That's the takeaway from this essay written by straight ally Rev. Jerry S. Maneker, who was also one of the first people to give me encouragement when we started this blog, on the Whosoever online magazine. Here's an excerpt:
It must be emphasized that there is literally a world of difference between having a relationship with God and one's adherence to the construction of man-made religion! A relationship with God defines love and compassion as its essence, and when legalism and perfectionism enter the framework and dialogue of religiosity we can be sure that "religion" has trumped any "relationship with God" that that person may or may not have had.
Just because a person is a member of the clergy, or is a professing Christian lay person, doesn't necessarily mean that he or she has a relationship with God! We can safely say that he or she might be "religious," but that might well be far different from his/her having a relationship with God!
For example, many people have a relationship with God through one or more of the Church's sacraments, and that is authentic and meaningful for them; there is absolutely nothing wrong with having the sacraments be a vehicle or a vessel upon which to base and reinforce that relationship.
Others may have a relationship with God that is experiential apart from sacramental worship, and that, too, is authentic and meaningful for them; there is absolutely nothing wrong with having that experience or series of experiences be ones upon which to base and reinforce that relationship.
In other words, in Christianity, as in life, one size doesn't fit all!
However, regardless of the dynamics of one's relationship with Christ, Christianity is based solely on the Person of Christ!
I know many of you reading this have received condemnation from religious figures, but it is critical to understand that their authority is only within the four walls of their particular church and NOT in the kingdom of God. The Lord is the only one who has the right and power to condemn us, and as long as we have accepted him as our savior (if you don't know what that means, click on our "Who Needs a Savior" feature in the top right hand column of this blog) we are saved--he promised that in John 3:16 (NIV)
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
No exceptions, no qualifications, WHOSOEVER (that mens you) believes in him will have eternal life.
Click here to read more of Rev. Maneker's essay.
Can we pray for you? E-mail straight_notnarrow@yahoo.com
August 13, 2009
Focus on the Family Outsources "Ex-Gay" Work to Exodus
From the Washington Blade:
Facing a $6 million budget shortfall, Focus on the Family is shifting control of its Love Won Out conference to an outside organization.
Exodus International, a group that claims people can overcome unwanted same-sex attractions with the help of its ministry, announced Tuesday it will take control of the program starting in November.
“Exodus is the ideal organization to transition Love Won Out to,” said Melissa Fryrear, director of Love Won Out. She noted that Focus on the Family and Exodus have been closely aligned for years.
That move comes at this time in part, Fryrear said, because Focus on the Family’s income is down $6 million from what was expected for this year.
The shortfall was recently cited in an e-mail appeal to donors.
Alan Chambers, director of Exodus, said his group is financially equipped to take over Love Won Out, but the move was in the making for years. Focus on the Family planned to provide financial support by providing speakers and marketing assistance.
Wayne Besen, a gay activist whose organization, Truth Wins Out, decries so-called “ex-gay” therapy, said he was not surprised at the development. He noted that Exodus “has acted as an unofficial subsidiary of Focus on the Family” for years.
“Focus on the Family claims that they are facing a $6 million shortfall,” he said. “If they can eliminate a few positions due to this change, it will benefit their bottom line. This is especially true, because we suspect that Love Won Out is slowly losing support as gay people gain more acceptance each year.
The crowds appear smaller and the road show has received less media coverage than it has in the past.
“If they are downsizing, it is because the market for such misinformation has continued to shrink.”
Let's hope Wayne is right. With the recent statement by the APA damaging even further the shaky credibility of repairative therapy, let's hope that this move is another step toward the contraction of the "es-gay" industry and, more importantly, the harm they can perpetrate upon vulnerable GLBT people.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
Facing a $6 million budget shortfall, Focus on the Family is shifting control of its Love Won Out conference to an outside organization.
Exodus International, a group that claims people can overcome unwanted same-sex attractions with the help of its ministry, announced Tuesday it will take control of the program starting in November.
“Exodus is the ideal organization to transition Love Won Out to,” said Melissa Fryrear, director of Love Won Out. She noted that Focus on the Family and Exodus have been closely aligned for years.
That move comes at this time in part, Fryrear said, because Focus on the Family’s income is down $6 million from what was expected for this year.
The shortfall was recently cited in an e-mail appeal to donors.
Alan Chambers, director of Exodus, said his group is financially equipped to take over Love Won Out, but the move was in the making for years. Focus on the Family planned to provide financial support by providing speakers and marketing assistance.
Wayne Besen, a gay activist whose organization, Truth Wins Out, decries so-called “ex-gay” therapy, said he was not surprised at the development. He noted that Exodus “has acted as an unofficial subsidiary of Focus on the Family” for years.
“Focus on the Family claims that they are facing a $6 million shortfall,” he said. “If they can eliminate a few positions due to this change, it will benefit their bottom line. This is especially true, because we suspect that Love Won Out is slowly losing support as gay people gain more acceptance each year.
The crowds appear smaller and the road show has received less media coverage than it has in the past.
“If they are downsizing, it is because the market for such misinformation has continued to shrink.”
Let's hope Wayne is right. With the recent statement by the APA damaging even further the shaky credibility of repairative therapy, let's hope that this move is another step toward the contraction of the "es-gay" industry and, more importantly, the harm they can perpetrate upon vulnerable GLBT people.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
August 12, 2009
Welcome to Our First Mid-Week Worship
Welcome to our first mid-week worship post. We're expanding our Encouraging Words on Wednesdays to include a couple of worship songs and a longer, teaching podcast from Brenda. We hope you are blessed.
One of the critical parts of Jesus' ministry is the fact that he will return someday to take believers to be with him forever. Brenda teaches from Matthew 24:3-44.
One of the critical parts of Jesus' ministry is the fact that he will return someday to take believers to be with him forever. Brenda teaches from Matthew 24:3-44.
Who Should Lead the National March for Equality?
There is a lot of debating going on concering the upcoming National March for Equality scheduled for Washington DC on October 11. One area of concern, voiced in this essay by Steve Ault for the New York Gay City News, is the leadership that is putting together the march. Ault believes they have not learned from what has worked and not worked before, and shares examples in his essay. Here's an excerpt:
As one of the lead organizers for the LGBT community’s first two marches on Washington — in 1979 and 1987 — my ears perked up when I heard there were plans for a new one. I checked out David Mixner’s website where the “National Equality March” was announced, ostensibly for and by the LGBT community, although the name of the event was devoid of any such reference. The date was set, as was an overarching statement of purpose, but unlike the earlier actions, there would be no specific demands. Despite rhetoric invoking the “grassroots,” it appears the leadership already had been decided — Mixner, and a few self-selected others. The whole package was signed, sealed, very neatly wrapped, and then delivered to the LGBT community as a fait accompli.
To date there have been four national marches on Washington organized by the LGBT community — in 1979, 1987, 1993, and 2000. The first three were great successes; the fourth a fiasco marked by a huge event-day rip-off of participating small business people, followed by bankruptcy, lawsuits, and an FBI investigation — not to mention a turnout a mere fraction of the 1987 and 1993 marches. By no coincidence, the first three were run democratically, with grassroots involvement in decision-making and organizing; the fourth — the grandiosely named “Millennium March” — had self-selected leadership and a decision-making process closed to the community.
Briefly, here’s how our first three marches were organized and structured. The primary decision-making steering committee, national in scope, was comprised of delegates elected at regional meetings, assuring representation from all parts of the country while also mandating gender parity and inclusion of people of color. National organizations and spokespeople from unrepresented and underrepresented constituencies were added to make sure just about everyone had a seat at the table. The leadership was in turn elected from and by the steering committee. This decision-making process — admittedly contentious and chaotic at times — won acceptance as fair and inclusive. The ability to be both heard and represented motivated people from all over the country to commit time, energy, and resources to building these marches — a factor at the very heart of their success.
In each instance, when the big day finally arrived, we reveled in and were empowered by our accomplishment. The first three marches on Washington strengthened our movement largely because they were democratically-run grassroots efforts on a massive scale. They have thus become milestones in both our developing self-awareness and our history as a politically effective community. They have even served as models for other movements seeking social change. Some traditions are worth fighting for.
That’s not to say a future march must be organized exactly the same way in order to succeed. We should, of course, take full advantage of the many new social networking technologies available to connect us with each other. But these technologies cannot replace what is unique about face-to-face meetings and old-fashioned grassroots organizing — experiences crucial to building and sustaining a sense of community.
I've never organized an event anywhere approaching the size that the National March will be, but I have been and currently am in an area of leadership, so I will add this comment--the most effective initiatives I've been involved in have been ones that had wide participation in the planning and organizing where the foot soldiers felt they had a voice in the planning and weren't merely carrying out someone else's orders.
I believe the leaders of this event would better serve the LGBT community by seriously considering how they are approaching that and, as Steve Ault wrote, building and sustaining a sense of community, one which will go beyond the National March and build on the success of that event.
Click here to read the rest of Steve Ault's essay.
Can we pray for you? E-mail straight_notnarrow@yahoo.com
As one of the lead organizers for the LGBT community’s first two marches on Washington — in 1979 and 1987 — my ears perked up when I heard there were plans for a new one. I checked out David Mixner’s website where the “National Equality March” was announced, ostensibly for and by the LGBT community, although the name of the event was devoid of any such reference. The date was set, as was an overarching statement of purpose, but unlike the earlier actions, there would be no specific demands. Despite rhetoric invoking the “grassroots,” it appears the leadership already had been decided — Mixner, and a few self-selected others. The whole package was signed, sealed, very neatly wrapped, and then delivered to the LGBT community as a fait accompli.
To date there have been four national marches on Washington organized by the LGBT community — in 1979, 1987, 1993, and 2000. The first three were great successes; the fourth a fiasco marked by a huge event-day rip-off of participating small business people, followed by bankruptcy, lawsuits, and an FBI investigation — not to mention a turnout a mere fraction of the 1987 and 1993 marches. By no coincidence, the first three were run democratically, with grassroots involvement in decision-making and organizing; the fourth — the grandiosely named “Millennium March” — had self-selected leadership and a decision-making process closed to the community.
Briefly, here’s how our first three marches were organized and structured. The primary decision-making steering committee, national in scope, was comprised of delegates elected at regional meetings, assuring representation from all parts of the country while also mandating gender parity and inclusion of people of color. National organizations and spokespeople from unrepresented and underrepresented constituencies were added to make sure just about everyone had a seat at the table. The leadership was in turn elected from and by the steering committee. This decision-making process — admittedly contentious and chaotic at times — won acceptance as fair and inclusive. The ability to be both heard and represented motivated people from all over the country to commit time, energy, and resources to building these marches — a factor at the very heart of their success.
In each instance, when the big day finally arrived, we reveled in and were empowered by our accomplishment. The first three marches on Washington strengthened our movement largely because they were democratically-run grassroots efforts on a massive scale. They have thus become milestones in both our developing self-awareness and our history as a politically effective community. They have even served as models for other movements seeking social change. Some traditions are worth fighting for.
That’s not to say a future march must be organized exactly the same way in order to succeed. We should, of course, take full advantage of the many new social networking technologies available to connect us with each other. But these technologies cannot replace what is unique about face-to-face meetings and old-fashioned grassroots organizing — experiences crucial to building and sustaining a sense of community.
I've never organized an event anywhere approaching the size that the National March will be, but I have been and currently am in an area of leadership, so I will add this comment--the most effective initiatives I've been involved in have been ones that had wide participation in the planning and organizing where the foot soldiers felt they had a voice in the planning and weren't merely carrying out someone else's orders.
I believe the leaders of this event would better serve the LGBT community by seriously considering how they are approaching that and, as Steve Ault wrote, building and sustaining a sense of community, one which will go beyond the National March and build on the success of that event.
Click here to read the rest of Steve Ault's essay.
Can we pray for you? E-mail straight_notnarrow@yahoo.com
August 11, 2009
Encouraging Words 8/11/09-"Transitioning to Acceptance"
What can help make a transgender person's transition less difficult? Love. Here is a story demonstrating how that can work from the Dallas Voice:
When Melanie Blumer transitioned to Oliver Blumer, his counselor recommended he allow his inner child to come out and play, so he could experience what he missed not growing up as a boy.
The 56-year-old Blumer has indeed played, and he hasn’t had to play alone.
Mary Kay Cody is a nurse and the partner of Blumer, a chiropractor. While it’s Blumer who’s physically changed, it’s both Cody and Blumer who’ve undergone a life transition.
Cody says she’s supported Blumer in his journey to self by allowing him to have fun and “be a child.” For Valentine’s Day this year, she pulled out her checkbook and went shopping for the “little boy” in her partner.
When Cody came home, Blumer received military action figures, Matchbox cars, Play Doh and books for a 12-year-old. Blumer was delighted and is grateful for the support Cody has given him.
“If it weren’t for the love of an understanding partner, this journey would have been very difficult,” he said.
Together, they say their love has made the transition work. And because of their love for each other, and for themselves, they’ve found support in society and in their family.
“We are not experiencing animosity, but acceptance,” Cody says.
The couple, who live in Dallas, says the transition has challenged them in many ways, including their identities, their sexuality, their relationships and their well-being. But so far, the challenges have brought them closer together.
Click here to read the rest of this story.
Can we pray for you? E-mail straight_notnarrow@yahoo.com
When Melanie Blumer transitioned to Oliver Blumer, his counselor recommended he allow his inner child to come out and play, so he could experience what he missed not growing up as a boy.
The 56-year-old Blumer has indeed played, and he hasn’t had to play alone.
Mary Kay Cody is a nurse and the partner of Blumer, a chiropractor. While it’s Blumer who’s physically changed, it’s both Cody and Blumer who’ve undergone a life transition.
Cody says she’s supported Blumer in his journey to self by allowing him to have fun and “be a child.” For Valentine’s Day this year, she pulled out her checkbook and went shopping for the “little boy” in her partner.
When Cody came home, Blumer received military action figures, Matchbox cars, Play Doh and books for a 12-year-old. Blumer was delighted and is grateful for the support Cody has given him.
“If it weren’t for the love of an understanding partner, this journey would have been very difficult,” he said.
Together, they say their love has made the transition work. And because of their love for each other, and for themselves, they’ve found support in society and in their family.
“We are not experiencing animosity, but acceptance,” Cody says.
The couple, who live in Dallas, says the transition has challenged them in many ways, including their identities, their sexuality, their relationships and their well-being. But so far, the challenges have brought them closer together.
Click here to read the rest of this story.
Can we pray for you? E-mail straight_notnarrow@yahoo.com
Momentum Building Toward Repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"
Here is an essay, posted in its entirey, written by Paul DeMiglio, the Senior Communications Manager for Servicemembers Legal Defense Network, pointing out that the momentum is building to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" and encouraging everyone to make the final push toward repeal.
The time to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is long overdue. Service members are being fired -- almost two per day -- because they are gay or lesbian. So far, 13,000 have been kicked out under DADT.
The experience of Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach is a painful reminder of how this law harms qualified patriots and denies LGBT Americans the freedom to serve. A highly decorated, F-15E combat aviator, Fehrenbach has earned nine Air Medals, including one for Heroism, throughout his 18-year career. He was hand-picked to protect the airspace over Washington, D.C. after the Sept. 11 attacks.
Despite his impeccable record of service, Fehrenbach, who is currently on active duty, will likely be losing his career and $3 million in retirement pay.
The country is ready. Public opinion has shifted dramatically in the 16 years since DADT was first signed into law. For the first time, a clear majority of both conservatives and liberals agree that DADT has got to go. A June Gallup poll in fact shows that 69 percent of the American people - including 58 percent of conservatives and 58 percent of churchgoers - believe gays and lesbians should serve openly. DADT is no longer the controversial, hot-button issue it used to be. 2009 is not 1993.
In the military, views on DADT are largely divided along generational lines. Younger service members in their 20s and 30s - the future of military leadership - largely feel comfortable serving alongside their gay and lesbian comrades.
We need to see and hear more from this White House. As a key player in the legislative process, President Obama can help by publicly endorsing HR 1283, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act.
Members of the House of Representatives should cosponsor this bill, now championed by Iraq veteran Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA). The bill already has a record number of 168 cosponsors, but we need to reach the magic number of 218 in the coming weeks. For this, we need your help. If you or your friends have not done so, get in touch with your representative to ensure he or she has signed on as a cosponsor.
And it's good news that Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) has agreed to a DADT hearing this fall - the first in the Senate in 16 years.
The sense of urgency to repeal DADT is palpable. Let's get this done now.
Can we pray for you? E-mail straight_notnarrow@yahoo.com
The time to repeal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is long overdue. Service members are being fired -- almost two per day -- because they are gay or lesbian. So far, 13,000 have been kicked out under DADT.
The experience of Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach is a painful reminder of how this law harms qualified patriots and denies LGBT Americans the freedom to serve. A highly decorated, F-15E combat aviator, Fehrenbach has earned nine Air Medals, including one for Heroism, throughout his 18-year career. He was hand-picked to protect the airspace over Washington, D.C. after the Sept. 11 attacks.
Despite his impeccable record of service, Fehrenbach, who is currently on active duty, will likely be losing his career and $3 million in retirement pay.
The country is ready. Public opinion has shifted dramatically in the 16 years since DADT was first signed into law. For the first time, a clear majority of both conservatives and liberals agree that DADT has got to go. A June Gallup poll in fact shows that 69 percent of the American people - including 58 percent of conservatives and 58 percent of churchgoers - believe gays and lesbians should serve openly. DADT is no longer the controversial, hot-button issue it used to be. 2009 is not 1993.
In the military, views on DADT are largely divided along generational lines. Younger service members in their 20s and 30s - the future of military leadership - largely feel comfortable serving alongside their gay and lesbian comrades.
We need to see and hear more from this White House. As a key player in the legislative process, President Obama can help by publicly endorsing HR 1283, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act.
Members of the House of Representatives should cosponsor this bill, now championed by Iraq veteran Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA). The bill already has a record number of 168 cosponsors, but we need to reach the magic number of 218 in the coming weeks. For this, we need your help. If you or your friends have not done so, get in touch with your representative to ensure he or she has signed on as a cosponsor.
And it's good news that Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin (D-Mich.) has agreed to a DADT hearing this fall - the first in the Senate in 16 years.
The sense of urgency to repeal DADT is palpable. Let's get this done now.
Can we pray for you? E-mail straight_notnarrow@yahoo.com
August 10, 2009
Encouraging Words 8/10/09-"How Did You Tell the Kids?"
"We live our life just like any other family' That's a quote from this enjoyable video of a gay couple who is raising a son and daughter and shares with us via a YouTube series titled "Gay Family Values" what that is like. Among other topics, they do answer the question "How did you tell the kids?" Thanks to Tips-Q for the link.
Can we pray for you? E-mail straight_notnarrow@yahoo.com
Can we pray for you? E-mail straight_notnarrow@yahoo.com
Promoting Diversity Within the LGBT Community
As we discuss diversity within society and advocate for the acceptance of LGBT people, there is a concern that the LGBT community itself, or at least the public face of it, does not accurately represent it's true diversity.
From the HRC's 'Equality Forward series comes an essay written by the organization's Chief Diversity Officer Cuc Vu addressing that issue. Here's an excerpt:
So how do we begin to change the perception, especially among people of color, that “gayness” is “whiteness”? What does this mean for the LGBT movement broadly and what does it mean for LGBT people of color?
The most important thing that the LGBT movement can do is to practice inclusion. Our challenge isn’t diversity; it’s inclusion. Diversity is our reality, but we don’t always recognize it because most of our circles of friends look like us and most of our organizations are staffed by people who also look like us.
Practicing inclusion means that instead of trying to figure out how LGBT people of color “fit” into our LGBT movement and organizations, we have to create a culture that welcomes all people. We not only need to do this with LGBT people of color, but with all people, regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender expression or identity, religion, class, and so on. We have to have a passion for growing our movement. We have to do it with intention and with courage because it takes courage to do something and go somewhere unfamiliar. On a day-to-day and individual level, this means stepping out of your comfort zone. For example, how often do you solicit and listen to the opinions of people who are different from you? And when was the last time you went to lunch with someone who isn’t part of your circle of friends? Actions like these create a culture of inclusion and strengthens our movement.
Our diversity is one of our greatest assets and we must showcase it if we want to dispel the perception that gay is white. LGBT people come from every walk of life, but most people wouldn’t know it by what they see and read. The prevailing images of LGBT people are celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, elected officials like Barney Frank, and organizational leaders who are mostly white. All of these individuals are exemplary representatives for our LGBT movement. Taken as a whole, however, you can be sure that the first observation people of color will make is that these leaders are all white. Whether we like it or not, this image of a racially homogenous LGBT leadership feeds the perception among people of color communities that LGBT people are not Black, Latino/a or API. So when we press President Obama to fulfill his promise to deliver Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and hate crimes, for example, we give commentators like LZ Granderson, an African American commentator, fodder to cast us as privileged complainers because he is not seeing or hearing African American lesbians say that they will benefit the most from the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell because they are disproportionately affected by the policy. LGBT people of color themselves note in the Equality Forward report that they want to see people who look like them and share their experiences in LGBT media.
Lastly, we have to stand up for more than just LGBT issues. Mandy Carter put it best: Is our cause about “justice” or “just us”? Because race still matters and LGBT people of color experience racism more than discrimination for being LGBT, the LGBT movement must stand up for issues that many LGBTs would consider “race” issues, for example, immigration reform, housing, and poverty. By standing up for the priorities of people of color communities, we are expressing our passion for and commitment to freedom and equality for all. Moreover, we are sending a clear message that discrimination is wrong when it happens to anyone, not just LGBT people.
Click here to read the rest of her essay.
I think Ms. Hu makes a compelling arguement that there needs to be much more attention paid to the representation of diversity at the front of LGBT advocacy efforts, and in our day-to-day lives. What do you think?
From the HRC's 'Equality Forward series comes an essay written by the organization's Chief Diversity Officer Cuc Vu addressing that issue. Here's an excerpt:
So how do we begin to change the perception, especially among people of color, that “gayness” is “whiteness”? What does this mean for the LGBT movement broadly and what does it mean for LGBT people of color?
The most important thing that the LGBT movement can do is to practice inclusion. Our challenge isn’t diversity; it’s inclusion. Diversity is our reality, but we don’t always recognize it because most of our circles of friends look like us and most of our organizations are staffed by people who also look like us.
Practicing inclusion means that instead of trying to figure out how LGBT people of color “fit” into our LGBT movement and organizations, we have to create a culture that welcomes all people. We not only need to do this with LGBT people of color, but with all people, regardless of sexual orientation, race, gender expression or identity, religion, class, and so on. We have to have a passion for growing our movement. We have to do it with intention and with courage because it takes courage to do something and go somewhere unfamiliar. On a day-to-day and individual level, this means stepping out of your comfort zone. For example, how often do you solicit and listen to the opinions of people who are different from you? And when was the last time you went to lunch with someone who isn’t part of your circle of friends? Actions like these create a culture of inclusion and strengthens our movement.
Our diversity is one of our greatest assets and we must showcase it if we want to dispel the perception that gay is white. LGBT people come from every walk of life, but most people wouldn’t know it by what they see and read. The prevailing images of LGBT people are celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres, elected officials like Barney Frank, and organizational leaders who are mostly white. All of these individuals are exemplary representatives for our LGBT movement. Taken as a whole, however, you can be sure that the first observation people of color will make is that these leaders are all white. Whether we like it or not, this image of a racially homogenous LGBT leadership feeds the perception among people of color communities that LGBT people are not Black, Latino/a or API. So when we press President Obama to fulfill his promise to deliver Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and hate crimes, for example, we give commentators like LZ Granderson, an African American commentator, fodder to cast us as privileged complainers because he is not seeing or hearing African American lesbians say that they will benefit the most from the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell because they are disproportionately affected by the policy. LGBT people of color themselves note in the Equality Forward report that they want to see people who look like them and share their experiences in LGBT media.
Lastly, we have to stand up for more than just LGBT issues. Mandy Carter put it best: Is our cause about “justice” or “just us”? Because race still matters and LGBT people of color experience racism more than discrimination for being LGBT, the LGBT movement must stand up for issues that many LGBTs would consider “race” issues, for example, immigration reform, housing, and poverty. By standing up for the priorities of people of color communities, we are expressing our passion for and commitment to freedom and equality for all. Moreover, we are sending a clear message that discrimination is wrong when it happens to anyone, not just LGBT people.
Click here to read the rest of her essay.
I think Ms. Hu makes a compelling arguement that there needs to be much more attention paid to the representation of diversity at the front of LGBT advocacy efforts, and in our day-to-day lives. What do you think?
August 09, 2009
New Music Starting Next Week
With the addition of a second worship post, we will restict our music with posted lyrics to the Sunday and Mid-Week worship posts and feature a wider range of perfomances by top contemporary Christian artists for the Encouraging Music posts Monday-Saturday.
Next week we'll feature songs by Casting Crowns, Hillsong United, Mercy Me, Natalie Grant, and even Elvis Presley. If you don't know some of those names, we invite you to check out their music-we're sure you with enjoy it and be blessed.
Next week we'll feature songs by Casting Crowns, Hillsong United, Mercy Me, Natalie Grant, and even Elvis Presley. If you don't know some of those names, we invite you to check out their music-we're sure you with enjoy it and be blessed.
Sunday Worship 8/9/09
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)
VIDEO
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren, 10:00 AM
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa, 11:00 AM
VA-Believers Covenant Fellowship, Vienna, 11:00 AM
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham, 11:45 AM
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem, 12:00 PM
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa, 1:00 PM
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach, 1:00 PM
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, 1:30 PM
AUDIO
Canada, Vancouver-Christ Alive Community Church, 10:15 PM
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program) 4:30 PM
Video Archive
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach
FL-Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Ft. Lauderdale
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa
GA-Gentle Spirit Christian Church, Atlanta
MI-Christ Community Church, Spring Lake
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem
OK-Expressions Community Fellowship, Oklahoma City
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa
TX-The One Church, Garland
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore
Audio Archive
AZ-Community Church of Hope, Phoenix
AK-Open Door Community Church, Sherwood
CA-Christ Chapel of Long Beach
CA-Christ Chapel of the Valley, North Hollywood
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program)
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensecola
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
MD-Kittamaqundi Community, Columbia
NC-Revolution Charlotte
OH-Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Akron
OH-All Saints Community Church, Cortland
TN-Covenant of the Cross-Madison
TX-New Hope Fellowship Church-Dallas
TX-White Rock Community Church-Dallas
TX-Community Gospel Church-Houston
TX-Through Him Fellowship-Houston
South Africa-Deo Gloria Family Church
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.
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Live Sunday Services (all times Eastern)
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MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren, 10:00 AM
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AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham, 11:45 AM
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem, 12:00 PM
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa, 1:00 PM
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach, 1:00 PM
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AUDIO
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Video Archive
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach
FL-Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Ft. Lauderdale
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa
GA-Gentle Spirit Christian Church, Atlanta
MI-Christ Community Church, Spring Lake
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem
OK-Expressions Community Fellowship, Oklahoma City
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa
TX-The One Church, Garland
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore
Audio Archive
AZ-Community Church of Hope, Phoenix
AK-Open Door Community Church, Sherwood
CA-Christ Chapel of Long Beach
CA-Christ Chapel of the Valley, North Hollywood
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program)
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensecola
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
MD-Kittamaqundi Community, Columbia
NC-Revolution Charlotte
OH-Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Akron
OH-All Saints Community Church, Cortland
TN-Covenant of the Cross-Madison
TX-New Hope Fellowship Church-Dallas
TX-White Rock Community Church-Dallas
TX-Community Gospel Church-Houston
TX-Through Him Fellowship-Houston
South Africa-Deo Gloria Family Church
August 08, 2009
Encouraging Words 8/8/09-Jay Bakker Speaks For Gay Marriage
This video clip from a Jay Baker speech is fascinating for the way that the audience is really with him and encouraging him...until he speaks out in favor of same-sex marriage. He sees it coming but that doesn't slow him down or get him to moderate his message.
That kind of courage would serve us all well.
That kind of courage would serve us all well.
The Fight to Help LGBT Youth
LGBT youth are coming out earlier, and there are often severe consequences for doing so. From 365gay.com:
Dr. Robert Reid-Pharr was in New York City walking his dog one morning when he was approached by a young black teenager. He appeared to be 15- or 16-years-old with slightly feminine mannerisms, Reid-Pharr said later. He propositioned the professor: sex in exchange for food. Like so many other homeless gay youth in New York City, the young man in front of Reid-Pharr has resorted to prostitution in order to survive.
Reid-Pharr, a critical essayist and professor at the CUNY Graduate Center, turned him down.
“I asked him what he was doing and he said his mom was addicted to crack. He had been out all night because there were people doing drugs at his home and he couldn’t stay there,” Reid-Pharr recalled. “He said, ‘usually when guys take me home they give me food first.’”
Like the young man who Reid-Pharr encountered, gay youth take to the streets for a variety of reasons, some resorting to hustling to survive. Whether they are kicked out by their families for being gay or are forced to leave to escape abuse, staying at home may not be an option for many gay youth.
According to a 2007 study done by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 20 to 40 percent of homeless youth in the United States identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual. The same study also found that there are between 15,000 and 20,000 homeless youth in New York City, of whom 3,000 to 8,000 are LGBT.
Even when they are able to live at home, a gay kid’s life may not be easy. Bullying and a lack of support are pervasive problems in schools. A 1997 Massachusetts Department of Education Survey found that gay students hear anti-gay slurs as often as 26 times each day. Faculty intervention occurs in only about 3 percent of those cases.
This continues to be a serious problem, one that can be more easily ignored by government officials who are dealing with large, wide ranging issues during the severe economic downturn.
Those of us who realize this need to speak out for those who don't have a voice so they can get some help, and maybe even be pointed toward someone who can demonstrate the love of Jesus to them.
Click here to read much more in this story from 365gay.com.
Dr. Robert Reid-Pharr was in New York City walking his dog one morning when he was approached by a young black teenager. He appeared to be 15- or 16-years-old with slightly feminine mannerisms, Reid-Pharr said later. He propositioned the professor: sex in exchange for food. Like so many other homeless gay youth in New York City, the young man in front of Reid-Pharr has resorted to prostitution in order to survive.
Reid-Pharr, a critical essayist and professor at the CUNY Graduate Center, turned him down.
“I asked him what he was doing and he said his mom was addicted to crack. He had been out all night because there were people doing drugs at his home and he couldn’t stay there,” Reid-Pharr recalled. “He said, ‘usually when guys take me home they give me food first.’”
Like the young man who Reid-Pharr encountered, gay youth take to the streets for a variety of reasons, some resorting to hustling to survive. Whether they are kicked out by their families for being gay or are forced to leave to escape abuse, staying at home may not be an option for many gay youth.
According to a 2007 study done by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 20 to 40 percent of homeless youth in the United States identify as gay, lesbian or bisexual. The same study also found that there are between 15,000 and 20,000 homeless youth in New York City, of whom 3,000 to 8,000 are LGBT.
Even when they are able to live at home, a gay kid’s life may not be easy. Bullying and a lack of support are pervasive problems in schools. A 1997 Massachusetts Department of Education Survey found that gay students hear anti-gay slurs as often as 26 times each day. Faculty intervention occurs in only about 3 percent of those cases.
This continues to be a serious problem, one that can be more easily ignored by government officials who are dealing with large, wide ranging issues during the severe economic downturn.
Those of us who realize this need to speak out for those who don't have a voice so they can get some help, and maybe even be pointed toward someone who can demonstrate the love of Jesus to them.
Click here to read much more in this story from 365gay.com.
August 07, 2009
Encouraging Words 8/7/09-"Different Families"
So how does it feel to be raised by two parents who happen to be of the same sex? Bay Windows GLBT newspaper in New England went right to the source, asking the 10-year old daughter of a lesbian couple what her family was like. Here's an excerpt:
I may not be what you think of as a qualified advice columnist, but I have learned a few things growing up with my two moms in a small town outside of Boston. If you are wondering what it is like to be a 10-year-old living with two moms and a sister, I have some news for you.
Some people ask some very personal questions about your life, and other people look at you in funny ways. It’s important to stay true to yourself instead of changing your style just because other people are curious or nervous or uncomfortable around you and your family-even if they say mean things to you or about you. Here’s a few of the most common questions people ask me about my family.
At the top of the list, most people ask, "Why do you have two moms?"
I have two moms because they love each other and wanted to have a family. My sister and I were born in China. We’re not blood related and all that, but we love each other and are one family brought together because of these two people.
I'll tell you what, there are a LOT of people who can learn from this 10-year old.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
I may not be what you think of as a qualified advice columnist, but I have learned a few things growing up with my two moms in a small town outside of Boston. If you are wondering what it is like to be a 10-year-old living with two moms and a sister, I have some news for you.
Some people ask some very personal questions about your life, and other people look at you in funny ways. It’s important to stay true to yourself instead of changing your style just because other people are curious or nervous or uncomfortable around you and your family-even if they say mean things to you or about you. Here’s a few of the most common questions people ask me about my family.
At the top of the list, most people ask, "Why do you have two moms?"
I have two moms because they love each other and wanted to have a family. My sister and I were born in China. We’re not blood related and all that, but we love each other and are one family brought together because of these two people.
I'll tell you what, there are a LOT of people who can learn from this 10-year old.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
Is Leadership the Key LGBT Issue?
That's the point columnist Phil Reese makes at The Bilerico Project:
Across America, our leaders today--even our 'grassroots' leaders--are not enticing us to buy into the strategy at all, because they see no reason to offer us a stake of ownership. They 'know' what works, and we don't, and they want us to trust them but stay out of the way. If they do offer us ownership in the 'agenda,' it's on their benevolent terms--we can sit and watch and learn how it's really done. Familiarity breeds contempt--organizers need to stay above the fray--but exclusion also breeds contempt. They're feeling the hot breath of criticism getting a little too close.
Leaders have to know when to stand their ground and say "No, that is not a strategy we will use," but they also need to know when--regardless of 'conventional wisdom'--to get everyone on board and to take a chance on new roads to victory.
Click here to read the entire post.
So readers, what is your take on the leadership of LGBT activist initiatives today? Discuss.
Across America, our leaders today--even our 'grassroots' leaders--are not enticing us to buy into the strategy at all, because they see no reason to offer us a stake of ownership. They 'know' what works, and we don't, and they want us to trust them but stay out of the way. If they do offer us ownership in the 'agenda,' it's on their benevolent terms--we can sit and watch and learn how it's really done. Familiarity breeds contempt--organizers need to stay above the fray--but exclusion also breeds contempt. They're feeling the hot breath of criticism getting a little too close.
Leaders have to know when to stand their ground and say "No, that is not a strategy we will use," but they also need to know when--regardless of 'conventional wisdom'--to get everyone on board and to take a chance on new roads to victory.
Click here to read the entire post.
So readers, what is your take on the leadership of LGBT activist initiatives today? Discuss.
August 06, 2009
Upcoming changes to our site
Since we've been pretty good about establishing a schedule with our postings here, we want to let you know when we make changes. We've got two to announce this evening.
First, we are discontinuing our "Saturday Mini-Concert" feature and replacing it with the type of postings you see Monday-Friday. The mini-concert is one of the most time consuming posts we do and the one about which we have received the least positive feedback. If you miss it, let us know and we'll consider returning it to our lineup. Starting this Saturday, you'll see a news item early in the morning, Encouraging Music mid-day, and Encouraging Words late in the afternoon.
The other change is something we're very excited about. We are changing Brenda's podcast schedule from two shorter ones into one longer teaching message which will now be part of our "Mid-Week Worship" on Wednesday evenings. I know there are a lot of folks out there with Protestant backgrounds who are familiar with the practice of mid-week worship, so we're going to try it out here. Like other mid-week services, this will be a shorter version of our Sunday worship, but will still feature music, teaching, and most importantly be open and affirming.
Brenda is also going to change the nature of her messages somewhat, focusing more on teaching and messages geared toward discipleship. She is a gifted, experienced teacher and the Lord is leading her to fully utilize those gifts and share them in this venue.
We're glad you're with us at Straight, Not Narrow and hope you continue to find this site a blessing.
First, we are discontinuing our "Saturday Mini-Concert" feature and replacing it with the type of postings you see Monday-Friday. The mini-concert is one of the most time consuming posts we do and the one about which we have received the least positive feedback. If you miss it, let us know and we'll consider returning it to our lineup. Starting this Saturday, you'll see a news item early in the morning, Encouraging Music mid-day, and Encouraging Words late in the afternoon.
The other change is something we're very excited about. We are changing Brenda's podcast schedule from two shorter ones into one longer teaching message which will now be part of our "Mid-Week Worship" on Wednesday evenings. I know there are a lot of folks out there with Protestant backgrounds who are familiar with the practice of mid-week worship, so we're going to try it out here. Like other mid-week services, this will be a shorter version of our Sunday worship, but will still feature music, teaching, and most importantly be open and affirming.
Brenda is also going to change the nature of her messages somewhat, focusing more on teaching and messages geared toward discipleship. She is a gifted, experienced teacher and the Lord is leading her to fully utilize those gifts and share them in this venue.
We're glad you're with us at Straight, Not Narrow and hope you continue to find this site a blessing.
Encouraging Words 8/6/09: God's true nature
Brenda teaches that, despite how God has been represented as angry and vengeful, just waiting for us to mess up so we can be punished, in reality nothing is farther from the truth. Based on Psalm 145.
Official Repudiation of "Ex-Gay" Therapy
I know some of you will read this and go "well, duh," but yesterday's declaration by the American Psychiatric Association effectively debunking repairative (ex-gay) therapy is very important. From Yahoo News:
The American Psychological Association declared Wednesday that mental health professionals should not tell gay clients they can become straight through therapy or other treatments.
Instead, the APA urged therapists to consider multiple options — that could range from celibacy to switching churches — for helping clients whose sexual orientation and religious faith conflict.
In a resolution adopted on a 125-to-4 vote by the APA's governing council, and in a comprehensive report based on two years of research, the 150,000-member association put itself firmly on record in opposition of so-called "reparative therapy" which seeks to change sexual orientation.
No solid evidence exists that such change is likely, says the report, and some research suggests that efforts to produce change could be harmful, inducing depression and suicidal tendencies.
Wayne Besen, a gay-rights activist who has sought to discredit the so-called "ex-gay" movement, welcomed the APA findings.
"Ex-gay therapy is a profound travesty that has led to pointless tragedies, and we are pleased that the APA has addressed this psychological scourge," Besen said.
I couldn't agree more. Click here to read the rest of the story, including a rebuttal from Alan Chambers, president of Exodus International.
The American Psychological Association declared Wednesday that mental health professionals should not tell gay clients they can become straight through therapy or other treatments.
Instead, the APA urged therapists to consider multiple options — that could range from celibacy to switching churches — for helping clients whose sexual orientation and religious faith conflict.
In a resolution adopted on a 125-to-4 vote by the APA's governing council, and in a comprehensive report based on two years of research, the 150,000-member association put itself firmly on record in opposition of so-called "reparative therapy" which seeks to change sexual orientation.
No solid evidence exists that such change is likely, says the report, and some research suggests that efforts to produce change could be harmful, inducing depression and suicidal tendencies.
Wayne Besen, a gay-rights activist who has sought to discredit the so-called "ex-gay" movement, welcomed the APA findings.
"Ex-gay therapy is a profound travesty that has led to pointless tragedies, and we are pleased that the APA has addressed this psychological scourge," Besen said.
I couldn't agree more. Click here to read the rest of the story, including a rebuttal from Alan Chambers, president of Exodus International.
August 05, 2009
Encouraging Words 8/5/09-"Following God's Will in Stand on GLBT Rights"
Here's a straight ally who is just trying to figure out what God wants: From the Lincoln, NE Journal-Star; here's an excerpt:
I guess the main difference is, unlike many of my Christian brothers and sisters, I don't believe you forbid people of the same gender from loving each other, committing to each other, and expressing that love and commitment through sex and marriage.
In fact, I believe that you already have blessed many same-sex relationships, which in your eyes are spiritual marriages, and that you have extended your blessing without waiting for permission from either the government or churches. And, as I've said before, I think you are calling people like me, those in the majority who are relatively unaffected by gay rights issues, to stand up for those in the minority who are affected.
The question is, how did I get here? How does anyone like me, raised in predominantly Christian surroundings, go from believing homosexuality is a sin to believing that, not only is it not a sin, but that you are calling me to stand up for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people?
So, Lord, even to this day, I humbly recognize that without presuming to be you, no one on either side of the debate can rule out that they might be wrong about what you think. But that controversy stands in stark contrast to the fact that you clearly, without a doubt, call us to love one another - and to love each other regardless of what genders we are attracted to.
Lord, the conviction that you are calling me and others to take a stand for GLBT civil rights is strong, and so that's what I'm doing. In love, faith and obedience, your will, not mine, be done. Amen.
Amen indeed! Brenda and I aren't doing this ministry work because we're bored and have too much time on our hands--we feel the calling of the Lord has led us here.
I'm glad he also called Lisa Pytlikzillig, the author of this article. Click here to read the rest of it.
I guess the main difference is, unlike many of my Christian brothers and sisters, I don't believe you forbid people of the same gender from loving each other, committing to each other, and expressing that love and commitment through sex and marriage.
In fact, I believe that you already have blessed many same-sex relationships, which in your eyes are spiritual marriages, and that you have extended your blessing without waiting for permission from either the government or churches. And, as I've said before, I think you are calling people like me, those in the majority who are relatively unaffected by gay rights issues, to stand up for those in the minority who are affected.
The question is, how did I get here? How does anyone like me, raised in predominantly Christian surroundings, go from believing homosexuality is a sin to believing that, not only is it not a sin, but that you are calling me to stand up for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people?
So, Lord, even to this day, I humbly recognize that without presuming to be you, no one on either side of the debate can rule out that they might be wrong about what you think. But that controversy stands in stark contrast to the fact that you clearly, without a doubt, call us to love one another - and to love each other regardless of what genders we are attracted to.
Lord, the conviction that you are calling me and others to take a stand for GLBT civil rights is strong, and so that's what I'm doing. In love, faith and obedience, your will, not mine, be done. Amen.
Amen indeed! Brenda and I aren't doing this ministry work because we're bored and have too much time on our hands--we feel the calling of the Lord has led us here.
I'm glad he also called Lisa Pytlikzillig, the author of this article. Click here to read the rest of it.
Gay Activists: Basic Rights More Important Than Marriage
From the Associated Press through Google News:
Gay marriage and gays in the military may dominate the headlines, but activists in many states say their fight is much more fundamental: basic rights and protections against discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation.
Activists from state-based lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy organizations from throughout the U.S. are meeting in Missouri this week to share their efforts to make inroads in state legislatures, municipalities and school districts.
"In Missouri, you can still be fired for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender," A.J. Bockelman, executive director of PROMO, Missouri's statewide organization advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, said Thursday. "Sexual orientation is not a protected class in Missouri."
A spokeswoman for the Missouri Commission on Human Rights confirmed that is the case, saying past efforts to include sexual orientation as a protected class have failed.
Toni Broaddus, executive director of their national alliance, the Equality Federation, said gay marriage has never been the movement's No. 1 priority. Rather, it's about the ability to work, get housing, adopt children, have families and have their partners recognized, she said.
"We just want the rights that everyone else has," she said. "This is about being equal citizens under the law."
Nothing like getting back to the fundamentals, is there. Marriage is the "sexy" issue right now, but before that LGBT people just want to be able to live and work just like anyone else.
Sounds pretty reasonable to me. Click here to read the rest of the article.
Gay marriage and gays in the military may dominate the headlines, but activists in many states say their fight is much more fundamental: basic rights and protections against discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodation.
Activists from state-based lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy organizations from throughout the U.S. are meeting in Missouri this week to share their efforts to make inroads in state legislatures, municipalities and school districts.
"In Missouri, you can still be fired for being lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender," A.J. Bockelman, executive director of PROMO, Missouri's statewide organization advocating for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, said Thursday. "Sexual orientation is not a protected class in Missouri."
A spokeswoman for the Missouri Commission on Human Rights confirmed that is the case, saying past efforts to include sexual orientation as a protected class have failed.
Toni Broaddus, executive director of their national alliance, the Equality Federation, said gay marriage has never been the movement's No. 1 priority. Rather, it's about the ability to work, get housing, adopt children, have families and have their partners recognized, she said.
"We just want the rights that everyone else has," she said. "This is about being equal citizens under the law."
Nothing like getting back to the fundamentals, is there. Marriage is the "sexy" issue right now, but before that LGBT people just want to be able to live and work just like anyone else.
Sounds pretty reasonable to me. Click here to read the rest of the article.
August 04, 2009
Encouraging Words 8/4/09-No one can condemn us
In her latest podcast, Brenda teaches that no one can condemn us. Jesus is constantly praying for us. Nothing can separate is from God's love as written in Romans. 8:31-39.
So What IS Wrong With Two Girls Kissing?
It's not very often I've run across a mention of the Human Rights Campaign in the sports page, but that happened recently when I saw a piece by Washington Post sports columnist Mike Wise He writes about how uptight the WNBA, the professional women's basketball league, is of being perceived as condoning, much less promoting, lesbianism.
"Why don't they have a KissCam at Mystics games?" a young friend asked last week, which preceded an awkward pause and an even more awkward answer.
Really, why doesn't the inclusive WNBA franchise in the nation's capital, of all places, send their video cameramen and camerawomen to find unsuspecting couples in the stands during timeouts and capture their mugs for all of Verizon Center's crowd to see? And wait for the couple's reaction, which usually involves a polite, if awkward, peck on the lips.
Just like they do at NBA games and other sporting events in which the participants are men.
"We got a lot of kids here," Sheila Johnson, the Mystics' managing partner, said when asked last week at a game. "We just don't find it appropriate."
Understood is that women's professional basketball has two major fan bases: dads and daughters, and lesbians. The KissCam issue, frivolous on its surface, puts the effort to cater to both audiences squarely at odds.
Devon Goldsmith, returning to her seat for last Thursday's game between Washington and Chicago, understands Johnson's rationale -- begrudgingly.
"It's one thing for Daddy and Mommy to be kissing, but Mommy kissing Mommy?" said Goldsmith, a 26-year-old systems analyst from Silver Spring. She also happens to play linebacker for the D.C. Divas semipro women's football team and is openly gay. "I don't think people are ready for it now.
But how long does a league keep some of its most loyal and longtime customers in the closet? How long should any historically persecuted group keep quiet when the Mystics take sponsorship dollars from a company (Exxon) noted for discrimination against gays?
Can it be true that even in a progressive town like our Nation's Capital, there are still enough people who would freak out at two women kissing to cause a stir? Are we still giving a wink and a nod at a crowd half full of same-sex couples just as long as they don't show any public affection?
Then shame on us.
Click here to read the rest of Mike Wise's column.
"Why don't they have a KissCam at Mystics games?" a young friend asked last week, which preceded an awkward pause and an even more awkward answer.
Really, why doesn't the inclusive WNBA franchise in the nation's capital, of all places, send their video cameramen and camerawomen to find unsuspecting couples in the stands during timeouts and capture their mugs for all of Verizon Center's crowd to see? And wait for the couple's reaction, which usually involves a polite, if awkward, peck on the lips.
Just like they do at NBA games and other sporting events in which the participants are men.
"We got a lot of kids here," Sheila Johnson, the Mystics' managing partner, said when asked last week at a game. "We just don't find it appropriate."
Understood is that women's professional basketball has two major fan bases: dads and daughters, and lesbians. The KissCam issue, frivolous on its surface, puts the effort to cater to both audiences squarely at odds.
Devon Goldsmith, returning to her seat for last Thursday's game between Washington and Chicago, understands Johnson's rationale -- begrudgingly.
"It's one thing for Daddy and Mommy to be kissing, but Mommy kissing Mommy?" said Goldsmith, a 26-year-old systems analyst from Silver Spring. She also happens to play linebacker for the D.C. Divas semipro women's football team and is openly gay. "I don't think people are ready for it now.
But how long does a league keep some of its most loyal and longtime customers in the closet? How long should any historically persecuted group keep quiet when the Mystics take sponsorship dollars from a company (Exxon) noted for discrimination against gays?
Can it be true that even in a progressive town like our Nation's Capital, there are still enough people who would freak out at two women kissing to cause a stir? Are we still giving a wink and a nod at a crowd half full of same-sex couples just as long as they don't show any public affection?
Then shame on us.
Click here to read the rest of Mike Wise's column.
August 03, 2009
Encouraging Words 8/3/09-"A Sanctuary From Hate"
From the Washington Post (thanks to Pam's House Blend for the tip) comes the story of Inner Light Ministries in Washington DC and how it is a safe place for LGBT African-Americans to worship God:
In the middle of a sermon, Bishop Rainey Cheeks felt his medicine bottle bulging in his pocket and realized he hadn't taken his pills. He paused in the pulpit and faced the congregation in his tiny storefront church.
"Excuse me," Cheeks remembers telling his parishioners last year as he poured three pills into his hand. "This is my HIV medicine. I'm going to take it now."
As he washed down the pills with water, Cheeks saw some members staring with wide eyes. Everybody knew that their pastor, an imposing man with flowing dreadlocks who once competed in taekwondo championships, is gay. But not everyone knew that he is HIV-positive.
"Go ahead, Rev," a few congregants urged. But most shrugged and waited for the bishop to swallow and get on with delivering the good word.
Inner Light Ministries in the District's H Street corridor might seem like a traditional black church, with fiery sermons, electric gospel music, a soulful choir and a congregation that sways and claps in rhythm. But it is hardly that.
Click here to read more about how this church serves a minority within a minority.
In the middle of a sermon, Bishop Rainey Cheeks felt his medicine bottle bulging in his pocket and realized he hadn't taken his pills. He paused in the pulpit and faced the congregation in his tiny storefront church.
"Excuse me," Cheeks remembers telling his parishioners last year as he poured three pills into his hand. "This is my HIV medicine. I'm going to take it now."
As he washed down the pills with water, Cheeks saw some members staring with wide eyes. Everybody knew that their pastor, an imposing man with flowing dreadlocks who once competed in taekwondo championships, is gay. But not everyone knew that he is HIV-positive.
"Go ahead, Rev," a few congregants urged. But most shrugged and waited for the bishop to swallow and get on with delivering the good word.
Inner Light Ministries in the District's H Street corridor might seem like a traditional black church, with fiery sermons, electric gospel music, a soulful choir and a congregation that sways and claps in rhythm. But it is hardly that.
Click here to read more about how this church serves a minority within a minority.
Religious Freedom Doesn't Include Promoting Hate
Originally published in the 7/31/09 print edition of Baltimore OUTloud. This is the first LGBT piece I've had printed, and I'm appreciate Managing Editor Steve Charing giving me the opportunity. I am hoping to be a regular contributor to Maryland's independent voice of the LGBT community.
As the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act moves closer to passage through Congress, right-wing spokespersons are screaming louder about how this legislation will severely impact religious freedom.
Is that true?
It all depends on how you define religious freedom.
Religious conservatives often cite cases of preachers who have been arrested for preaching anti-gay sermons, and there is truth to this. A quick Google search turned up stories of such occurrences in the UK, Australia, and Canada, all countries that have passed their own hate crimes laws protecting GLBT people.
These same religious folks claim that similar laws passed in the United States would inhibit their ability to preach the “truth of the bible” that condemns homosexuality. Of course, that arrogantly presumes that anyone preaching a message accepting of GLBT people is not preaching “the truth,” and that’s where the issue gets sticky.
People aren’t guilty of hate crimes when they speak real truth, otherwise known as facts. Saying most oriental people have yellowish skin and black hair is a fact. Saying the average American has a higher standard of living than the average Nigerian is a fact. Neither of these constitutes a hate crime.
People don’t even have to have their facts right. I can say you are wearing a pink blouse when you actually have a blue dress on and not be committing a crime. I’m committing stupidity, but we all know that being stupid is not a crime—if so, we’d need a prison on every block.
There are things people can say that aren’t facts. These are called opinions, and as the saying goes, opinions are like…..tushes-everybody has one. I could tell my wife a dress makes her look fat and that is not a hate crime. While it revisits the stupidity concept, it is not a hate crime.
When a pastor stands at his pulpit preaching to his congregation about how depraved homosexual behavior is and that GLBT people are abominations (stop me if you’ve heard that one before), the one thing he is NOT doing is stating a fact. He is stating something based on his interpretation of a translation of the Bible which is at best an opinion but has the potential to be much more, including a hate crime.
There are two key points here that I believe totally refute any claims about hate crime legislation damaging religious freedom.
First, a hate crime by its nature results in harm to the affected minority, usually violence. Remember, Matthew Shepard wasn’t just teased because he was gay, he was pistol whipped, tortured, and left tied up to a fence to die. Any pastor who preaches a sermon that even indirectly leads someone to commit a violent act has no business behind a pulpit, but might very well belong in jail.
Second, there are only really eight verses in the Bible, the infamous “clobber passages,” that are used in the condemnation of homosexuality. That’s right, all of this anger, discrimination, and hatred stem from EIGHT verses of scripture, translated and retranslated over thousands of years, written in times where society had no concept of a long-term same-sex relationship. Society also condoned slavery and polygamy (now there’s traditional marriage for you) back in those times.
There are over 31,000 verses in the bible, and if a preacher can’t make a good sermon drawing from all but eight of them, then maybe he needs to be selling used cars instead of preaching the word of God.
So how do I define freedom of religion? I view it as the ability to openly worship and celebrate God as I have come to understand Him. There are plenty of places in the world where that is still not an option, especially for those who profess to be Christians, so I don’t take it for granted.
I DO take for granted, however, that my freedom should not harm anyone else or infringe on their ability to worship God as they understand Him. I also take for granted that this does not give me the right to preach hate and incite anger toward anyone.
Not even right-wingers who do just that toward GLBT people I know and love.
As the Matthew Shepard Hate Crimes Prevention Act moves closer to passage through Congress, right-wing spokespersons are screaming louder about how this legislation will severely impact religious freedom.
Is that true?
It all depends on how you define religious freedom.
Religious conservatives often cite cases of preachers who have been arrested for preaching anti-gay sermons, and there is truth to this. A quick Google search turned up stories of such occurrences in the UK, Australia, and Canada, all countries that have passed their own hate crimes laws protecting GLBT people.
These same religious folks claim that similar laws passed in the United States would inhibit their ability to preach the “truth of the bible” that condemns homosexuality. Of course, that arrogantly presumes that anyone preaching a message accepting of GLBT people is not preaching “the truth,” and that’s where the issue gets sticky.
People aren’t guilty of hate crimes when they speak real truth, otherwise known as facts. Saying most oriental people have yellowish skin and black hair is a fact. Saying the average American has a higher standard of living than the average Nigerian is a fact. Neither of these constitutes a hate crime.
People don’t even have to have their facts right. I can say you are wearing a pink blouse when you actually have a blue dress on and not be committing a crime. I’m committing stupidity, but we all know that being stupid is not a crime—if so, we’d need a prison on every block.
There are things people can say that aren’t facts. These are called opinions, and as the saying goes, opinions are like…..tushes-everybody has one. I could tell my wife a dress makes her look fat and that is not a hate crime. While it revisits the stupidity concept, it is not a hate crime.
When a pastor stands at his pulpit preaching to his congregation about how depraved homosexual behavior is and that GLBT people are abominations (stop me if you’ve heard that one before), the one thing he is NOT doing is stating a fact. He is stating something based on his interpretation of a translation of the Bible which is at best an opinion but has the potential to be much more, including a hate crime.
There are two key points here that I believe totally refute any claims about hate crime legislation damaging religious freedom.
First, a hate crime by its nature results in harm to the affected minority, usually violence. Remember, Matthew Shepard wasn’t just teased because he was gay, he was pistol whipped, tortured, and left tied up to a fence to die. Any pastor who preaches a sermon that even indirectly leads someone to commit a violent act has no business behind a pulpit, but might very well belong in jail.
Second, there are only really eight verses in the Bible, the infamous “clobber passages,” that are used in the condemnation of homosexuality. That’s right, all of this anger, discrimination, and hatred stem from EIGHT verses of scripture, translated and retranslated over thousands of years, written in times where society had no concept of a long-term same-sex relationship. Society also condoned slavery and polygamy (now there’s traditional marriage for you) back in those times.
There are over 31,000 verses in the bible, and if a preacher can’t make a good sermon drawing from all but eight of them, then maybe he needs to be selling used cars instead of preaching the word of God.
So how do I define freedom of religion? I view it as the ability to openly worship and celebrate God as I have come to understand Him. There are plenty of places in the world where that is still not an option, especially for those who profess to be Christians, so I don’t take it for granted.
I DO take for granted, however, that my freedom should not harm anyone else or infringe on their ability to worship God as they understand Him. I also take for granted that this does not give me the right to preach hate and incite anger toward anyone.
Not even right-wingers who do just that toward GLBT people I know and love.
August 02, 2009
Sunday Worship 8/2/09
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)
VIDEO
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren, 10:00 AM
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa, 11:00 AM
VA-Believers Covenant Fellowship, Vienna, 11:00 AM
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham, 11:45 AM
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem, 12:00 PM
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa, 1:00 PM
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach, 1:00 PM
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, 1:30 PM
AUDIO
Canada, Vancouver-Christ Alive Community Church, 10:15 PM
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program) 4:30 PM
Video Archive
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach
FL-Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Ft. Lauderdale
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa
GA-Gentle Spirit Christian Church, Atlanta
MI-Christ Community Church, Spring Lake
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem
OK-Expressions Community Fellowship, Oklahoma City
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa
TX-The One Church, Garland
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore
Audio Archive
AZ-Community Church of Hope, Phoenix
AK-Open Door Community Church, Sherwood
CA-Christ Chapel of Long Beach
CA-Christ Chapel of the Valley, North Hollywood
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program)
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensecola
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
MD-Kittamaqundi Community, Columbia
NC-Revolution Charlotte
OH-Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Akron
OH-All Saints Community Church, Cortland
TN-Covenant of the Cross-Madison
TX-New Hope Fellowship Church-Dallas
TX-White Rock Community Church-Dallas
TX-Community Gospel Church-Houston
TX-Through Him Fellowship-Houston
South Africa-Deo Gloria Family Church
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)
VIDEO
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren, 10:00 AM
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa, 11:00 AM
VA-Believers Covenant Fellowship, Vienna, 11:00 AM
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham, 11:45 AM
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem, 12:00 PM
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa, 1:00 PM
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach, 1:00 PM
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, 1:30 PM
AUDIO
Canada, Vancouver-Christ Alive Community Church, 10:15 PM
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program) 4:30 PM
Video Archive
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach
FL-Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Ft. Lauderdale
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa
GA-Gentle Spirit Christian Church, Atlanta
MI-Christ Community Church, Spring Lake
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem
OK-Expressions Community Fellowship, Oklahoma City
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa
TX-The One Church, Garland
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore
Audio Archive
AZ-Community Church of Hope, Phoenix
AK-Open Door Community Church, Sherwood
CA-Christ Chapel of Long Beach
CA-Christ Chapel of the Valley, North Hollywood
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program)
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensecola
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
MD-Kittamaqundi Community, Columbia
NC-Revolution Charlotte
OH-Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Akron
OH-All Saints Community Church, Cortland
TN-Covenant of the Cross-Madison
TX-New Hope Fellowship Church-Dallas
TX-White Rock Community Church-Dallas
TX-Community Gospel Church-Houston
TX-Through Him Fellowship-Houston
South Africa-Deo Gloria Family Church
August 01, 2009
Saturday Mini-Concert 8/1/09-Shawn Thomas
We are excited to present this mix of live performances and music videos by openly gay Christian musician Shawn Thomas:
July 31, 2009
Encouraging Words 7/31/09-"It Is Never Too Late For a Miracle
Enjoy this sermon from Pastor R. E. Hayes of the Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship in Winston-Salem, NC.
Mark 5: 25-42
Sometimes it seems that God is not moving fast enough for us. We believed at the beginning, but Gods delay has caused us to begin to lose faith. But if you will believe you WILL recieve.
It Is Never Too Late For a Miracle
Mark 5: 25-42
Sometimes it seems that God is not moving fast enough for us. We believed at the beginning, but Gods delay has caused us to begin to lose faith. But if you will believe you WILL recieve.
It Is Never Too Late For a Miracle
So How DOES It Feel to Be Gay?
If you are a straight person who has never tried, or made the attempt and failed, to understand what it is like to be gay, you need to watch this video (thanks to Gay Agenda for the link):
July 30, 2009
Encouraging Words 7/30/09-"Unity in the Body of Christ"
Brenda teaches that we are all one in the Lord. Jesus is the unifying bond. We are to protect this unity in the bonds of love and peace. Based on Ephesians 4:2-6.
A Transgender Person Becomes a TV Star.....In India
There are a lot of places I would have guessed the first transgender TV star (that I've ever heard of, anyway) would appear before I reached India, but an article from the Toronto Globe and Mail chronicles the bumpy road that pioneer is taking. Here's an excerpt:
The neighbourhood is choked with rickshaws, bullock carts, spice stands, saree shops and bangle stalls. It's India from central casting.
The TV star, not so much. With a long stride and a curvy sashay that sends her chiffon dupatta fluttering around her, Rose Venkatesan emerges from the dust and the crowd, more than ready for her close-up – but with a somewhat anxious air that suggests she is a bit worried about just what that close-up may bring.
Rose is, as she mentions at least once in every conversation, India's first transgender television star. Once an engineer named Ramesh, she began to transition to female six years ago, to the horror of her conservative family.
Today she is a star, both in India and in the Tamil diaspora, including the large community in Canada. Her first TV talk show had an audience in the tens of millions. She has helped advance the political agenda of transgendered people, typically reviled but recently afforded a rare degree of accommodation by the government in Tamil Nadu. Her second show – which she is producing and directing and writing herself, as well as hosting – has just hit the air and early signs are that it's a hit too.
Yet Rose, 30, also lives in a strange world of half-acceptance – sharing a home with a family that still calls her Ramesh and forbids her to wear a saree in front of them; hitting the town with her queer friends to flirt and party but insisting on a dark and empty restaurant when she meets a journalist to tell her story. “Weakness is death, strength is life,” she signs every e-mail – but strength, it would seem, can be exhausting.
Click here to read the rest of this fascinating feature.
The neighbourhood is choked with rickshaws, bullock carts, spice stands, saree shops and bangle stalls. It's India from central casting.
The TV star, not so much. With a long stride and a curvy sashay that sends her chiffon dupatta fluttering around her, Rose Venkatesan emerges from the dust and the crowd, more than ready for her close-up – but with a somewhat anxious air that suggests she is a bit worried about just what that close-up may bring.
Rose is, as she mentions at least once in every conversation, India's first transgender television star. Once an engineer named Ramesh, she began to transition to female six years ago, to the horror of her conservative family.
Today she is a star, both in India and in the Tamil diaspora, including the large community in Canada. Her first TV talk show had an audience in the tens of millions. She has helped advance the political agenda of transgendered people, typically reviled but recently afforded a rare degree of accommodation by the government in Tamil Nadu. Her second show – which she is producing and directing and writing herself, as well as hosting – has just hit the air and early signs are that it's a hit too.
Yet Rose, 30, also lives in a strange world of half-acceptance – sharing a home with a family that still calls her Ramesh and forbids her to wear a saree in front of them; hitting the town with her queer friends to flirt and party but insisting on a dark and empty restaurant when she meets a journalist to tell her story. “Weakness is death, strength is life,” she signs every e-mail – but strength, it would seem, can be exhausting.
Click here to read the rest of this fascinating feature.
July 29, 2009
Encouraging Words 7/29/09-"A Love That Has Never Faded"
This is simply an amazing story from the Sarasota, FL Herald-Tribune:
Yes, couples in their 90s still argue occasionally.
This is how it went recently for Caroline Leto and Venera Magazzu as they sipped lemonade on their couch in Dania Beach: "We're not going to have a party," said Magazzu, 97, insisting they are too old for such things.
"Oh, yes we are," responded Leto, 96, who noted the two can still polka. "This is a big one."
Indeed. A party celebrating 70 years together is a big deal for any pair. But a celebration of this couple's love takes on special meaning, considering they had to keep silent about it for decades.
"You just couldn't tell everyone we were lovers," said Leto. "You tell people we're friends, and some thought we were sisters."
Leto and Magazzu downplay their pioneering role in the gay and lesbian community. But many of their friends and relatives talk it up anyway, marveling at how their love was able to transcend a lifetime's worth of obstacles.
To mark their Aug. 17 milestone, members of Etz Chaim, a gay and lesbian congregation in Wilton Manors, are planning a party. They hope Leto and Magazzu will attend and show everyone how to do the polka.
"Honestly, I think they are more in love with each other than they were back then," said longtime close friend and congregation member Gayle Scott. "Look at straight couples. You are lucky if you are married after seven years. ... That is an amazing love story."
Boy, I'll say it is amazing! It would be for a straight couple, but having to live in the closet for so long and still having their love grow and last is about as encouraging story as I can find on this Earth.
Click here to read the rest of the story in the Herald-Tribune.
Yes, couples in their 90s still argue occasionally.
This is how it went recently for Caroline Leto and Venera Magazzu as they sipped lemonade on their couch in Dania Beach: "We're not going to have a party," said Magazzu, 97, insisting they are too old for such things.
"Oh, yes we are," responded Leto, 96, who noted the two can still polka. "This is a big one."
Indeed. A party celebrating 70 years together is a big deal for any pair. But a celebration of this couple's love takes on special meaning, considering they had to keep silent about it for decades.
"You just couldn't tell everyone we were lovers," said Leto. "You tell people we're friends, and some thought we were sisters."
Leto and Magazzu downplay their pioneering role in the gay and lesbian community. But many of their friends and relatives talk it up anyway, marveling at how their love was able to transcend a lifetime's worth of obstacles.
To mark their Aug. 17 milestone, members of Etz Chaim, a gay and lesbian congregation in Wilton Manors, are planning a party. They hope Leto and Magazzu will attend and show everyone how to do the polka.
"Honestly, I think they are more in love with each other than they were back then," said longtime close friend and congregation member Gayle Scott. "Look at straight couples. You are lucky if you are married after seven years. ... That is an amazing love story."
Boy, I'll say it is amazing! It would be for a straight couple, but having to live in the closet for so long and still having their love grow and last is about as encouraging story as I can find on this Earth.
Click here to read the rest of the story in the Herald-Tribune.
Prioritizing Religious Resources
I came across post on Gay Agenda which commented on an article from the Independent newspaper in Windham, ME, where there is a big push to repeal the legalization of same-sex marriage in Maine. Here is an excerpt:
My niece, who attends parochial school in Lewiston, isn’t sure exactly what school she’ll be going to next year because for what seems like the third or fourth year in a row, the diocese has to shuffle things because of changes in enrollment (read: dropping). My mother is beside herself because the church she has been going to since she was a child will likely be closing soon because of the money it costs to operate it (read: too much). While there’s no money to keep a child’s education consistent or keep a person’s lifelong house of worship open, there’s plenty of money to defeat the real evil in the world: gay people getting married. The diocese has given at least $100,000 to the cause of repealing the law permitting gay marriage, according to published reports.
OK, you don’t like gays, we get it. Don’t let them marry in your church. But to take money that could be spent on your followers’ needs and diverting it to a political witch-hunt is unconscionable. When are you going to go after divorce and adultery?
Excellent question.
Well?
My niece, who attends parochial school in Lewiston, isn’t sure exactly what school she’ll be going to next year because for what seems like the third or fourth year in a row, the diocese has to shuffle things because of changes in enrollment (read: dropping). My mother is beside herself because the church she has been going to since she was a child will likely be closing soon because of the money it costs to operate it (read: too much). While there’s no money to keep a child’s education consistent or keep a person’s lifelong house of worship open, there’s plenty of money to defeat the real evil in the world: gay people getting married. The diocese has given at least $100,000 to the cause of repealing the law permitting gay marriage, according to published reports.
OK, you don’t like gays, we get it. Don’t let them marry in your church. But to take money that could be spent on your followers’ needs and diverting it to a political witch-hunt is unconscionable. When are you going to go after divorce and adultery?
Excellent question.
Well?
July 28, 2009
Encouraging Words 7/28/09-"Have you given up on God?"
Has your heart been wounded past the point of no return? Have you run away from organized religion and those who represent it? Maybe even God, too? Brenda has a message for you in her latest podcast.
People of Faith DO Support Equality
Pam Spaulding over at the outstanding blog "Pam's House Blend" took great pleasure in acknowleding the support of many faith leaders in the state of Washington who took a stand against the proposed repeal of the state's recently enacted domestic partnership law:
I've opined many a time that the religious allies of the transgender, bisexual, lesbian and gay community are too silent, too reticent. Well, our faith community allies in Washington state are making me eat my words, and I can tell you that the taste is so very sweet.
Here's the statement that Pam is responding to:
The undersigned religious leaders, from across Washington State, have come together to speak with one voice for all Washington families.
Religious leaders before us have spoken to end slavery, and to ensure equal rights to all persons regardless of gender, nationality, religion, and race. Today, we feel compelled to speak out in support of Washington's domestic partnership law which provides essential protections to families throughout the state.
As people of faith, we oppose any effort to take away the rights and protections provided to families through our state's domestic partnership law.
As providers of pastoral care to families, we know that gay and lesbian couples form loving, lasting, committed relationships, raise children and grow old together. These couples and their children have the same needs and deserve the same rights as their heterosexual peers. We also know that the domestic partnership law provides important protections to non-gay couples where one partner is at least 62 years of age.
As faith leaders, we care about all Washington families. We have seen first-hand the burdens on a family facing death or illness without important legal and financial protections, from access to healthcare, to the right to visit a partner in the hospital, to the right to make medical decisions for one's own children. We have felt the worry that exists when a parent who is a firefighter or police officer goes off to work each morning knowing that if something happens to her, there won't be support for her family.
The domestic partnership law is about the relationship between the State and families. Clergy and faith communities will remain free, just as they always have been, and always will be, to determine for themselves their own religious matters.
We join as the signers of this statement, as a principled expression of our deeply held religious convictions. We stand in support of all of Washington's families.
I'm very happy to point out that one of the signers of this was Rev. Debbie George, pastor of Living Water Fellowship in Kenmore, WA and a good friend of ours. The lengthy list was a mix of straight and GLBT ministers, which is really the point here--people of faith regardless of their orientation standing up for the equality of ALL God's children.
I've opined many a time that the religious allies of the transgender, bisexual, lesbian and gay community are too silent, too reticent. Well, our faith community allies in Washington state are making me eat my words, and I can tell you that the taste is so very sweet.
Here's the statement that Pam is responding to:
The undersigned religious leaders, from across Washington State, have come together to speak with one voice for all Washington families.
Religious leaders before us have spoken to end slavery, and to ensure equal rights to all persons regardless of gender, nationality, religion, and race. Today, we feel compelled to speak out in support of Washington's domestic partnership law which provides essential protections to families throughout the state.
As people of faith, we oppose any effort to take away the rights and protections provided to families through our state's domestic partnership law.
As providers of pastoral care to families, we know that gay and lesbian couples form loving, lasting, committed relationships, raise children and grow old together. These couples and their children have the same needs and deserve the same rights as their heterosexual peers. We also know that the domestic partnership law provides important protections to non-gay couples where one partner is at least 62 years of age.
As faith leaders, we care about all Washington families. We have seen first-hand the burdens on a family facing death or illness without important legal and financial protections, from access to healthcare, to the right to visit a partner in the hospital, to the right to make medical decisions for one's own children. We have felt the worry that exists when a parent who is a firefighter or police officer goes off to work each morning knowing that if something happens to her, there won't be support for her family.
The domestic partnership law is about the relationship between the State and families. Clergy and faith communities will remain free, just as they always have been, and always will be, to determine for themselves their own religious matters.
We join as the signers of this statement, as a principled expression of our deeply held religious convictions. We stand in support of all of Washington's families.
I'm very happy to point out that one of the signers of this was Rev. Debbie George, pastor of Living Water Fellowship in Kenmore, WA and a good friend of ours. The lengthy list was a mix of straight and GLBT ministers, which is really the point here--people of faith regardless of their orientation standing up for the equality of ALL God's children.
July 27, 2009
"Gay Churches" Filling Up With Straight People
That's the interesting conclusion of a recent USA Today article:
Denver Schimming, 51, and his wife Sheila Hobson, 48, were in the market for a liberal-minded church in Nashville — "the buckle of the Bible Belt," he says — and knew they found something different at Holy Trinity Community Church, where 90% of its 350 members are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (GLBT).
"I laugh and say we're the token straight couple, but I kid you not, they treat us like royalty," said Hobson. "They are so loving and giving."
The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and others once called 11:00 on Sunday morning the most segregated hour in Christian America; indeed, sexual orientation can be just as divisive. Just as churches were split into white and black, they have also split between gay and straight.
Alternative faith communities that cater to GLBT believers, such as Holy Trinity and Bet Mishpachah, were an outgrowth of the gay rights movement that took root 40 years ago. "Inclusion" is the buzzword for many of these congregations.
Rabbi Toby Manewith, a straight woman who was recently installed as Bet Mishpachah's new rabbi, said the radical welcome grows out of "members' experience of being on the outside."
"Everyone who comes here, no matter their sexual or gender identity, religious affiliation or knowledge, everyone is welcomed with open arms," said Manewith, 43. "You'd hope that would happen in all religious communities, but the truth is it's not an easy thing to put into practice."
Some straight believers attend out of a sense of solidarity or social justice. Others wandered in by accident, or were invited by a gay friend or family member, and simply felt at home and decided to stay.
Even with the support, being the straight sheep in a gay flock is not without its predictable oddities. Ivan Zimmerman, 51, remembers congregants assuming he was gay during his early days at Congregation Beth Simchat Torah, a renowned predominantly gay 700-member synagogue in New York City.
"I would joke and say I've come to terms with my heterosexuality," Zimmerman said.
While gay congregations crave growth and vitality, some wonder if an influx of heterosexuals might change the character of faith communities that were formed to minister to minorities.
The Rev. Nancy Wilson, the moderator of the MCC, says her churches aren't going out of business anytime soon, but life might get more complex.
"Who connects to and relates to this ministry is much more complicated than it would have been in the early '70s, when it was mostly gay men, and white gay men at that," she said.
Still, at the end of the day, a community of faith is more than labels.
Many denominations and their churches love placing labels on people, but the churches that are pressing in closest to the Lord don't waste their time with that-they simply reach out their arms and welcome everyone, just like Believers Covenant Fellowship did when a straight guy (Jim) wandered into their church several years ago.
Click here to read the rest of the USA Today article.
Denver Schimming, 51, and his wife Sheila Hobson, 48, were in the market for a liberal-minded church in Nashville — "the buckle of the Bible Belt," he says — and knew they found something different at Holy Trinity Community Church, where 90% of its 350 members are gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender (GLBT).
"I laugh and say we're the token straight couple, but I kid you not, they treat us like royalty," said Hobson. "They are so loving and giving."
The Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., and others once called 11:00 on Sunday morning the most segregated hour in Christian America; indeed, sexual orientation can be just as divisive. Just as churches were split into white and black, they have also split between gay and straight.
Alternative faith communities that cater to GLBT believers, such as Holy Trinity and Bet Mishpachah, were an outgrowth of the gay rights movement that took root 40 years ago. "Inclusion" is the buzzword for many of these congregations.
Rabbi Toby Manewith, a straight woman who was recently installed as Bet Mishpachah's new rabbi, said the radical welcome grows out of "members' experience of being on the outside."
"Everyone who comes here, no matter their sexual or gender identity, religious affiliation or knowledge, everyone is welcomed with open arms," said Manewith, 43. "You'd hope that would happen in all religious communities, but the truth is it's not an easy thing to put into practice."
Some straight believers attend out of a sense of solidarity or social justice. Others wandered in by accident, or were invited by a gay friend or family member, and simply felt at home and decided to stay.
Even with the support, being the straight sheep in a gay flock is not without its predictable oddities. Ivan Zimmerman, 51, remembers congregants assuming he was gay during his early days at Congregation Beth Simchat Torah, a renowned predominantly gay 700-member synagogue in New York City.
"I would joke and say I've come to terms with my heterosexuality," Zimmerman said.
While gay congregations crave growth and vitality, some wonder if an influx of heterosexuals might change the character of faith communities that were formed to minister to minorities.
The Rev. Nancy Wilson, the moderator of the MCC, says her churches aren't going out of business anytime soon, but life might get more complex.
"Who connects to and relates to this ministry is much more complicated than it would have been in the early '70s, when it was mostly gay men, and white gay men at that," she said.
Still, at the end of the day, a community of faith is more than labels.
Many denominations and their churches love placing labels on people, but the churches that are pressing in closest to the Lord don't waste their time with that-they simply reach out their arms and welcome everyone, just like Believers Covenant Fellowship did when a straight guy (Jim) wandered into their church several years ago.
Click here to read the rest of the USA Today article.
July 26, 2009
Sunday Worship 7/26/09
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)
VIDEO
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren, 10:00 AM
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa, 11:00 AM
VA-Believers Covenant Fellowship, Vienna, 11:00 AM
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham, 11:45 AM
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem, 12:00 PM
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa, 1:00 PM
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach, 1:00 PM
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, 1:30 PM
AUDIO
Canada, Vancouver-Christ Alive Community Church, 10:15 PM
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program) 4:30 PM
Video Archive
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach
FL-Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Ft. Lauderdale
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa
GA-Gentle Spirit Christian Church, Atlanta
MI-Christ Community Church, Spring Lake
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem
OK-Expressions Community Fellowship, Oklahoma City
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa
TX-The One Church, Garland
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore
Audio Archive
AZ-Community Church of Hope, Phoenix
AK-Open Door Community Church, Sherwood
CA-Christ Chapel of Long Beach
CA-Christ Chapel of the Valley, North Hollywood
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program)
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensecola
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
MD-Kittamaqundi Community, Columbia
NC-Revolution Charlotte
OH-Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Akron
OH-All Saints Community Church, Cortland
TN-Covenant of the Cross-Madison
TX-New Hope Fellowship Church-Dallas
TX-White Rock Community Church-Dallas
TX-Community Gospel Church-Houston
TX-Through Him Fellowship-Houston
South Africa-Deo Gloria Family Church
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)
VIDEO
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren, 10:00 AM
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa, 11:00 AM
VA-Believers Covenant Fellowship, Vienna, 11:00 AM
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham, 11:45 AM
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem, 12:00 PM
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa, 1:00 PM
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach, 1:00 PM
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore, 1:30 PM
AUDIO
Canada, Vancouver-Christ Alive Community Church, 10:15 PM
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program) 4:30 PM
Video Archive
AL-Covenant Community Church, Birmingham
CA-Glory Tabernacle Christian Center, Long Beach
FL-Church of the Holy SpiritSong, Ft. Lauderdale
FL-Potters House International Fellowship, Tampa
GA-Gentle Spirit Christian Church, Atlanta
MI-Christ Community Church, Spring Lake
MI-Renaissance Unity Church, Warren
NC-Church of the Holy Spirit Fellowship, Winston-Salem
OK-Expressions Community Fellowship, Oklahoma City
OK-Diversity Christian Fellowship International, Tulsa
TX-The One Church, Garland
WA-Living Water Fellowship, Kenmore
Audio Archive
AZ-Community Church of Hope, Phoenix
AK-Open Door Community Church, Sherwood
CA-Christ Chapel of Long Beach
CA-Christ Chapel of the Valley, North Hollywood
FL-Beacon of Hope Ministries, Dunedin (Living the Good Life radio program)
FL-New Hope Christian Center, Pensecola
GA-New Covenant Church of Atlanta
MD-Kittamaqundi Community, Columbia
NC-Revolution Charlotte
OH-Emmanuel Fellowship Church, Akron
OH-All Saints Community Church, Cortland
TN-Covenant of the Cross-Madison
TX-New Hope Fellowship Church-Dallas
TX-White Rock Community Church-Dallas
TX-Community Gospel Church-Houston
TX-Through Him Fellowship-Houston
South Africa-Deo Gloria Family Church
July 24, 2009
Encouraging Words 7/24/09-On Eagles' Wings
This sermon comes from Rev. Deborah Bell of the Deo Gloria Family Church in Morningside, Durban, South Africa.
As we surrender and wait on the power of the Holy Spirit, we are renewed, we receive revelation, and we are etsablished. As we rise up higher, the things of the earth grow strangely dim.
Click here to listen to On Eagle's Wings
As we surrender and wait on the power of the Holy Spirit, we are renewed, we receive revelation, and we are etsablished. As we rise up higher, the things of the earth grow strangely dim.
Click here to listen to On Eagle's Wings
British Churches Performing "Exorcisms" On Gays
We recently linked to the horriffic YouTube video of a "gay exorcism" performed in the United States. Unfortunately, it appears this is also happening in the UK. From Pink News:
According to the Metro, a Pentecostal church in north-west London offers the controversial 'cure'. It is one of hundreds of fundamentalist churches in the UK.
Rev John Ogbe-Ogbeide, who runs the United Pentecostal Ministry in Harrow, said he carried out exorcisms on gays four or five times a year and that the procedure always worked.
He said: "The evil spirits are telling you what's wrong is right, the opposite sex is not attractive."
He cited a recent case where he exorcised a young man who was about to get married but was in love with a man.
Rev Ogbe-Ogbeide added that the procedure could be carried out at any age, as demons could take hold of a person at any time.
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has called for protest against the practice and a thorough police investigation.
He said: "The exorcism rituals involve the casting out of alleged demons and witches that supposedly possess a gay person's soul and turn them away from heterosexuality.
"There are claims that gay teenagers and young adults are being subjected to exorcisms at the insistence of their parents and pastors, in an attempt to rid them of same-sex attraction.
"The exorcisms can include traumatic emotional scenes where the victims are surrounded by a group of church elders who scream at them to drive out the evil spirits and who sometimes shake their bodies.
"When this is done to youngsters under 18, it is a form of child abuse and the police should intervene to stop it.
"Some gay adults have been pressured into exorcisms by their family members or faith communities. Other victims are people with learning difficulties or mental health problems. They have been preyed upon when they are in a vulnerable state and are not capable of giving fully informed consent."
When a person's self-esteem has been kicked around like a soccer ball, intervention is needed--to protect them from these harmful "exorcists."
You can read the rest of the story at PinkNews.
According to the Metro, a Pentecostal church in north-west London offers the controversial 'cure'. It is one of hundreds of fundamentalist churches in the UK.
Rev John Ogbe-Ogbeide, who runs the United Pentecostal Ministry in Harrow, said he carried out exorcisms on gays four or five times a year and that the procedure always worked.
He said: "The evil spirits are telling you what's wrong is right, the opposite sex is not attractive."
He cited a recent case where he exorcised a young man who was about to get married but was in love with a man.
Rev Ogbe-Ogbeide added that the procedure could be carried out at any age, as demons could take hold of a person at any time.
Human rights campaigner Peter Tatchell has called for protest against the practice and a thorough police investigation.
He said: "The exorcism rituals involve the casting out of alleged demons and witches that supposedly possess a gay person's soul and turn them away from heterosexuality.
"There are claims that gay teenagers and young adults are being subjected to exorcisms at the insistence of their parents and pastors, in an attempt to rid them of same-sex attraction.
"The exorcisms can include traumatic emotional scenes where the victims are surrounded by a group of church elders who scream at them to drive out the evil spirits and who sometimes shake their bodies.
"When this is done to youngsters under 18, it is a form of child abuse and the police should intervene to stop it.
"Some gay adults have been pressured into exorcisms by their family members or faith communities. Other victims are people with learning difficulties or mental health problems. They have been preyed upon when they are in a vulnerable state and are not capable of giving fully informed consent."
When a person's self-esteem has been kicked around like a soccer ball, intervention is needed--to protect them from these harmful "exorcists."
You can read the rest of the story at PinkNews.
July 23, 2009
Encouraging Words: God's Safety from Psalm 91
Brenda teaches about how God promises safety and rescue to those who love Him, referencing Psalm 91.
Another Straight Ally "Comes Out"
Betty Greene Salwak has been married to her husband for 30 years, is a Sunday School cirriculum director, and wrote a guest post for The Bilerico Project taking up the cause of GLBT equality. Here's an excerpt of her story:
Just a few short years ago. I came to realize that it was time for me to step up and stand against what I knew was a gross injustice. I was seeing people who claimed to be Christians spewing hateful invective in the name of God against people who were gay. Those malevolent tirades are far and away the loudest shouts being heard by the LGBT community. The only other voice nearly as loud says there is no God.
Those people have nothing to do with the loving God I know, the One whose grace and unconditional love is for all people, just as they are, just as he made them to be. Unfortunately, the voices with that message have been a mere whisper in the wind. It was time to stand and be heard. But how could I get anyone to heed me? I had a lot to learn.
I have learned of the anguish of rejection and the stinging betrayal experienced by those raised in churches which call them "objectively disordered," sinners, even abominations. I've read far too many times of self-destructiveness and even suicides by young people who could not reconcile their faith with the person God made them to be. This has to stop.
I am convinced that the vast majority of straight Christians are ignorant of the terrible impact of their silence, that they would speak up about their support if they knew it would literally save lives. I am doing everything in my power to tell them that this is the time. It is my fervent hope that the civil victory that is imminent will eventually be shared by most churches during my lifetime.
Ignorance is the most effective weapon of the Christian right-wing that seeks to block GLBT equality. Knowledge and understanding is like kryptonite to their ignorance. That's where straight allies come in. I'm glad to be working for the same cause as someone like Betty Greene Salwak.
You can read the rest of her Bilerico Project essay here.
Just a few short years ago. I came to realize that it was time for me to step up and stand against what I knew was a gross injustice. I was seeing people who claimed to be Christians spewing hateful invective in the name of God against people who were gay. Those malevolent tirades are far and away the loudest shouts being heard by the LGBT community. The only other voice nearly as loud says there is no God.
Those people have nothing to do with the loving God I know, the One whose grace and unconditional love is for all people, just as they are, just as he made them to be. Unfortunately, the voices with that message have been a mere whisper in the wind. It was time to stand and be heard. But how could I get anyone to heed me? I had a lot to learn.
I have learned of the anguish of rejection and the stinging betrayal experienced by those raised in churches which call them "objectively disordered," sinners, even abominations. I've read far too many times of self-destructiveness and even suicides by young people who could not reconcile their faith with the person God made them to be. This has to stop.
I am convinced that the vast majority of straight Christians are ignorant of the terrible impact of their silence, that they would speak up about their support if they knew it would literally save lives. I am doing everything in my power to tell them that this is the time. It is my fervent hope that the civil victory that is imminent will eventually be shared by most churches during my lifetime.
Ignorance is the most effective weapon of the Christian right-wing that seeks to block GLBT equality. Knowledge and understanding is like kryptonite to their ignorance. That's where straight allies come in. I'm glad to be working for the same cause as someone like Betty Greene Salwak.
You can read the rest of her Bilerico Project essay here.
July 22, 2009
Words of Encouragement 7/22/09-"Be Glad"
In his latest podcast, Jim goes to the Bible to find why we should always have a sense of joy and happiness, referring to the Beatitudes from Matthew 5 and the encouragement of Paul in Philippians 4.
US' "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" Lags Far Behind Other Nations
I ran across this AP story comparing the much more favorable treatment of soldiers in other nations like Great Britian, Austraila, and Israel compared to the United States.
Wait a minute--Isreal?! That doesn't sound right.
Yep, Isreal. Read this excerpt:
A nation in a constant state of combat readiness, Israel has had no restrictions on military service by gays since 1993 — a policy now considered thoroughly uncontroversial.
Gays were permitted to serve even before then, but not in certain intelligence positions where, at the time, they were deemed possible security risks vulnerable to blackmail. Now, gays and lesbians — among them several senior officers — serve in all branches of the military, including combat duty.
"In this regard, Israel has one of the most liberal armies in the world," said Yagil Levy, a sociologist from the Open University of Israel.
The army recognizes the partners of gay officers as their bereaved next-of-kin after their deaths, eligible for benefits. Gay officers at promotions and other ceremonies often have their partners by their sides.
The military also provided the backdrop for Israel's precursor to "Brokeback Mountain" — the 2002 movie "Yossi & Jagger" about two Israeli combat soldiers who fall in love on the front lines. It was a hit with critics and the public, and was even screened on military bases.
Click here to read about how GLBT soldiers are treated in other nations to gain a greater appreciation of how ignorant the Uunted States' current policy is.
Wait a minute--Isreal?! That doesn't sound right.
Yep, Isreal. Read this excerpt:
A nation in a constant state of combat readiness, Israel has had no restrictions on military service by gays since 1993 — a policy now considered thoroughly uncontroversial.
Gays were permitted to serve even before then, but not in certain intelligence positions where, at the time, they were deemed possible security risks vulnerable to blackmail. Now, gays and lesbians — among them several senior officers — serve in all branches of the military, including combat duty.
"In this regard, Israel has one of the most liberal armies in the world," said Yagil Levy, a sociologist from the Open University of Israel.
The army recognizes the partners of gay officers as their bereaved next-of-kin after their deaths, eligible for benefits. Gay officers at promotions and other ceremonies often have their partners by their sides.
The military also provided the backdrop for Israel's precursor to "Brokeback Mountain" — the 2002 movie "Yossi & Jagger" about two Israeli combat soldiers who fall in love on the front lines. It was a hit with critics and the public, and was even screened on military bases.
Click here to read about how GLBT soldiers are treated in other nations to gain a greater appreciation of how ignorant the Uunted States' current policy is.
July 21, 2009
Encouraging Words: All things work together for good - Romans 8:
Brenda teaches how God will take whatever is bad in your life and turn it into something good. Based on Romans 8:28.
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