At least that's what the Alabama Department of Homeland (In)Security was thinking when they included gay rights organizations on a list of groups that they alegedly felt could include terrorists.
Since the list reportedly included anti-war organizations, environmentalists, animal rights advocates, it's easy to think that instead of spawning terrorists, they included every group that was likely to skew Democratic when they voted.
This list has been dropped from the department's web site after, imagine this, people complained about the UTTER STUPIDITY OF IT.
The only thing they appeared to get right was also listing anti-abortion groups, since they actually do have a documented history of violently attacking abortion clinics.
While the Alabama Department of Homeland (In)Security was watching these groups, who was watching people who might have actually been planning on engaging in terrorist activity? After all, they couldn't let their own prejudice get in the way of protecting the citizens of their state, now could they?
May 28, 2007
GLBT Activists Have Rough Time In Moscow
From CNN.com
Russian police detained gay protesters calling for the right to hold a Gay Pride parade in central Moscow on Sunday while nationalists shouting "death to homosexuals" punched and kicked the demonstrators.
Riot police detained gay rights activists as they tried to present a petition asking Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov, who has called gay marches satanic acts, to lift a ban on the parade.
Nationalists and extreme Russian Orthodox believers held icons and denounced homosexuality as "evil" while a group of thick-set young men turned up with surgeon's masks, which they said would protect them from the "gay disease." (Watch angry opponents punch protesters)
"We are defending our rights," said a young gay man named Alexey, with blood pouring out of his nose after he was beaten up by a man screaming "homosexuals are perverts" opposite the mayor's office. His attacker was detained.
"This is terrible but I am not scared. This is a pretty scary place, a pretty scary country if you are gay. But we won't give up until they allow us our rights," he said.
In an understatement that I assume was not ment to be humorous, the report said:
Russia decriminalized homosexuality in 1993 but tolerance is not widespread.
No kidding! The report continued:
"We believe these perverts should not be allowed to march on the streets of Moscow, the third Rome, a holy city for all Russians," said Igor Miroshnichenko, who said he was an Orthodox believer who had come to support the riot police.
"It (homosexuality) is satanic," he told Reuters. One man holding a crucifix threatened to beat-up any gay person he saw.
A couple of things really strike me here. First, Russia didn't decriminalize homosexuality until 1993! Talk about a hostle environment for GLBT people. Second, despite being the ones getting physically attacked, it was the gay protesters who were arrested. There was this comment on that:
"It is very conspicuous when people are arrested in front of the mayor's office when they were doing nothing other than trying to present a peaceful petition," said Scott Long, a rights activist with Human Rights Watch who observed the events.
"There was no real attempt to separate the two sides and that led to people being beaten up," he said. "I would call on the Russian authorities to protect freedom of assembly, protect freedom of expression and protect demonstrators."
The Cold War may be over, but there are still some serious battles being fought on Russian soil for human rights, and GLBT people are really struggling in theirs.
Russian police detained gay protesters calling for the right to hold a Gay Pride parade in central Moscow on Sunday while nationalists shouting "death to homosexuals" punched and kicked the demonstrators.
Riot police detained gay rights activists as they tried to present a petition asking Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov, who has called gay marches satanic acts, to lift a ban on the parade.
Nationalists and extreme Russian Orthodox believers held icons and denounced homosexuality as "evil" while a group of thick-set young men turned up with surgeon's masks, which they said would protect them from the "gay disease." (Watch angry opponents punch protesters)
"We are defending our rights," said a young gay man named Alexey, with blood pouring out of his nose after he was beaten up by a man screaming "homosexuals are perverts" opposite the mayor's office. His attacker was detained.
"This is terrible but I am not scared. This is a pretty scary place, a pretty scary country if you are gay. But we won't give up until they allow us our rights," he said.
In an understatement that I assume was not ment to be humorous, the report said:
Russia decriminalized homosexuality in 1993 but tolerance is not widespread.
No kidding! The report continued:
"We believe these perverts should not be allowed to march on the streets of Moscow, the third Rome, a holy city for all Russians," said Igor Miroshnichenko, who said he was an Orthodox believer who had come to support the riot police.
"It (homosexuality) is satanic," he told Reuters. One man holding a crucifix threatened to beat-up any gay person he saw.
A couple of things really strike me here. First, Russia didn't decriminalize homosexuality until 1993! Talk about a hostle environment for GLBT people. Second, despite being the ones getting physically attacked, it was the gay protesters who were arrested. There was this comment on that:
"It is very conspicuous when people are arrested in front of the mayor's office when they were doing nothing other than trying to present a peaceful petition," said Scott Long, a rights activist with Human Rights Watch who observed the events.
"There was no real attempt to separate the two sides and that led to people being beaten up," he said. "I would call on the Russian authorities to protect freedom of assembly, protect freedom of expression and protect demonstrators."
The Cold War may be over, but there are still some serious battles being fought on Russian soil for human rights, and GLBT people are really struggling in theirs.
May 27, 2007
GLBT Cirriculum Passed--And Needed--In California
From the Christian Post:
The California Senate passed a bill on Thursday that would prohibit all classes, textbooks, and teachers from any instruction that "reflects or promotes bias against GLBT people.
Not everyone is happy:
"SB 777 is designed to transform our public schools into institutions that disregard all notions of the traditional family unit," said Karen England, executive director of Capitol Resource Institute (CRI), in a statement. "This reverse discrimination is an outright attack on the religious and moral beliefs of California citizens."
Fine. The CRI would probably prefer keeping this status quo:
From the Boston Edge newspaper:
A new study shows that anti-gay prejudice is rampant in America’s middle schools, making bias the norm, rather than the exception, and adding urgency to what has become recognized as a need to educate children about bullying and to enforce zero-tolerance anti-bullying policies.
The study, titled A Voice from the Middle, was released by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and Phi Delta Kappa International. The report reveals that 77 percent of middle schoolers believe that their classmates have a negative attitude toward people they think are gays or lesbians; 26 percent of middle schoolers went so far as to say that their classmates have a "very negative" attitude.
"This survey, like so many before it, illustrates the difficulties lesbian, gay and bisexual students experience in school," said Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network Founder and Executive Director Kevin Jennings. "
The Christian Post article mentions the fear of "normalizing homosexuality." Obviously the right wing benefits from GLBT people being considered "abnormal" and want to bring up the next generation with only negative impressions of homosexuality.
As a youngster, I went through some of the early teaching of African-American culture and, not coincidentally, gained a better understanding of their issues and learned acceptance at an early age. Civil rights for African-Americans just seemed to make sense since they were people like me.
The same truth applies to the GLBT community, but social conservatives don't want people to learn that. It would diminish their political power and reduce the number of people willing to financially support their bigotry and hatred.
Fortunately, legislatures across the nation have taken action similar to what California has done, mandating teaching acceptance of ALL people.
The California Senate passed a bill on Thursday that would prohibit all classes, textbooks, and teachers from any instruction that "reflects or promotes bias against GLBT people.
Not everyone is happy:
"SB 777 is designed to transform our public schools into institutions that disregard all notions of the traditional family unit," said Karen England, executive director of Capitol Resource Institute (CRI), in a statement. "This reverse discrimination is an outright attack on the religious and moral beliefs of California citizens."
Fine. The CRI would probably prefer keeping this status quo:
From the Boston Edge newspaper:
A new study shows that anti-gay prejudice is rampant in America’s middle schools, making bias the norm, rather than the exception, and adding urgency to what has become recognized as a need to educate children about bullying and to enforce zero-tolerance anti-bullying policies.
The study, titled A Voice from the Middle, was released by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and Phi Delta Kappa International. The report reveals that 77 percent of middle schoolers believe that their classmates have a negative attitude toward people they think are gays or lesbians; 26 percent of middle schoolers went so far as to say that their classmates have a "very negative" attitude.
"This survey, like so many before it, illustrates the difficulties lesbian, gay and bisexual students experience in school," said Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network Founder and Executive Director Kevin Jennings. "
The Christian Post article mentions the fear of "normalizing homosexuality." Obviously the right wing benefits from GLBT people being considered "abnormal" and want to bring up the next generation with only negative impressions of homosexuality.
As a youngster, I went through some of the early teaching of African-American culture and, not coincidentally, gained a better understanding of their issues and learned acceptance at an early age. Civil rights for African-Americans just seemed to make sense since they were people like me.
The same truth applies to the GLBT community, but social conservatives don't want people to learn that. It would diminish their political power and reduce the number of people willing to financially support their bigotry and hatred.
Fortunately, legislatures across the nation have taken action similar to what California has done, mandating teaching acceptance of ALL people.
Athiest's Books Selling Big-Time
From the Christian Post:
The time for polite debate is over. Militant, atheist writers are making an all-out assault on religious faith and reaching the top of the best-seller list, a sign of widespread resentment over the influence of religion in the world among nonbelievers.
Christopher Hitchens' book, "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything," has sold briskly ever since it was published last month, and his debates with clergy are drawing crowds at every stop.
Sam Harris was a little-known graduate student until he wrote the phenomenally successful "The End of Faith" and its follow-up, "Letter to a Christian Nation." Richard Dawkins' "The God Delusion" and Daniel Dennett's "Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon" struck similar themes — and sold.
Richard Mouw, president of Fuller Theological Seminary, a prominent evangelical school in Pasadena, Calif., said the books' success reflect a new vehemence in the atheist critique.
"I don't believe in conspiracy theories," Mouw said, "but it's almost like they all had a meeting and said, 'Let's counterattack.'"
Is this really a surprise? Not to me. I wonder just how many people the religious right has pushed away by their desire to establish a theocracy and write hatred and discrimination into the U. S. Constitution, not to mention all of the states.
With power-hungry bigots acting that way in the name of God, no wonder people are turning to alternatives. If you are an athiest with a message, there has been no better time to put a book out on the market because people are hungry to hear anything but the bluster and Old Testament judgementalism of the religious right.
That's why it is so important for Christians with a different message to get it out there in the public forum. There are other paths to God besides what the religious right spews.
We just need to tell people before they settle into a path further away from God.
The time for polite debate is over. Militant, atheist writers are making an all-out assault on religious faith and reaching the top of the best-seller list, a sign of widespread resentment over the influence of religion in the world among nonbelievers.
Christopher Hitchens' book, "God Is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything," has sold briskly ever since it was published last month, and his debates with clergy are drawing crowds at every stop.
Sam Harris was a little-known graduate student until he wrote the phenomenally successful "The End of Faith" and its follow-up, "Letter to a Christian Nation." Richard Dawkins' "The God Delusion" and Daniel Dennett's "Breaking the Spell: Religion as a Natural Phenomenon" struck similar themes — and sold.
Richard Mouw, president of Fuller Theological Seminary, a prominent evangelical school in Pasadena, Calif., said the books' success reflect a new vehemence in the atheist critique.
"I don't believe in conspiracy theories," Mouw said, "but it's almost like they all had a meeting and said, 'Let's counterattack.'"
Is this really a surprise? Not to me. I wonder just how many people the religious right has pushed away by their desire to establish a theocracy and write hatred and discrimination into the U. S. Constitution, not to mention all of the states.
With power-hungry bigots acting that way in the name of God, no wonder people are turning to alternatives. If you are an athiest with a message, there has been no better time to put a book out on the market because people are hungry to hear anything but the bluster and Old Testament judgementalism of the religious right.
That's why it is so important for Christians with a different message to get it out there in the public forum. There are other paths to God besides what the religious right spews.
We just need to tell people before they settle into a path further away from God.
May 26, 2007
Conservatives Claiming Bias in Media Treatment of Transgenders
Recent attention that transgender people have received in mainstream media, including the cover story in Newsweek and a character on the popular TV show "Ugly Betty" has started the conservative whining about "media bias."
From the Christian Post:
"They're (media) trying to normalize transgender existence. There's no question about that," said Dr. Robert Gagnon, associate professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Not only are some Christians concerned about the normalizing of the transgendered life, but one pro-family activist noted mainstream media bias on the controversial issue.
Pete LaBarbera, executive director of Americans for Truth (and extreme right-winger), told One News Now that the American media is justifying its biased reporting on the transgender movement in the name of compassion.
Echoing LaBarbera's concerns, Gagnon said the media is "trying to present a case where they are able to demonstrate that these persons cannot help themselves, [that] this is not something they asked for. [And] if you don't allow them to become transgender, they'll probably kill themselves."
While media may be drawing more sympathetic hearts toward the transgender community, it's still hard to say when or whether transgenders will be fully accepted in American society, says Debra Rosenberg, assistant managing editor at Newsweek who wrote "Rethinking Gender."
"With more anti-discrimination laws being passed, though, it does seem like things are moving in that direction," she adds.
It always saddens me when professed Christians are quick to put people different from them in seperate categories. It seems to me it's the people who put God in a small, inflexible box are the ones quickest to put GLBT people in their own, seperate box far away from God.
I praise any media attention that shows transgenders for what they are--people.
From the Christian Post:
"They're (media) trying to normalize transgender existence. There's no question about that," said Dr. Robert Gagnon, associate professor of New Testament at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary.
Not only are some Christians concerned about the normalizing of the transgendered life, but one pro-family activist noted mainstream media bias on the controversial issue.
Pete LaBarbera, executive director of Americans for Truth (and extreme right-winger), told One News Now that the American media is justifying its biased reporting on the transgender movement in the name of compassion.
Echoing LaBarbera's concerns, Gagnon said the media is "trying to present a case where they are able to demonstrate that these persons cannot help themselves, [that] this is not something they asked for. [And] if you don't allow them to become transgender, they'll probably kill themselves."
While media may be drawing more sympathetic hearts toward the transgender community, it's still hard to say when or whether transgenders will be fully accepted in American society, says Debra Rosenberg, assistant managing editor at Newsweek who wrote "Rethinking Gender."
"With more anti-discrimination laws being passed, though, it does seem like things are moving in that direction," she adds.
It always saddens me when professed Christians are quick to put people different from them in seperate categories. It seems to me it's the people who put God in a small, inflexible box are the ones quickest to put GLBT people in their own, seperate box far away from God.
I praise any media attention that shows transgenders for what they are--people.
Trying to Change a Vote on the Matthew Shepard Bill
David Shelton, a pastor in Clarksville, Tennessee, is upset that one of his U. S. Senators, Republican Bob Corker, has stated he would NOT vote for the Matthew Shepard (hate crimes) bill when it comes to the senate floor. Shelton passionately expressed his feelings about that to Senator Corker in this letter, which he shared on his website and, since I strongely agree with them, I'm sharing them with you here:
I’m extremely disappointed to know that your office is more concerned about protecting your image than in protecting those that have been abused, beaten, and even killed. Your refusal to support Senate Bill 1105 is as heartbreaking as it is wrong.
You already know of the events surrounding the death of Matthew Shepard, after which this bill has been named. You might also know of the murder of Alabama teenager Scotty Joe Weaver, who was killed by his own friends because he was “a faggot.” Mr. Corker, this isn’t a rare thing at all. In fact, there have been people in your own state that have been killed just for being gay.
More than twelve years ago, a Clarksville man named Jerry Cope was brutally murdered in his own business. Mr. Cope was gay, and was also known to the local gay community as P’Knutts. For the rest of this email, I’ll address her by her chosen name. P’Knutts was highly popular, and was even involved in the political scene. She was loved by everyone who knew her. She left behind a daughter. She was 38.
When I say “brutally murdered,” Mr. Corker, I want you to understand. This was no “robbery,” as the local law enforcement said at the time. She was mutilated in a way so that it was clear that her death was to send a message to the local GLBT community. This was, in every possible way, a hate crime.
The bill, which you say that you will not support, would allow for FBI assistance to help bring justice in this horrible crime… which has yet to be solved. In fact, there has been nearly no activity since the first few weeks of her murder. Adding sexual orientation and gender identity isn’t controversial, Mr. Corker. It’s certainly not immoral. It is, in all reality, the right thing to do.
After all, how many small town law enforcement communities will not actively pursue a resolution in the murder of a local gay man, because “no one cares about that fag?” We’ll never know. This bill would put an end to that. We should expect that there would be federal protections for anyone, no matter who they are. It’s sad that you would disagree.
I’m not only disappointed, but I’m actually shocked that you would so casually dismiss a bill that would actually protect nearly ten percent of your constituents. The cavalier manner in which you and the rest of the Republican party, including President Bush, have dismissed the GLBT community only allows crimes of this nature to go on, and to remain unsolved when they do happen. You might also recall Pfc. Barry Winchell, the Fort Campbell soldier who was killed in July of 1999. Fort Campbell is in the cradle of Clarksville. This bill has clear Tennessee roots.
Mr. Corker, I urge you to reconsider. These are people with whom I have built solid friendships, and these are living, breathing, genuine people who desperately need to know that there is support for them and their families. I am a man of faith, and I’m a man of great passion… and there is nothing compassionate nor conservative in denying justice to people like P’Knutts and those who knew her. There is nothing Christian in denying federal support for smaller communities that need the assistance in solving hate crimes. In the end, Mr. Corker, I fear that you have little concern for protecting our citizens. And since I, too, am gay, would you dismiss me as well?
The time has come for this bill to be passed with bipartisan support. These hate crime laws will NOT restrict free speech in any way. And you know it. Our nation needs to support those who are denigrated and marginalized. Our great nation was founded on these principles, and the Constitution was framed to support those who can not support themselves, it was written to protect those who can not protect themselves.
You can dismiss this bill with a form letter, Mr. Corker. You can not dismiss the reality that this bill is a critical necessity for the future of our nation.
Please, Mr. Corker, don’t let the names of Jerry Cope, Scotty Joe Weaver, and Matthew Shepard fade into the obscurity of another failed attempt to bring meaning to their senseless deaths.
Sincerely,
David W. Shelton
Pastor, Christian Community Church of Clarksville
http://www.ccc-clarksville.com/
I’m extremely disappointed to know that your office is more concerned about protecting your image than in protecting those that have been abused, beaten, and even killed. Your refusal to support Senate Bill 1105 is as heartbreaking as it is wrong.
You already know of the events surrounding the death of Matthew Shepard, after which this bill has been named. You might also know of the murder of Alabama teenager Scotty Joe Weaver, who was killed by his own friends because he was “a faggot.” Mr. Corker, this isn’t a rare thing at all. In fact, there have been people in your own state that have been killed just for being gay.
More than twelve years ago, a Clarksville man named Jerry Cope was brutally murdered in his own business. Mr. Cope was gay, and was also known to the local gay community as P’Knutts. For the rest of this email, I’ll address her by her chosen name. P’Knutts was highly popular, and was even involved in the political scene. She was loved by everyone who knew her. She left behind a daughter. She was 38.
When I say “brutally murdered,” Mr. Corker, I want you to understand. This was no “robbery,” as the local law enforcement said at the time. She was mutilated in a way so that it was clear that her death was to send a message to the local GLBT community. This was, in every possible way, a hate crime.
The bill, which you say that you will not support, would allow for FBI assistance to help bring justice in this horrible crime… which has yet to be solved. In fact, there has been nearly no activity since the first few weeks of her murder. Adding sexual orientation and gender identity isn’t controversial, Mr. Corker. It’s certainly not immoral. It is, in all reality, the right thing to do.
After all, how many small town law enforcement communities will not actively pursue a resolution in the murder of a local gay man, because “no one cares about that fag?” We’ll never know. This bill would put an end to that. We should expect that there would be federal protections for anyone, no matter who they are. It’s sad that you would disagree.
I’m not only disappointed, but I’m actually shocked that you would so casually dismiss a bill that would actually protect nearly ten percent of your constituents. The cavalier manner in which you and the rest of the Republican party, including President Bush, have dismissed the GLBT community only allows crimes of this nature to go on, and to remain unsolved when they do happen. You might also recall Pfc. Barry Winchell, the Fort Campbell soldier who was killed in July of 1999. Fort Campbell is in the cradle of Clarksville. This bill has clear Tennessee roots.
Mr. Corker, I urge you to reconsider. These are people with whom I have built solid friendships, and these are living, breathing, genuine people who desperately need to know that there is support for them and their families. I am a man of faith, and I’m a man of great passion… and there is nothing compassionate nor conservative in denying justice to people like P’Knutts and those who knew her. There is nothing Christian in denying federal support for smaller communities that need the assistance in solving hate crimes. In the end, Mr. Corker, I fear that you have little concern for protecting our citizens. And since I, too, am gay, would you dismiss me as well?
The time has come for this bill to be passed with bipartisan support. These hate crime laws will NOT restrict free speech in any way. And you know it. Our nation needs to support those who are denigrated and marginalized. Our great nation was founded on these principles, and the Constitution was framed to support those who can not support themselves, it was written to protect those who can not protect themselves.
You can dismiss this bill with a form letter, Mr. Corker. You can not dismiss the reality that this bill is a critical necessity for the future of our nation.
Please, Mr. Corker, don’t let the names of Jerry Cope, Scotty Joe Weaver, and Matthew Shepard fade into the obscurity of another failed attempt to bring meaning to their senseless deaths.
Sincerely,
David W. Shelton
Pastor, Christian Community Church of Clarksville
http://www.ccc-clarksville.com/
May 25, 2007
"Civil Marriage Is a Civil Right"
That's the name of the new campaign Equality Maryland is leading to lobby for marriage equality in our state.
As a member of the organization myself, I encourage my fellow Marylanders to check out the website and sign the petition in favor of legalizing same-sex marrage in the state. I would encourage you to join me in requesting yard signs and bumper stickers to publicize your support for this important issue.
There is a case being reviewed now in the State Court of Appeals that could pave the way for this to happen, but one result of that would be an intensified effort by the right-wing to push for a state Constitutional amendment taking that right away. Equality Maryland is working to mobilize supporters now, before the ruling, so they will already be in place to fight that and any other initiatives that would leave GLBT people short of equality.
As a member of the organization myself, I encourage my fellow Marylanders to check out the website and sign the petition in favor of legalizing same-sex marrage in the state. I would encourage you to join me in requesting yard signs and bumper stickers to publicize your support for this important issue.
There is a case being reviewed now in the State Court of Appeals that could pave the way for this to happen, but one result of that would be an intensified effort by the right-wing to push for a state Constitutional amendment taking that right away. Equality Maryland is working to mobilize supporters now, before the ruling, so they will already be in place to fight that and any other initiatives that would leave GLBT people short of equality.
Familiarity Does NOT Breed Contempt With GLBT People
The Pew Research Center has released results of a survey where they asked three primary questions:
1) Do you have a close friend or family member who is gay?
2) Should schools be able to fire teachers because they are gay?
3) Should gays be able to marry legally?
You can click on the link to see the detailed results of the survey and form your own conclusions, but there is one critical takeaway for me here. People that know gays are significantly more willing to give them equal protection and equal rights under the law.
One example of that is the answer to the same-sex marriage question. Of those who knew a gay person, 55% responded that they should be able to legally marry. Of those who did not know a gay person, only 25% responded positively.
Now I realize some of that is quite likely due to the fact that some people are so passionately anti-gay that someone who is GLBT, either friend or family member, would be MUCH less likely to reveal it to that person.
Regardless, this survey again shows that it is easier for someone to be against a disembodied group of people having rights, but it is much more difficult to carry that over to a flesh and blood person you know.
This leads me to believe, although I acknowledge it is easy for me to say this in my straigtness, that the more GLBT people who do come out and live lives as positive examples, it really will make an impact on how the GLBT community is accepted in society and eventually lead toward full and equal rights.
1) Do you have a close friend or family member who is gay?
2) Should schools be able to fire teachers because they are gay?
3) Should gays be able to marry legally?
You can click on the link to see the detailed results of the survey and form your own conclusions, but there is one critical takeaway for me here. People that know gays are significantly more willing to give them equal protection and equal rights under the law.
One example of that is the answer to the same-sex marriage question. Of those who knew a gay person, 55% responded that they should be able to legally marry. Of those who did not know a gay person, only 25% responded positively.
Now I realize some of that is quite likely due to the fact that some people are so passionately anti-gay that someone who is GLBT, either friend or family member, would be MUCH less likely to reveal it to that person.
Regardless, this survey again shows that it is easier for someone to be against a disembodied group of people having rights, but it is much more difficult to carry that over to a flesh and blood person you know.
This leads me to believe, although I acknowledge it is easy for me to say this in my straigtness, that the more GLBT people who do come out and live lives as positive examples, it really will make an impact on how the GLBT community is accepted in society and eventually lead toward full and equal rights.
May 24, 2007
Wayne Besen's Take on the Current Status of the Religious Right
As usual, columinst Wayne Besen does not pull any punches in his latest column, titled "The Right's Crisis in Confidence."
While the religious right is down, they certainly are not out. Falwell, for example, built Liberty University and the Liberty Counsel, his legal arm, to train activists to carry on his shameful legacy. Surprisingly, Liberty has one of the top ranked debate teams in the nation, where students learn apologetics so they can effectively argue, rather than apologize, when they offend others.
The media is busy anointing new religious leaders to supposedly take the place of the outgoing Falwell-Robertson-Dobson-Kennedy Axis of Ignorance. They seem to think Rick Warren, the author of the bestseller, "The Purpose Driven Life" is the logical successor.
Warren, who gives sermons in tacky Hawaiian shirts, is portrayed as dripping with compassion because he and his wife minister to AIDS victims. While they deserve credit for helping the sick, they are far from moderate on social issues. In fact, Warren supports the "ex-gay" message, which heaps shame on gay men - leading to more HIV cases. I guess, after he breaks down their self-esteem, leading to reckless sexual behavior, he'll take care of them.
It is a measure of how far to the right Falwell and others of his ilk have moved society that troglodytes like Warren are considered "moderate." This is hardly a record to be proud of, and in their hearts, many social conservatives know their movement has harmed this nation.
Leave it to a gay man to find fault with how a religious leaders dresses. I find some of Besen's points rather harshly stated, but, as I often do, I found a lot of truth in what he wrote. I particularly hope he is correct in how social conservatives are viewing their movement.
Perhaps the most damning piece I have read about Falwell was written by Ann Coulter:
Let me be the first to say: I ALWAYS agreed with the Rev. Falwell.
What's that old saying, you can tell a lot about a person by who his friends are?
While the religious right is down, they certainly are not out. Falwell, for example, built Liberty University and the Liberty Counsel, his legal arm, to train activists to carry on his shameful legacy. Surprisingly, Liberty has one of the top ranked debate teams in the nation, where students learn apologetics so they can effectively argue, rather than apologize, when they offend others.
The media is busy anointing new religious leaders to supposedly take the place of the outgoing Falwell-Robertson-Dobson-Kennedy Axis of Ignorance. They seem to think Rick Warren, the author of the bestseller, "The Purpose Driven Life" is the logical successor.
Warren, who gives sermons in tacky Hawaiian shirts, is portrayed as dripping with compassion because he and his wife minister to AIDS victims. While they deserve credit for helping the sick, they are far from moderate on social issues. In fact, Warren supports the "ex-gay" message, which heaps shame on gay men - leading to more HIV cases. I guess, after he breaks down their self-esteem, leading to reckless sexual behavior, he'll take care of them.
It is a measure of how far to the right Falwell and others of his ilk have moved society that troglodytes like Warren are considered "moderate." This is hardly a record to be proud of, and in their hearts, many social conservatives know their movement has harmed this nation.
Leave it to a gay man to find fault with how a religious leaders dresses. I find some of Besen's points rather harshly stated, but, as I often do, I found a lot of truth in what he wrote. I particularly hope he is correct in how social conservatives are viewing their movement.
Perhaps the most damning piece I have read about Falwell was written by Ann Coulter:
Let me be the first to say: I ALWAYS agreed with the Rev. Falwell.
What's that old saying, you can tell a lot about a person by who his friends are?
"Is Christianism Peaking?"
From Andrew Sullivan's "Daily Dish."
.....there are clearly signs that American evangelicals - especially in the younger generations - do not share the conflation of faith and partisanship of the Falwell era. In this, of course, they are returning to the historical evangelical norm - and Falwell's harsh, exclusionary and condemnatory Republicanism is the real exception. Abortion remains non-negotiable, and I understand why. But I sense that more and more Christians realize that speaking out about the moral enormity of abortion, and attempting to restrain and decrease its prevalence, is not indistinguishable from legal prohibition in all cases. People's moral views on this are changed in the heart and soul, not by political power. And the depth of Christianity's rejection of earthly power is so great the temptations of Christianism can be resisted in the long run.
.....it was striking to me that same-sex marriage was not on the radar screen in the first two GOP debates. Is this battle over? On an intellectual level, it seems to me that only a handful of stragglers are clinging on. When the best argument against same-sex marriage is the recitation of a dictionary definition of heterosexual marriage, then you know they don't have much ammo left. The continuing drops in hetero divorce rates in the era of same-sex marriage doesn't bolster the case of the alarmists either. And the next generation of Christians have come to know gay people - and gay Christians - as their peers and fellow pilgrims. The demonization of the past is waning. But again, I wouldn't be too complacent. Maybe the attempt to roll back marriage rights in Massachusetts will galvanize the issue again in 2008. Or maybe the base really is exhausted from hysteria about gay couples who merely want to be treated equally under the law. I certainly hope so.
I echo Sullivan's call to avoid complacency and hope that the trend continues where more people are accepting GLBT equality on not only an intellectual level but a spiritual one as well.
.....there are clearly signs that American evangelicals - especially in the younger generations - do not share the conflation of faith and partisanship of the Falwell era. In this, of course, they are returning to the historical evangelical norm - and Falwell's harsh, exclusionary and condemnatory Republicanism is the real exception. Abortion remains non-negotiable, and I understand why. But I sense that more and more Christians realize that speaking out about the moral enormity of abortion, and attempting to restrain and decrease its prevalence, is not indistinguishable from legal prohibition in all cases. People's moral views on this are changed in the heart and soul, not by political power. And the depth of Christianity's rejection of earthly power is so great the temptations of Christianism can be resisted in the long run.
.....it was striking to me that same-sex marriage was not on the radar screen in the first two GOP debates. Is this battle over? On an intellectual level, it seems to me that only a handful of stragglers are clinging on. When the best argument against same-sex marriage is the recitation of a dictionary definition of heterosexual marriage, then you know they don't have much ammo left. The continuing drops in hetero divorce rates in the era of same-sex marriage doesn't bolster the case of the alarmists either. And the next generation of Christians have come to know gay people - and gay Christians - as their peers and fellow pilgrims. The demonization of the past is waning. But again, I wouldn't be too complacent. Maybe the attempt to roll back marriage rights in Massachusetts will galvanize the issue again in 2008. Or maybe the base really is exhausted from hysteria about gay couples who merely want to be treated equally under the law. I certainly hope so.
I echo Sullivan's call to avoid complacency and hope that the trend continues where more people are accepting GLBT equality on not only an intellectual level but a spiritual one as well.
May 23, 2007
The Religious Right In Flux
The recent passing of Jerry Falwell has brought attention to the challenges the religious right currently faces to remain a unified, effective political force. Here is some analysis from the Washington Post:
Although Falwell's personal influence had been waning for years, his death at age 73 last week threw into stark relief the current headless state of the political movement he founded with the establishment of the Moral Majority in 1978.
Headless does not mean weak. In the view of many social conservatives, their organizational structures -- from megachurches to Christian colleges, broadcasting networks and public interest law firms -- have never been stronger.
"It would be a mistake to draw the conclusion that because there is not one obvious or a few obvious leaders of this movement, that the movement is waning," said Mark DeMoss, president of an Atlanta-based public relations firm that works primarily for evangelical organizations.
But John C. Green, a senior fellow at the nonpartisan Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, said four factors combine to make this a time of flux on the religious right.
There is no single leader who stands astride the movement as Falwell once did. Nor has a 2008 presidential contender emerged to galvanize the ranks. A generation gap is emerging between younger and older evangelicals on subjects such as homosexuality. And a sometimes bitter debate is pitting evangelicals who want to keep their political activity tightly focused on a few issues, such as abortion and same-sex marriage, against those who want to embrace a broader agenda, including climate change and global poverty.
All these shifts present opportunities for younger leaders. But they also pose the possibility that the movement will become more fragmented.
Any weakening or moderation of the religious right, their fiercest advesary, is good news for the GLBT community
Although Falwell's personal influence had been waning for years, his death at age 73 last week threw into stark relief the current headless state of the political movement he founded with the establishment of the Moral Majority in 1978.
Headless does not mean weak. In the view of many social conservatives, their organizational structures -- from megachurches to Christian colleges, broadcasting networks and public interest law firms -- have never been stronger.
"It would be a mistake to draw the conclusion that because there is not one obvious or a few obvious leaders of this movement, that the movement is waning," said Mark DeMoss, president of an Atlanta-based public relations firm that works primarily for evangelical organizations.
But John C. Green, a senior fellow at the nonpartisan Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, said four factors combine to make this a time of flux on the religious right.
There is no single leader who stands astride the movement as Falwell once did. Nor has a 2008 presidential contender emerged to galvanize the ranks. A generation gap is emerging between younger and older evangelicals on subjects such as homosexuality. And a sometimes bitter debate is pitting evangelicals who want to keep their political activity tightly focused on a few issues, such as abortion and same-sex marriage, against those who want to embrace a broader agenda, including climate change and global poverty.
All these shifts present opportunities for younger leaders. But they also pose the possibility that the movement will become more fragmented.
Any weakening or moderation of the religious right, their fiercest advesary, is good news for the GLBT community
From City Manager to GLBT Activist
That's the unexpected journey Susan Stanton has taken in recent weeks. Known as Steve Stanton while the city manager in Largo, Florida, the announcement of a sex change where he would transition into becoming a woman landed Stanton in the national spotlight, and out of a job.
Susan made her public debut in Washington, DC this week to lend her voice to the lobbying efforts being made on behalf of transgender people.
From the Washington Blade report:
“I was joking with one of the newscasters that I wish I was gay,” said Stanton. “If I was, it would have been an easier issue. If you said 20 years ago that you were gay, the same thing would have happened, but many communities now acknowledge you can still be gay and be a doctor, lawyer, professional or a city manager. We’re not there yet in the trans community.”
Stanton said going to court with a lawsuit, even if it means taking a stand for other transgender people, doesn’t interest her because she would rather advocate for change outside a courtroom.
“At that point you don’t talk, you start deposing people. The legal process is not nearly as substantial as the ability to impact societal thinking through advocacy and providing information.”
You don't often see someone, especially during a major life changing event, who is willing to weigh the consequences toward the greater good against personal benefits, then choose the unselfish path. Having just getting involved in GLBT issues, Susan Stanton is already setting a very positive example.
There is a lot more about Stanton in the Blade article, including her struggles with transitioning and her current job prospects.
Susan made her public debut in Washington, DC this week to lend her voice to the lobbying efforts being made on behalf of transgender people.
From the Washington Blade report:
“I was joking with one of the newscasters that I wish I was gay,” said Stanton. “If I was, it would have been an easier issue. If you said 20 years ago that you were gay, the same thing would have happened, but many communities now acknowledge you can still be gay and be a doctor, lawyer, professional or a city manager. We’re not there yet in the trans community.”
Stanton said going to court with a lawsuit, even if it means taking a stand for other transgender people, doesn’t interest her because she would rather advocate for change outside a courtroom.
“At that point you don’t talk, you start deposing people. The legal process is not nearly as substantial as the ability to impact societal thinking through advocacy and providing information.”
You don't often see someone, especially during a major life changing event, who is willing to weigh the consequences toward the greater good against personal benefits, then choose the unselfish path. Having just getting involved in GLBT issues, Susan Stanton is already setting a very positive example.
There is a lot more about Stanton in the Blade article, including her struggles with transitioning and her current job prospects.
May 22, 2007
Labor Unions Fighting for LGBT Rights
Posted from 365Gay.com:
The trade union movement is taking a greater role in fighting for LGBT civil rights - from negotiating contracts with protections for gay workers, lobbying Congress for rights bills, and speaking out in favor of same-sex marriage.
The Transport Workers Union of America is the latest union to announce its support for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
The legislation was introduced in Congress last month. (story) It would make it illegal to fire, refuse to hire or refuse to promote an employee based on the person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
"You can't just wish discrimination away," said Transport Workers Union of America President James C. Little.
"The civil rights movement taught us that. We need a federal law that protects workers not only from discrimination in the workplace but from the evil of discriminatory and antiquated state laws as well. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act is the law we need and we need it now."
Little said passage of ENDA has the full support of the unions 130,000 workers nationwide. The union represents workers in commercial aviation, public transportation and passenger railroads. The union is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO which has been a longtime supporter of LGBT rights.
Meanwhile, in New York, unions representing 850,000 workers in the state are urging the Assembly to pass a marriage equality bill.
The unions, including the New York State United Teachers, United Federation of Teachers, the United Auto Workers, the Service Employees International Union and the Retail, Wholesale, Department Stores Union/United Food and Commercial Workers Union, and nearly a dozen other labor groups have sent a letter to all New York State Assemblymembers calling for passage of the legislation.
"As unions, we have a particular responsibility to protect equal rights and promote economic justice in connection with collective bargaining, economic benefits, and legislation that affects our members," NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin said in his letter.
“I am urging you to continue to do the right thing and co-sponsor and vote yes on the Marriage Equality bill…As you make your decision, I want you to consider my full and unwavering support for this bill. I stand in solidarity with the supportive union leaders, local unions, and area labor federations on the attached list."
NY Gov. Elliott Spitzer last month introduced legislation to allow same-sex couples to marry in New York.
The trade union movement is taking a greater role in fighting for LGBT civil rights - from negotiating contracts with protections for gay workers, lobbying Congress for rights bills, and speaking out in favor of same-sex marriage.
The Transport Workers Union of America is the latest union to announce its support for the Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
The legislation was introduced in Congress last month. (story) It would make it illegal to fire, refuse to hire or refuse to promote an employee based on the person’s sexual orientation or gender identity.
"You can't just wish discrimination away," said Transport Workers Union of America President James C. Little.
"The civil rights movement taught us that. We need a federal law that protects workers not only from discrimination in the workplace but from the evil of discriminatory and antiquated state laws as well. The Employment Non-Discrimination Act is the law we need and we need it now."
Little said passage of ENDA has the full support of the unions 130,000 workers nationwide. The union represents workers in commercial aviation, public transportation and passenger railroads. The union is an affiliate of the AFL-CIO which has been a longtime supporter of LGBT rights.
Meanwhile, in New York, unions representing 850,000 workers in the state are urging the Assembly to pass a marriage equality bill.
The unions, including the New York State United Teachers, United Federation of Teachers, the United Auto Workers, the Service Employees International Union and the Retail, Wholesale, Department Stores Union/United Food and Commercial Workers Union, and nearly a dozen other labor groups have sent a letter to all New York State Assemblymembers calling for passage of the legislation.
"As unions, we have a particular responsibility to protect equal rights and promote economic justice in connection with collective bargaining, economic benefits, and legislation that affects our members," NYSUT Executive Vice President Alan Lubin said in his letter.
“I am urging you to continue to do the right thing and co-sponsor and vote yes on the Marriage Equality bill…As you make your decision, I want you to consider my full and unwavering support for this bill. I stand in solidarity with the supportive union leaders, local unions, and area labor federations on the attached list."
NY Gov. Elliott Spitzer last month introduced legislation to allow same-sex couples to marry in New York.
Out Soldiers Have Not Destroyed UK Military
According to a report in the International Herald Tribune, the absence of a "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy has had no significant impact on troops in Great Britian:
Since it began allowing gays to serve in the armed forces in 2000, none of the British military's fears - about harassment, discord, blackmail, bullying or an erosion of unit cohesion or military effectiveness - has come to pass, according to the Ministry of Defense, current and former members of the services, and academics specializing in the military. The biggest news about the policy, they say, is that there is no news. It has for the most part become a nonissue.
The Ministry of Defense does not compile figures on how many gays are openly serving, and says that the number of people who have come out publicly in the past seven years is still relatively low. But it is clearly proud of how smoothly gays have been integrated and is actively trying to make life easier for them.
"What we're hoping to do is to, over a period of time, reinforce the message that people who are gay, lesbian and the like are welcomed in the armed forces and we don't discriminate against them in any way," a Defense Ministry official said in an interview, speaking on condition of anonymity in accordance with ministry practice.
Click here to read the entire article, which also tells how careful the British government is to not be seen as trying to influence the policy toward gay soldiers in the United States military.
Thanks to Average Gay Joe for the tip.
Since it began allowing gays to serve in the armed forces in 2000, none of the British military's fears - about harassment, discord, blackmail, bullying or an erosion of unit cohesion or military effectiveness - has come to pass, according to the Ministry of Defense, current and former members of the services, and academics specializing in the military. The biggest news about the policy, they say, is that there is no news. It has for the most part become a nonissue.
The Ministry of Defense does not compile figures on how many gays are openly serving, and says that the number of people who have come out publicly in the past seven years is still relatively low. But it is clearly proud of how smoothly gays have been integrated and is actively trying to make life easier for them.
"What we're hoping to do is to, over a period of time, reinforce the message that people who are gay, lesbian and the like are welcomed in the armed forces and we don't discriminate against them in any way," a Defense Ministry official said in an interview, speaking on condition of anonymity in accordance with ministry practice.
Click here to read the entire article, which also tells how careful the British government is to not be seen as trying to influence the policy toward gay soldiers in the United States military.
Thanks to Average Gay Joe for the tip.
May 21, 2007
Gingrich Challenges "Radical Secularism" At Liberty U Speech
Former Speaker of the House and potential Republican presidential candidate in 2008 Newt Gingrich wasted little time in trying to claim the late Jerry Falwell's mantle of leadership in the religious right. Speaking at Falwell's Libery University's commencement last Saturday, Gingrich said:
''A growing culture of radical secularism declares that the nation cannot profess the truths on which it was founded,'' Gingrich said. ''We are told that our public schools can no longer invoke the creator, nor proclaim the natural law nor profess the God-given quality of human rights.
''In hostility to American history, the radical secularists insist that religious belief is inherently divisive and that public debate can only proceed on secular terms,'' he said.
Gingrich also decried what he called judges' overreaching efforts to separate church and state.
''Too often, the courts have been biased against religious believers. This anti-religious bias must end,'' he said.
Not surprisingly, Gingrich has the "us-against-them, black-and-white" mentality of the religious right down cold. Of course, it is that attitude that, in my humble opinion, has led to much of the devisiveness in today's society, both in the church and politics.
I'm not the only one that thinks so. Robert Parham, the executive director of the Baptist Center for Ethics, writes:
With Falwell now passed from the scene, Gingrich wants America to believe the Moral Majority founder entrusted him to bear this witness, just as Falwell bore it before him.
By conflating the Bible and Declaration of Independence, the former House Speaker fashions a civil religion, which is an inauthentic religion, in the search for power.
In Gingrich, the witness becomes the politician. The Christian God becomes national deity. The Christian faith becomes the prevailing cultural ideology. The people of God become synonymous with the messianic American community.
That is a false faith, and dangerous.
Authentic religion from the best of the Christian tradition transcends every nation and sits in judgment of every culture.
Authentic religion advances the delivery of justice to the poor and marginalized over rallies to appoint conservative judges. It pursues peacemaking over self-righteous patriotism. It seeks the welfare of the minority neighbor over false claims of religious persecution of the majority.
Gingrich offered no such sense of authentic religion as articulated in the biblical witness. Instead he modeled a civil religion, invoking the name of God some 30 times in his commencement address at Liberty University.
He threw in multiple references to the "Creator," "the Lord," the "Almighty," the "Divine" and "to the Truth," using more terms referring to God more times than a standard Sunday morning sermon.
It was as if Gingrich thought that by referring often enough to the Deity, he could establish his spiritual authority to inherit Falwell's mantle.
"This is a false faith, and dangerous." Believe it.
Also dangerous is the vision Falwell established for his Liberty University School of Law:
Falwell, the prominent televangelist and father of the Moral Majority who founded Liberty University in 1971, died less than a week before the school granted its first law degrees to 50 graduates on Saturday. But his dream of "training a new generation of lawyers, judges, educators, policymakers and world leaders in law from the perspective of an explicitly Christian worldview" remains very much alive.
Perhaps Mel White's comment about Liberty turning out a bunch of "little Falwells" was closer to the truth than I hoped.
''A growing culture of radical secularism declares that the nation cannot profess the truths on which it was founded,'' Gingrich said. ''We are told that our public schools can no longer invoke the creator, nor proclaim the natural law nor profess the God-given quality of human rights.
''In hostility to American history, the radical secularists insist that religious belief is inherently divisive and that public debate can only proceed on secular terms,'' he said.
Gingrich also decried what he called judges' overreaching efforts to separate church and state.
''Too often, the courts have been biased against religious believers. This anti-religious bias must end,'' he said.
Not surprisingly, Gingrich has the "us-against-them, black-and-white" mentality of the religious right down cold. Of course, it is that attitude that, in my humble opinion, has led to much of the devisiveness in today's society, both in the church and politics.
I'm not the only one that thinks so. Robert Parham, the executive director of the Baptist Center for Ethics, writes:
With Falwell now passed from the scene, Gingrich wants America to believe the Moral Majority founder entrusted him to bear this witness, just as Falwell bore it before him.
By conflating the Bible and Declaration of Independence, the former House Speaker fashions a civil religion, which is an inauthentic religion, in the search for power.
In Gingrich, the witness becomes the politician. The Christian God becomes national deity. The Christian faith becomes the prevailing cultural ideology. The people of God become synonymous with the messianic American community.
That is a false faith, and dangerous.
Authentic religion from the best of the Christian tradition transcends every nation and sits in judgment of every culture.
Authentic religion advances the delivery of justice to the poor and marginalized over rallies to appoint conservative judges. It pursues peacemaking over self-righteous patriotism. It seeks the welfare of the minority neighbor over false claims of religious persecution of the majority.
Gingrich offered no such sense of authentic religion as articulated in the biblical witness. Instead he modeled a civil religion, invoking the name of God some 30 times in his commencement address at Liberty University.
He threw in multiple references to the "Creator," "the Lord," the "Almighty," the "Divine" and "to the Truth," using more terms referring to God more times than a standard Sunday morning sermon.
It was as if Gingrich thought that by referring often enough to the Deity, he could establish his spiritual authority to inherit Falwell's mantle.
"This is a false faith, and dangerous." Believe it.
Also dangerous is the vision Falwell established for his Liberty University School of Law:
Falwell, the prominent televangelist and father of the Moral Majority who founded Liberty University in 1971, died less than a week before the school granted its first law degrees to 50 graduates on Saturday. But his dream of "training a new generation of lawyers, judges, educators, policymakers and world leaders in law from the perspective of an explicitly Christian worldview" remains very much alive.
Perhaps Mel White's comment about Liberty turning out a bunch of "little Falwells" was closer to the truth than I hoped.
May 20, 2007
John McNeil: A Pioneer in Reconciling Christianity & Homosexuality
After I first started attending Believers Covenant Fellowship in late 2004, I embarked on my own study to understand the place of GLBT people. One of the main resources I went to was the writing of John McNeil.
This from a feature in The South Florida Express Gay News:
After fighting in World War II, McNeill went to school and entered the Society of Jesus, a Jesuit order, in 1948. He then undertook a ministry of gay and lesbian Catholics. He became an ordained priest in 1959. McNeill then went on to earn his doctorate in philosophy in 1964.
McNeill started to write a series of articles on religion for his church newsletter. In 1976, they were compiled and published as the book “The Church and the Homosexual.”
“It was the first book by a theologian to challenge religion,” McNeill says. “It was the first book to call gay love good and holy.”
A year after the book was published, McNeill received an order from the Vatican’s “Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith” under Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who is now Pope Benedict XVI. The church wanted McNeill to be silent in the media.
“I observed [the order] for nine years,” he explains. “I was hoping the church would change its mind.”
Privately, he still provided ministry to gays and lesbians and led workshops and retreats.
In 1988, he received another order from Cardinal Ratzinger. This one told him to give up all ministry to the gay and lesbian community.
McNeill refused.
John McNeil rejected the authority of the Catholic Church because he had opened his heart to a greater revalation from God.
He set the example GLBT people need to follow, rejecting the authority of churches that have claimed homosexuality by its very nature is a sin. God wants to show his gay and lesbian sons and daughters a greater revalation, but they need the courage to break away and travel on a different path.
That does not have to be done alone. There are others, both straight and gay, who will walk with you, and God is ALWAYS with all of his children.
Thanks to A Christian Voice For LGBT Rights for the tip.
This from a feature in The South Florida Express Gay News:
After fighting in World War II, McNeill went to school and entered the Society of Jesus, a Jesuit order, in 1948. He then undertook a ministry of gay and lesbian Catholics. He became an ordained priest in 1959. McNeill then went on to earn his doctorate in philosophy in 1964.
McNeill started to write a series of articles on religion for his church newsletter. In 1976, they were compiled and published as the book “The Church and the Homosexual.”
“It was the first book by a theologian to challenge religion,” McNeill says. “It was the first book to call gay love good and holy.”
A year after the book was published, McNeill received an order from the Vatican’s “Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith” under Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, who is now Pope Benedict XVI. The church wanted McNeill to be silent in the media.
“I observed [the order] for nine years,” he explains. “I was hoping the church would change its mind.”
Privately, he still provided ministry to gays and lesbians and led workshops and retreats.
In 1988, he received another order from Cardinal Ratzinger. This one told him to give up all ministry to the gay and lesbian community.
McNeill refused.
John McNeil rejected the authority of the Catholic Church because he had opened his heart to a greater revalation from God.
He set the example GLBT people need to follow, rejecting the authority of churches that have claimed homosexuality by its very nature is a sin. God wants to show his gay and lesbian sons and daughters a greater revalation, but they need the courage to break away and travel on a different path.
That does not have to be done alone. There are others, both straight and gay, who will walk with you, and God is ALWAYS with all of his children.
Thanks to A Christian Voice For LGBT Rights for the tip.
May 19, 2007
Reconciling Homosexuality and the Mormon Church
From New York's Gay City News:
Mormon writer Carol Lynn Pearson's new play, "Facing East," beginning performances in New York following a sold out run in Salt Lake City, takes as its subject a married couple's graveside encounter with their dead son's partner. The searing family confrontation concerning the gay son's suicide would make compelling drama on its own merits, but has a particular resonance given Pearson's personal background.
In 1978, Pearson and her husband Gerald divorced, after a decade of trying as a devout Mormons to manage and come to terms with his homosexuality. Six years later, she would nurse him on her couch as he lay dying of AIDS. Her writing career was initially championed by Gerald - on their honeymoon he suggested publishing her first book of poems and their $2,000 investment would lead to sales of more than 150,000 copies - and later it became her way of processing his death.
From an interview with Ms. Pearson:
In the 20 years now since I published "Goodbye, I Love You," about our relationship, I've been privileged to be the repository of hundred of stories, especially those of Mormon gay people and their families.
We know that the intersection of religion and especially conservative religions and homosexuality is one of the huge painful arenas that has to be addressed. As Gerald was going through his enormous struggle, the anguish was between his love of the Church and what he felt was the Church's condemnation of him. For his own sanity, he withdrew from the Church, which is the case with most gay Mormon men I know of.
I'd like to all of us to say, wait, we seem not to be doing this right. What are we missing here? Let us look again at scripture, at our own personal history. Let us invite in gay people and their families to tell us their stories. Let's open up new avenues of thinking on this, because there is still so much pain and we aren't where we need to be.
We're still not in the Promised Land.
What a wonderful way to work through the grief of losing a spouse. Ms. Pearson has doubtlessly had a positive impact on others who share common experiences with her and is hopefully causing some in the Mormon church to reconsider their views of homosexuality.
Thanks to gay & lesbian news blog for the tip.
Mormon writer Carol Lynn Pearson's new play, "Facing East," beginning performances in New York following a sold out run in Salt Lake City, takes as its subject a married couple's graveside encounter with their dead son's partner. The searing family confrontation concerning the gay son's suicide would make compelling drama on its own merits, but has a particular resonance given Pearson's personal background.
In 1978, Pearson and her husband Gerald divorced, after a decade of trying as a devout Mormons to manage and come to terms with his homosexuality. Six years later, she would nurse him on her couch as he lay dying of AIDS. Her writing career was initially championed by Gerald - on their honeymoon he suggested publishing her first book of poems and their $2,000 investment would lead to sales of more than 150,000 copies - and later it became her way of processing his death.
From an interview with Ms. Pearson:
In the 20 years now since I published "Goodbye, I Love You," about our relationship, I've been privileged to be the repository of hundred of stories, especially those of Mormon gay people and their families.
We know that the intersection of religion and especially conservative religions and homosexuality is one of the huge painful arenas that has to be addressed. As Gerald was going through his enormous struggle, the anguish was between his love of the Church and what he felt was the Church's condemnation of him. For his own sanity, he withdrew from the Church, which is the case with most gay Mormon men I know of.
I'd like to all of us to say, wait, we seem not to be doing this right. What are we missing here? Let us look again at scripture, at our own personal history. Let us invite in gay people and their families to tell us their stories. Let's open up new avenues of thinking on this, because there is still so much pain and we aren't where we need to be.
We're still not in the Promised Land.
What a wonderful way to work through the grief of losing a spouse. Ms. Pearson has doubtlessly had a positive impact on others who share common experiences with her and is hopefully causing some in the Mormon church to reconsider their views of homosexuality.
Thanks to gay & lesbian news blog for the tip.
Gay Culture Thriving in the Heart of Texas?
That's what the story, "The Lavender Heart of Texas," in the current issue of Time Magazine says. Even more surprising to me, someone who still associates the city with the 1980's television show featuring oilman J. R. Ewing, the hot spot appears to be the Big D itself, Dallas.
Gays have played an important, less noticed role in Dallas' evolution. Over the past decade, a large and politically powerful lesbian and gay community has emerged. Both the Dallas sheriff and the county judge--an Old West title meaning chairman of the county commissioners--are openly gay. The district clerk is gay too, and Dallas is home to what is said to be the largest gay church in the world, the Cathedral of Hope, which has 3,500 members, a full choir, a violinist and long-stemmed roses in the bathroom. Dallas' fund-raising dinner for the Human Rights Campaign, the Washington-based gay group, is the largest in the nation, drawing 3,300 and raising more than $1 million for HRC and local gay organizations. And according to the gay group Lambda Legal, Dallas' is the only school district in Texas that includes teachers in its antidiscrimination policies.
So how gay is Dallas? Gay population figures are difficult to estimate because even accepting communities have a closet. But according to the Williams Institute, a gay think tank at UCLA, Dallas has the ninth largest concentration of same-sex couples in the nation. As the Dallas visitors bureau gurgles, "[Dallas] has left behind stereotypes of big-haired women and rowdy cowboys--that is, unless you count sassy drag queens and strapping gay rodeo champs."
This is not the Texas of the American imagination. Or is it? Ensorcelled by strivers and status, Dallas has always tried hard to be sophisticated. And the city knows a mathematical equation about American city life: urban sophistication requires gay civilization. Gays have gentrified once crumbling neighborhoods like Oak Lawn in Dallas; many gays have relocated to the city to work at companies like American Airlines that have a significant gay customer base.
Ironically, Dallas is believed to be the next destination for President Bush once his term is mercifully up, and that is also where his presidential library is expected to be built.
I wouldn't expect to see a rainbow flag flying from that building, but fortunately there are already plenty of GLBT friendly spots in a thriving gay community down there.
Click here to read the Time magazine article.
Gays have played an important, less noticed role in Dallas' evolution. Over the past decade, a large and politically powerful lesbian and gay community has emerged. Both the Dallas sheriff and the county judge--an Old West title meaning chairman of the county commissioners--are openly gay. The district clerk is gay too, and Dallas is home to what is said to be the largest gay church in the world, the Cathedral of Hope, which has 3,500 members, a full choir, a violinist and long-stemmed roses in the bathroom. Dallas' fund-raising dinner for the Human Rights Campaign, the Washington-based gay group, is the largest in the nation, drawing 3,300 and raising more than $1 million for HRC and local gay organizations. And according to the gay group Lambda Legal, Dallas' is the only school district in Texas that includes teachers in its antidiscrimination policies.
So how gay is Dallas? Gay population figures are difficult to estimate because even accepting communities have a closet. But according to the Williams Institute, a gay think tank at UCLA, Dallas has the ninth largest concentration of same-sex couples in the nation. As the Dallas visitors bureau gurgles, "[Dallas] has left behind stereotypes of big-haired women and rowdy cowboys--that is, unless you count sassy drag queens and strapping gay rodeo champs."
This is not the Texas of the American imagination. Or is it? Ensorcelled by strivers and status, Dallas has always tried hard to be sophisticated. And the city knows a mathematical equation about American city life: urban sophistication requires gay civilization. Gays have gentrified once crumbling neighborhoods like Oak Lawn in Dallas; many gays have relocated to the city to work at companies like American Airlines that have a significant gay customer base.
Ironically, Dallas is believed to be the next destination for President Bush once his term is mercifully up, and that is also where his presidential library is expected to be built.
I wouldn't expect to see a rainbow flag flying from that building, but fortunately there are already plenty of GLBT friendly spots in a thriving gay community down there.
Click here to read the Time magazine article.
May 18, 2007
A Majority in U.S. Support GLBT Inclusion in Hate-Crimes Bill
From The Advocate:
A new Gallup poll indicates that a majority of Americans support the hate-crimes bill now before Congress.
"This new national poll continues to reiterate how incredibly out of touch right-wing organizations are with the will of the American people and underscores the need for the Senate to pass the bill," said Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese in a written statement.
"I hope President Bush will look at this poll and realize how unbelievably out of line a threatened veto of this critical crime-fighting piece of legislation is with a majority of Americans."
According to the HRC, when the poll was broken down by self-identified demographic subgroups, 60 percent of Republicans; 69 percent of independents and 75 percent of Democrats support passage of the hate-crimes bill.
Regular churchgoers' support of the bill was less strong than others, but even they polled 64 percent in support. Seventy-three percent of people who attend church seldom or never said they support the bill.
Here is a direct link to The Gallup Poll site so you can peruse the results youself.
A new Gallup poll indicates that a majority of Americans support the hate-crimes bill now before Congress.
"This new national poll continues to reiterate how incredibly out of touch right-wing organizations are with the will of the American people and underscores the need for the Senate to pass the bill," said Human Rights Campaign president Joe Solmonese in a written statement.
"I hope President Bush will look at this poll and realize how unbelievably out of line a threatened veto of this critical crime-fighting piece of legislation is with a majority of Americans."
According to the HRC, when the poll was broken down by self-identified demographic subgroups, 60 percent of Republicans; 69 percent of independents and 75 percent of Democrats support passage of the hate-crimes bill.
Regular churchgoers' support of the bill was less strong than others, but even they polled 64 percent in support. Seventy-three percent of people who attend church seldom or never said they support the bill.
Here is a direct link to The Gallup Poll site so you can peruse the results youself.
Fred Phelps Tops Himself This Time
When you're a whack job like Fred Phelps and his family/congreation at Westboro Baptist Church, you've set the bar so low that you're the only one who could possibly lower it.
Amazingly, I believe they're getting ready to do just that.
According to the church's website, they plan on protesting outside Rev. Jerry Falwell's funeral next Tuesday. If you're like me, you probably find that surprising. I surmised they would have had more views in common than those on which they disagreed, but apparently Falwell wasn't quite stringent enough in his bigotry to satisfy the folks at Westboro:
On its Web site, Westboro says it will "preach" outside the funeral "of the corpulent false prophet Jerry Falwell, who spent his entire life prophesying lies and false doctrines like 'God loves everyone.'"
In attacking Falwell the church says he "warmly praised Christ-rejecting Jews, pedophile-condoning Catholics, money-grubbing compromisers, practicing fags like Mel White (of Souflorce), and backsliders like Billy Graham and Robert Schuler, etc."
We all should aspire to being a "backslider" like Billy Graham.
Here is a related story from the Fort-Worth (TX) Star-Telegram that tells the story of the funeral the Westboro cult skipped so they could get to Falwell's.
Amazingly, I believe they're getting ready to do just that.
According to the church's website, they plan on protesting outside Rev. Jerry Falwell's funeral next Tuesday. If you're like me, you probably find that surprising. I surmised they would have had more views in common than those on which they disagreed, but apparently Falwell wasn't quite stringent enough in his bigotry to satisfy the folks at Westboro:
On its Web site, Westboro says it will "preach" outside the funeral "of the corpulent false prophet Jerry Falwell, who spent his entire life prophesying lies and false doctrines like 'God loves everyone.'"
In attacking Falwell the church says he "warmly praised Christ-rejecting Jews, pedophile-condoning Catholics, money-grubbing compromisers, practicing fags like Mel White (of Souflorce), and backsliders like Billy Graham and Robert Schuler, etc."
We all should aspire to being a "backslider" like Billy Graham.
Here is a related story from the Fort-Worth (TX) Star-Telegram that tells the story of the funeral the Westboro cult skipped so they could get to Falwell's.
Dealing with Gay Youth Homelessness
From the New York Times:
One girl said she started living on the streets after her mother beat her for dressing like a boy. Another said she ran away from home after her father pulled a gun on her for hanging around with so many “tomboys.” A third said she left home after a family acquaintance raped her because she was a lesbian and he wanted to “straighten her out.”
But gathered at Ruth’s House, a 10-bed emergency shelter for gay homeless youths here in east Detroit, they all said that for the first time they felt safe.
Ruth’s House is one of a small number of shelters for gay youths that have opened around the nation in the past four years, reflecting an increasing awareness among child welfare advocates of the disproportionately high number of gay youths in the homeless population and the special problems they face.
Five years ago, such shelters were rare, but now there are more than 25 nationwide.
Many experts estimate that while gay men and lesbians make up 3 percent to 5 percent of the general population, more than 20 percent of homeless youths under age 21 in many urban areas are gay, according to recent surveys of street youths and shelter workers published in peer-reviewed academic journals, and a study released in January by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Coalition for the Homeless.
Once on the streets, advocates and researchers said, gay youths may be avoiding group homes, shelters and the foster care system because they are afraid they will face violence and harassment.
Some gay youths have said they were beaten in full view of shelter staff members who did nothing to help. Others said they were forced to wear distinctly colored jumpsuits so they could be identified easily in the shelter population.
Apparently there are homophobes among the homeless and those who work at shelters. Amazingly, there are places where GLBT people aren't even treated as equals to those without their own home.
Click here to read more from the New York Times article.
One girl said she started living on the streets after her mother beat her for dressing like a boy. Another said she ran away from home after her father pulled a gun on her for hanging around with so many “tomboys.” A third said she left home after a family acquaintance raped her because she was a lesbian and he wanted to “straighten her out.”
But gathered at Ruth’s House, a 10-bed emergency shelter for gay homeless youths here in east Detroit, they all said that for the first time they felt safe.
Ruth’s House is one of a small number of shelters for gay youths that have opened around the nation in the past four years, reflecting an increasing awareness among child welfare advocates of the disproportionately high number of gay youths in the homeless population and the special problems they face.
Five years ago, such shelters were rare, but now there are more than 25 nationwide.
Many experts estimate that while gay men and lesbians make up 3 percent to 5 percent of the general population, more than 20 percent of homeless youths under age 21 in many urban areas are gay, according to recent surveys of street youths and shelter workers published in peer-reviewed academic journals, and a study released in January by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and the National Coalition for the Homeless.
Once on the streets, advocates and researchers said, gay youths may be avoiding group homes, shelters and the foster care system because they are afraid they will face violence and harassment.
Some gay youths have said they were beaten in full view of shelter staff members who did nothing to help. Others said they were forced to wear distinctly colored jumpsuits so they could be identified easily in the shelter population.
Apparently there are homophobes among the homeless and those who work at shelters. Amazingly, there are places where GLBT people aren't even treated as equals to those without their own home.
Click here to read more from the New York Times article.
May 17, 2007
Rev. Mel White Shed Tears For Falwell
You may not have known this, but while he was still in the closet, Rev. Mel White, one of the co-founders of Soulforce, was the ghose writer for "Falwell, An Autobiography," published in 1987. That gave him a unique perspective among GLBT advocates of the man who he calls "the face of homophobia." He shared some thoughts on Jerry Falwell's recent passing with The Advocate:
I knew there would be just a huge hole in Virginia and in Lynchburg, and I felt for those people. But at the same time I was feeling more strongly that now we’ll never have a chance for Jerry Falwell to say, “I was wrong. I did wrong, and I said wrong, and I’m sorry. God creates gay people and loves them just like she created them. I’m not going to say anything more against gay people because I was wrong.” Imagine the consequence that would have had for so many people.
As far as the future of the religious right, Liberty University will graduate 3,750 little Falwells this month. Liberty will have a school with more students than UC Berkeley or UCLA within 20 years. That’s the kind of foothold Falwell has on education. He’s got an accredited law school, like Pat Robertson’s Regent University. They’re both turning out lawyers who are wiggling their way into politics and government. An entire generation is coming up that really loves Falwell, and I’m afraid they're all going to be antigay. We gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people are really missing it when we think the older generation will pass and the newer generation will save us. A whole new generation of people is being prepared to condemn us.
Click here to read about Rev. White's relationship with Falwell and more of his thoughts on the religious right.
I knew there would be just a huge hole in Virginia and in Lynchburg, and I felt for those people. But at the same time I was feeling more strongly that now we’ll never have a chance for Jerry Falwell to say, “I was wrong. I did wrong, and I said wrong, and I’m sorry. God creates gay people and loves them just like she created them. I’m not going to say anything more against gay people because I was wrong.” Imagine the consequence that would have had for so many people.
As far as the future of the religious right, Liberty University will graduate 3,750 little Falwells this month. Liberty will have a school with more students than UC Berkeley or UCLA within 20 years. That’s the kind of foothold Falwell has on education. He’s got an accredited law school, like Pat Robertson’s Regent University. They’re both turning out lawyers who are wiggling their way into politics and government. An entire generation is coming up that really loves Falwell, and I’m afraid they're all going to be antigay. We gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people are really missing it when we think the older generation will pass and the newer generation will save us. A whole new generation of people is being prepared to condemn us.
Click here to read about Rev. White's relationship with Falwell and more of his thoughts on the religious right.
Same-Sex Marriage Opponents Don't Want "Gay Cooties"
Yes, I said gay cooties. It's not an original phrase, though. I found it in this editorial from the Pawtucket (RI) Times. Titled "Opponents of same-sex marriage display bigotry," the editorial does a good job of backing up that claim:
Anti-gay prejudice is the only reason that the law will not allow same-sex marriage. The opponents, for many of whom religion is either a reason or an excuse, don't want to get gay cooties all over "their" sacred institution. What else does a so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) - which essentially defines marriage as the union between one man and one woman - defend marriage against?
That position is childish. Not child-like, with its implication of innocence, wonder and acceptance, but childish, as in selfish, petty and small-minded.
In many ways, including its connection to religion, the gay marriage issue is like the abortion debate - there is no room for compromise. No middle ground. Just about everybody's mind is made up, and those opinions are polarized. Unless you are the guy who stands up and says, "how about civil unions?" In which case you get the hairy eyeball from BOTH sides.
Gays resent civil union because it is half-a-civil-rights-loaf. It still makes them "other" and "less than," even though to a smaller degree. And it will not effectively confer many of the rights and privileges of marriage, particularly on the federal level, that they are looking for and deserve. The opponents, on the other hand, don't want it "because...because...well, because they're a bunch of queers. That's why, dammit." I don't want to imply that religion equates with anti-gay bigotry. To the contrary, there were several clergymen, some wearing clerical garb, testifying in favor of the same-sex marriage bill. One provided a list of approximately 100 clergy from churches all over the state endorsing the bill.
There's plenty more I didn't excerpt here. I recommend checking out the entire editorial. Be ready to laugh, and then probably nod your head in agreement.
Anti-gay prejudice is the only reason that the law will not allow same-sex marriage. The opponents, for many of whom religion is either a reason or an excuse, don't want to get gay cooties all over "their" sacred institution. What else does a so-called Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) - which essentially defines marriage as the union between one man and one woman - defend marriage against?
That position is childish. Not child-like, with its implication of innocence, wonder and acceptance, but childish, as in selfish, petty and small-minded.
In many ways, including its connection to religion, the gay marriage issue is like the abortion debate - there is no room for compromise. No middle ground. Just about everybody's mind is made up, and those opinions are polarized. Unless you are the guy who stands up and says, "how about civil unions?" In which case you get the hairy eyeball from BOTH sides.
Gays resent civil union because it is half-a-civil-rights-loaf. It still makes them "other" and "less than," even though to a smaller degree. And it will not effectively confer many of the rights and privileges of marriage, particularly on the federal level, that they are looking for and deserve. The opponents, on the other hand, don't want it "because...because...well, because they're a bunch of queers. That's why, dammit." I don't want to imply that religion equates with anti-gay bigotry. To the contrary, there were several clergymen, some wearing clerical garb, testifying in favor of the same-sex marriage bill. One provided a list of approximately 100 clergy from churches all over the state endorsing the bill.
There's plenty more I didn't excerpt here. I recommend checking out the entire editorial. Be ready to laugh, and then probably nod your head in agreement.
May 16, 2007
Former President Carter Supports End of "Dont' Ask, Don't Tell"
Showing in yet another way he is an outstanding ex-president, Jimmy Carter has spoken out against the U. S. Military's policy of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" regarding gays in active service. From Billerico, quoting Carter:
"It is my long-held belief that every human being deserves dignity and respect. I often heard that phrase during my years at the United States Naval Academy, I carried it out as Commander-in-Chief, and it continues to animate my human rights work around the globe today. The nation's commitment to human rights requires that lawmakers revisit 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' the current policy that prevents lesbians, gays and bisexuals from serving openly in our armed forces.
"...there are great differences in public opinion on social issues today compared to twenty years ago. When I served as President, the majority in our country did not support equality for gay Americans, but that has now changed.
"The estimated 65,000 gay men and women who currently are serving our country honorably deserve respect. America has always been a beacon of hope for those who believe in human rights and individual dignity. The brave and dedicated men and women of our armed forces also must benefit from this fundamental ideal."
Dignity, respect, and ideals; what a concept!
"It is my long-held belief that every human being deserves dignity and respect. I often heard that phrase during my years at the United States Naval Academy, I carried it out as Commander-in-Chief, and it continues to animate my human rights work around the globe today. The nation's commitment to human rights requires that lawmakers revisit 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell,' the current policy that prevents lesbians, gays and bisexuals from serving openly in our armed forces.
"...there are great differences in public opinion on social issues today compared to twenty years ago. When I served as President, the majority in our country did not support equality for gay Americans, but that has now changed.
"The estimated 65,000 gay men and women who currently are serving our country honorably deserve respect. America has always been a beacon of hope for those who believe in human rights and individual dignity. The brave and dedicated men and women of our armed forces also must benefit from this fundamental ideal."
Dignity, respect, and ideals; what a concept!
An Honest Reaction to Falwell's Death
Posted from Street Prophets:
Tyranny is truly successful when the oppressors so warp the oppressed that the latter does the former's work for them. Internalized homophobia is a prime example, and in the end is nothing more than induced self-hatred.
Mr. Falwell heaped abuse upon GLBT folk, going so far as to blame us for 9/11. There are may queer folk still so convinced of their own worthlessness that at some level, they believe this heinous lie and all the others, too, that we're abominable in God's eyes.
Healing from abuse and its consequent self-hatred begins with the excruciatingly painful awareness that yes, the abuse was / is REAL, and that one does indeed hate oneself. The next step is raging fury - ugly, but necessary - at the abuser(s) who well deserve it.
So there are many today who are gleeful that Falwell is dead; I am one of them. It's a shocking thing to behold, but required for healing. The trick to moving past this hatred is to know in one's heart that there is yet more growth, and that peace / release from pain can indeed be won.
So rather than vilifying those of us who dance on Falwell's grave as part of the cost of healing from wounds he helped inflict, please consider praying for us instead, that we might step deeper into grace and finally into forgiveness, of ourselves, and ultimately of Jerry.
I personally appreciate the raw honesty expressed here and will gladly honor the request to pray for grace and forgiveness. I'm sure there are a lot of people who had similar reactions to Falwell's passing, and hopefully this piece can encourage them to look deep inside and start dealing with the pain that lies directly below it.
Tyranny is truly successful when the oppressors so warp the oppressed that the latter does the former's work for them. Internalized homophobia is a prime example, and in the end is nothing more than induced self-hatred.
Mr. Falwell heaped abuse upon GLBT folk, going so far as to blame us for 9/11. There are may queer folk still so convinced of their own worthlessness that at some level, they believe this heinous lie and all the others, too, that we're abominable in God's eyes.
Healing from abuse and its consequent self-hatred begins with the excruciatingly painful awareness that yes, the abuse was / is REAL, and that one does indeed hate oneself. The next step is raging fury - ugly, but necessary - at the abuser(s) who well deserve it.
So there are many today who are gleeful that Falwell is dead; I am one of them. It's a shocking thing to behold, but required for healing. The trick to moving past this hatred is to know in one's heart that there is yet more growth, and that peace / release from pain can indeed be won.
So rather than vilifying those of us who dance on Falwell's grave as part of the cost of healing from wounds he helped inflict, please consider praying for us instead, that we might step deeper into grace and finally into forgiveness, of ourselves, and ultimately of Jerry.
I personally appreciate the raw honesty expressed here and will gladly honor the request to pray for grace and forgiveness. I'm sure there are a lot of people who had similar reactions to Falwell's passing, and hopefully this piece can encourage them to look deep inside and start dealing with the pain that lies directly below it.
May 15, 2007
Thoughts Around the Nation on the Passing of Rev. Jerry Falwell
Today, Rev. Jerry Falwell, the founder of the Moral Majority, founder and Chancellor of Liberty University, one of the leaders of the religious right, and one of the staunchest opponents of GLBT rights and acceptance in society, has died at the age of 73.
Here are some samples of recations to his death and life. I've balanced the different viewpoints because I feel when someone of importance passes on, he deserves the whole of his life to be viewed, not just one aspect no matter how abhorent that part might be. I'll share a few thoughts of my own at the end.
Americans United for Separation of Church and State executive director Rev. Barry W. Lynn:
“Jerry Falwell politicized religion and failed to understand the genius of our Constitution, but there is no denying his impact on American political life. He will long be remembered as the face and voice of the Religious Right."
“Americans United extends its condolences to members of Dr. Falwell’s family, the congregants of Thomas Road Baptist Church and the students and staff of Liberty University.”
Exodous International (Ex-Gay ministry) President Alan Chambers:
“Rev. Falwell will be remembered for his consistent emphasis on the truth that Jesus Christ loves and offers salvation to every individual regardless of their past. No doubt, many have come to a personal relationship with Christ through his ministry. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rev. Falwell’s wife, Macel, their three children and his friends and colleagues in Lynchburg, Virginia.”
Soulforce (GLBT advocacy):
Today, the staff and board of directors of Soulforce observe the passing of Rev. Jerry Falwell and offer our sincere condolences to his family, the members of Thomas Road Baptist Church, and the students at Liberty University.
"While Soulforce has a long history of nonviolent direct action at Jerry Falwell Ministries, our adversary was never Jerry Falwell, but rather the misinformation about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people espoused by Falwell and so many others," said Soulforce Executive Director Jeff Lutes.
Upon hearing the news of Rev. Falwell's death, Rev. Dr. Mel White said "It breaks my heart to think that Jerry died without ever discovering the truth about God's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender children. I sincerely hope that one day his school and his church will have a change of heart."
Don Wildmon, Chairman, American Family Association:
Wildmon says Falwell was passionate about serving the Lord. "His life is reflective of what can happen to a person who commits himself to the Lord and keeps going straight ahead and never looks back from the plow," says the ministry leader. "He will be missed."
Falwell would want Christians to stay active in the culture war, adds Wildmon.
Truth Wins Out Executive Director Wayne Besen:
“It is with great regret that Rev. Jerry Falwell never moderated his position on homosexuality,” said Truth Wins Out’s Executive Director Wayne Besen. “While our hearts go out to his family, we can’t help but to reflect on his life and think about all of the families he’s torn apart and teenagers that committed suicide because he made them feel inferior. He never missed an opportunity to kick our better angels to the curb and capitalize on our lesser demons to advance his career.”
Liberty Counsel, the legal activist arm of Falwell's organization:
Rev. Falwell loved God and he loved people. His convictions in biblical principles were matched by the depth of his compassion for people. He made you feel like you were the most important person in a room, even though it was filled with dignitaries. He cared for each person and he loved the students at Liberty University.
We have never known a man who had so many important obligations and commitments and yet who always had time for people. As pastor of a mega-church with a myriad of ministries, too many to mention, Chancellor of the world's largest evangelical university, founder of several national parachurch ministries, husband, father and grandfather, he always took time to stop and greet people with a genuine smile, a firm handshake (or sometimes a friendly punch in the rib cage) and a deep voice filled with wisdom and uncanny insight.
Rev. Falwell's legacy will live on in the millions of people he touched, and his vision will carry on through his family and the graduates of Liberty University. While we are missing a beloved pastor, leader and friend, his family is missing a beloved husband, father and grandfather. Our prayers are with his wife, Macel, his children, Jerry Falwell, Jr., Jonathan Falwell, and Jeannie Falwell Savas, and his grandchildren.
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman:
“The death of a family member or friend is always a sad occasion and we express our condolences to all those who were close to the Rev. Jerry Falwell. Unfortunately, we will always remember him as a founder and leader of America’s anti-gay industry, someone who exacerbated the nation’s appalling response to the onslaught of the AIDS epidemic, someone who demonized and vilified us for political gain and someone who used religion to divide rather than unite our nation.”
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins:
He was a pioneer whose legacy, marked by courage and candor, blazed the trail for all men and women of conviction to engage--boldly--on the great questions of our day. But he was first and foremost a husband, a father and a pastor. Our prayers today are with the Falwell family, in particular his wife Macel, his children, his grandchildren and the congregation of the Thomas Road Baptist Church.
Triangle Foundation (Michigan) Executive Director Jeffrey Montgomery:
"Our condolences go out to Rev. Falwell's family. Whether the family is straight or gay, the passage of a loved one is always a challenging and difficult time."
"In the wake of Rev. Falwell's passing, it is our strong hope that his followers transform their misunderstanding and attitudes regarding their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters. It is a sad thing that Rev. Falwell spent so much of his time and energy while alive as a leading voice in the struggle against LGBT civil rights. We can only hope that the death of such an anti-gay voice will eventually lead to a healing of the fear and hostility against us that Rev. Falwell actively promoted."
Focus on the Family Chairman Dr. James Dobson:
"Our hearts and prayers go out to Jerry’s wife Macel, his children Jerry, Jonathan and Jeannie, and his church. This is a tragic loss for them – and for all Americans. Jerry’s passions and convictions changed the course of our country for the better over the last 20 years – and I was proud to call him my friend."
"Because Jerry, and his Moral Majority, were the first ones out of the trenches in the culture war, they got shot at repeatedly by the national media and by liberal church leaders. But he always weathered the onslaught, permanently stamping the conservative American church with respectability on social action.
"It was my honor to share the front lines with him in the battle for righteousness in our nation. We will continue that fight, in his honor, until our mutual goals are achieved."
Sojourners President and Executive Director Jim Wallis:
I was saddened to learn that Rev. Jerry Falwell passed away this morning at age 73. Rev. Falwell and I have met many times over the years, as the media often paired us as debate partners on issues of faith and politics. I respected his passionate commitment to his beliefs, and our shared commitment to bring moral debate to the public square, although we didn’t agree on many things. At this time, however, what matters most is our prayers for comfort and peace for his family and friends.
CBN's Pat Robertson:
My wife and I have sent our condolences to Macel Falwell and her family. Jerry has been a tower of strength on many of the moral issues which have confronted our nation. Liberty University is a magnificent accomplishment and will prove a lasting legacy. Jerry’s courage and strength of convictions will be sadly missed in this time of increasing moral relativism. I join with the tens of thousands of his friends to mourn the passing of this extraordinary human being.
I have written extensively here about the late Dr. Falwell and his efforts to shove GLBT people back into the closet and prevent them from obtaining equality in any aspect of our society and see no need to put together a summary of my issues with his views today. As you can see by some of the comments from GLBT activists, the anger against Falwell ran so deep it spilled out even on the day he died. You can also see from the comments of religious right leaders like James Dobson that any day is a good day to campaign for your agenda, even using the death of someone you call a friend to do so.
I join those who offer their condolences and prayers to those who lost a husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and chancellor today. I also offer up a prayer that those who fill the leadership voids created by Falwell's passing take more of a New Testament view and focus on the love and acceptance that Jesus taught instead of Old Testament judgmentalism.
Here are some samples of recations to his death and life. I've balanced the different viewpoints because I feel when someone of importance passes on, he deserves the whole of his life to be viewed, not just one aspect no matter how abhorent that part might be. I'll share a few thoughts of my own at the end.
Americans United for Separation of Church and State executive director Rev. Barry W. Lynn:
“Jerry Falwell politicized religion and failed to understand the genius of our Constitution, but there is no denying his impact on American political life. He will long be remembered as the face and voice of the Religious Right."
“Americans United extends its condolences to members of Dr. Falwell’s family, the congregants of Thomas Road Baptist Church and the students and staff of Liberty University.”
Exodous International (Ex-Gay ministry) President Alan Chambers:
“Rev. Falwell will be remembered for his consistent emphasis on the truth that Jesus Christ loves and offers salvation to every individual regardless of their past. No doubt, many have come to a personal relationship with Christ through his ministry. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rev. Falwell’s wife, Macel, their three children and his friends and colleagues in Lynchburg, Virginia.”
Soulforce (GLBT advocacy):
Today, the staff and board of directors of Soulforce observe the passing of Rev. Jerry Falwell and offer our sincere condolences to his family, the members of Thomas Road Baptist Church, and the students at Liberty University.
"While Soulforce has a long history of nonviolent direct action at Jerry Falwell Ministries, our adversary was never Jerry Falwell, but rather the misinformation about lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people espoused by Falwell and so many others," said Soulforce Executive Director Jeff Lutes.
Upon hearing the news of Rev. Falwell's death, Rev. Dr. Mel White said "It breaks my heart to think that Jerry died without ever discovering the truth about God's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender children. I sincerely hope that one day his school and his church will have a change of heart."
Don Wildmon, Chairman, American Family Association:
Wildmon says Falwell was passionate about serving the Lord. "His life is reflective of what can happen to a person who commits himself to the Lord and keeps going straight ahead and never looks back from the plow," says the ministry leader. "He will be missed."
Falwell would want Christians to stay active in the culture war, adds Wildmon.
Truth Wins Out Executive Director Wayne Besen:
“It is with great regret that Rev. Jerry Falwell never moderated his position on homosexuality,” said Truth Wins Out’s Executive Director Wayne Besen. “While our hearts go out to his family, we can’t help but to reflect on his life and think about all of the families he’s torn apart and teenagers that committed suicide because he made them feel inferior. He never missed an opportunity to kick our better angels to the curb and capitalize on our lesser demons to advance his career.”
Liberty Counsel, the legal activist arm of Falwell's organization:
Rev. Falwell loved God and he loved people. His convictions in biblical principles were matched by the depth of his compassion for people. He made you feel like you were the most important person in a room, even though it was filled with dignitaries. He cared for each person and he loved the students at Liberty University.
We have never known a man who had so many important obligations and commitments and yet who always had time for people. As pastor of a mega-church with a myriad of ministries, too many to mention, Chancellor of the world's largest evangelical university, founder of several national parachurch ministries, husband, father and grandfather, he always took time to stop and greet people with a genuine smile, a firm handshake (or sometimes a friendly punch in the rib cage) and a deep voice filled with wisdom and uncanny insight.
Rev. Falwell's legacy will live on in the millions of people he touched, and his vision will carry on through his family and the graduates of Liberty University. While we are missing a beloved pastor, leader and friend, his family is missing a beloved husband, father and grandfather. Our prayers are with his wife, Macel, his children, Jerry Falwell, Jr., Jonathan Falwell, and Jeannie Falwell Savas, and his grandchildren.
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Executive Director Matt Foreman:
“The death of a family member or friend is always a sad occasion and we express our condolences to all those who were close to the Rev. Jerry Falwell. Unfortunately, we will always remember him as a founder and leader of America’s anti-gay industry, someone who exacerbated the nation’s appalling response to the onslaught of the AIDS epidemic, someone who demonized and vilified us for political gain and someone who used religion to divide rather than unite our nation.”
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins:
He was a pioneer whose legacy, marked by courage and candor, blazed the trail for all men and women of conviction to engage--boldly--on the great questions of our day. But he was first and foremost a husband, a father and a pastor. Our prayers today are with the Falwell family, in particular his wife Macel, his children, his grandchildren and the congregation of the Thomas Road Baptist Church.
Triangle Foundation (Michigan) Executive Director Jeffrey Montgomery:
"Our condolences go out to Rev. Falwell's family. Whether the family is straight or gay, the passage of a loved one is always a challenging and difficult time."
"In the wake of Rev. Falwell's passing, it is our strong hope that his followers transform their misunderstanding and attitudes regarding their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters. It is a sad thing that Rev. Falwell spent so much of his time and energy while alive as a leading voice in the struggle against LGBT civil rights. We can only hope that the death of such an anti-gay voice will eventually lead to a healing of the fear and hostility against us that Rev. Falwell actively promoted."
Focus on the Family Chairman Dr. James Dobson:
"Our hearts and prayers go out to Jerry’s wife Macel, his children Jerry, Jonathan and Jeannie, and his church. This is a tragic loss for them – and for all Americans. Jerry’s passions and convictions changed the course of our country for the better over the last 20 years – and I was proud to call him my friend."
"Because Jerry, and his Moral Majority, were the first ones out of the trenches in the culture war, they got shot at repeatedly by the national media and by liberal church leaders. But he always weathered the onslaught, permanently stamping the conservative American church with respectability on social action.
"It was my honor to share the front lines with him in the battle for righteousness in our nation. We will continue that fight, in his honor, until our mutual goals are achieved."
Sojourners President and Executive Director Jim Wallis:
I was saddened to learn that Rev. Jerry Falwell passed away this morning at age 73. Rev. Falwell and I have met many times over the years, as the media often paired us as debate partners on issues of faith and politics. I respected his passionate commitment to his beliefs, and our shared commitment to bring moral debate to the public square, although we didn’t agree on many things. At this time, however, what matters most is our prayers for comfort and peace for his family and friends.
CBN's Pat Robertson:
My wife and I have sent our condolences to Macel Falwell and her family. Jerry has been a tower of strength on many of the moral issues which have confronted our nation. Liberty University is a magnificent accomplishment and will prove a lasting legacy. Jerry’s courage and strength of convictions will be sadly missed in this time of increasing moral relativism. I join with the tens of thousands of his friends to mourn the passing of this extraordinary human being.
I have written extensively here about the late Dr. Falwell and his efforts to shove GLBT people back into the closet and prevent them from obtaining equality in any aspect of our society and see no need to put together a summary of my issues with his views today. As you can see by some of the comments from GLBT activists, the anger against Falwell ran so deep it spilled out even on the day he died. You can also see from the comments of religious right leaders like James Dobson that any day is a good day to campaign for your agenda, even using the death of someone you call a friend to do so.
I join those who offer their condolences and prayers to those who lost a husband, father, grandfather, pastor, and chancellor today. I also offer up a prayer that those who fill the leadership voids created by Falwell's passing take more of a New Testament view and focus on the love and acceptance that Jesus taught instead of Old Testament judgmentalism.
Open House Sunday at BCF
I'm happy to announce that my church, Believers Covenant Fellowship, is holding an open house this Sunday, May 20 at our new facility from 2-5 PM with a brief dedication service at 3:30.
Although fairly small in number, our congreation stood strong in faith while the Lord led us through logistical and financial obstacles to see our building renovation through to completion. We are very proud of the work He has done through us to establish a warm, welcoming place to worship, study, and fellowship.
If you live in the Northern Virginia area and are seeking an open and affirming Christian church, or you're just curious to see what I've been writing about for nearly two years, I invite you to join us. Check out our website at the link above for directions or more information.
Although fairly small in number, our congreation stood strong in faith while the Lord led us through logistical and financial obstacles to see our building renovation through to completion. We are very proud of the work He has done through us to establish a warm, welcoming place to worship, study, and fellowship.
If you live in the Northern Virginia area and are seeking an open and affirming Christian church, or you're just curious to see what I've been writing about for nearly two years, I invite you to join us. Check out our website at the link above for directions or more information.
May 14, 2007
Newsweek Cover Story: "Rethinking Gender"
I use the acronym "GLBT" here frequently, which most of you know stands for "Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender." I don't write a lot about transgender issues because, quite honestly, I don't understand a whole lot about them beyond the fact that they are people too and deserve the same rights I enjoy and often take for granted.
In their newest issue, Newsweek delves into the issue of gender in some depth. The cover story is titled, "Rethinking Gender," which goes into some of the basics about transgender issues, defining them and going through some of the different stages of the different situations.
Beyond that interesting article, Newsweek also features these pieces this week:
"Making a Difference," a former male Air Force sergeant running for office in Colorado.
"I Had To Fix My Life" a former male NASCAR driver is now a woman trying to get back behind the wheel competitively, with little success so far.
"None of Us Are Safe," actor Alexis Arquette on the politics of gender in America.
"It Stuns Me," sportswriter Christine Daniels on her transition. I wrote about here recently, the writer from the LA Times.
"No Big Deal," a corporate vice-president talks about how big companies are leading the way in helping transgender social reform.
There will also be an online chat on the Newsweek website on Wednesday at noon, EST.
There's a lot of information and insight in these articles (some of them are exclusive to the web site) and I find it very encouraging that one of the major mainstream news publications has devoted so much space and energy to helping people understand about transgender issues.
In their newest issue, Newsweek delves into the issue of gender in some depth. The cover story is titled, "Rethinking Gender," which goes into some of the basics about transgender issues, defining them and going through some of the different stages of the different situations.
Beyond that interesting article, Newsweek also features these pieces this week:
"Making a Difference," a former male Air Force sergeant running for office in Colorado.
"I Had To Fix My Life" a former male NASCAR driver is now a woman trying to get back behind the wheel competitively, with little success so far.
"None of Us Are Safe," actor Alexis Arquette on the politics of gender in America.
"It Stuns Me," sportswriter Christine Daniels on her transition. I wrote about here recently, the writer from the LA Times.
"No Big Deal," a corporate vice-president talks about how big companies are leading the way in helping transgender social reform.
There will also be an online chat on the Newsweek website on Wednesday at noon, EST.
There's a lot of information and insight in these articles (some of them are exclusive to the web site) and I find it very encouraging that one of the major mainstream news publications has devoted so much space and energy to helping people understand about transgender issues.
A Loving Family Has Everything a Child Needs
That's the conclusion reached by Peggy Drexler, a gender scholar at Stanford University who has studied the issue of same-sex parent adoptions in great depth. She writes about it in this Huffington Post column:
It's the family, stupid!
Of all the political statements in the current surge of political statements, my favorite has to be from New York's Democratic Governor Eliot Spitzer on his plans to introduce legislation that would legalize same sex marriage."We will not ask whether this proposition of legalizing same-sex marriage is popular or unpopular," he said.
"We will not ask if it's hard or easy. We will simply ask if it is right or wrong."
That's exactly the right question.
When you are part of the thicket of legalities and political calculations, what you find is a family. And when that family has taken full responsibility for a child's sense of well being and belonging, lawyerly debate and political maneuvering seem absurdly beside the point.
The U.S. Census shows that almost 30 percent of same-sex couples in this nation have a child under 18 living with them in their home. You'll find same-sex couples raising children in 96 percent of all of the 3,141 counties in the U.S.
All evidence from studies of these families points clearly to the same conclusion: good parents and the kids they produce have nothing to do with being straight or gay. It has everything to do with care, affection and involvement.
For the children of same-sex marriages, that sense of their place in the world is greatly influenced by the current laws that say: There are real families. And then there is your family."
Ms. Drexler gets it. Families are put together by love, not blood.
It's the family, stupid!
Of all the political statements in the current surge of political statements, my favorite has to be from New York's Democratic Governor Eliot Spitzer on his plans to introduce legislation that would legalize same sex marriage."We will not ask whether this proposition of legalizing same-sex marriage is popular or unpopular," he said.
"We will not ask if it's hard or easy. We will simply ask if it is right or wrong."
That's exactly the right question.
When you are part of the thicket of legalities and political calculations, what you find is a family. And when that family has taken full responsibility for a child's sense of well being and belonging, lawyerly debate and political maneuvering seem absurdly beside the point.
The U.S. Census shows that almost 30 percent of same-sex couples in this nation have a child under 18 living with them in their home. You'll find same-sex couples raising children in 96 percent of all of the 3,141 counties in the U.S.
All evidence from studies of these families points clearly to the same conclusion: good parents and the kids they produce have nothing to do with being straight or gay. It has everything to do with care, affection and involvement.
For the children of same-sex marriages, that sense of their place in the world is greatly influenced by the current laws that say: There are real families. And then there is your family."
Ms. Drexler gets it. Families are put together by love, not blood.
May 13, 2007
Book Review: "Calling The Rainbow Nation Home"
As I read more books about homosexuality and Christianity, I have seen two primary methods of telling stories and teaching views of God’s word. Writers generally emphasize experiences along their own personal, and often bumpy, walk with the Lord, or they take a more scholarly approach in reviewing and explaining scripture.
In her book “Calling The Rainbow Nation Home” (2005, iUniverse, 200 pages), Elaine Sundby does an excellent job of mixing both methods. First, Rev. Sundby, the founder of Faith Full Gospel Church and www.gaychurch.org, writes about her struggle with accepting the fact she was a lesbian. In the second half of the book, she explains how she reconciled that with her Christianity in a way that encourages other GLBT people to walk similar steps and reach the same destination.
During a difficult childhood, Rev. Sundby had a “come to Jesus” moment as a teenager, but that did not instantly turn her life around because she was still a girl living in a negative situation. Gradually, as she moved away from home and went to college, she began to find out who she was. Despite struggling scholastically in high school, she plowed her way through college and discovered that God had given her athletic gifts. She was coached in how to throw the javelin and became one of the best in the country and also won a national championship as a softball player.
During this time, she also began to understand that she was attracted to women. As with so many young Christians, it was drilled into her head that homosexuality was a deep, dark sin and a desire that could NEVER be acted upon. Rev. Sundby poured over her Bible and spent hour after hour in prayer asking for God to reveal His will to her. The answer came suddenly and clearly:
…..the Holy Spirit asked me a simple question: “Elaine, how is someone saved?”
“What?” I replied, “That’s not what I’m asking.”
Not to be deterred, the Holy Spirit gently asked again: “How are you saved?” At that moment, the famous passage in Scripture came to mind:
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.
The simplicity of the truth hit me. I had been asking the wrong question. The issue was not sin, but salvation! God had told us that “whosoever” (King James translation) believes in his son would not perish. “Whosoever” did not exclude anyone; instead, it included everyone. There was simply no group of people who would—or could—be excluded from accepting God’s salvation.
For Rev. Sundby, that resolved part one of a two-part issue. She was now clear that she would not be sentenced to Hell for being a lesbian, but would she be sinning if she allowed herself to develop a relationship with the woman she was strongly attracted to? Were homosexual relationships by their very nature a sin? Here’s how she answered that question.
It depends is my answer. Being gay or straight has nothing to do with it. The issue is really about the quality of the relationship we have with God, with others, and with ourselves. God simply asks us: “Is your relationship based on, and operating in, My love or not? Does it encourage both people to spiritually grow and deepen their union with God? Is it loving and healthy for both parties?” If your relationship encourages and enhances these things, then it most assuredly is not a sin.
Having that resolved, Rev. Sundby allowed herself to embrace the love of her life, Pam, and they are still happily together. She also answered the call to ministry and became the founding pastor at Faith Full Gospel Fellowship in San Leandro, California. She moved forward with Pam with this foundation:
God and sin simply cannot coexist together: it is impossible.
2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV): For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
Therefore, my personal conclusions about what sin was, and was not, really didn’t matter. If being with Pam was a sin, it would cause a separation between God and me.
I found this a particularly important section where Rev. Sundby explains her understanding of why GLBT people are ostracized by so many Christians.
Fear is not from the Lord; it operates in Satan’s kingdom (1 John 4:18; Rom. 8:15), yet we build complete belief systems around our fears and prejudices, and people fight change. There is no getting around the fact that it’s far easier to understand how one can be gay and Christian when one is gay and Christian.
I have also found it common for those who consider homosexuality an “abomination” to “prove” their cause by quoting every Scripture they can find pertaining to sexual sin and promiscuity. It is important to understand that Christians in the gay community are also adamantly against sexual sin. The difference lies in the fact that we do not believe God has singled out any particular community or nation of people as “evil” or “sinful,” believing instead that God’s edicts are applied without prejudice to all people and communities—homosexual and heterosexual alike.
Rev. Sundby also wrote a section titled “Remain in the State in which You Were Called.”
Like the Gentiles before us, God has never asked us to change who we are in order to receive his salvation or the spiritual gifts.
1 Corinthians 7:24 (Amplified): “So, brethren, in whatever station or state or condition of life each one was when he was called, there let him continue with and close to God.
In closing, Rev. Sundby has a message for how GLBT Christians needed to move forward:
Our priorities seem reversed at times. We seek first for acceptance, and then for fellowship. The problem is that protesting, picketing, and attacks through the press only serve to drive the two parties further apart. This is not the witness Christ wants us to be demonstrating to the world. Our humanism is on display rather than the character of Christ.
…..We need to focus first on reaching out to the lost within our own communities and then on building relationships with others within the Christian community. The best witness they have that God has accepted homosexuals—is us! But there can be no witness if there is no relationship.
I often criticize leaders from the religious right for trying to force their will on legislators and even as amendments to the United States Constitution. While I encourage GLBT advocacy in the public square, the approach Rev. Sundby is also very important and, I believe, severely under-utilized.
“Calling the Rainbow Nation Home” is a wonderful book that I highly recommend to all GLBT people and heterosexuals who are interested in understanding the difficult path a gay person has to walk to reach God, and how to reconcile that with what they have been previously been taught about the sinfulness of homosexuality.
In her book “Calling The Rainbow Nation Home” (2005, iUniverse, 200 pages), Elaine Sundby does an excellent job of mixing both methods. First, Rev. Sundby, the founder of Faith Full Gospel Church and www.gaychurch.org, writes about her struggle with accepting the fact she was a lesbian. In the second half of the book, she explains how she reconciled that with her Christianity in a way that encourages other GLBT people to walk similar steps and reach the same destination.
During a difficult childhood, Rev. Sundby had a “come to Jesus” moment as a teenager, but that did not instantly turn her life around because she was still a girl living in a negative situation. Gradually, as she moved away from home and went to college, she began to find out who she was. Despite struggling scholastically in high school, she plowed her way through college and discovered that God had given her athletic gifts. She was coached in how to throw the javelin and became one of the best in the country and also won a national championship as a softball player.
During this time, she also began to understand that she was attracted to women. As with so many young Christians, it was drilled into her head that homosexuality was a deep, dark sin and a desire that could NEVER be acted upon. Rev. Sundby poured over her Bible and spent hour after hour in prayer asking for God to reveal His will to her. The answer came suddenly and clearly:
…..the Holy Spirit asked me a simple question: “Elaine, how is someone saved?”
“What?” I replied, “That’s not what I’m asking.”
Not to be deterred, the Holy Spirit gently asked again: “How are you saved?” At that moment, the famous passage in Scripture came to mind:
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.
The simplicity of the truth hit me. I had been asking the wrong question. The issue was not sin, but salvation! God had told us that “whosoever” (King James translation) believes in his son would not perish. “Whosoever” did not exclude anyone; instead, it included everyone. There was simply no group of people who would—or could—be excluded from accepting God’s salvation.
For Rev. Sundby, that resolved part one of a two-part issue. She was now clear that she would not be sentenced to Hell for being a lesbian, but would she be sinning if she allowed herself to develop a relationship with the woman she was strongly attracted to? Were homosexual relationships by their very nature a sin? Here’s how she answered that question.
It depends is my answer. Being gay or straight has nothing to do with it. The issue is really about the quality of the relationship we have with God, with others, and with ourselves. God simply asks us: “Is your relationship based on, and operating in, My love or not? Does it encourage both people to spiritually grow and deepen their union with God? Is it loving and healthy for both parties?” If your relationship encourages and enhances these things, then it most assuredly is not a sin.
Having that resolved, Rev. Sundby allowed herself to embrace the love of her life, Pam, and they are still happily together. She also answered the call to ministry and became the founding pastor at Faith Full Gospel Fellowship in San Leandro, California. She moved forward with Pam with this foundation:
God and sin simply cannot coexist together: it is impossible.
2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV): For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?
Therefore, my personal conclusions about what sin was, and was not, really didn’t matter. If being with Pam was a sin, it would cause a separation between God and me.
I found this a particularly important section where Rev. Sundby explains her understanding of why GLBT people are ostracized by so many Christians.
Fear is not from the Lord; it operates in Satan’s kingdom (1 John 4:18; Rom. 8:15), yet we build complete belief systems around our fears and prejudices, and people fight change. There is no getting around the fact that it’s far easier to understand how one can be gay and Christian when one is gay and Christian.
I have also found it common for those who consider homosexuality an “abomination” to “prove” their cause by quoting every Scripture they can find pertaining to sexual sin and promiscuity. It is important to understand that Christians in the gay community are also adamantly against sexual sin. The difference lies in the fact that we do not believe God has singled out any particular community or nation of people as “evil” or “sinful,” believing instead that God’s edicts are applied without prejudice to all people and communities—homosexual and heterosexual alike.
Rev. Sundby also wrote a section titled “Remain in the State in which You Were Called.”
Like the Gentiles before us, God has never asked us to change who we are in order to receive his salvation or the spiritual gifts.
1 Corinthians 7:24 (Amplified): “So, brethren, in whatever station or state or condition of life each one was when he was called, there let him continue with and close to God.
In closing, Rev. Sundby has a message for how GLBT Christians needed to move forward:
Our priorities seem reversed at times. We seek first for acceptance, and then for fellowship. The problem is that protesting, picketing, and attacks through the press only serve to drive the two parties further apart. This is not the witness Christ wants us to be demonstrating to the world. Our humanism is on display rather than the character of Christ.
…..We need to focus first on reaching out to the lost within our own communities and then on building relationships with others within the Christian community. The best witness they have that God has accepted homosexuals—is us! But there can be no witness if there is no relationship.
I often criticize leaders from the religious right for trying to force their will on legislators and even as amendments to the United States Constitution. While I encourage GLBT advocacy in the public square, the approach Rev. Sundby is also very important and, I believe, severely under-utilized.
“Calling the Rainbow Nation Home” is a wonderful book that I highly recommend to all GLBT people and heterosexuals who are interested in understanding the difficult path a gay person has to walk to reach God, and how to reconcile that with what they have been previously been taught about the sinfulness of homosexuality.
'Why It Matters Every Day"
I saw this on Pam's House Blend and decided to copy the entire post here without comment. None is really needed.
This is why living an out gay life, every unassuming day after every unassuming day, is so important.
My partner and I have lived in this small Mississippi town since 2002. While we haven't flown the rainbow flag, the old home we restored on the main drag made it pretty clear. Every day that we have lived here we have just been a part of this community in the same important, boring ways as everyone else.
Sure, we've had a few insults yelled at us and even had our house paintballed once. But the rest of the town got to see us give something back to this town, to have family members share in the joy of our lives, to have friends sit on the front porch and just watch the town go about its business.
Everyone recognized us, me especially because I took my walks right through the heart of town. At one particular house down the street I found a lonely married lady, crippled by mental and emotional issues, who rescued greyhounds. Everyday that I walked by, I waved and smiled. Later, she would come to the porch, and I would speak to her, the dogs, or her son. Finally, she stopped and asked me to have conversation.
I don't remember much about that first conversation, but I found her to be a bright, if troubled, young woman. And I always spoke, checked on her if she were absent, and just behaved neighborly.
Fast forward three more years and a big abandoned lot became available right beside her house. It was her husband's family place and he needed to sell it. We made an offer. And we began building our new house.
During this entire construction time, I and my partner and she and her husband dealt with each other on a more personal basis, with questions about fence allowances, adjoining trees, etc. We even worked out a way for our dogs to play together until the finishing touches on our fences could be made. In essence, we became more than neighbors; we became friends.
Just yesterday she came over to visit, "to have conversation," as she put it. She told me that that very first day that I walked by and waved had changed her life. That because of my constant friendliness she began to grow out of her depression and seclusion. And she so hoped that the man who wanted the lot would be my partner.
Her husband was leery, at best. But she told me she finally got him to see us as just people--people who would make the best neighbors. He relented and has since told her it was the best thing he ever did.
So today she wanted to come to tell me the impact I had on her life. And, with tears streaming down her face, to apologize for her cruelty to me personally in voting for the Mississippi Marriage Amendment.
Every day we make a difference. We must remember that.
This is why living an out gay life, every unassuming day after every unassuming day, is so important.
My partner and I have lived in this small Mississippi town since 2002. While we haven't flown the rainbow flag, the old home we restored on the main drag made it pretty clear. Every day that we have lived here we have just been a part of this community in the same important, boring ways as everyone else.
Sure, we've had a few insults yelled at us and even had our house paintballed once. But the rest of the town got to see us give something back to this town, to have family members share in the joy of our lives, to have friends sit on the front porch and just watch the town go about its business.
Everyone recognized us, me especially because I took my walks right through the heart of town. At one particular house down the street I found a lonely married lady, crippled by mental and emotional issues, who rescued greyhounds. Everyday that I walked by, I waved and smiled. Later, she would come to the porch, and I would speak to her, the dogs, or her son. Finally, she stopped and asked me to have conversation.
I don't remember much about that first conversation, but I found her to be a bright, if troubled, young woman. And I always spoke, checked on her if she were absent, and just behaved neighborly.
Fast forward three more years and a big abandoned lot became available right beside her house. It was her husband's family place and he needed to sell it. We made an offer. And we began building our new house.
During this entire construction time, I and my partner and she and her husband dealt with each other on a more personal basis, with questions about fence allowances, adjoining trees, etc. We even worked out a way for our dogs to play together until the finishing touches on our fences could be made. In essence, we became more than neighbors; we became friends.
Just yesterday she came over to visit, "to have conversation," as she put it. She told me that that very first day that I walked by and waved had changed her life. That because of my constant friendliness she began to grow out of her depression and seclusion. And she so hoped that the man who wanted the lot would be my partner.
Her husband was leery, at best. But she told me she finally got him to see us as just people--people who would make the best neighbors. He relented and has since told her it was the best thing he ever did.
So today she wanted to come to tell me the impact I had on her life. And, with tears streaming down her face, to apologize for her cruelty to me personally in voting for the Mississippi Marriage Amendment.
Every day we make a difference. We must remember that.
May 12, 2007
Let Them Pray Or They'll Sue
The Liberty Counsel, with the full support of Jerry Falwell's Moral Majority, is determined that any religious expression (that agrees with theirs) be allowed as part of upcoming high school graduation ceremonies across the United States. Falwell warns that anyone who tries to stop it will get hauled into court. This is an excerpt from Falwell's message:
I’m proud to stand with Mathew Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel and dean of Liberty University School of Law, and his wife Anita, president of Liberty Counsel, in the national “Friend or Foe” Graduation Prayer Campaign.
This program is designed to educate and, if necessary, litigate to ensure that prayer and religious views are not suppressed during graduation ceremonies across the nation.
As part of this year's campaign, Liberty Counsel has created red prayer wristbands which students can wear as a reminder to pray at graduation and all throughout the school year.
The wristbands are embossed with “I WILL PRAY” and “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING (THESS. 5:17).”
The wristbands serve as reminders to students that they have the constitutional right to wear religious jewelry and to pray during non-instructional times while at school. Liberty Counsel also has a free legal memo on graduation prayer which is available online at www.LC.org.
Once again, the religious right seeks to force their will upon government officials (school boards that have jurisdiction over graduation ceremonies) under the guise of promoting "religious freedom."
Does that sound a bit harsh? Then consider this:
Back in Jesus' time, I'm sure there was something at least vaguely resembling today's commencement ceremonies. What if a school back then prohibited any religious expression during what served as their graduation. Can you picture Jesus approaching the decision makers and encouraging them to allow it? Perhaps. If His request was rejected, can you them imagine Him taking the issue to court? If you are even vaguely familiar with the Gospels in the Bible, I hope you can't.
Jesus didn't seek to shape civil laws in such a way that they encouraged, if not outright forced, people to acknowledge Him. He made it very clear that it was up to each individual to develop his or her own relationship with Him--that's what determined their destination for eternity. All of the civil laws, certainly the ones of the Phairasees in His time, wouldn't make any difference.
If Jesus had wanted to rule the government and establish a theocracy, He would have. He certainly could have, but it was not God's will. Jesus taught us humility and the importance of a one-on-one relationship with Him.
Try as they might, the religious right can't litigate or legislate that.
I’m proud to stand with Mathew Staver, founder of Liberty Counsel and dean of Liberty University School of Law, and his wife Anita, president of Liberty Counsel, in the national “Friend or Foe” Graduation Prayer Campaign.
This program is designed to educate and, if necessary, litigate to ensure that prayer and religious views are not suppressed during graduation ceremonies across the nation.
As part of this year's campaign, Liberty Counsel has created red prayer wristbands which students can wear as a reminder to pray at graduation and all throughout the school year.
The wristbands are embossed with “I WILL PRAY” and “PRAY WITHOUT CEASING (THESS. 5:17).”
The wristbands serve as reminders to students that they have the constitutional right to wear religious jewelry and to pray during non-instructional times while at school. Liberty Counsel also has a free legal memo on graduation prayer which is available online at www.LC.org.
Once again, the religious right seeks to force their will upon government officials (school boards that have jurisdiction over graduation ceremonies) under the guise of promoting "religious freedom."
Does that sound a bit harsh? Then consider this:
Back in Jesus' time, I'm sure there was something at least vaguely resembling today's commencement ceremonies. What if a school back then prohibited any religious expression during what served as their graduation. Can you picture Jesus approaching the decision makers and encouraging them to allow it? Perhaps. If His request was rejected, can you them imagine Him taking the issue to court? If you are even vaguely familiar with the Gospels in the Bible, I hope you can't.
Jesus didn't seek to shape civil laws in such a way that they encouraged, if not outright forced, people to acknowledge Him. He made it very clear that it was up to each individual to develop his or her own relationship with Him--that's what determined their destination for eternity. All of the civil laws, certainly the ones of the Phairasees in His time, wouldn't make any difference.
If Jesus had wanted to rule the government and establish a theocracy, He would have. He certainly could have, but it was not God's will. Jesus taught us humility and the importance of a one-on-one relationship with Him.
Try as they might, the religious right can't litigate or legislate that.
May 11, 2007
Right Wing Out of Step With Jesus
I can already feel James Dobson or Jerry Falwell calling me a heretic just for typing that title, but I am clearly not the only one who feels that way. This editorial from the Charleston, WV Gazette makes the case (which I strongly support) that Jesus and other key figures in the Bible were liberals.
Jesus was a liberal. Absolutely and totally a liberal. Not a conservative bone in his body. He broke the rules. On purpose. He flaunted them, in fact, eating with sinners, healing on the Sabbath, rescuing a fallen woman, criticizing the establishment. And the well-to-do. He was not crucified because he was too conservative. The Christian faith is not about rules. Jesus’ first public utterance shows his compassion for the poor. He never asks us to sing pretty songs, to build cathedrals, or wiggle our fingers in the air. He tells Peter, “Feed my sheep.”
The Hebrew Prophets were liberals. By definition. Social critics. Reformers. Nathan stood face to face with King David, shook his finger and told him he was a murderer. Amos was a liberal. He measured the corruption of Beth’el up against the plumb line of justice. Amaziah told him to go home, “you troubler of Israel.” “Let justice roll down like waters,” Amos replied. Check Micah, Hosea and Isaiah while you’re at it.
These were not the Republicans of Palestine. They were not trying to shore up the establishment or save the wealthy.
Jeremiah was a liberal. He wrote the book on public protest and nonviolent direct action. He trod the streets of Jerusalem naked as a jaybird to make his point.
The history of the church is the story of liberal versus conservative religion. It begins in Jerusalem, when Peter and Paul struggle over the issue of circumcision. The great St. Augustine tells us to “love God and do whatever you want.” Not conservative there! Was Martin Luther a conservative when he challenged orthodoxy on 95 points of theology? Was John Wesley a conservative when he took his Bible to the streets and the coal mines of England? Were the Methodists in America conservative when, in 1908, they adopted the “Social Creed,” supporting the right of workers to organize and bargain collectively? And is our church conservative in its continued struggle for social justice, for the rights of women and minorities, for equal opportunity for all, for ecological responsibility — through the Social Principles and Social Creed?
In today's society, we also need people to step up and challenge traditional, conservative thought and policies. This is not a war on Christianity as some of the right-wingers spew to try and position themselves as victims. This is a war FOR the Christianity of Jesus and the prophets who preceeded him on Earth.
Those of us who are taking God's word into the GLBT community and preaching the errors and/or bigoted intent of conservatives who have worked hard to make them feel incomplete, inferior parts of society who are unwelcome in God's Kingdom, WE are doing His work.
We're doing it just the way Jesus taught us--by challenging the status quo and challenging religious rules that do not adhere to the example He set.
Jesus was a liberal. Absolutely and totally a liberal. Not a conservative bone in his body. He broke the rules. On purpose. He flaunted them, in fact, eating with sinners, healing on the Sabbath, rescuing a fallen woman, criticizing the establishment. And the well-to-do. He was not crucified because he was too conservative. The Christian faith is not about rules. Jesus’ first public utterance shows his compassion for the poor. He never asks us to sing pretty songs, to build cathedrals, or wiggle our fingers in the air. He tells Peter, “Feed my sheep.”
The Hebrew Prophets were liberals. By definition. Social critics. Reformers. Nathan stood face to face with King David, shook his finger and told him he was a murderer. Amos was a liberal. He measured the corruption of Beth’el up against the plumb line of justice. Amaziah told him to go home, “you troubler of Israel.” “Let justice roll down like waters,” Amos replied. Check Micah, Hosea and Isaiah while you’re at it.
These were not the Republicans of Palestine. They were not trying to shore up the establishment or save the wealthy.
Jeremiah was a liberal. He wrote the book on public protest and nonviolent direct action. He trod the streets of Jerusalem naked as a jaybird to make his point.
The history of the church is the story of liberal versus conservative religion. It begins in Jerusalem, when Peter and Paul struggle over the issue of circumcision. The great St. Augustine tells us to “love God and do whatever you want.” Not conservative there! Was Martin Luther a conservative when he challenged orthodoxy on 95 points of theology? Was John Wesley a conservative when he took his Bible to the streets and the coal mines of England? Were the Methodists in America conservative when, in 1908, they adopted the “Social Creed,” supporting the right of workers to organize and bargain collectively? And is our church conservative in its continued struggle for social justice, for the rights of women and minorities, for equal opportunity for all, for ecological responsibility — through the Social Principles and Social Creed?
In today's society, we also need people to step up and challenge traditional, conservative thought and policies. This is not a war on Christianity as some of the right-wingers spew to try and position themselves as victims. This is a war FOR the Christianity of Jesus and the prophets who preceeded him on Earth.
Those of us who are taking God's word into the GLBT community and preaching the errors and/or bigoted intent of conservatives who have worked hard to make them feel incomplete, inferior parts of society who are unwelcome in God's Kingdom, WE are doing His work.
We're doing it just the way Jesus taught us--by challenging the status quo and challenging religious rules that do not adhere to the example He set.
" A Seperate Fountain"
That's the title of this article on The Huffington Post by Sara Whitman, who has been legally married to her same-sex spouse in Massachusetts for nearly three years.
Her state is facing a challenge to legal same-sex marriage as there is a move in the state legislature to put the right to marry of couples like hers up for a public referendum vote. She writes about how that vote could impact her and other same-sex couples:
More than 8,000 gays and lesbians married in the last three years in Massachusetts. Amazingly, not one plague of locusts has descended, nor a single drop of fiery rain fallen.
In the 13 years before being legally married, my wife and I wrote legal documents to avert any questions about what would happen if either of us died, which may or may not have stood up in court. Luckily, we're both still here.
We have three children. We pay taxes. We go to school meetings, Little League baseball games and pick up endless pairs of socks that seem to multiply in dusty corners of the house.
Unlike our straight counterparts, who I'm sure have socks lying around, too, we had to do second parent adoptions so our kids would have as much protection as possible. We had to buy one family health insurance policy and one individual, because we were not considered legally a family.
When we're all swooping out the door for a vacation, with everyone is assigned their bag, their seat number and marching orders about who is not to touch whom, I dare anyone to tell me we're not a family.
Until three years ago, though, we legally were not. We did not have access to the 1,000-plus benefits of marriage. We put together as much legal protection as possible only because we were fortunate enough to be able to afford to do so.
Recently, someone told me that civil unions were an equal institution but that marriage is about religion. His church - an institution by law that is to be separate from government - said gay marriage was wrong. It was an argument of separate but equal, made by an African-American man. I wondered if the colored-only water fountains ever felt equal. Still a water fountain, after all. Just a separate one, so the purity of the white fountain would not be sullied.
Just like the purity of his definition of marriage, in his church, would not be sullied.
He was asking me to drink from another fountain. If marriage had no legal relevance and was only a religious symbol, I could go with it. But it doesn't. It is woven into the legal system, government benefits, and tax codes. It is a civil right. The laws and understanding of it comes about from years and years of legal precedents. It can't be replicated in a meaningful way.
Civil unions, in other words, are still a separate fountain.
There's more in her article. She offers a lot to think about and will hopefully encourage others in her state to lobby their representatives to vote against having civil rights put up for a popular vote.
Her state is facing a challenge to legal same-sex marriage as there is a move in the state legislature to put the right to marry of couples like hers up for a public referendum vote. She writes about how that vote could impact her and other same-sex couples:
More than 8,000 gays and lesbians married in the last three years in Massachusetts. Amazingly, not one plague of locusts has descended, nor a single drop of fiery rain fallen.
In the 13 years before being legally married, my wife and I wrote legal documents to avert any questions about what would happen if either of us died, which may or may not have stood up in court. Luckily, we're both still here.
We have three children. We pay taxes. We go to school meetings, Little League baseball games and pick up endless pairs of socks that seem to multiply in dusty corners of the house.
Unlike our straight counterparts, who I'm sure have socks lying around, too, we had to do second parent adoptions so our kids would have as much protection as possible. We had to buy one family health insurance policy and one individual, because we were not considered legally a family.
When we're all swooping out the door for a vacation, with everyone is assigned their bag, their seat number and marching orders about who is not to touch whom, I dare anyone to tell me we're not a family.
Until three years ago, though, we legally were not. We did not have access to the 1,000-plus benefits of marriage. We put together as much legal protection as possible only because we were fortunate enough to be able to afford to do so.
Recently, someone told me that civil unions were an equal institution but that marriage is about religion. His church - an institution by law that is to be separate from government - said gay marriage was wrong. It was an argument of separate but equal, made by an African-American man. I wondered if the colored-only water fountains ever felt equal. Still a water fountain, after all. Just a separate one, so the purity of the white fountain would not be sullied.
Just like the purity of his definition of marriage, in his church, would not be sullied.
He was asking me to drink from another fountain. If marriage had no legal relevance and was only a religious symbol, I could go with it. But it doesn't. It is woven into the legal system, government benefits, and tax codes. It is a civil right. The laws and understanding of it comes about from years and years of legal precedents. It can't be replicated in a meaningful way.
Civil unions, in other words, are still a separate fountain.
There's more in her article. She offers a lot to think about and will hopefully encourage others in her state to lobby their representatives to vote against having civil rights put up for a popular vote.
May 10, 2007
Look Who's Infiltrating Eastern Europe
This from the Advocate.com.
Many prominent U.S. conservative groups are shifting their attention overseas this week, attending a conference in Poland that will decry Europe's liberal social policies and portray the host nation as a valiant holdout bucking those trends.
The World Congress of Families is expected to draw more than 2,500 people from dozens of countries to Warsaw's Palace of Culture and Science from Friday through Sunday.
Cosponsors of the congress include the American Family Association, Concerned Women for America, the Family Research Council, Focus on the Family, the Heritage Foundation, and the Seattle-based Discovery Institute, which promotes the ''intelligent design'' concept of the universe's origins. The U.S. groups are allied in opposition to abortion, same-sex marriage, and other policies they blame for weakening traditional families in Western Europe.
Boy, is that a rogues gallery of right-wingers or what?
The chief organizer is a Rockford, Ill.–based conservative think tank, the Howard Center. ''Europe is almost lost—to demographic winter and to the secularists,'' says a planning document for the congress. ''If Europe goes, much of the world will go with it. Almost alone, Poland has maintained strong faith and strong families.''
The congress, even in its planning stages, has been derided by liberal groups.
''It's a jamboree for people who very often find themselves outside the mainstream,'' said Jon O'Brien, president of Catholics for a Free Choice. ''They're living the fantasy for a couple of days of what the world would be like if their ideas prevailed.''
O'Brien, a native of Ireland now based in Washington, D.C., said Poland's conservative bent is at odds with most of the continent.
''American conservative groups don't find much succor in Europe,'' he said. ''It's moved on, toward tolerance and respect for how people live their lives, for people who are gay, single parents, different forms of family.''
GLBT people have generally fared better across the pond than their counterparts in the United States. Let's hope those who would spread their hate and bigotry across that continent meet with little or, preferably, no success.
Many prominent U.S. conservative groups are shifting their attention overseas this week, attending a conference in Poland that will decry Europe's liberal social policies and portray the host nation as a valiant holdout bucking those trends.
The World Congress of Families is expected to draw more than 2,500 people from dozens of countries to Warsaw's Palace of Culture and Science from Friday through Sunday.
Cosponsors of the congress include the American Family Association, Concerned Women for America, the Family Research Council, Focus on the Family, the Heritage Foundation, and the Seattle-based Discovery Institute, which promotes the ''intelligent design'' concept of the universe's origins. The U.S. groups are allied in opposition to abortion, same-sex marriage, and other policies they blame for weakening traditional families in Western Europe.
Boy, is that a rogues gallery of right-wingers or what?
The chief organizer is a Rockford, Ill.–based conservative think tank, the Howard Center. ''Europe is almost lost—to demographic winter and to the secularists,'' says a planning document for the congress. ''If Europe goes, much of the world will go with it. Almost alone, Poland has maintained strong faith and strong families.''
The congress, even in its planning stages, has been derided by liberal groups.
''It's a jamboree for people who very often find themselves outside the mainstream,'' said Jon O'Brien, president of Catholics for a Free Choice. ''They're living the fantasy for a couple of days of what the world would be like if their ideas prevailed.''
O'Brien, a native of Ireland now based in Washington, D.C., said Poland's conservative bent is at odds with most of the continent.
''American conservative groups don't find much succor in Europe,'' he said. ''It's moved on, toward tolerance and respect for how people live their lives, for people who are gay, single parents, different forms of family.''
GLBT people have generally fared better across the pond than their counterparts in the United States. Let's hope those who would spread their hate and bigotry across that continent meet with little or, preferably, no success.
May 09, 2007
A Republican Congressman Opens His Mind
From the Washington Blade:
As pro-gay legislation makes its way through the new Democratic-controlled Congress, gay rights advocates have found a staunch supporter from the Republican side of the aisle.
Rep. Christopher Shays (R-Conn.) has emerged as a reliable gay rights advocate and is a lead sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and a sponsor of the hate crimes bill.
It wasn’t always this way.
In 1996, Shays voted for the Defense of Marriage Act, which establishes marriage as between a man and woman in federal law.
But in an interview with the Blade this week, Shays said he has reconsidered his stance on gay rights.
“Gays and lesbians don’t want special rights,” he said. “They want the same as other Americans: equal protection under the law. They deserve no less.”
He said he changed his mind after watching media coverage of same-sex marriage ceremonies.
“My views on gay marriage have evolved since I voted for the Defense of Marriage Act,” he said. “At the time I thought I would not support gay marriages. But after watching the coverage of marriages being performed in states like California and New York, I have started to feel differently.
“I look at these marriages and wonder how they impact in any way the marriage I have with my wife,” he told the Blade this week. “I don’t think they do. I don’t think people need to fear this type of union. I recognize two people of the same sex can be involved in a loving, long-term relationship and feel no less love for one another than partners in a heterosexual relationship. Our challenge is to find a way to recognize a legally binding contractual relationship between two consenting adults of the same sex.”
Although Congressman Shays stops short of advocating for same-sex marriage, he has come a long way and realizes he doesn't have to defend his marriage or mine from anyone. Hopefully more folks on his side of the isle will invest enough of themselves in considering the issues like the congressman did. If so, it seems inevitable that they will reach a similar conclusion.
Thanks to gay news blog for the tip.
As pro-gay legislation makes its way through the new Democratic-controlled Congress, gay rights advocates have found a staunch supporter from the Republican side of the aisle.
Rep. Christopher Shays (R-Conn.) has emerged as a reliable gay rights advocate and is a lead sponsor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act and a sponsor of the hate crimes bill.
It wasn’t always this way.
In 1996, Shays voted for the Defense of Marriage Act, which establishes marriage as between a man and woman in federal law.
But in an interview with the Blade this week, Shays said he has reconsidered his stance on gay rights.
“Gays and lesbians don’t want special rights,” he said. “They want the same as other Americans: equal protection under the law. They deserve no less.”
He said he changed his mind after watching media coverage of same-sex marriage ceremonies.
“My views on gay marriage have evolved since I voted for the Defense of Marriage Act,” he said. “At the time I thought I would not support gay marriages. But after watching the coverage of marriages being performed in states like California and New York, I have started to feel differently.
“I look at these marriages and wonder how they impact in any way the marriage I have with my wife,” he told the Blade this week. “I don’t think they do. I don’t think people need to fear this type of union. I recognize two people of the same sex can be involved in a loving, long-term relationship and feel no less love for one another than partners in a heterosexual relationship. Our challenge is to find a way to recognize a legally binding contractual relationship between two consenting adults of the same sex.”
Although Congressman Shays stops short of advocating for same-sex marriage, he has come a long way and realizes he doesn't have to defend his marriage or mine from anyone. Hopefully more folks on his side of the isle will invest enough of themselves in considering the issues like the congressman did. If so, it seems inevitable that they will reach a similar conclusion.
Thanks to gay news blog for the tip.
Calgary Church "Comes Out"
In a post I wrote yesterday titled, "Where Should GLBT Christians Go To Worship," the author of the article I linked to made the statement that churches seldom issued "engraved invitations" to GLBT people to come and visit their church. Oddly enough, thanks to PageOneQ, I ran across a story where a church in Calgary, Canada is practically doing just that.
Knox United, one of Calgary's oldest religious institutions, has opened its doors to the city's gay community.
The church will hold a special service Sunday (actually last Sunday) marking its decision to become an "affirming ministry."
Don Smith, chairman of Knox's affirming committee, said the decision to welcome the gay community was approved by a 98 per cent majority at a membership meeting in February.
"We decided this was something we needed to do for our soul," Smith said. "We're naming who we are."
About 80 to 120 people of Knox United's membership of about 800 are gay or lesbian, according to the church.
After moving to Calgary from Toronto, Marlene Hielema said she spent years searching for a supportive spiritual home before discovering Knox United.
This ceremony means a lot to me. It's one thing to have an understated acceptance, but quite another to come out publicly and say, 'This is where we stand,' " Hielema said.
Hielema said it's been harder coming out to the gay community that she is a Christian than being a lesbian within the Knox United congregation.
"A lot of gay people have really been emotionally wounded by organized religion," she said.
"There's been this constant feedback that how you live is wrong, it's a sin, you're excommunicated ... you name it."
God bless these enlightened folks up north. Congratulations for being strong in who you are and how you are led to worship God.
Knox United, one of Calgary's oldest religious institutions, has opened its doors to the city's gay community.
The church will hold a special service Sunday (actually last Sunday) marking its decision to become an "affirming ministry."
Don Smith, chairman of Knox's affirming committee, said the decision to welcome the gay community was approved by a 98 per cent majority at a membership meeting in February.
"We decided this was something we needed to do for our soul," Smith said. "We're naming who we are."
About 80 to 120 people of Knox United's membership of about 800 are gay or lesbian, according to the church.
After moving to Calgary from Toronto, Marlene Hielema said she spent years searching for a supportive spiritual home before discovering Knox United.
This ceremony means a lot to me. It's one thing to have an understated acceptance, but quite another to come out publicly and say, 'This is where we stand,' " Hielema said.
Hielema said it's been harder coming out to the gay community that she is a Christian than being a lesbian within the Knox United congregation.
"A lot of gay people have really been emotionally wounded by organized religion," she said.
"There's been this constant feedback that how you live is wrong, it's a sin, you're excommunicated ... you name it."
God bless these enlightened folks up north. Congratulations for being strong in who you are and how you are led to worship God.
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