the “something best”? God wants us to have abundant life regardless of our circumstances, giving thanks in everything. But we find it is difficult to express true gratitude to God for where we are and what we have when we are always looking for something other than what He has given.
Exodus 16:2, NIV: In the desert the whole community grumbled against Moses and Aaron.
How many times do we ponder where we might be able to go, or where we have been, all because where we are is not what we want? How many blessings do we miss because we are so focused on the “something better” that we cannot see the “something best”? God wants us to have abundant life regardless of our circumstances, giving thanks in everything. But we find it is difficult to express true gratitude to God for where we are and what we have when we are always looking for something other than what He has given.
December 03, 2009
Encouraging Words 12/3/09-"For Such a Time as This
From Rev. Deborah Bell, Senior Pastor of Deo Gloria Family Church in Morningside, Durban, South Africa. We believe these words ring as true across the globe as they do in her home country.
In Esther 4:14, we read this: "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"
In the book of Esther we read about how one woman saved a nation because of her passion to see justice. She risked her life to see the Jewish nation saved from the annihilation of those that hated the Jewish people. Just one person, yet she helped to save a nation.
Perhaps many of us have been born for such a time as this.
We may come from different backgrounds, in our faith, our culture etc. but we can surely stand together with the commonality of ensuring that our very new equal rights (for GLBTI people) are not compromised by homophobic polemics, who claim too much, about the very little they think they know, about who we are.
I believe it is everyone's responsibility as gay and lesbian people, to take a stand to protect the equality in our nation, regarding GLBTI people, which is very possibly at great risk with the stance of our newly elected President, who has publicly confessed his homophobic stance in the past. Along with him, we have Pastor Ray McCauley who has his own agenda to reverse the same-sex marriage laws, among other laws that he believes "fly in the face of God".
This saddens me, because what flies in the face of God, more than anything, is when the Church places conditional love on whom is welcome and whom is not.
The Bible states clearly, that all are welcome to throne of God. John 3:16 says: "Whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord may come." Acts 2:21 "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
God's love is unconditional, and it is that love that changes people and nations, not human judgement.
Click here to read the rest of Rev. Bell's inspiring essay.
In Esther 4:14, we read this: "For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"
In the book of Esther we read about how one woman saved a nation because of her passion to see justice. She risked her life to see the Jewish nation saved from the annihilation of those that hated the Jewish people. Just one person, yet she helped to save a nation.
Perhaps many of us have been born for such a time as this.
We may come from different backgrounds, in our faith, our culture etc. but we can surely stand together with the commonality of ensuring that our very new equal rights (for GLBTI people) are not compromised by homophobic polemics, who claim too much, about the very little they think they know, about who we are.
I believe it is everyone's responsibility as gay and lesbian people, to take a stand to protect the equality in our nation, regarding GLBTI people, which is very possibly at great risk with the stance of our newly elected President, who has publicly confessed his homophobic stance in the past. Along with him, we have Pastor Ray McCauley who has his own agenda to reverse the same-sex marriage laws, among other laws that he believes "fly in the face of God".
This saddens me, because what flies in the face of God, more than anything, is when the Church places conditional love on whom is welcome and whom is not.
The Bible states clearly, that all are welcome to throne of God. John 3:16 says: "Whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord may come." Acts 2:21 "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.
God's love is unconditional, and it is that love that changes people and nations, not human judgement.
Click here to read the rest of Rev. Bell's inspiring essay.
Matthew 25 Resource 12/3/09-Foodbank of Southern California (Long Beach)
The Foodbank’s mission is to provide basic sustenance and proper nutrition to the community’s hungry citizens and to ensure that no individual go hungry, not even for a single day.
As long as there are hunger children, families and seniors in our community, The Foodbank of Southern California intends to be to major force in the fight against hunger.
The Foodbank will continue to:
* expand distribution services to charitable organizations not currently in the agency network;
* sustain and expand the base of wholesome nutritious food donors;
* and receive feedback from our constituent agencies that client’s well-being, health and/or educational educational outcomes are improving.
Click here to find out more.
As long as there are hunger children, families and seniors in our community, The Foodbank of Southern California intends to be to major force in the fight against hunger.
The Foodbank will continue to:
* expand distribution services to charitable organizations not currently in the agency network;
* sustain and expand the base of wholesome nutritious food donors;
* and receive feedback from our constituent agencies that client’s well-being, health and/or educational educational outcomes are improving.
Click here to find out more.
Should LGBT Activism Turn Its Focus to Civil Unions?
That's the point of this Associated Press story:
Leland Traiman, who runs a sperm bank in California, worries about his lesbian clients in more conservative parts of the country when he hears fellow gay rights activists talk about winning the right to wed.
With 34 states lacking any legal recognition of same-sex relationships, Traiman wonders if all the emphasis on matrimony is misplaced.
"When I speak to women from Florida or Wisconsin or Minnesota, they are like, 'I don't care what it's called, I just want to be able to visit my wife in the hospital and cover my children with my health insurance,'" said Traiman, who helped pass the nation's first domestic partnership law a quarter-century ago in Berkeley.
In the weeks since Maine voters handed the gay marriage movement its 27th electoral defeat in five years, other activists have voiced similar qualms about making marriage their main goal. Gay rights leaders have insisted that anything less than full marriage equality is unacceptable, but some are asking whether the uncompromising strategy has forestalled interim steps that could improve the lives of gay men, lesbians and their families.
"They think the best way to achieve their goal of marriage with all the rights and benefits of marriage is a complete frontal assault, and any other strategy is a betrayal of their goal," Traiman said.
Activists like Traiman point to the success of efforts to extend spousal rights and other civil rights protections to same-sex couples, even as the passage of gay marriage bans grab headlines.
On the same day that Maine rejected a gay marriage law approved by its Legislature, for example, voters in Washington state approved a law giving same-sex couples or straight older couples who register as domestic partners all the state rights and responsibilities of marriage. Washington's so-called "everything but marriage" law passed by the same margin as Maine's gay marriage rebuff, 53 percent to 48 percent.
And earlier this year, Nevada lawmakers overrode a veto by Gov. Jim Gibbons to enact a domestic partnership law extending marriage rights to couples, gay or straight, who "have chosen to share one another's lives in an intimate and committed relationship of mutual caring." Colorado's legislature and governor also adopted a "reciprocal beneficiaries" law providing some legal benefits for all unmarried couples.
Colorado and Nevada are among the 29 states with constitutional prohibitions against gay marriages.
The success of partner measures in those states suggests that there's room for gay couples to secure spousal protections even if they can't marry, said William Dobbs, a veteran activist in New York.
"It's a huge tactical mistake to be arguing that nothing less than marriage will do," Dobbs said. "One size does not fit all.
"There is a real need among some folks to put their lives together, to have joint credit cards, a house and children," he said. "We need a set of actions for that, but the marriage fight is toxic to other types of reforms."
What do you think? We've often heard that civil unions are a second-class substitute for marriage, but is it better to wage a battle that has a greater chance of being won even if the rewards aren't as great?
Click here to read the rest of the story.
Leland Traiman, who runs a sperm bank in California, worries about his lesbian clients in more conservative parts of the country when he hears fellow gay rights activists talk about winning the right to wed.
With 34 states lacking any legal recognition of same-sex relationships, Traiman wonders if all the emphasis on matrimony is misplaced.
"When I speak to women from Florida or Wisconsin or Minnesota, they are like, 'I don't care what it's called, I just want to be able to visit my wife in the hospital and cover my children with my health insurance,'" said Traiman, who helped pass the nation's first domestic partnership law a quarter-century ago in Berkeley.
In the weeks since Maine voters handed the gay marriage movement its 27th electoral defeat in five years, other activists have voiced similar qualms about making marriage their main goal. Gay rights leaders have insisted that anything less than full marriage equality is unacceptable, but some are asking whether the uncompromising strategy has forestalled interim steps that could improve the lives of gay men, lesbians and their families.
"They think the best way to achieve their goal of marriage with all the rights and benefits of marriage is a complete frontal assault, and any other strategy is a betrayal of their goal," Traiman said.
Activists like Traiman point to the success of efforts to extend spousal rights and other civil rights protections to same-sex couples, even as the passage of gay marriage bans grab headlines.
On the same day that Maine rejected a gay marriage law approved by its Legislature, for example, voters in Washington state approved a law giving same-sex couples or straight older couples who register as domestic partners all the state rights and responsibilities of marriage. Washington's so-called "everything but marriage" law passed by the same margin as Maine's gay marriage rebuff, 53 percent to 48 percent.
And earlier this year, Nevada lawmakers overrode a veto by Gov. Jim Gibbons to enact a domestic partnership law extending marriage rights to couples, gay or straight, who "have chosen to share one another's lives in an intimate and committed relationship of mutual caring." Colorado's legislature and governor also adopted a "reciprocal beneficiaries" law providing some legal benefits for all unmarried couples.
Colorado and Nevada are among the 29 states with constitutional prohibitions against gay marriages.
The success of partner measures in those states suggests that there's room for gay couples to secure spousal protections even if they can't marry, said William Dobbs, a veteran activist in New York.
"It's a huge tactical mistake to be arguing that nothing less than marriage will do," Dobbs said. "One size does not fit all.
"There is a real need among some folks to put their lives together, to have joint credit cards, a house and children," he said. "We need a set of actions for that, but the marriage fight is toxic to other types of reforms."
What do you think? We've often heard that civil unions are a second-class substitute for marriage, but is it better to wage a battle that has a greater chance of being won even if the rewards aren't as great?
Click here to read the rest of the story.
Daily Devotional 12/3/09
From: Reflections
John 10:10, NIV; The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
We may have forgotten that Jesus came to give us freedom and life abundant. We were not created to be a slave to life but to have life, and life more fulfilling. There is so much of what we claim we have to do for one reason or another that seems to be sapping the life right out of us, making us tired and often less of the “light of the world” than we could be if we weren’t exhausted all of the time. God designed us as such that we flourish when we are balanced in our living. We will be at our best--for everyone’s sake--when we are applying wisdom to our living.
John 10:10, NIV; The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
We may have forgotten that Jesus came to give us freedom and life abundant. We were not created to be a slave to life but to have life, and life more fulfilling. There is so much of what we claim we have to do for one reason or another that seems to be sapping the life right out of us, making us tired and often less of the “light of the world” than we could be if we weren’t exhausted all of the time. God designed us as such that we flourish when we are balanced in our living. We will be at our best--for everyone’s sake--when we are applying wisdom to our living.
December 02, 2009
LGBT Helping Hands 12/2/09-the Center of Central Florida (Orlando)
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual Community Center of Central Florida, The Center, has been in operation for over 30 years. GLBT individuals, as well as family and friends, in Central Florida have stood up to both institutional and individual injustice and discrimination by volunteering their time, money and talents at The Center.The Center has been an organizing force within the GLBT community serving as a source for information, education, advocacy and support.The Center has worked to foster the personal development and quality of life of the community it serves, as well as to increase understanding and acceptance within the greater Central Florida area. Today we offer a variety of support and social programs.We offer AA, NA, CODA, HIV+ and transgender support groups, CMA, counseling for individuals and couples at a reduced cost, counseling for youth for free, and various social groups.We serve more than 15,000 individuals a year through our front doors and over 8,000 a month online.
Today you can visit us at 946 N. Mills Avenue in Orlando or call us at 407-228-8272. Here is what you will discover:
* Social & Support Groups
* Professional Counseling
* Transgender Support
* Business Referrals
* Free HIV Testing
* 12 Step Programs
* GLBT Library
* Information
* Health Fairs
* Events
Click here to find out more.
Today you can visit us at 946 N. Mills Avenue in Orlando or call us at 407-228-8272. Here is what you will discover:
* Social & Support Groups
* Professional Counseling
* Transgender Support
* Business Referrals
* Free HIV Testing
* 12 Step Programs
* GLBT Library
* Information
* Health Fairs
* Events
Click here to find out more.
Daily Devotional 12/2/09
From: Reflections
John 10:10, NIV; The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
We may have forgotten that Jesus came to give us freedom and life abundant. We were not created to be a slave to life but to have life, and life more fulfilling. There is so much of what we claim we have to do for one reason or another that seems to be sapping the life right out of us, making us tired and often less of the “light of the world” than we could be if we weren’t exhausted all of the time. God designed us as such that we flourish when we are balanced in our living. We will be at our best--for everyone’s sake--when we are applying wisdom to our living.
John 10:10, NIV; The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.
We may have forgotten that Jesus came to give us freedom and life abundant. We were not created to be a slave to life but to have life, and life more fulfilling. There is so much of what we claim we have to do for one reason or another that seems to be sapping the life right out of us, making us tired and often less of the “light of the world” than we could be if we weren’t exhausted all of the time. God designed us as such that we flourish when we are balanced in our living. We will be at our best--for everyone’s sake--when we are applying wisdom to our living.
Is Outing Church Clergy a Fair Tactic?
Columnist Lisa Neff at 365gay.com doesn't think so. She writes about an effort underway in Washington, DC to counteract the continued opposition of same-sex marriage in the District by the Roman Catholic church, to the extent that they are even threating to withold social services they perform in the city if a bill passes legalizing same-sex marriages.
Now, it’s payback time in the eye-for-an-eye world of Washington, D.C. Activists have launched ChurchOuting.org for the collection of reports on priests, required by Church law to be celibate, who are gay.
“Church.org is a clearing house for reports of priests who are openly gay men in social settings yet professionally closeted in their parishes,” stated a press release from ChurchOuting founder Phil Attey. “The campaign will also accept reports of heterosexual priests who are involved in romantic or sexual relationships, yet support the archbishop’s efforts to harm lesbian and gay families.”
I’m not sure how the outers will know which priests “support the archbishop’s efforts to harm lesbian and gay families.” I don’t see how they can know, but I don’t believe it makes a difference. This is the wrong course of action.
Outing, to me, has always seemed like using sexual orientation as a weapon, like an act of violence.
To out gay priests for an anti-gay Church policy, well, how is that different than outing gay and lesbian servicemembers because Congress adopted the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy?
Does anyone honestly think that by outing one or 100 gay priests, the Catholic Church is going to reverse course on same-sex marriage or extending benefits to partners of same-sex employees?
No, if the Church takes any action, it will relocate, reassign or move to oust the priests.
The cold-hearted, close-minded Church leaders who would abandon a mission to shelter or feed the homeless because it has qualms with treating its employees equally will not warm to the legislation because of an outing campaign — unless maybe someone once spotted the pope at any town’s Different Strokes bar.
A better course would be to demonstrate to the Church that there are other institutions and caring people to provide the social services the Church has threatened to abandon, to demonstrate to the Church that a religious institution cannot bully a democratic body into allowing discrimination and injustice to continue, to demonstrate to the Church that it cannot hold poor people as hostages.
And the best course of action in the long run would be to find a way to keep government funding for services for the poor and homeless from going to powerful, wealthy institutions of perpetual discrimination.
We are not personally opposed to publicly displaying evidence of the Catholic Church's blatant hypocrsy, but we are concerned that doing so on such a personal level could only cause more pain. in our opinion, the goal here should not be the exchange of tactical weapons but instead reconciliation and healing--this approach would do neither.
Click here to read the rest of Ms. Neff's column at 365gay.com.
Now, it’s payback time in the eye-for-an-eye world of Washington, D.C. Activists have launched ChurchOuting.org for the collection of reports on priests, required by Church law to be celibate, who are gay.
“Church.org is a clearing house for reports of priests who are openly gay men in social settings yet professionally closeted in their parishes,” stated a press release from ChurchOuting founder Phil Attey. “The campaign will also accept reports of heterosexual priests who are involved in romantic or sexual relationships, yet support the archbishop’s efforts to harm lesbian and gay families.”
I’m not sure how the outers will know which priests “support the archbishop’s efforts to harm lesbian and gay families.” I don’t see how they can know, but I don’t believe it makes a difference. This is the wrong course of action.
Outing, to me, has always seemed like using sexual orientation as a weapon, like an act of violence.
To out gay priests for an anti-gay Church policy, well, how is that different than outing gay and lesbian servicemembers because Congress adopted the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy?
Does anyone honestly think that by outing one or 100 gay priests, the Catholic Church is going to reverse course on same-sex marriage or extending benefits to partners of same-sex employees?
No, if the Church takes any action, it will relocate, reassign or move to oust the priests.
The cold-hearted, close-minded Church leaders who would abandon a mission to shelter or feed the homeless because it has qualms with treating its employees equally will not warm to the legislation because of an outing campaign — unless maybe someone once spotted the pope at any town’s Different Strokes bar.
A better course would be to demonstrate to the Church that there are other institutions and caring people to provide the social services the Church has threatened to abandon, to demonstrate to the Church that a religious institution cannot bully a democratic body into allowing discrimination and injustice to continue, to demonstrate to the Church that it cannot hold poor people as hostages.
And the best course of action in the long run would be to find a way to keep government funding for services for the poor and homeless from going to powerful, wealthy institutions of perpetual discrimination.
We are not personally opposed to publicly displaying evidence of the Catholic Church's blatant hypocrsy, but we are concerned that doing so on such a personal level could only cause more pain. in our opinion, the goal here should not be the exchange of tactical weapons but instead reconciliation and healing--this approach would do neither.
Click here to read the rest of Ms. Neff's column at 365gay.com.
December 01, 2009
Encouraging Words 12/1/09-"Our Church Welcomes Everyone'
Northwest Community Church is a UCC church in Las Vegas, NV. They are an open and affirming congregation and, in this video, want you to know why that is important to them. It's good stuff from not only leadership but some rank-and-file membership of the church. Enjoy!
Matthew 25 Resource 12/1/09-Central Arizona Shelter Services (Phoenix)
Central Arizona Shelter Services' (CASS) mission is to empower men, women, and children with diverse needs to end their homelessness by providing shelter and supportive services.
CASS was founded in 1984 in response to a need for an agency to operate an emergency shelter for the homeless in downtown Phoenix. It is the largest shelter and service center for homeless people in Arizona, serving 6,000 men, women, and children annually.
CASS has two facilities. The main facility in downtown Phoenix serves 400 homeless men and women. Vista Colina Emergency Family Shelter, is a 30 unit apartment complex in Sunnyslope that houses homeless families with children. Both operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Click here to find out more.
CASS was founded in 1984 in response to a need for an agency to operate an emergency shelter for the homeless in downtown Phoenix. It is the largest shelter and service center for homeless people in Arizona, serving 6,000 men, women, and children annually.
CASS has two facilities. The main facility in downtown Phoenix serves 400 homeless men and women. Vista Colina Emergency Family Shelter, is a 30 unit apartment complex in Sunnyslope that houses homeless families with children. Both operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Click here to find out more.
Daily Devotional 12/1/09
Psalm 23:5, NIV: You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Nothing. And then, all at once, I am flooded. I pray for days into the air and sometimes feel as though my prayers are stopping at the ceiling—and then—whoosh! God speaks. And oh does He speak. I dare not wait to the end of the day to journal what He says. For “my cup overfloweth.” And if I intend to record what He has shown me, it’s going to take some time. All in all, I am thankful that God is faithful in the bad times, and good—in times of plenty—and in the times of emptiness. Praise be to God!
Nothing. And then, all at once, I am flooded. I pray for days into the air and sometimes feel as though my prayers are stopping at the ceiling—and then—whoosh! God speaks. And oh does He speak. I dare not wait to the end of the day to journal what He says. For “my cup overfloweth.” And if I intend to record what He has shown me, it’s going to take some time. All in all, I am thankful that God is faithful in the bad times, and good—in times of plenty—and in the times of emptiness. Praise be to God!
Commemorating World AIDS Day
We are posting some resources that were provided by White Rock Church in Dallas, TX in partnership with The Evangelical Network, of which we are affiliate members.
Here is a link to the World AIDS Campaign.
Here is a link to the World AIDS Campaign.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
