History was made last night with the election of Barrack Obama, who will become the first African-American president of the United States.
As I scanned the various networks subsequent to Obama surpassing the magic number of 270 electoral votes, I saw several instances of African-American journalists, often with great emotion, proclaiming how this was validation of the idea that anything was possible in this country. Lest that be confined to the alleged media bias to the left, even conservative pundit William Bennett chimed in with that sentiment during CNN’s coverage. This monumental event has filled many Americans with a desperately needed injection of hope.
The optimism of unlimited possibilities was denied to members of the LGBT community, however, as discrimination against them was voted into the constitutions of Florida and Arizona and probably California. Residents of these states join those in 27 others that have adopted similar bans against same-sex marriage in recent years.
For most LGBT Americans, possibilities are indeed limited. They are still lesser citizens, required to share equal tax burdens with their straight countrymen but not equal rights. Depending on where one lives, LGBT people still have no rights to legally marry, share property, visit sick partners in hospitals, adopt children, or protection from being fired from their jobs because of their sexual orientation.
Despite this current reality, however, there is still hope.
Back in April of 1968, I was a young boy living with my parents just across the border of the District of Columbia in a Maryland suburb. We were close enough to ground zero of the riots that broke out following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that a vacant house directly behind us was burned to the ground, nearly taking ours with it. Neighbors pitched in to help water down our garage and save our home, then took turns patrolling the streets holding loaded shotguns to protect their loved ones from more violence.
If someone had told me then that we would have an African-American president elected in my lifetime, well, even to a nine-year old that would have seemed pretty far-fetched.
It just so happens, though, that I am still alive and, God willing, will see Barrack Obama inaugurated as our 44th president in January.
Things often don’t change as quickly as we think they should, but they do eventually change for the better. God is good, and good always wins out over evil in the long run. Jesus was quoted in John 16:33 (NIV):
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."
Freedom will prevail over discrimination because the Lord wants us to be free, and he has already prevailed. There will be a time when LGBT people will claim victory and obtain their rightful, equal, place in American society. Sadly, it may be too late for some of those currently fighting the good fight, but their efforts will not be in vain, just like Dr. King’s life and actions helped pave the way for President Obama.
I therefore encourage my LGBT brothers and sisters to claim the promise of victory from our Lord and the hope that goes along with it as the struggle for equality continues.
November 05, 2008
November 04, 2008
What Are You Afraid Of?
For those of you who will vote tomororow in states that are considering constitutional amendments that would prohibit same-sex marriage (especially Proposition 8 in California and Proposition 2 in Florida), I ask you onto consider one important question as you cast your ballot:
What are you afraid of?
How does the prospect of same-sex couples receiving the full legal rights of marriage change anyone else's life?
How does the right for same-sex couples to transfer property and visit each other in the hospital just like traditional married couples hurt you?
How does the fact that Bill and Tom can marry hurt Joe and Jane's marriage?
How does Sue and Sally's legal right to marry threaten to increase the divorce rate which usually hovers around 50%.
I believe that if the right of same-sex couples is a threat to your marriage, that is more of a reflection on the health of your relationship than it is an indictment of anyone else.
I believe that the notion of homosexuality being sinful, even in committed relationships, says more about your lack of understanding of the power of God's love than it does any sinful behavior on their part.
Are you afraid of being wrong, that what you've been taught all your life was a mistake, perhaps even an intentional life?
It's never too late to correct that.
Casting a vote for equality in marriage would be a good step in that direction.
What are you afraid of?
How does the prospect of same-sex couples receiving the full legal rights of marriage change anyone else's life?
How does the right for same-sex couples to transfer property and visit each other in the hospital just like traditional married couples hurt you?
How does the fact that Bill and Tom can marry hurt Joe and Jane's marriage?
How does Sue and Sally's legal right to marry threaten to increase the divorce rate which usually hovers around 50%.
I believe that if the right of same-sex couples is a threat to your marriage, that is more of a reflection on the health of your relationship than it is an indictment of anyone else.
I believe that the notion of homosexuality being sinful, even in committed relationships, says more about your lack of understanding of the power of God's love than it does any sinful behavior on their part.
Are you afraid of being wrong, that what you've been taught all your life was a mistake, perhaps even an intentional life?
It's never too late to correct that.
Casting a vote for equality in marriage would be a good step in that direction.
November 03, 2008
An Open Letter To Pastor Rick Warren
I have to start out this post by saying that I have a lot of respect for Rick Warren. I feel he has brought some fresh ideas to ministry that are bringing more people to the Lord. That being said, I felt compelled to write him after receiving the following email from his church...
"For 5,000 years, EVERY culture and EVERY religion - not just Christianity - has defined marriage as a contract between men and women. There is no reason to change the universal, historical definition of marriage to appease 2% of our population. This is one issue that both Democrats and Republicans can agree on. Both Barack Obama and John McCain have publicly opposed the redefinition of marriage to include so-called "gay marriage." Even some gay leaders, like Al Rantel of KABC oppose watering down the definition of marriage. Of course, my long-time opposition is well known. This is not a political issue, it is a moral issue that God has spoken clearly about. There is no doubt where we should stand on this issue. This will be a close contest, maybe even decided by a few thousand votes. I urge you to VOTE YES on Proposition 8 - to preserve the biblical definition of marriage. Don't forget to vote!
Rick WarrenSaddleback ChurchPurpose Driven Network"
Now, since you've read what he had to say, I am sharing what I wrote back to him. I have yet to recieve a response and I'm not holding my breath. Smile.
"Pastor Warren,
I am writing to you today to ask you to rethink and pray about your decision to support Prop 8 in California. While I understand that many Christians can differ in their views of what the Bible says about homosexuality, I think you and I can both agree that Jesus would not discriminate against anyone.
You are right when you say that marriage is the ideal that has been held up for thousands of years for men and women. You are right to say that marriage is a biblical concept that should be protected. What I feel you are wrong about is saying that the state should mandate who is allowed to legally marry and who is not able to legally marry.
As a Christian, who is also a lesbian in a 15-year relationship with my partner, I feel very strongly about this issue. Without legal protection for my relationship, I cannot visit my partner in the hospital, make any medical decisions if she is incapacitated, decide where she will be buried if she dies before me, put her on my health insurance, and so on.
From what I've seen of you and your ministry, you seem like a person who is compassionate and wants to act like Jesus did, regardless of what others may think of you. I'm asking you now to do what Jesus would do. I'm asking you to prayerfully consider why you are telling people to support Prop 8. Is it because you truly believe that "traditional marriage" is under attack? I still fail to understand how having my relationship protected, as yours already is, would hurt your relationship. Traditional marriage will always be the ideal and will always be what the majority seek, so why is it that marriage for people like me is so threatening?
The last thing I want to address is the fact that many Christians seem to think that marriage is a religious institution that shouldn't be messed with in the legal arena. What I would like to submit is that marriage is a legal institution that has a religious component. It's a contract between two people. Whether your church chooses to recognize same sex marriage is your business. I would ever ask the government to force your church to perform my wedding ceremony! However, I don't understand why churches such as yours feel that you need to impose your beliefs about marriage on the rest of us in the secular realm.
Please, Pastor Warren, ask yourself if this is really what God would want you to do. Social issues are sticky, to be sure, but the Lord never said life was easy, did He? God bless you."
Sharone
"For 5,000 years, EVERY culture and EVERY religion - not just Christianity - has defined marriage as a contract between men and women. There is no reason to change the universal, historical definition of marriage to appease 2% of our population. This is one issue that both Democrats and Republicans can agree on. Both Barack Obama and John McCain have publicly opposed the redefinition of marriage to include so-called "gay marriage." Even some gay leaders, like Al Rantel of KABC oppose watering down the definition of marriage. Of course, my long-time opposition is well known. This is not a political issue, it is a moral issue that God has spoken clearly about. There is no doubt where we should stand on this issue. This will be a close contest, maybe even decided by a few thousand votes. I urge you to VOTE YES on Proposition 8 - to preserve the biblical definition of marriage. Don't forget to vote!
Rick WarrenSaddleback ChurchPurpose Driven Network"
Now, since you've read what he had to say, I am sharing what I wrote back to him. I have yet to recieve a response and I'm not holding my breath. Smile.
"Pastor Warren,
I am writing to you today to ask you to rethink and pray about your decision to support Prop 8 in California. While I understand that many Christians can differ in their views of what the Bible says about homosexuality, I think you and I can both agree that Jesus would not discriminate against anyone.
You are right when you say that marriage is the ideal that has been held up for thousands of years for men and women. You are right to say that marriage is a biblical concept that should be protected. What I feel you are wrong about is saying that the state should mandate who is allowed to legally marry and who is not able to legally marry.
As a Christian, who is also a lesbian in a 15-year relationship with my partner, I feel very strongly about this issue. Without legal protection for my relationship, I cannot visit my partner in the hospital, make any medical decisions if she is incapacitated, decide where she will be buried if she dies before me, put her on my health insurance, and so on.
From what I've seen of you and your ministry, you seem like a person who is compassionate and wants to act like Jesus did, regardless of what others may think of you. I'm asking you now to do what Jesus would do. I'm asking you to prayerfully consider why you are telling people to support Prop 8. Is it because you truly believe that "traditional marriage" is under attack? I still fail to understand how having my relationship protected, as yours already is, would hurt your relationship. Traditional marriage will always be the ideal and will always be what the majority seek, so why is it that marriage for people like me is so threatening?
The last thing I want to address is the fact that many Christians seem to think that marriage is a religious institution that shouldn't be messed with in the legal arena. What I would like to submit is that marriage is a legal institution that has a religious component. It's a contract between two people. Whether your church chooses to recognize same sex marriage is your business. I would ever ask the government to force your church to perform my wedding ceremony! However, I don't understand why churches such as yours feel that you need to impose your beliefs about marriage on the rest of us in the secular realm.
Please, Pastor Warren, ask yourself if this is really what God would want you to do. Social issues are sticky, to be sure, but the Lord never said life was easy, did He? God bless you."
Sharone
November 02, 2008
Sheltering Kids From Reality
Dana Rudolph, the editor of Mombian, wrote an essay for 365gay.com addressing an issue related to to the campaign against Proposition 8 in California that addresses a critical reality that opponents of gay rights, particularly same-sex marriage, don't want to face:
The right-wing groups trying to revoke marriage equality in California have been making the fictitious claim that unless Proposition 8 passes, schools will be required to teach young children that marriage of same- and opposite-sex couples is equivalent–and that this is a bad thing.
They cite the state education codes that require teachers to instruct children about “respect for marriage and committed relationships” and “the legal and financial aspects and responsibilities of marriage and parenthood (Sections 51933 and 51890).”
As the No On 8 campaign points out, however, Prop 8 does not mention anything about education. Furthermore, California law gives parents the right to prohibit their children from being taught anything about health and family issues at school.
What needs to be emphasized in the back-and-forth on this issue, however, is that regardless of the curriculum, children will learn in schools about the marriage of same-sex couples, because the children of such couples are in schools.
Even during the tender years of preschool and kindergarten, our children, like all others, will talk about their families in class and drag their parents to school plays and soccer games.
See, even if same-sex couples do not have the legal right to marry, they will still exist. Tommy with two dads and Cindy with two moms will still be interacting with their classmates from more traditional families, and they won't think anything is strange about it at all.
That scares the crap out of those who approach LGBT people as second-class citizens and who want to make the case that God will condemn them to Hell. It's happening, though, and neither legislation, constitutional amendments, nor fire and brimstone bigotry from the pulpit seems likely to stop it.
Click here to read the rest of Dana Rudolph's essay.
The right-wing groups trying to revoke marriage equality in California have been making the fictitious claim that unless Proposition 8 passes, schools will be required to teach young children that marriage of same- and opposite-sex couples is equivalent–and that this is a bad thing.
They cite the state education codes that require teachers to instruct children about “respect for marriage and committed relationships” and “the legal and financial aspects and responsibilities of marriage and parenthood (Sections 51933 and 51890).”
As the No On 8 campaign points out, however, Prop 8 does not mention anything about education. Furthermore, California law gives parents the right to prohibit their children from being taught anything about health and family issues at school.
What needs to be emphasized in the back-and-forth on this issue, however, is that regardless of the curriculum, children will learn in schools about the marriage of same-sex couples, because the children of such couples are in schools.
Even during the tender years of preschool and kindergarten, our children, like all others, will talk about their families in class and drag their parents to school plays and soccer games.
See, even if same-sex couples do not have the legal right to marry, they will still exist. Tommy with two dads and Cindy with two moms will still be interacting with their classmates from more traditional families, and they won't think anything is strange about it at all.
That scares the crap out of those who approach LGBT people as second-class citizens and who want to make the case that God will condemn them to Hell. It's happening, though, and neither legislation, constitutional amendments, nor fire and brimstone bigotry from the pulpit seems likely to stop it.
Click here to read the rest of Dana Rudolph's essay.
October 31, 2008
Transgender Acceptance in Some Unexpected Places
One thing I've learned since getting involved with LGBT issues is that it is easier for people to discriminate against facesless groups of minorities than to look them in the eye, perhaps even knowing them personally, and act like a bigot. That is why I believe it is so critically important for more LGBT people to put themselves out there (I know, easy for me to say, but still true) and show people they are not abominations by the way they live their lives and participate in their communities and their churches.
I believe that idea is supported by a post on Bilerico:
According to a new article in The American Prospect, entitled Trans in the Red States, "when we think of states like Nebraska and Wyoming, we think of people like Brandon Teen and Matthew Sheppard, both killed in vicious, nationally publicized hate crimes," and yet, despite the difficulties of living in small, conservative towns similar to Humboldt, Nebraska and Laramie, Wyoming, transgender and gender non-conforming people have chosen to take more visible roles in their communities - volunteering for political campaigns, participating in their local faith communities and even transitioning on the job without negative repercussions. Being visible in rural communities raises awareness and educates community members on issues impacting the trans community; a highly effective strategy that has secured rights for many rural trans communities.
The article states that people in very small, largely conservative communities like Loveland, Colorado - population 61,000, 92 percent white and heavily evangelical Christian - have surprisingly been receptive to anti-bullying trainings on how to honor and protect students on the basis of gender identity and expression, arming faculty and staff with fact sheets that help them answer any inappropriate questions from students and/or parents about students perceived to be transgender or gender non-conforming as well as students perceived as lesbian, gay or bisexual.
Click here to read the rest of this encouraging story.
I believe that idea is supported by a post on Bilerico:
According to a new article in The American Prospect, entitled Trans in the Red States, "when we think of states like Nebraska and Wyoming, we think of people like Brandon Teen and Matthew Sheppard, both killed in vicious, nationally publicized hate crimes," and yet, despite the difficulties of living in small, conservative towns similar to Humboldt, Nebraska and Laramie, Wyoming, transgender and gender non-conforming people have chosen to take more visible roles in their communities - volunteering for political campaigns, participating in their local faith communities and even transitioning on the job without negative repercussions. Being visible in rural communities raises awareness and educates community members on issues impacting the trans community; a highly effective strategy that has secured rights for many rural trans communities.
The article states that people in very small, largely conservative communities like Loveland, Colorado - population 61,000, 92 percent white and heavily evangelical Christian - have surprisingly been receptive to anti-bullying trainings on how to honor and protect students on the basis of gender identity and expression, arming faculty and staff with fact sheets that help them answer any inappropriate questions from students and/or parents about students perceived to be transgender or gender non-conforming as well as students perceived as lesbian, gay or bisexual.
Click here to read the rest of this encouraging story.
October 29, 2008
Write to Marry Day
It is my pleaseure to be one of the many contributors to Write to Marry Day on the Mombian blog. Here is the announcement of it from Mombian (Dana Rudolph):
Please join bloggers around the country and around the world on Wednesday, October 29 to blog in support of marriage equality for same-sex couples and against California’s Proposition 8.
The event will give bloggers a chance to voice their opposition to Prop 8 and highlight what they may have already done, online or off, to stop the measure. The campaign will also educate California voters of the need to “go all the way” down the ballot to vote on the proposition.
Mike Rogers of PageOneQ approached me last week to ask if I’d organize a blog carnival like Blogging for LGBT Families Day, but this time to help generate awareness and action against Prop 8. I readily agreed, and here it is.
To participate, post on your own blog against Prop 8 on or before October 29, 2008, then submit the link to your post by completing the form below. Links to your own videos on YouTube or other video sites are also accepted.
Many of you have already done much to try and stop Prop 8 in California, donating and raising money, blogging, and talking with friends and family. Please share your efforts and post about them for Write to Marry Day, or submit a link to a previous post. This will help us create a comprehensive view of bloggers’ efforts to stop Prop 8.
I urge you to spread the word about this event as widely as possible, on both LGBT and mainstream sites. All bloggers who are against Prop 8 are welcome to contribute posts, regardless of where they live or whether they are LGBT or not.
As I post this, over 300 posts have been added. I encourage you to click on the link below and peruse the wide variety of stories--there is sure to be something that will pique your interest.
Write to Marry Day
Please join bloggers around the country and around the world on Wednesday, October 29 to blog in support of marriage equality for same-sex couples and against California’s Proposition 8.
The event will give bloggers a chance to voice their opposition to Prop 8 and highlight what they may have already done, online or off, to stop the measure. The campaign will also educate California voters of the need to “go all the way” down the ballot to vote on the proposition.
Mike Rogers of PageOneQ approached me last week to ask if I’d organize a blog carnival like Blogging for LGBT Families Day, but this time to help generate awareness and action against Prop 8. I readily agreed, and here it is.
To participate, post on your own blog against Prop 8 on or before October 29, 2008, then submit the link to your post by completing the form below. Links to your own videos on YouTube or other video sites are also accepted.
Many of you have already done much to try and stop Prop 8 in California, donating and raising money, blogging, and talking with friends and family. Please share your efforts and post about them for Write to Marry Day, or submit a link to a previous post. This will help us create a comprehensive view of bloggers’ efforts to stop Prop 8.
I urge you to spread the word about this event as widely as possible, on both LGBT and mainstream sites. All bloggers who are against Prop 8 are welcome to contribute posts, regardless of where they live or whether they are LGBT or not.
As I post this, over 300 posts have been added. I encourage you to click on the link below and peruse the wide variety of stories--there is sure to be something that will pique your interest.
Write to Marry Day
October 28, 2008
Is Marriage Equality A Barrier To Christ's Message?
Ex-Gay Watch has an article on a speech recently given by Alan Chambers, who is the leader of Exodus International. This group advocates the religious right's contention that being gay is something that you can change if you just pray hard enough. I know that's oversimplifying, but they really believe that attraction to the same sex can be changed because of coming to Christ!
Well, now Mr. Chambers has come out in this speech to a group of California's Prop 8 supporters saying that if marriage equality had been a reality when he was "in the gay lifestyle", it would have been harder for him to come to Christ! Wait a minute... So, where does that leave glbt Christians like me? Is he saying that God can't touch someone right where they are, no matter what is going on in the world? Wow. Has Mr. Chambers been reading the same Bible I have read? I don't think so. My Bible says that God is all-powerful.
Read more about it at:
http://www.exgaywatch.com/wp/2008/10/chambers-vote-against-marriage-equality-to-make-it-easier-for-ex-gays/#more-3078
What frustrates me about this speech is that Mr. Chambers makes it seem as though marriage equality will somehow lead to young gay and lesbian people turning their backs on God because, after all, being gay is inherently anti-God and anti-Christian. At least that is what he's implying. It's the old "gay agenda" argument rearing it's ugly head again. Groups like Exodus seem to feel that all glbt people are boozing, pill popping sexaholics who think of nobody but themselves and are out to recruit young children! They have decieved themselves into believing that it's not possible to be a Christian who is on fire for God and also be a glbt person. How sad for them. My life in the Lord is rich indeed and my love for my partner is strong and enduring. I have it good!
Too bad that Mr. Chambers is so unhappy with who he is that he tries to ruin it for the rest of us. I hope one day he realizes that God's love doesn't stop because we love someone of the same gender. God doesn't hate us for being gay. He loves us FOR who we are. He loves ALL of us. No strings attached. It's our job to love Him back. When will the ex-gay folks see that?!
Well, now Mr. Chambers has come out in this speech to a group of California's Prop 8 supporters saying that if marriage equality had been a reality when he was "in the gay lifestyle", it would have been harder for him to come to Christ! Wait a minute... So, where does that leave glbt Christians like me? Is he saying that God can't touch someone right where they are, no matter what is going on in the world? Wow. Has Mr. Chambers been reading the same Bible I have read? I don't think so. My Bible says that God is all-powerful.
Read more about it at:
http://www.exgaywatch.com/wp/2008/10/chambers-vote-against-marriage-equality-to-make-it-easier-for-ex-gays/#more-3078
What frustrates me about this speech is that Mr. Chambers makes it seem as though marriage equality will somehow lead to young gay and lesbian people turning their backs on God because, after all, being gay is inherently anti-God and anti-Christian. At least that is what he's implying. It's the old "gay agenda" argument rearing it's ugly head again. Groups like Exodus seem to feel that all glbt people are boozing, pill popping sexaholics who think of nobody but themselves and are out to recruit young children! They have decieved themselves into believing that it's not possible to be a Christian who is on fire for God and also be a glbt person. How sad for them. My life in the Lord is rich indeed and my love for my partner is strong and enduring. I have it good!
Too bad that Mr. Chambers is so unhappy with who he is that he tries to ruin it for the rest of us. I hope one day he realizes that God's love doesn't stop because we love someone of the same gender. God doesn't hate us for being gay. He loves us FOR who we are. He loves ALL of us. No strings attached. It's our job to love Him back. When will the ex-gay folks see that?!
October 27, 2008
"Doom and Gloom" Is Not Christian
I'm happy to announce that I will be a regular contributor to Gay Agenda, "a gay focused news source concerned with cutting through the clutter of information online to bring you the interesting and important stories that affect the LGBT community."
Here is my first piece:
The Republican Party continues to use fear mongering as one of it’s prime tactics in this election cycle, and their affiliate, the Religious Right, remains a primary source.
One painfully obvious example of this is a recent letter produced by Focus on the Family Action, quoted in this MSNBC report, titled “Letter from 2012 Obama’s America.”
Click here to read the rest of the essay.
Here is my first piece:
The Republican Party continues to use fear mongering as one of it’s prime tactics in this election cycle, and their affiliate, the Religious Right, remains a primary source.
One painfully obvious example of this is a recent letter produced by Focus on the Family Action, quoted in this MSNBC report, titled “Letter from 2012 Obama’s America.”
Click here to read the rest of the essay.
October 24, 2008
We Don't Have to Understand
When I first became actively involved in the LGBT community nearly four years ago, I knew there was a lot about them and their issues I did not understand. Thanks to my making the effort to observe and ask LOTS of questions and the time and compassion of others to thoughtlyfully and sincerely answer them, I understand much more than I did then.
One important concept I have also learned is that I don't HAVE to understanding everything that is going on with someone to love them and accept them fast who they are. The story of Los Angeles Times sportswriter Mike Penner is one of those situations.
I covered this story when it first went public early last year--Penner was transitioning into Christine Daniels, who was still going to cover sports for the Times and additionally blogging about the transition process.
According to this post on the Trans Group Blog (hat tip to PageOneQ), the blog has been taken down because Christine has decided to reverse the process (which was still far from complete) and has returned to work and live as Mike.
The news has been a bit of a shock to the transgender communities, even if Penner is far from the first person to de-transition. It's left me feeling a variety of things -- mostly sorrow. I'm sorrowful that I'm sure Penner's de-transition will be misused by Christianist fundies to argue in favor of discriminating against trans people. But mostly I'm sorrowful for Penner. In interviews and her blog posts, Daniels seemed so happy and full of hope -- maybe a little naively -- about her future. Whatever has transpired over the past 18 months, Penner must have become pretty miserable to have reached the point of deciding to go back, and even if he has no regrets about doing so, I'm sure he's still hurting at the moment.
If deciding to transition is one of the hardest decisions someone makes in their life, deciding to de-transition is arguably even harder. But the point of "real life experience" as it's known is precisely to find out whether living as a different gender is something you want to to do for the rest of your life. Sometimes you only figure things out by trying them. People make life-altering decisions in all sorts of ways. People get married, get divorced, take jobs and quit them, they move cross-country. Sometimes it's a bad decision, sometimes it's a bad decision that others can see but the person involved can't, sometimes it's what seemed like a good idea at the time, sometimes it's was a good decision that had unexpected consequences.
Why do people de-transition? Sometimes male-to-female transitioners can have unrealistic expectations about what life is going to be like as a woman, the sexism they have to live with -- in addition to the homophobia they can also encounter if their attraction to women means they go from being seen as straight men to being seen as lesbians. Needless to say the sports world probably wasn't friendliest place for MTF transitioner. Sometimes trans men discovered that while becoming men bring privilege it also brings burdens they'd never imagined. Likewise, they can under-estimate the hostility they encounter from some lesbians who angrily denounce them for switching teams. Likewise, sometimes people get stuck in being seen as trans woman not women (or trans men, not men). All of which can be too painful to handle. After all the point of transitioning is usually to make life easier, not more difficult.
Honestly, I don't get it.
The good news is, I don't have to, and neither do you. I hope Lena, the writer of this post, is wrong with her expectation of right-wing fundamentalists using this as propaganda against other transgenders, but I suspect she is right on.
That is not acting with the heart of Christ.
When Jesus told us several times to "love our brother as ourselves" He didn't add qualifiers like "if he is just like you" or "if he shares the same faith you do" or if you understand his sexuality.
We are simply supposed to love. I've never met Mike Penner, but I freely offer him the love of Christ because Jesus instructed us to do so. If you don't get that, let me know and I can help you understand what having the heart of Christ is truly all about.
One important concept I have also learned is that I don't HAVE to understanding everything that is going on with someone to love them and accept them fast who they are. The story of Los Angeles Times sportswriter Mike Penner is one of those situations.
I covered this story when it first went public early last year--Penner was transitioning into Christine Daniels, who was still going to cover sports for the Times and additionally blogging about the transition process.
According to this post on the Trans Group Blog (hat tip to PageOneQ), the blog has been taken down because Christine has decided to reverse the process (which was still far from complete) and has returned to work and live as Mike.
The news has been a bit of a shock to the transgender communities, even if Penner is far from the first person to de-transition. It's left me feeling a variety of things -- mostly sorrow. I'm sorrowful that I'm sure Penner's de-transition will be misused by Christianist fundies to argue in favor of discriminating against trans people. But mostly I'm sorrowful for Penner. In interviews and her blog posts, Daniels seemed so happy and full of hope -- maybe a little naively -- about her future. Whatever has transpired over the past 18 months, Penner must have become pretty miserable to have reached the point of deciding to go back, and even if he has no regrets about doing so, I'm sure he's still hurting at the moment.
If deciding to transition is one of the hardest decisions someone makes in their life, deciding to de-transition is arguably even harder. But the point of "real life experience" as it's known is precisely to find out whether living as a different gender is something you want to to do for the rest of your life. Sometimes you only figure things out by trying them. People make life-altering decisions in all sorts of ways. People get married, get divorced, take jobs and quit them, they move cross-country. Sometimes it's a bad decision, sometimes it's a bad decision that others can see but the person involved can't, sometimes it's what seemed like a good idea at the time, sometimes it's was a good decision that had unexpected consequences.
Why do people de-transition? Sometimes male-to-female transitioners can have unrealistic expectations about what life is going to be like as a woman, the sexism they have to live with -- in addition to the homophobia they can also encounter if their attraction to women means they go from being seen as straight men to being seen as lesbians. Needless to say the sports world probably wasn't friendliest place for MTF transitioner. Sometimes trans men discovered that while becoming men bring privilege it also brings burdens they'd never imagined. Likewise, they can under-estimate the hostility they encounter from some lesbians who angrily denounce them for switching teams. Likewise, sometimes people get stuck in being seen as trans woman not women (or trans men, not men). All of which can be too painful to handle. After all the point of transitioning is usually to make life easier, not more difficult.
Honestly, I don't get it.
The good news is, I don't have to, and neither do you. I hope Lena, the writer of this post, is wrong with her expectation of right-wing fundamentalists using this as propaganda against other transgenders, but I suspect she is right on.
That is not acting with the heart of Christ.
When Jesus told us several times to "love our brother as ourselves" He didn't add qualifiers like "if he is just like you" or "if he shares the same faith you do" or if you understand his sexuality.
We are simply supposed to love. I've never met Mike Penner, but I freely offer him the love of Christ because Jesus instructed us to do so. If you don't get that, let me know and I can help you understand what having the heart of Christ is truly all about.
October 22, 2008
What Are We Telling the Children?
Right-wing opponents of same-sex marriage, and other steps toward LGBT equality for that matter, often use their children as props--"We must protect our children" from the various sins that they perceive would be the result of legalizing these basic rights.
What are they REALLY telling their children?
This thoughtful column was written by a Los Aneles Times reporter who attended a "Project Marriage" rally that was beamed to 170 churches last Sunday night: (hat tip to PageOneQ)
This is more than a California ballot measure; it's part of a larger battle over rights, religion and culture.
And both sides understand the importance of public perception. That's why the first gay couples to publicly wed four years ago were non-threatening grandmotherly types. And why the battle to keep gays from marrying uses children as its standard bearer.
I could sense the emotional wrestling in the congregation Sunday night. I've felt it in conversations with friends and neighbors -- good-hearted folks, uncomfortable lining up behind such a restrictive measure but unwilling to sanction a cultural shift in the notion of marriage.
"I feel bad saying it, but it's just the way I was raised," one woman told me when I tried to interview her at Sunday's rally. "I don't want my children thinking gay marriage is normal. Because it goes against the Bible."
She feels strongly, she said. But she passed on the chance to take a yard sign or a flier. And she wouldn't give me her name. "I don't want anyone thinking I'm a bigot," she explained.
The reporter in me wanted to prod. What, exactly, is she trying to protect her children from? Being recruited by the "homosexual lobby"? Learning tolerance for alternative lifestyles? Rejection of their parents' values?
But the mother in me had a different thought, as I watched mothers cradling babies in the pews, and grade-schoolers scrambling around the church lobby.
I imagine that some of those little girls will grow up and make families with women, and some sons will fall in love with men.
I wonder what message are we really sending them now? And what will their parents tell them then?
Polls show that Proposition 8 is currently on track to passing, which would overrule recent the California Supreme Court ruling and post the discriminatory prohibition of same-sex marriage into the state's constitution.
Are Californian's really so insecure in their marriages that they feel threatend by the opportunity for same-sex couples to tie the know legally? Are they so blinded by right-wing rhetoric and blind adherance to tradition that they would allow this to happen? Is there such a widespread misunderstanding of the love of Christ that this hate and fear driven initiative would actually receive enough votes to pass?
Please join me in praying that it doesn't.....for the children's sake.
What are they REALLY telling their children?
This thoughtful column was written by a Los Aneles Times reporter who attended a "Project Marriage" rally that was beamed to 170 churches last Sunday night: (hat tip to PageOneQ)
This is more than a California ballot measure; it's part of a larger battle over rights, religion and culture.
And both sides understand the importance of public perception. That's why the first gay couples to publicly wed four years ago were non-threatening grandmotherly types. And why the battle to keep gays from marrying uses children as its standard bearer.
I could sense the emotional wrestling in the congregation Sunday night. I've felt it in conversations with friends and neighbors -- good-hearted folks, uncomfortable lining up behind such a restrictive measure but unwilling to sanction a cultural shift in the notion of marriage.
"I feel bad saying it, but it's just the way I was raised," one woman told me when I tried to interview her at Sunday's rally. "I don't want my children thinking gay marriage is normal. Because it goes against the Bible."
She feels strongly, she said. But she passed on the chance to take a yard sign or a flier. And she wouldn't give me her name. "I don't want anyone thinking I'm a bigot," she explained.
The reporter in me wanted to prod. What, exactly, is she trying to protect her children from? Being recruited by the "homosexual lobby"? Learning tolerance for alternative lifestyles? Rejection of their parents' values?
But the mother in me had a different thought, as I watched mothers cradling babies in the pews, and grade-schoolers scrambling around the church lobby.
I imagine that some of those little girls will grow up and make families with women, and some sons will fall in love with men.
I wonder what message are we really sending them now? And what will their parents tell them then?
Polls show that Proposition 8 is currently on track to passing, which would overrule recent the California Supreme Court ruling and post the discriminatory prohibition of same-sex marriage into the state's constitution.
Are Californian's really so insecure in their marriages that they feel threatend by the opportunity for same-sex couples to tie the know legally? Are they so blinded by right-wing rhetoric and blind adherance to tradition that they would allow this to happen? Is there such a widespread misunderstanding of the love of Christ that this hate and fear driven initiative would actually receive enough votes to pass?
Please join me in praying that it doesn't.....for the children's sake.
October 21, 2008
We're Back
When I posted on August 17 that Straight, Not Narrow was going on hiatus, I really did not expect to be picking up the mantle again, especially so soon, but apparently I just needed a break, not a long term separation from this blog.
I appreciate Sharone's contributions, which will continue. I also welcome other voices who want to join the discussion we have here. If you want to contribute a GLBT affirming post that is compatible with a Christian progressive viewpoint, I'd love to hear from you.
You probably won't see as many posts as we had before the hiatus, but I hope the quality will compensate. I had gotten away from much original writing here, and that's something I plan on changing going forward.
We'll be adding a couple of new features soon and continue to bring you news items concerning the fight for LGBT equality in society and the church.
I appreciate Sharone's contributions, which will continue. I also welcome other voices who want to join the discussion we have here. If you want to contribute a GLBT affirming post that is compatible with a Christian progressive viewpoint, I'd love to hear from you.
You probably won't see as many posts as we had before the hiatus, but I hope the quality will compensate. I had gotten away from much original writing here, and that's something I plan on changing going forward.
We'll be adding a couple of new features soon and continue to bring you news items concerning the fight for LGBT equality in society and the church.
Human Rights Should NOT Be Granted By the Whim of the Majority
If my legal rights to marry, adopt children and avoid discrimination at work were subject to a vote (the infamous "will of the people") every so often, I would be confident that they would be upheld because, as a straight man, those rights are agreed upon by a clear majority of the people. Even then, however, I would have to wonder what kind of justice is really being done if my basic rights were subject to a referendum.
I believe the answer is that it would not be true justice. Just look at when Jesus was crucified. Pontius Pilate, trying to wash his hands of making any decision, asked the mob outside which prisoner he should release, Jesus or Barabbas, a convicted murderer. The overwhelming majority of the crowd wanted Jesus crucified allowng Barabbas to go free.
Fortunately, that story had a happy ending DESPITE the will of the majority. LGBT people in most parts of the United States are not that fortunate, having to constantly fight for rights people like me take for granted. Those who oppose equality often cite "the will of the people." Even victories for equality are constantly challenged by right-wing zealots who just won't give up.
Unfortunately, the majority usually votes in its perceived self interest, which often includes insuring minorities don't enjoy the same legal rights or social status. Judges who see these miscarriages of justice and have the nerve to rule accordingly are scorned and labeled "activist judges" who "legislate from the bench."
Brenda and I strongly support full and completely equal rights for same-sex couples and oppose any and all efforts to codify discrimination in state constitutions.
Here is a piece written by Lisa Neff on 365gay.com who shares her frustration in watching basic human rights put up for a vote.
A search for progressive issues on ballots finds too few across the country — and the interests seem more with protecting domestic animals than people. There is a real possibility that in California, the vote will be to ban gays and lesbians from marrying and another vote will require a more humane treatment of pregnant pigs, calves and hens by mandating a minimum living space.
Please, don’t get me wrong — I support the animal rights matter, known as Proposition 2. I just wish I could count on more support for humane treatment of people.
I believe the answer is that it would not be true justice. Just look at when Jesus was crucified. Pontius Pilate, trying to wash his hands of making any decision, asked the mob outside which prisoner he should release, Jesus or Barabbas, a convicted murderer. The overwhelming majority of the crowd wanted Jesus crucified allowng Barabbas to go free.
Fortunately, that story had a happy ending DESPITE the will of the majority. LGBT people in most parts of the United States are not that fortunate, having to constantly fight for rights people like me take for granted. Those who oppose equality often cite "the will of the people." Even victories for equality are constantly challenged by right-wing zealots who just won't give up.
Unfortunately, the majority usually votes in its perceived self interest, which often includes insuring minorities don't enjoy the same legal rights or social status. Judges who see these miscarriages of justice and have the nerve to rule accordingly are scorned and labeled "activist judges" who "legislate from the bench."
Brenda and I strongly support full and completely equal rights for same-sex couples and oppose any and all efforts to codify discrimination in state constitutions.
Here is a piece written by Lisa Neff on 365gay.com who shares her frustration in watching basic human rights put up for a vote.
A search for progressive issues on ballots finds too few across the country — and the interests seem more with protecting domestic animals than people. There is a real possibility that in California, the vote will be to ban gays and lesbians from marrying and another vote will require a more humane treatment of pregnant pigs, calves and hens by mandating a minimum living space.
Please, don’t get me wrong — I support the animal rights matter, known as Proposition 2. I just wish I could count on more support for humane treatment of people.
October 04, 2008
O. J. Simpson...the new verdict
Erica and I watched CNN last night and saw that the jury in the latest O. J. Simpson trial was still deliberating. My first thought was, "Not again!". I was so hoping that he would get a guilty verdict this time.
When the first trail happened in the 90's, Erica and I watched it with almost a morbid curiosity from the slow car chase in L. A. to the not-guilty verdict. I think we all did. I admit that I really felt he was guilty and was frustrated when he was able to go home to his family. I felt he was treated differently as some sort of reverse discrimination ploy to right the wrong of so many black men who had gone to prison for crimes they hadn't committed in the past.
As someone who's older and wiser, hopefully, I was surprised at my own fleshly reaction to the guilty verdict in this trial. I was, at first, gleeful. It was kind of like, "He's going to get his now. Justice served!".
However, as someone who has learned a lot about forgiveness in the last few years, I stopped and checked myself. This man is still a human being. Whether he is guilty of murder or not is debated. Whether he is guilty of kidnapping and armed robbery could also be debated. One thing is clear... Jesus would forgive him. Jesus would see past the crimes he has committed, or been accused of. He would tell O. J. Simpson, as he told the woman caught in adultery in the Bible, "Go and sin no more.".
Are there consequences for our actions? Of course! However, it's not my mission in life to judge this man, as much as I'd love to do so. My job as a Christian is to love him and forgive him. He is most certainly headed for prison. Consequences are harsh. There are those in Christian circles who would say that God is punishing him. I don't believe that prison is God's punishment. I believe that God allows consequences for our actions, but that jail is man's punishment.
We live in an exciting time. We are beyond the cross, and that means we are deserving of punishment, but Jesus paid the ultimate price so that we wouldn't have to be punished anymore.
My hope is that O. J. Simpson will accept the gift that Christ offers and that he will know this truth someday. Until that time, I will try to follow Jesus' example and humbly forgive those who have done wrong. If I don't forgive, how can I truly understand the great forgiveness that I have been given? How can I ask God to forgive me?
When the first trail happened in the 90's, Erica and I watched it with almost a morbid curiosity from the slow car chase in L. A. to the not-guilty verdict. I think we all did. I admit that I really felt he was guilty and was frustrated when he was able to go home to his family. I felt he was treated differently as some sort of reverse discrimination ploy to right the wrong of so many black men who had gone to prison for crimes they hadn't committed in the past.
As someone who's older and wiser, hopefully, I was surprised at my own fleshly reaction to the guilty verdict in this trial. I was, at first, gleeful. It was kind of like, "He's going to get his now. Justice served!".
However, as someone who has learned a lot about forgiveness in the last few years, I stopped and checked myself. This man is still a human being. Whether he is guilty of murder or not is debated. Whether he is guilty of kidnapping and armed robbery could also be debated. One thing is clear... Jesus would forgive him. Jesus would see past the crimes he has committed, or been accused of. He would tell O. J. Simpson, as he told the woman caught in adultery in the Bible, "Go and sin no more.".
Are there consequences for our actions? Of course! However, it's not my mission in life to judge this man, as much as I'd love to do so. My job as a Christian is to love him and forgive him. He is most certainly headed for prison. Consequences are harsh. There are those in Christian circles who would say that God is punishing him. I don't believe that prison is God's punishment. I believe that God allows consequences for our actions, but that jail is man's punishment.
We live in an exciting time. We are beyond the cross, and that means we are deserving of punishment, but Jesus paid the ultimate price so that we wouldn't have to be punished anymore.
My hope is that O. J. Simpson will accept the gift that Christ offers and that he will know this truth someday. Until that time, I will try to follow Jesus' example and humbly forgive those who have done wrong. If I don't forgive, how can I truly understand the great forgiveness that I have been given? How can I ask God to forgive me?
September 20, 2008
Jesus called...He wants His religion back!
As the election draws near, I have been really growing more and more frustrated with the fact that the so-called religious right have hijacked Christianity and are doing it a disservice.
In the Bible, Jesus said to love your enemies. The Bible also says that we should be harmless as doves and wise as serpents. Does this sound like Sarah Palin, John McCain, James Dobson, or any of the miriad other religious right leaders?? Not a one.
Case in point: John McCain is constantly saying that Obama will raise taxes and talks about how awful that is. Well, Jesus said to render to Ceasar (or the government) what is Ceasar's and to God what is God's. Sounds like God isn't against taxes as long as we tithe first. By the way, Obama's plan would only raise taxes on anyone making $250,000 or more a year. That is only 5% of Americans. Just so you know.
Also, on the issue of Sarah Palin... Palin has apparently energized the base of the Republican party, which are conservatives. Palin seems to want to make it known all across our land that Christians are for outlawing abortion in the case of rape or incest. She also, as mayor of her small town in Alaska, advocated for a law that required women who were rape victims to pay for their rape kits! Governor Palin believes that global warming isn't caused by pollution, but is just natural. She is under investigation for trying to abuse her power as governor to get her brother-in-law fired. I could go on and on.
What really infuriates me is the fact that Sarah Palin has become a "poster child" for Christianity to a lot of Americans who are not Christians. Therefore, they are liable to think that most, or all, Christians are like her and believe as she does. It reflects on all of us! Why have the religious right allowed this to go on? Because they truly believe that having her in office would be better, with all of her flaws and total lack of experience, than to have Barack Obama in office. This is not because of his or her policies. It's because of religious bigotry. It's also because we, as Christians, have been told over the years that we need to "take back this Country for God". Somehow, we've gotten the idea that our government needs to be inherently and overtly Christian or we're not doing what God wants.
When did we decide that God wanted us to force people to accept Jesus as their Savior?! Did God ever say that? Not in my Bible! Our government is here for civil laws and to make sure our country is run by the people and for the people. It's not so that God can exercise His power over the people. He already has the power He needs. He has it all! So, it would seem that Christians who want to control the government for God are really the ones who want power.
I'm tired of being told what I, as a Christian, am supposed to think or support. Long ago, I decided that what I had always known Christianity to be wasn't that at all. Being gay didn't mean I couldn't be a Christian. Now, I'm seeing more and more that being a Christian is what God says it is. I won't go back to listening to so-called Christian leaders and not questioning them in light of the Word of God. Everything should go through that filter. Sarah Palin doesn't pass that test, I'm afraid. Unfortunately, not many Christian leaders do either.
So, I've come to understand that I need to call people on their stuff when they go against the Word. When someone tells me that God hates fags, I'm going to look them in the face and say, "God doesn't hate anyone!". When they tell me that voting Republican is the only way God would have us vote, I'm going to say, "God isn't a Republican...He's an Independent!". I will no longer be silent in the face of my religion being hijacked.
Thanks for reading.
Sharone
In the Bible, Jesus said to love your enemies. The Bible also says that we should be harmless as doves and wise as serpents. Does this sound like Sarah Palin, John McCain, James Dobson, or any of the miriad other religious right leaders?? Not a one.
Case in point: John McCain is constantly saying that Obama will raise taxes and talks about how awful that is. Well, Jesus said to render to Ceasar (or the government) what is Ceasar's and to God what is God's. Sounds like God isn't against taxes as long as we tithe first. By the way, Obama's plan would only raise taxes on anyone making $250,000 or more a year. That is only 5% of Americans. Just so you know.
Also, on the issue of Sarah Palin... Palin has apparently energized the base of the Republican party, which are conservatives. Palin seems to want to make it known all across our land that Christians are for outlawing abortion in the case of rape or incest. She also, as mayor of her small town in Alaska, advocated for a law that required women who were rape victims to pay for their rape kits! Governor Palin believes that global warming isn't caused by pollution, but is just natural. She is under investigation for trying to abuse her power as governor to get her brother-in-law fired. I could go on and on.
What really infuriates me is the fact that Sarah Palin has become a "poster child" for Christianity to a lot of Americans who are not Christians. Therefore, they are liable to think that most, or all, Christians are like her and believe as she does. It reflects on all of us! Why have the religious right allowed this to go on? Because they truly believe that having her in office would be better, with all of her flaws and total lack of experience, than to have Barack Obama in office. This is not because of his or her policies. It's because of religious bigotry. It's also because we, as Christians, have been told over the years that we need to "take back this Country for God". Somehow, we've gotten the idea that our government needs to be inherently and overtly Christian or we're not doing what God wants.
When did we decide that God wanted us to force people to accept Jesus as their Savior?! Did God ever say that? Not in my Bible! Our government is here for civil laws and to make sure our country is run by the people and for the people. It's not so that God can exercise His power over the people. He already has the power He needs. He has it all! So, it would seem that Christians who want to control the government for God are really the ones who want power.
I'm tired of being told what I, as a Christian, am supposed to think or support. Long ago, I decided that what I had always known Christianity to be wasn't that at all. Being gay didn't mean I couldn't be a Christian. Now, I'm seeing more and more that being a Christian is what God says it is. I won't go back to listening to so-called Christian leaders and not questioning them in light of the Word of God. Everything should go through that filter. Sarah Palin doesn't pass that test, I'm afraid. Unfortunately, not many Christian leaders do either.
So, I've come to understand that I need to call people on their stuff when they go against the Word. When someone tells me that God hates fags, I'm going to look them in the face and say, "God doesn't hate anyone!". When they tell me that voting Republican is the only way God would have us vote, I'm going to say, "God isn't a Republican...He's an Independent!". I will no longer be silent in the face of my religion being hijacked.
Thanks for reading.
Sharone
September 08, 2008
Alternate Universe?
I hope you all will indulge me, but I just have to get this off my chest…
I feel like I’m living in the twilight zone with this election cycle! I mean first John McCain and his campaign criticize Barack Obama for having no experience. Then he picks Sarah Palin for his VP and she has less experience than Obama! They contend that Sarah has "executive experience" because she was mayor of a town of less than 10,000 people and has been governor of Alaska for less than 2 years. Huh? Are you kidding me? John McCain has actually said that she has foreign policy experience because Alaska is so close to Russia! I don't believe this is happening. Has he lost what was left of his mind?
Second, Sarah Palin cut funding in her state for things like aid to teenage mothers and families with special needs children and then we find that her teenage daughter is pregnant and Palin also has a down syndrome baby. I’m not even mentioning that Palin opposes sex education in the schools, unless it’s abstinence only education. How did that work for her, personally??
Also, Sarah Palin tried to fire the town librarian when she was mayor because the librarian refused to get rid of books that Palin deemed "objectionable". Book burning, anyone? Heard of freedom of speech, Sarah?
Let’s see what else there is to know about Governor Sarah Palin. Oh, she also said in her acceptance speech that she opposed the so-called "bridge to nowhere" in Alaska. However, she is on record as having supported the bridge until she was named VP pick. That’s convenient.
Sarah Palin has become an overnight sensation with the media. I haven’t heard any criticism of her from anywhere except progressive talk shows! Where are the journalists? Now, the McCain campaign has said that Palin won’t be doing interviews until the press give her respect. What is that supposed to mean? So, should Obama say the same thing? They certainly have been on his butt for months now!
I fail to understand how someone who believes abortion should be outlawed, even in cases of rape and incest and also is a card carrying member of the NRA could possibly help the McCain campaign win, but the polls are telling a different story. The latest is the McCain is up 10 points! How the heck is that possible?! (Note: I am pro-life when it comes to abortion, but I have never advocated forcing women who have been a victim of rape or incest to have their babies.)
You can’t see me, but I’m shaking my head. What is going on here? By the way, Palin’s church has a ministry that tries to change sexual orientation, so she seems to be wrong on just about every issue there is. She also said, as recent as a month ago, that she had no idea what the Vice President of the U. S. does!! Again, am I living in the twilight zone? Please tell me that this woman isn’t going to be one heartbeat away from the Presidency!
I pray that all of this is just the newness of Sarah Palin and that, in the next 57 days, Americans will come to realize that not only should John McCain not get into the white house, but certainly Sarah Palin has no place there.
Stepping off the soapbox now. Love you all.
Sharone
I feel like I’m living in the twilight zone with this election cycle! I mean first John McCain and his campaign criticize Barack Obama for having no experience. Then he picks Sarah Palin for his VP and she has less experience than Obama! They contend that Sarah has "executive experience" because she was mayor of a town of less than 10,000 people and has been governor of Alaska for less than 2 years. Huh? Are you kidding me? John McCain has actually said that she has foreign policy experience because Alaska is so close to Russia! I don't believe this is happening. Has he lost what was left of his mind?
Second, Sarah Palin cut funding in her state for things like aid to teenage mothers and families with special needs children and then we find that her teenage daughter is pregnant and Palin also has a down syndrome baby. I’m not even mentioning that Palin opposes sex education in the schools, unless it’s abstinence only education. How did that work for her, personally??
Also, Sarah Palin tried to fire the town librarian when she was mayor because the librarian refused to get rid of books that Palin deemed "objectionable". Book burning, anyone? Heard of freedom of speech, Sarah?
Let’s see what else there is to know about Governor Sarah Palin. Oh, she also said in her acceptance speech that she opposed the so-called "bridge to nowhere" in Alaska. However, she is on record as having supported the bridge until she was named VP pick. That’s convenient.
Sarah Palin has become an overnight sensation with the media. I haven’t heard any criticism of her from anywhere except progressive talk shows! Where are the journalists? Now, the McCain campaign has said that Palin won’t be doing interviews until the press give her respect. What is that supposed to mean? So, should Obama say the same thing? They certainly have been on his butt for months now!
I fail to understand how someone who believes abortion should be outlawed, even in cases of rape and incest and also is a card carrying member of the NRA could possibly help the McCain campaign win, but the polls are telling a different story. The latest is the McCain is up 10 points! How the heck is that possible?! (Note: I am pro-life when it comes to abortion, but I have never advocated forcing women who have been a victim of rape or incest to have their babies.)
You can’t see me, but I’m shaking my head. What is going on here? By the way, Palin’s church has a ministry that tries to change sexual orientation, so she seems to be wrong on just about every issue there is. She also said, as recent as a month ago, that she had no idea what the Vice President of the U. S. does!! Again, am I living in the twilight zone? Please tell me that this woman isn’t going to be one heartbeat away from the Presidency!
I pray that all of this is just the newness of Sarah Palin and that, in the next 57 days, Americans will come to realize that not only should John McCain not get into the white house, but certainly Sarah Palin has no place there.
Stepping off the soapbox now. Love you all.
Sharone
August 17, 2008
Going on Hiatus
When I started this blog in June, 2005, I had no idea what to expect. It never occurred to me that people in 152 nations would read it. I didn't know so many people would comment and e-mail me to let me know that this little corner of the blogosphere made a difference in their lives. It has been a challenge I'm glad I accepted and a blessing beyond anything I could have ever expected.
It is time, however, for me to move in a different direction. I have been hearing that message from the Lord for several weeks and have finally decided to submit to it. I am being led into a new season where I will focus on studying the Word and moving into a full-fledged Pastor role in my church. I will continue to work to bring the Good News of Jesus to ALL God's people, especially those GLBT people who have been pushed away by the church.
The Lord wants me to move away from the computer and spend more time reaching out to people. He wants me to spend less time networking through e-mail and more time with my head and heart in the Bible building a stronger foundation in His Word so I can better serve Him as a leader in ministry.
I will keep this blog up so the resources I have accumulated are still available. I will also be contributing to the ministry of our Believers Covenant Fellowship website when our current revamp is launched in a few weeks.
Sharone will probably post an occasional update, but I will miss this part of my ministry work. Thanks to those of you who have supported me with your words and your prayers.
If you're going to be in the Washington, DC area and want to visit our ministry, please drop me a line and let me know.
Until our paths cross again, either in person or on the Internet in some form down the road, may God richly bless your life like he has mine.
Jim Johnson
It is time, however, for me to move in a different direction. I have been hearing that message from the Lord for several weeks and have finally decided to submit to it. I am being led into a new season where I will focus on studying the Word and moving into a full-fledged Pastor role in my church. I will continue to work to bring the Good News of Jesus to ALL God's people, especially those GLBT people who have been pushed away by the church.
The Lord wants me to move away from the computer and spend more time reaching out to people. He wants me to spend less time networking through e-mail and more time with my head and heart in the Bible building a stronger foundation in His Word so I can better serve Him as a leader in ministry.
I will keep this blog up so the resources I have accumulated are still available. I will also be contributing to the ministry of our Believers Covenant Fellowship website when our current revamp is launched in a few weeks.
Sharone will probably post an occasional update, but I will miss this part of my ministry work. Thanks to those of you who have supported me with your words and your prayers.
If you're going to be in the Washington, DC area and want to visit our ministry, please drop me a line and let me know.
Until our paths cross again, either in person or on the Internet in some form down the road, may God richly bless your life like he has mine.
Jim Johnson
August 15, 2008
MySpace Friend of the Day: Elder Sue Love of Oasis Fellowship Ministries
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=361543971&MyToken=53187eac-b8a2-4d69-ab86-8ea5c3cd94aa
Elder Sue Love is a native of Belleville, Illinois where she was raised by loving and nurturing parents who pastored a United Pentecostal Church. She received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the age of 12 and began playing the organ for her father’s church at the age of 13. She was formerly educated in the public school system of Belleville, IL.
Elder Sue continued her ministerial training and music education at Jackson College of Ministries in Jackson, MS. under the tutelage of Lanny Wolfe, song writer of such songs as “More Than Wonderful”, “Surely The Presence Of The Lord Is In This Place” and many others. She received her Bachelors of Arts from Southern Illinois University.
Elder Sue began her professional career as Minister of Music at the age of 20. Her first position was at Radio Tabernacle in Herrin, IL in 1977. In 1980 she became the Director of Music for Kent Christian College in Dover, DE where she managed a staff of ten with a student body of approximately 125. In 1983 she relocated to Apopka, Florida to become the Minister of Music for the Pentecostals of Apopka. There she served for ten years. Since that time Elder Sue has served as Minister of Music for New Covenant Baptist Church of Orlando and Greater New Hope, both located in Orlando, Florida.
In addition to serving as Minister of Music, Elder Sue formed Keynote, Inc. in 1991. It is through this corporation that she has introduced into private Christian schools the concept of bringing private piano lessons into the academic day. The idea has since caught on, as most private Christian schools desire to offer their students extracurricular opportunities geared toward the arts.
In June of 2003 Elder Sue and her life partner Pastor Brei Taylor became members of Potter’s House Fellowship, an open and affirming ministry in Tampa, Florida. It was then that her ministry took on a new dimension as she began to minister for the first time in “Spirit and in truth” by walking out her call as the unique individual God has truly purposed her to be. After more than two years of faithful service at Potter’s House, Elder Sue and Pastor Brei were appointed by God to begin a work in Orlando, Florida. On Sunday, October 1, 2005, Elder Sue Love became one of the Founders of Oasis Fellowship Ministries, Inc. where she serves as Elder and overseer of the Ministry of Praise and Worship and in Administration.
Elder Sue Love is a native of Belleville, Illinois where she was raised by loving and nurturing parents who pastored a United Pentecostal Church. She received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the age of 12 and began playing the organ for her father’s church at the age of 13. She was formerly educated in the public school system of Belleville, IL.
Elder Sue continued her ministerial training and music education at Jackson College of Ministries in Jackson, MS. under the tutelage of Lanny Wolfe, song writer of such songs as “More Than Wonderful”, “Surely The Presence Of The Lord Is In This Place” and many others. She received her Bachelors of Arts from Southern Illinois University.
Elder Sue began her professional career as Minister of Music at the age of 20. Her first position was at Radio Tabernacle in Herrin, IL in 1977. In 1980 she became the Director of Music for Kent Christian College in Dover, DE where she managed a staff of ten with a student body of approximately 125. In 1983 she relocated to Apopka, Florida to become the Minister of Music for the Pentecostals of Apopka. There she served for ten years. Since that time Elder Sue has served as Minister of Music for New Covenant Baptist Church of Orlando and Greater New Hope, both located in Orlando, Florida.
In addition to serving as Minister of Music, Elder Sue formed Keynote, Inc. in 1991. It is through this corporation that she has introduced into private Christian schools the concept of bringing private piano lessons into the academic day. The idea has since caught on, as most private Christian schools desire to offer their students extracurricular opportunities geared toward the arts.
In June of 2003 Elder Sue and her life partner Pastor Brei Taylor became members of Potter’s House Fellowship, an open and affirming ministry in Tampa, Florida. It was then that her ministry took on a new dimension as she began to minister for the first time in “Spirit and in truth” by walking out her call as the unique individual God has truly purposed her to be. After more than two years of faithful service at Potter’s House, Elder Sue and Pastor Brei were appointed by God to begin a work in Orlando, Florida. On Sunday, October 1, 2005, Elder Sue Love became one of the Founders of Oasis Fellowship Ministries, Inc. where she serves as Elder and overseer of the Ministry of Praise and Worship and in Administration.
August 14, 2008
Link of the Day: GayAgenda
http://www.gayagenda.com/
GayAgenda is a political based news site featuring stories that affect the global GLBT community.
Categories include:
Politics
Gay Rights
Health
Gay Marriage
Money and Finance
Religion
Right Wing Watch
Entertainment
GayAgenda is a political based news site featuring stories that affect the global GLBT community.
Categories include:
Politics
Gay Rights
Health
Gay Marriage
Money and Finance
Religion
Right Wing Watch
Entertainment
August 13, 2008
MySpace Friend of the Day: Stonewall--Education4All
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=271106940&MyToken=53187eac-b8a2-4d69-ab86-8ea5c3cd94aa
You think anti-gay bullying is a problem in your school? You're not alone, it happens in most schools. It can be stopped though, just check out the links here.
Add us as your friend to show your support for Stonewall and our campaign against homophobia and homophobic bullying in schools.
Help us make people realise homophobia isn't acceptable. Some people are gay. Get over it!
For more information on Education for all, click here.
You think anti-gay bullying is a problem in your school? You're not alone, it happens in most schools. It can be stopped though, just check out the links here.
Add us as your friend to show your support for Stonewall and our campaign against homophobia and homophobic bullying in schools.
Help us make people realise homophobia isn't acceptable. Some people are gay. Get over it!
For more information on Education for all, click here.
"When Saying Sorry is a Risk"
From the Sydney (Australia) Morning Herald:
WHEN Mike Hercock, a Baptist pastor, put out a call for Christian clergy who wanted to make a public apology to gays and lesbians, he was knocked over in the rush. But when the time came for the priests and pastors to march at this year's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, some of the so-called "100 Revs" lost their nerve.
"A few days before the march, I started getting phone calls," said Mr Hercock, a pastor with the Hope Street community project in Darlinghurst. "The harder calls were the ones saying, 'The dog ate my homework and I can't make it on Saturday to march.' "
The apology should have been big news. But as word spread that the 100 Revs would issue a statement condemning the church for being "profoundly unloving" to gays and lesbians, church leaders flew into action.
The Baptist Union sent a one-page letter to its members warning them that it did not support the apology. Catholic priests and Uniting Church ministers were discreetly told not to get involved.
A preacher at a Pentecostal church received hate mail.
In the end, only 30 ministers marched. Even those who did not worried about their jobs.
Mr Hercock said signing the apology was a career-defining move for many of the 100 Revs. "For a lot of people it was always going to be a tough call," he said. "It can affect your ordination; it can affect your call to ministry. I don't know of one person who signed without going through some kind of internal process. They had to go through what the cost was to them, professionally and personally."
WHEN Mike Hercock, a Baptist pastor, put out a call for Christian clergy who wanted to make a public apology to gays and lesbians, he was knocked over in the rush. But when the time came for the priests and pastors to march at this year's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, some of the so-called "100 Revs" lost their nerve.
"A few days before the march, I started getting phone calls," said Mr Hercock, a pastor with the Hope Street community project in Darlinghurst. "The harder calls were the ones saying, 'The dog ate my homework and I can't make it on Saturday to march.' "
The apology should have been big news. But as word spread that the 100 Revs would issue a statement condemning the church for being "profoundly unloving" to gays and lesbians, church leaders flew into action.
The Baptist Union sent a one-page letter to its members warning them that it did not support the apology. Catholic priests and Uniting Church ministers were discreetly told not to get involved.
A preacher at a Pentecostal church received hate mail.
In the end, only 30 ministers marched. Even those who did not worried about their jobs.
Mr Hercock said signing the apology was a career-defining move for many of the 100 Revs. "For a lot of people it was always going to be a tough call," he said. "It can affect your ordination; it can affect your call to ministry. I don't know of one person who signed without going through some kind of internal process. They had to go through what the cost was to them, professionally and personally."
The struggle to match one's actions to their convictions is often a difficult one, even (sometimes especially) for leaders in the church.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
Thanks to "A Life of Unlearning" for the link.
August 12, 2008
Link of the Day: Seven Straight Nights
http://www.sevenstraightnights.org/
Atticus Circle and Soulforce are pleased to bring back Seven Straight Nights for Equal Rights, a national event that will provide straight Americans with opportunities to do justice and motivate new allies to stand up and be counted for equal rights.
Last year, stories of friendship and political transformation emerged across the country during Seven Straight Nights, a first-of-its-kind event. Through Seven Straight Nights, the power of straight ally voices resonated in 38 cities in 28 different states across the country. Soulforce and Atticus Circle partnered with more than 30 national and statewide equality organizations to bring together a true grassroots effort on the part of straight allies standing up for equality.
We want YOU to be a part of the action this year!
Seven Straight Nights for Equal Rights consists of nighttime vigils led by straight allies during the week of September 14th through 20th, 2008.
The vigils are led by families, individuals, or groups, and focus on their personal decision to speak out on behalf of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) equality. Depending on the city, Action Leaders will either offer thanks for their state's positive policy record or issue a call to action on pertinent issues such as hate crimes, employment discrimination, and marriage equality.
Straight leaders are also needed for this effort. Here is a link to the press release regarding that effort.
Atticus Circle and Soulforce are pleased to bring back Seven Straight Nights for Equal Rights, a national event that will provide straight Americans with opportunities to do justice and motivate new allies to stand up and be counted for equal rights.
Last year, stories of friendship and political transformation emerged across the country during Seven Straight Nights, a first-of-its-kind event. Through Seven Straight Nights, the power of straight ally voices resonated in 38 cities in 28 different states across the country. Soulforce and Atticus Circle partnered with more than 30 national and statewide equality organizations to bring together a true grassroots effort on the part of straight allies standing up for equality.
We want YOU to be a part of the action this year!
Seven Straight Nights for Equal Rights consists of nighttime vigils led by straight allies during the week of September 14th through 20th, 2008.
The vigils are led by families, individuals, or groups, and focus on their personal decision to speak out on behalf of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) equality. Depending on the city, Action Leaders will either offer thanks for their state's positive policy record or issue a call to action on pertinent issues such as hate crimes, employment discrimination, and marriage equality.
Straight leaders are also needed for this effort. Here is a link to the press release regarding that effort.
Are Gays Becoming More Domesticated?
Is the focus among GLBT people becoming more toward having a family and less toward being fabulous? Sounds like it according to this study.
A new study finds a vast generational shift among LGBT people.
The survey, for Logo Network, discovered that more LGBT people expect to lead an integrated life raising families in suburbs or small towns while maintaining their identity and sense of community.
The study was conducted in in partnership with Simmons and TRU. 365gay is owned by Logo, a division of Viacom Inc.’s MTV Networks.
The survey found that 79 percent of gay people think it’s important to integrate into the greater culture and 64 percent are open about their sexual orientation to at least their family members.
It also found that less than half of gay people want to live in a city and a majority want to live in suburbia or small-town America. Regardless of where they want to live, 58 percent want to live closer to other gay people.
The researchers said that two-thirds of younger gay people expect to be partnered with kids at some point in their adulthood, while less than a third of gays 35 and older expect the same.
Younger gay people have an even mix of gay and straight friends, the network said in a statement. And overall, gay people rank marriage equality as the number one issue about which they’re passionate, followed by the environment, health care and the economy.
“We’re trading in West Hollywood for West Texas and big disposable incomes for disposable diapers,” said Lisa Sherman, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Logo.
“Most important, we’re integrating without abandoning our community or sense of identity. These developments are good for LGBT people and good for America.”
The research also found that despite gay people’s love for mainstream media, they want entertainment that speaks to their uniquely gay lives and experiences. Sherman said that this finding supports Logo’s efforts to develop programming like the recent Sordid Lives: The Series that tell authentic LGBT stories, sometimes with many LGBT characters and sometimes only a few.
The research involved a qualitative study in partnership with TRU Research of 21-45 year olds in New York and Dallas as well as a national survey in partnership with Simmons of 1,800.
A new study finds a vast generational shift among LGBT people.
The survey, for Logo Network, discovered that more LGBT people expect to lead an integrated life raising families in suburbs or small towns while maintaining their identity and sense of community.
The study was conducted in in partnership with Simmons and TRU. 365gay is owned by Logo, a division of Viacom Inc.’s MTV Networks.
The survey found that 79 percent of gay people think it’s important to integrate into the greater culture and 64 percent are open about their sexual orientation to at least their family members.
It also found that less than half of gay people want to live in a city and a majority want to live in suburbia or small-town America. Regardless of where they want to live, 58 percent want to live closer to other gay people.
The researchers said that two-thirds of younger gay people expect to be partnered with kids at some point in their adulthood, while less than a third of gays 35 and older expect the same.
Younger gay people have an even mix of gay and straight friends, the network said in a statement. And overall, gay people rank marriage equality as the number one issue about which they’re passionate, followed by the environment, health care and the economy.
“We’re trading in West Hollywood for West Texas and big disposable incomes for disposable diapers,” said Lisa Sherman, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Logo.
“Most important, we’re integrating without abandoning our community or sense of identity. These developments are good for LGBT people and good for America.”
The research also found that despite gay people’s love for mainstream media, they want entertainment that speaks to their uniquely gay lives and experiences. Sherman said that this finding supports Logo’s efforts to develop programming like the recent Sordid Lives: The Series that tell authentic LGBT stories, sometimes with many LGBT characters and sometimes only a few.
The research involved a qualitative study in partnership with TRU Research of 21-45 year olds in New York and Dallas as well as a national survey in partnership with Simmons of 1,800.
August 11, 2008
MySpace Friend of the Day: Untold Stories
http://www.myspace.com/mtvuntoldstories
So you fancy yourself as the next Martin Scorsese? You actually give a **** about HIV and AIDS, and the number of lives it affects? You want to do something about it… make an impact?
Untold Stories is a competition that gives you the chance to do exactly this (while simultaneously exercising your creative super powers…!)
So what’s the skinny? It’s really simple – take a look at the three videos below… decide which one you think rocks – and then… finish it off. Its ending is determined entirely by you…
On September 2nd, the person whose ending really packs a punch' and impresses our panel of judges will be chosen as our winner. If you’re that lucky person, you’ll get to make the script into a short film – with the help of MTV producers! Not only will your finished masterpiece be shown on MTV channels, but you’ll also be whisked off to watch your film played to a rather large audience, at a World AIDS Day event, in India.
So you fancy yourself as the next Martin Scorsese? You actually give a **** about HIV and AIDS, and the number of lives it affects? You want to do something about it… make an impact?
Untold Stories is a competition that gives you the chance to do exactly this (while simultaneously exercising your creative super powers…!)
So what’s the skinny? It’s really simple – take a look at the three videos below… decide which one you think rocks – and then… finish it off. Its ending is determined entirely by you…
On September 2nd, the person whose ending really packs a punch' and impresses our panel of judges will be chosen as our winner. If you’re that lucky person, you’ll get to make the script into a short film – with the help of MTV producers! Not only will your finished masterpiece be shown on MTV channels, but you’ll also be whisked off to watch your film played to a rather large audience, at a World AIDS Day event, in India.
Support for Same-Sex Couples During Straight Couples' Weddings
From the Canadian Press via Freedom to Marry:
When Marisa Miller married David Wolfson last year, the couple added a statement to their vows that they both passionately believe in the right of all people to marry regardless of sexual orientation.
With gay friends making up about 20 per cent of guests and two openly gay religious clergymen officiating, it seemed appropriate to note they felt "somewhat out of step with society's views on marriage."
"I thought it was really, really beautiful and very healing," said the Rev. Nate Walker, who presided with Rabbi Frank Tamburello. "It brought tears to my eyes, thinking that I am legally entitled to marry this wonderful couple but I am not entitled to have the same joy in my own life."
Such statements have become more common at heterosexual weddings. But not all gay guests appreciate the gesture. Some, like Pattrice Jones, compare straight couples' efforts at solidarity to a white person joining a whites-only country club and making a quick statement of support for blacks who are excluded.
"Just don't join the club, it's that simple," said Jones, a lesbian author.
After a wedding last year in which a straight couple read a statement of solidarity with gay couples, Jones said her "gay friends rang to tell me about it. They were horrified and really annoyed. We all felt it was so wrong to grab all the benefits that marriage gives you and just make a little statement to calm your guilt."
That last statement strikes me as misdirected anger and way off base. When Brenda and I got married, we had no reason to feel guilty because the several same-sex couples in attendance could not also enjoy those legal benefits. I wish now we had included a statement of support in our ceremony, but everyone there knew how strongly we felt about equality so we didn't feel it was necessary.
In fact, Brenda has presided at same-sex committment ceremonies, and I participated in the only one we've had at church since I've been attending.
These statements are nice, but need to be followed up with action to have any real meaning. In the meantime, those who support same-sex marriage who currently have the legal right to marry should do so without apologizing to anyone.
Click here to read the rest of the article.
When Marisa Miller married David Wolfson last year, the couple added a statement to their vows that they both passionately believe in the right of all people to marry regardless of sexual orientation.
With gay friends making up about 20 per cent of guests and two openly gay religious clergymen officiating, it seemed appropriate to note they felt "somewhat out of step with society's views on marriage."
"I thought it was really, really beautiful and very healing," said the Rev. Nate Walker, who presided with Rabbi Frank Tamburello. "It brought tears to my eyes, thinking that I am legally entitled to marry this wonderful couple but I am not entitled to have the same joy in my own life."
Such statements have become more common at heterosexual weddings. But not all gay guests appreciate the gesture. Some, like Pattrice Jones, compare straight couples' efforts at solidarity to a white person joining a whites-only country club and making a quick statement of support for blacks who are excluded.
"Just don't join the club, it's that simple," said Jones, a lesbian author.
After a wedding last year in which a straight couple read a statement of solidarity with gay couples, Jones said her "gay friends rang to tell me about it. They were horrified and really annoyed. We all felt it was so wrong to grab all the benefits that marriage gives you and just make a little statement to calm your guilt."
That last statement strikes me as misdirected anger and way off base. When Brenda and I got married, we had no reason to feel guilty because the several same-sex couples in attendance could not also enjoy those legal benefits. I wish now we had included a statement of support in our ceremony, but everyone there knew how strongly we felt about equality so we didn't feel it was necessary.
In fact, Brenda has presided at same-sex committment ceremonies, and I participated in the only one we've had at church since I've been attending.
These statements are nice, but need to be followed up with action to have any real meaning. In the meantime, those who support same-sex marriage who currently have the legal right to marry should do so without apologizing to anyone.
Click here to read the rest of the article.
August 10, 2008
Is Anglican Church Head Actually Sympathetic to Gays?
According to this article from Time magazine, it would appear the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, the leader of the Anglican Church (and it's American branch, the Episcopal Church) is putting order in the denomination ahead of his personal convictions regarding the issue of ordination of gay bishops.
Last week, 670 bishops of the Anglican Communion returned from the Lambeth Conference outside London to their dioceses around the world, their faith fortified by 19 days of prayer and theological debate and buoyed by relief that the once-a-decade meeting had passed off with little public acrimony or mention of schisms.
But just days later, the patient efforts of Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the man charged with holding the Anglican church together despite huge internal differences over the issue of gay clergy, lay in tatters following the leak of letters to the London Times newspaper that show where Williams' own sympathies lie on the matter.
In correspondence dating from 2000 and 2001 with Welsh psychiatrist and evangelical Christian, Deborah Pitt, Williams described how his literal faith in the scripture's prohibitions against homosexuality began to crumble after about 1980 and that 20 years of study and prayer had led him to the "definitive conclusion" that "an active sexual relationship between two people of the same sex might therefore reflect the love of God in a way comparable to marriage ..."
In itself, the revelation comes as no surprise to either liberal or conservative camps within the Anglican church. But Williams' previous writings on the subject have been few and couched in theologisms. This is how he tackled the issue in his essay The Body's Grace in 1989: "The absolute condemnation of same-sex relations of intimacy must rely either on an abstract fundamentalist deployment of a number of very ambiguous texts, or on a problematic and non-scriptural theory about natural complementarity, applied narrowly and crudely to physical differentiation without regard to psychological structures."
We can be thankful, at least, for his later brevity.
When he wrote his letter to Pitt, Williams was the Archbishop of Wales, his homeland and a diocese where he openly ordained gay priests. His appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury in 2003 was made in the full knowledge of that and liberals within the Church reasonably assumed that he would be the charismatic champion of the kind of church they longed for.
The realization that Williams would prioritize unity over change came when he balked at appointing as bishop the openly gay priest Jeffrey John. In this, Williams aimed to assuage the protests of a number of more traditional bishops. In a painful meeting, Williams persuaded John to withdraw his candidacy — an act that many liberals in the church saw not only as a capitulation but also as a missed opportunity to plant a flag for his true convictions. "Had he gone through with it," a gay vicar in Wales and a friend of Williams told TIME over 18 months ago, "We would not be where we're at. It would either have nailed the problem or it would have caused a split very quickly. He's delaying the inevitable."
An early indication of how he would manage the discrepancy between his views and the requirements of his high office come in the leaked letters. "I don't see myself as a campaigner for a new morality," Williams writes in a letter of September 2000, "but if I'm asked for my views, as a theologian rather than as a church leader, I have to be honest and admit that they are as I've said". But the logic of his position unravels when he notes that the church has "shifted its stance on several matters, notably the rightness of lending money at interest and the moral admissibility of contraception, so I am bound to ask if [homosexuality]is another such issue." Change can be slow, but it is never won by sitting on high, uncomfortable fences.
Leadership is supposed to draw people off the fence and point them in a specific direction. Failure to do so isn't very effective leadership, if it even qualifies for that title at all.
Last week, 670 bishops of the Anglican Communion returned from the Lambeth Conference outside London to their dioceses around the world, their faith fortified by 19 days of prayer and theological debate and buoyed by relief that the once-a-decade meeting had passed off with little public acrimony or mention of schisms.
But just days later, the patient efforts of Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the man charged with holding the Anglican church together despite huge internal differences over the issue of gay clergy, lay in tatters following the leak of letters to the London Times newspaper that show where Williams' own sympathies lie on the matter.
In correspondence dating from 2000 and 2001 with Welsh psychiatrist and evangelical Christian, Deborah Pitt, Williams described how his literal faith in the scripture's prohibitions against homosexuality began to crumble after about 1980 and that 20 years of study and prayer had led him to the "definitive conclusion" that "an active sexual relationship between two people of the same sex might therefore reflect the love of God in a way comparable to marriage ..."
In itself, the revelation comes as no surprise to either liberal or conservative camps within the Anglican church. But Williams' previous writings on the subject have been few and couched in theologisms. This is how he tackled the issue in his essay The Body's Grace in 1989: "The absolute condemnation of same-sex relations of intimacy must rely either on an abstract fundamentalist deployment of a number of very ambiguous texts, or on a problematic and non-scriptural theory about natural complementarity, applied narrowly and crudely to physical differentiation without regard to psychological structures."
We can be thankful, at least, for his later brevity.
When he wrote his letter to Pitt, Williams was the Archbishop of Wales, his homeland and a diocese where he openly ordained gay priests. His appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury in 2003 was made in the full knowledge of that and liberals within the Church reasonably assumed that he would be the charismatic champion of the kind of church they longed for.
The realization that Williams would prioritize unity over change came when he balked at appointing as bishop the openly gay priest Jeffrey John. In this, Williams aimed to assuage the protests of a number of more traditional bishops. In a painful meeting, Williams persuaded John to withdraw his candidacy — an act that many liberals in the church saw not only as a capitulation but also as a missed opportunity to plant a flag for his true convictions. "Had he gone through with it," a gay vicar in Wales and a friend of Williams told TIME over 18 months ago, "We would not be where we're at. It would either have nailed the problem or it would have caused a split very quickly. He's delaying the inevitable."
An early indication of how he would manage the discrepancy between his views and the requirements of his high office come in the leaked letters. "I don't see myself as a campaigner for a new morality," Williams writes in a letter of September 2000, "but if I'm asked for my views, as a theologian rather than as a church leader, I have to be honest and admit that they are as I've said". But the logic of his position unravels when he notes that the church has "shifted its stance on several matters, notably the rightness of lending money at interest and the moral admissibility of contraception, so I am bound to ask if [homosexuality]is another such issue." Change can be slow, but it is never won by sitting on high, uncomfortable fences.
Leadership is supposed to draw people off the fence and point them in a specific direction. Failure to do so isn't very effective leadership, if it even qualifies for that title at all.
August 09, 2008
This is NOT from God
From the blog "Rising Up Whole":
A week or so ago over at Beyond Ex-Gay (bXg) we received a feedback comment on our website from Anthony Falzarano (an ex-gay leader and the founder of the anti-gay PFOX organization, shown in a PFOX ad at right) addressed to Darlene Bogle. I forwarded the letter to Darlene.
Yesterday I received this email from Darlene (shared with permission). You can read her story at Beyond Ex-Gay in which she writes about her journey out of Exodus. Part of her story is that her partner of twelve years, Des, passed away from breast cancer in 2005.
Dear Christine!
Thank you for sending the feedback email from Anthony Fazarano addressed to me at the bXg website!
It reads:
Darlene, I'm glad I ran across your blog. I still miss you. I am sorry to hear that your lover died of breast-cancer. Darlene is God sending you a message? Please consider coming back to Exodus. You are loved and missed. Why would God call you back to lesbianism, give you a lover and then take her away. I'm sorry that you are going through this. My heart is breaking right now but I believe that you belong to the Lord and "He chastizes the one's that he loves". I believe He is calling you back. If you want to talk I am here to listen. Please call me at [removed] if you want to talk.
May God Bless You,
Anthony Falzarano
Folks, this is about as unGodly as it gets. God does not "punish" us for our perceived misdeeds by killing off our loved ones! This kind of manipulation and twisting of God's love makes me ill.
Here is an excerpt of Darlene's response:
Apparently he feels that if you follow God, nothing bad will ever happen to you. Des and I had 12 years together and she was a special gift of God to me. I stood at her bedside the night she entered heaven, and saw her sweet smile as she met her Lord face to face. Would God give us 12 years together, then take her to heaven as a judgment? No, but through the life she lived, and that we shared, I came to know His love in deeper ways, and to be a more caring, compassionate and kind human being. I wouldn't change it for any experience. Serving God does not insulate you from death. I think we are all going to keep that appointment that was established by God before we were ever born. (Psalm 139)
Anthony believes God is calling me back? To what? The judgmental teachings of Exodus that say you have to change your orientation to be acceptable to God. Long ago I committed myself to acknowledge God in all my ways and allow Him to direct my path. How can I go where God isn't?
If you want a better understanding of how God can work through a loving same-sex relationship, I urge you to read the rest of Darlene Fogle's response.
Thanks to my friend Peterson Toscano for alerting me to this exchange.
A week or so ago over at Beyond Ex-Gay (bXg) we received a feedback comment on our website from Anthony Falzarano (an ex-gay leader and the founder of the anti-gay PFOX organization, shown in a PFOX ad at right) addressed to Darlene Bogle. I forwarded the letter to Darlene.
Yesterday I received this email from Darlene (shared with permission). You can read her story at Beyond Ex-Gay in which she writes about her journey out of Exodus. Part of her story is that her partner of twelve years, Des, passed away from breast cancer in 2005.
Dear Christine!
Thank you for sending the feedback email from Anthony Fazarano addressed to me at the bXg website!
It reads:
Darlene, I'm glad I ran across your blog. I still miss you. I am sorry to hear that your lover died of breast-cancer. Darlene is God sending you a message? Please consider coming back to Exodus. You are loved and missed. Why would God call you back to lesbianism, give you a lover and then take her away. I'm sorry that you are going through this. My heart is breaking right now but I believe that you belong to the Lord and "He chastizes the one's that he loves". I believe He is calling you back. If you want to talk I am here to listen. Please call me at [removed] if you want to talk.
May God Bless You,
Anthony Falzarano
Folks, this is about as unGodly as it gets. God does not "punish" us for our perceived misdeeds by killing off our loved ones! This kind of manipulation and twisting of God's love makes me ill.
Here is an excerpt of Darlene's response:
Apparently he feels that if you follow God, nothing bad will ever happen to you. Des and I had 12 years together and she was a special gift of God to me. I stood at her bedside the night she entered heaven, and saw her sweet smile as she met her Lord face to face. Would God give us 12 years together, then take her to heaven as a judgment? No, but through the life she lived, and that we shared, I came to know His love in deeper ways, and to be a more caring, compassionate and kind human being. I wouldn't change it for any experience. Serving God does not insulate you from death. I think we are all going to keep that appointment that was established by God before we were ever born. (Psalm 139)
Anthony believes God is calling me back? To what? The judgmental teachings of Exodus that say you have to change your orientation to be acceptable to God. Long ago I committed myself to acknowledge God in all my ways and allow Him to direct my path. How can I go where God isn't?
If you want a better understanding of how God can work through a loving same-sex relationship, I urge you to read the rest of Darlene Fogle's response.
Thanks to my friend Peterson Toscano for alerting me to this exchange.
August 08, 2008
Link of the Day: OUTFront!
http://www.amnestyusa.org/Our_Issues/LGBT_Human_Rights/page.do?id=1011002&n1=3&n2=36
This is the LGBT rights initiative within Amnesty International USA.
While homosexual relationships continues to be criminalized in many countries (where punishment can include the death penalty), and real or perceived homosexuality often constitute the basis of a violent act against a person, there is a growing global movement to recognize the rights of LGBT people and the need to combat these human rights violations. One of the most powerful ways to promote the continued evolution of LGBT human rights and to interrupt the cycle of violence against LGBT people is through education. Learning about human rights and learning how to respect others and defend their human rights is fundamental to creating a culture that supports the human rights of all.
This is the LGBT rights initiative within Amnesty International USA.
While homosexual relationships continues to be criminalized in many countries (where punishment can include the death penalty), and real or perceived homosexuality often constitute the basis of a violent act against a person, there is a growing global movement to recognize the rights of LGBT people and the need to combat these human rights violations. One of the most powerful ways to promote the continued evolution of LGBT human rights and to interrupt the cycle of violence against LGBT people is through education. Learning about human rights and learning how to respect others and defend their human rights is fundamental to creating a culture that supports the human rights of all.
Religious Leaders Fight HIV Travel Restrictions
From the Christian Post:
The faith community will continue to advocate for the lifting of travel restrictions on people living with HIV until the rule is removed worldwide, vowed religious leaders at the 17th International AIDS Conference.
“For both the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and the Lutheran World Federation this (travel restrictions on HIV+ people) is both an issue of faith and of human rights,” said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of ELCA and president of LWF on Monday.
“As a religious leader, I am convinced that lifting discriminatory travel restrictions is a responsible act of justice and mercy. Most of those restrictions are born out of fear and ignorance,” Hanson said.
Hanson suggested religious groups consider to not hold national conferences in countries with HIV-related travel restrictions.
This is another positive step toward ensuring GLBT people, especially sick ones.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
The faith community will continue to advocate for the lifting of travel restrictions on people living with HIV until the rule is removed worldwide, vowed religious leaders at the 17th International AIDS Conference.
“For both the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and the Lutheran World Federation this (travel restrictions on HIV+ people) is both an issue of faith and of human rights,” said the Rev. Mark S. Hanson, presiding bishop of ELCA and president of LWF on Monday.
“As a religious leader, I am convinced that lifting discriminatory travel restrictions is a responsible act of justice and mercy. Most of those restrictions are born out of fear and ignorance,” Hanson said.
Hanson suggested religious groups consider to not hold national conferences in countries with HIV-related travel restrictions.
This is another positive step toward ensuring GLBT people, especially sick ones.
Click here to read the rest of the story.
August 07, 2008
MySpace Friend of the Day: QBliss
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=97450908&MyToken=4c0715ff-54ab-4c87-9bc1-b1004729e18b
Founded in 1999, QBliss is a not-for-profit, 100% volunteer community and life site created to celebrate the diversity of our lives by providing information and to increase awareness, support and effect change in our local, national and international Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered, and Intersexed (GLBTI) community and it’s Allies. Working in conjunction with some of the largest local, national, and international groups and organizations, QBliss offers a true community based information hub that focuses on GLBTI issues throughout the world. This is achieved by utilizing the Internet and its resources by offering QBliss.net, Yahoo® Powered groups, as well as real-time news feeds that tap GLBTI specific information as well as general world news that affects all people regardless of sexual orientation. All of these services are offered free of charge. Unlike many other GLBTI web sites that offer nothing more than adult material and a somewhat stereotypical twist on our community, QBliss is becoming a more visual entity on the Internet and our community by breaking down the stereotypes and creating real change. Please join us in an effort to put a real face on the GLBTI community and celebrating our diversity.
Founded in 1999, QBliss is a not-for-profit, 100% volunteer community and life site created to celebrate the diversity of our lives by providing information and to increase awareness, support and effect change in our local, national and international Gay, Lesbian, Transgendered, and Intersexed (GLBTI) community and it’s Allies. Working in conjunction with some of the largest local, national, and international groups and organizations, QBliss offers a true community based information hub that focuses on GLBTI issues throughout the world. This is achieved by utilizing the Internet and its resources by offering QBliss.net, Yahoo® Powered groups, as well as real-time news feeds that tap GLBTI specific information as well as general world news that affects all people regardless of sexual orientation. All of these services are offered free of charge. Unlike many other GLBTI web sites that offer nothing more than adult material and a somewhat stereotypical twist on our community, QBliss is becoming a more visual entity on the Internet and our community by breaking down the stereotypes and creating real change. Please join us in an effort to put a real face on the GLBTI community and celebrating our diversity.
Focus of AIDS Prevention Returning to Gay Men?
Yes, if the words of these world leaders are heeded.
From Bloomberg.com:
Discrimination against men who have sex with men must end, and countries must gear up prevention programs against AIDS in this high-risk group, the secretary general of the United Nations said yesterday.
Speaking at the opening ceremonies for the International AIDS Conference in Mexico City, UN chief Ban Ki-moon was one of several world leaders and health officials who spoke about the need for targeting the epidemic among homosexual men.
Margaret Chan, head of the World Health Organization's China unit, said health officials in all nations, including the U.S., need to acknowledge setbacks in a group that pioneered the earliest response to the disease. In the U.S., infections among gay men have risen 75 percent in 15 years, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
``We need to engage them, we need to take care of them, we should not forget about them,'' Chan said, referring to the homosexual community worldwide.
Click here to read the rest of the report.
From Bloomberg.com:
Discrimination against men who have sex with men must end, and countries must gear up prevention programs against AIDS in this high-risk group, the secretary general of the United Nations said yesterday.
Speaking at the opening ceremonies for the International AIDS Conference in Mexico City, UN chief Ban Ki-moon was one of several world leaders and health officials who spoke about the need for targeting the epidemic among homosexual men.
Margaret Chan, head of the World Health Organization's China unit, said health officials in all nations, including the U.S., need to acknowledge setbacks in a group that pioneered the earliest response to the disease. In the U.S., infections among gay men have risen 75 percent in 15 years, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
``We need to engage them, we need to take care of them, we should not forget about them,'' Chan said, referring to the homosexual community worldwide.
Click here to read the rest of the report.
August 06, 2008
Link of the Day: Crossing the T
http://crossingthet.wordpress.com/
Life at the intersection of Church and Trans with Rev. Allyson Robinson.
Life at the intersection of Church and Trans with Rev. Allyson Robinson.
New York Same-Sex Couples Will Enjoy "The Amtrak Option"
Last week, Massachusetts repealed a century-old law preventing out-of-state residents from marrying there if their home states would not recognize the union. Same=sex couples in the state of New York can directly benefit from that.
From the New York Times:
While some New Yorkers have flown across the country to marry in California since May, when that state became the nation’s second to approve same-sex marriage, gay-rights advocates expect many more to do the same in Massachusetts, since it is so much closer.
“We call it the Amtrak option, as opposed to the Jet Blue option,” said Cathy Renna, a communications consultant to gay and lesbian organizations.
Alan Van Capelle, executive director of Empire State Pride Agenda, a leading gay-rights group, said, “I think this is an incredible opportunity for same-sex New York couples who are hungry for some of the 1,324 rights and responsibilities married couples receive to obtain them.”
Governor Paterson’s decision placed New York alongside Rhode Island and New Mexico in recognizing same-sex marriages performed in Massachusetts, according to a Boston-based advocacy group, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders.
A June memo from the Massachusetts Office of Housing and Economic Development estimated that 21,000 gay couples from New York might go there to marry if the state allowed. That is about 43 percent of the estimated 49,000 same-sex couples in New York. About 9,600 same-sex couples from Massachusetts married in the first three years after the state legalized such unions in 2004.
With Governor Paterson’s blessing, New Yorkers who get married in Massachusetts — or Canada or California — will be eligible for a host of benefits that they cannot receive now, according to Mr. Van Capelle of the Pride Agenda. Firefighters and police officers in particular have a lot to gain, because the state gives significant benefits to the spouses of emergency workers killed in the line of duty.
Another step toward equality. Click here to read the rest of the story.
From the New York Times:
While some New Yorkers have flown across the country to marry in California since May, when that state became the nation’s second to approve same-sex marriage, gay-rights advocates expect many more to do the same in Massachusetts, since it is so much closer.
“We call it the Amtrak option, as opposed to the Jet Blue option,” said Cathy Renna, a communications consultant to gay and lesbian organizations.
Alan Van Capelle, executive director of Empire State Pride Agenda, a leading gay-rights group, said, “I think this is an incredible opportunity for same-sex New York couples who are hungry for some of the 1,324 rights and responsibilities married couples receive to obtain them.”
Governor Paterson’s decision placed New York alongside Rhode Island and New Mexico in recognizing same-sex marriages performed in Massachusetts, according to a Boston-based advocacy group, Gay and Lesbian Advocates and Defenders.
A June memo from the Massachusetts Office of Housing and Economic Development estimated that 21,000 gay couples from New York might go there to marry if the state allowed. That is about 43 percent of the estimated 49,000 same-sex couples in New York. About 9,600 same-sex couples from Massachusetts married in the first three years after the state legalized such unions in 2004.
With Governor Paterson’s blessing, New Yorkers who get married in Massachusetts — or Canada or California — will be eligible for a host of benefits that they cannot receive now, according to Mr. Van Capelle of the Pride Agenda. Firefighters and police officers in particular have a lot to gain, because the state gives significant benefits to the spouses of emergency workers killed in the line of duty.
Another step toward equality. Click here to read the rest of the story.
August 05, 2008
MySpace Friend of the Day: Episcopal Online
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=188836206&MyToken=c021b106-2394-4dc7-95fa-c567a4125243
The Episcopal Media Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has served the Episcopal Church for over 60 years providing communications support and technology. The mission of our organization is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through all existing communications technologies. You can see our web site here or visit our online store which supports our mission driven activities. Thank you for your interest in us, if you have any questions feel free to send us a message and i will get right back to you.
The Episcopal Media Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has served the Episcopal Church for over 60 years providing communications support and technology. The mission of our organization is to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ through all existing communications technologies. You can see our web site here or visit our online store which supports our mission driven activities. Thank you for your interest in us, if you have any questions feel free to send us a message and i will get right back to you.
Knoxville Church Sanctuary Redidicated a Week After Shooting
From the Tennessean:
Members of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church rededicated their sanctuary Sunday as a place of love, despite the tragedy unleashed there a week ago when a man opened fire with a shotgun and killed two people.
"Beyond the fear that will not subdue us, we reclaim and share this, our worship space," said Brian Griffin, director of religious education. "We are safe; we are together; we are loved, and so it will be."
Community members packed the sanctuary, and others watched a telecast in an overflow room nearby during the rededication.
The Rev. Chris Buice said the slaying of Greg McKendry and Linda Kraeger triggered "unspeakable amounts of love." The shootings occurred during a children's performance of the musical Annie.
Sometimes the worst of circumstances bring out the best in people, and it appears this was one of those occasions.
Click here to read the rest of the article.
"A man tried to divide us into liberals and conservatives, gay and straight. Instead his actions united us," Buice said.
Members of the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church rededicated their sanctuary Sunday as a place of love, despite the tragedy unleashed there a week ago when a man opened fire with a shotgun and killed two people.
"Beyond the fear that will not subdue us, we reclaim and share this, our worship space," said Brian Griffin, director of religious education. "We are safe; we are together; we are loved, and so it will be."
Community members packed the sanctuary, and others watched a telecast in an overflow room nearby during the rededication.
The Rev. Chris Buice said the slaying of Greg McKendry and Linda Kraeger triggered "unspeakable amounts of love." The shootings occurred during a children's performance of the musical Annie.
Sometimes the worst of circumstances bring out the best in people, and it appears this was one of those occasions.
Click here to read the rest of the article.
"A man tried to divide us into liberals and conservatives, gay and straight. Instead his actions united us," Buice said.
August 04, 2008
Link of the Day: Gay Politics
http://www.gaypolitics.com/
GayPolitics.com, a project of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, features news, commentary and discussion about openly LGBT public officials and political candidates.
GayPolitics.com, a project of the Gay & Lesbian Victory Fund, features news, commentary and discussion about openly LGBT public officials and political candidates.
Top 100 Christian Relationship Blogs
I was pleasantly surprised that this blog made a list of the "Top 100 Christian Relationship Blogs" post on "Christian Do It Better." Straight, Not Narrow is #44, at the top of the subgroup "Gay." I joined several blogs from my blogroll on this list.
I've never thought of this blog as a "relationship blog," but if someone wants to categorize it that way I have no problem with it. Thanks to the editor, Kelly Sonora, for the recognition. This is her mission statement:
We believe in promoting wholesome committed relationships among people of faith. And despite whatever the popular media culture may say, Christians do in fact ‘do it better!’
Amen to that!
I've never thought of this blog as a "relationship blog," but if someone wants to categorize it that way I have no problem with it. Thanks to the editor, Kelly Sonora, for the recognition. This is her mission statement:
We believe in promoting wholesome committed relationships among people of faith. And despite whatever the popular media culture may say, Christians do in fact ‘do it better!’
Amen to that!
August 03, 2008
Black AIDS Epidemic Hits Close to Home
From CNN:
"Left Behind - Black America: A Neglected Priority in the Global AIDS" is intended to raise awareness and remind the public that the "AIDS epidemic is not over in America, especially not in Black America," says the report, published by the Black AIDS Institute, an HIV/AIDS think tank focused exclusively on African-Americans.
"AIDS in America today is a black disease," says Phill Wilson, founder and CEO of the institute and himself HIV-positive for 20 years. "2006 CDC data tell us that about half of the just over 1 million Americans living with HIV or AIDS are black."
Although black people represent only about one in eight Americans, one in every two people living with HIV in the United States is black, the report notes.
• AIDS remains the leading cause of death among black women between ages 25 and 34. It's the second-leading cause of death in black men 35-44.
• In Washington, more than 80 percent of HIV cases are among black people, that's one in 20 residents. iReport: AIDS in Washington's older population
"Five percent of the entire population (in DC) is infected... that's comparable to countries like Uganda or South Africa," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CNN for the recent "Black in America" documentary.
According to this report, if black Americans made up their own country, it would rank above Ethiopia (420,000 to 1,300,000) and below Ivory Coast (750,000) in HIV population. Both Ethiopia and the Ivory Coast are among the 15 nations receiving funds from the President's Emergency Plan For Aids Relief. The United States has given about $15 billion to PEPFAR nations in the past five years.
The Black AIDS Institute says it's not criticizing the federal government for helping poorer countries cope with the AIDS epidemic. Rather, it's saying the "AIDS epidemic [in the U.S.] is not getting the kind attention that it merits."
You think?! These numbers are staggering! African-Americans in our country, especially in my city, need to wake up and aggressively attack this problem because it is aggressively consuming them at an alarming rate.
Click here to read the rest of the CNN article.
"Left Behind - Black America: A Neglected Priority in the Global AIDS" is intended to raise awareness and remind the public that the "AIDS epidemic is not over in America, especially not in Black America," says the report, published by the Black AIDS Institute, an HIV/AIDS think tank focused exclusively on African-Americans.
"AIDS in America today is a black disease," says Phill Wilson, founder and CEO of the institute and himself HIV-positive for 20 years. "2006 CDC data tell us that about half of the just over 1 million Americans living with HIV or AIDS are black."
Although black people represent only about one in eight Americans, one in every two people living with HIV in the United States is black, the report notes.
• AIDS remains the leading cause of death among black women between ages 25 and 34. It's the second-leading cause of death in black men 35-44.
• In Washington, more than 80 percent of HIV cases are among black people, that's one in 20 residents. iReport: AIDS in Washington's older population
"Five percent of the entire population (in DC) is infected... that's comparable to countries like Uganda or South Africa," Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, told CNN for the recent "Black in America" documentary.
According to this report, if black Americans made up their own country, it would rank above Ethiopia (420,000 to 1,300,000) and below Ivory Coast (750,000) in HIV population. Both Ethiopia and the Ivory Coast are among the 15 nations receiving funds from the President's Emergency Plan For Aids Relief. The United States has given about $15 billion to PEPFAR nations in the past five years.
The Black AIDS Institute says it's not criticizing the federal government for helping poorer countries cope with the AIDS epidemic. Rather, it's saying the "AIDS epidemic [in the U.S.] is not getting the kind attention that it merits."
You think?! These numbers are staggering! African-Americans in our country, especially in my city, need to wake up and aggressively attack this problem because it is aggressively consuming them at an alarming rate.
Click here to read the rest of the CNN article.
August 01, 2008
MySpace Friend of the Day: Brian "A little guy with a BIG heart"
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=80834101&MyToken=0d44b79a-e264-4dbe-b10d-5efdd47f6866
First and foremost...I LOVE TO LAUGH!!! I don't like to take life to serious and the more people who have a BIG smile on their face the better! I am HIV+ and I make sure that everyone knows it. HIV does not rule my life but I make sure that I use it to make something good come out of a bad situation that I put myself into. We all are affected if not infected by HIV/AIDS in some way or another. Life can be difficult but it can also be a lot of fun...just be careful!
First and foremost...I LOVE TO LAUGH!!! I don't like to take life to serious and the more people who have a BIG smile on their face the better! I am HIV+ and I make sure that everyone knows it. HIV does not rule my life but I make sure that I use it to make something good come out of a bad situation that I put myself into. We all are affected if not infected by HIV/AIDS in some way or another. Life can be difficult but it can also be a lot of fun...just be careful!
Inside a GLBT Homeless Shelter
From the Washington Post:
Another transgender woman shared her autobiography with me, a two-page testament on college-ruled paper, in which she described being raped at age 12 and beatings by her foster father. "You are so nice," she once told me, tapping me playfully on the shoulder, "and I ought to know."
One day she arrived at the shelter in terrible shape. She had been followed and attacked, unprovoked, near Times Square in the middle of the day. Our pastor arranged for her to stay inside that day, and after the reconstructive facial surgery that followed.
An analysis of available research done by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force suggests that between 20 and 40 percent of all homeless youth identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. These young people clearly experience homelessness at a disproportionate rate, given that only between 3 and 5 percent of the total U.S. population identify as LGBT.
Thousands of them make their way to New York City looking for a safe haven after coming out to unhappy receptions at home. There are only about 100 beds in the city designated specifically for this population, who often experience abuse in other shelters, such as one resident who said he was urinated on. Mainstream churches are beginning to open their doors, including the year-round transitional shelter at my church, Trinity Lutheran, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Click here to read the rest of this gut-wrenching story.
Another transgender woman shared her autobiography with me, a two-page testament on college-ruled paper, in which she described being raped at age 12 and beatings by her foster father. "You are so nice," she once told me, tapping me playfully on the shoulder, "and I ought to know."
One day she arrived at the shelter in terrible shape. She had been followed and attacked, unprovoked, near Times Square in the middle of the day. Our pastor arranged for her to stay inside that day, and after the reconstructive facial surgery that followed.
An analysis of available research done by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force suggests that between 20 and 40 percent of all homeless youth identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. These young people clearly experience homelessness at a disproportionate rate, given that only between 3 and 5 percent of the total U.S. population identify as LGBT.
Thousands of them make their way to New York City looking for a safe haven after coming out to unhappy receptions at home. There are only about 100 beds in the city designated specifically for this population, who often experience abuse in other shelters, such as one resident who said he was urinated on. Mainstream churches are beginning to open their doors, including the year-round transitional shelter at my church, Trinity Lutheran, on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.
Click here to read the rest of this gut-wrenching story.
July 31, 2008
Link of the Day: Some Guys Are Normal
http://someguysarenormal.blogspot.com/
This is my personal blog about the world as I see it. You'll see a bit about politics, gay, and ex-gay issues, but there is some other stuff too. Stick around--I'll try to keep it interesting.
I like following politics, but I let partisan politics rile me up too much--especially anti-gay rights stuff. Other than that I'm pretty sane
This is my personal blog about the world as I see it. You'll see a bit about politics, gay, and ex-gay issues, but there is some other stuff too. Stick around--I'll try to keep it interesting.
I like following politics, but I let partisan politics rile me up too much--especially anti-gay rights stuff. Other than that I'm pretty sane
How the Threat of Violence "Keeps GLBT People In Check"
Wayne Besen wrote an exceptional column reflecting on the factors that have led to a cultural environment that could have encourage violent acts like the shooting at the Unitarian Church in Knoxville, TN last weekend:
The far right's dirty little secret is that they depend on the threat of violence to retard the advancement of the GLBT movement. Without the fear of physical attack, the number of people who are out of the closet would quickly multiply. Gay couples would hold hands in every city in the nation. On each block, from San Francisco to San Antonio, gay and lesbian people would be visibly present.
Each day, all but the bravest GLBT people make subtle or even significant adjustments to remain safe. Some dress a little blander in order to blend in. A number of gay men talk a bit deeper so they won't arouse suspicion. Some lesbians apply make up so they won't get beaten up. And, most loving couples act like buddies so they won't get bashed.
We tell ourselves comforting lies, such as "we don't like public displays of affection," to justify pushing a partner's hand away at a romantic moment. But, the reality is, even the most confident and brave among us have something to fear.
Of course, the overwhelming majority of people are not violent and a significant minority of Americans fervently supports GLBT people. What the right wing realizes, however, is it only takes a small number of twisted fanatics to keep GLBT people in check. We rarely know who these lunatics are, as they often keep their hate closeted. But, each gay person knows these hidden ticking time bombs exist and could go off at any moment -- shattering our lives.
When Focus on the Family's James Dobson says that giving gay people the freedom to marry will "destroy the earth" he is encouraging hate crimes. When Oklahoma state legislator Sally Kern says that homosexuality is the "death knell of this country," she is promoting gay bashing. When Elaine Donnelly told a congressional committee that lifting Don't Ask/Don't Tell would let lesbians take pictures of people in the shower she was setting the stage for violence. When Ann Coulter authors, "How to Talk To a Liberal (If You Must)," people like Jim Adkisson may be influenced.
What I find hypocritical is that the Religious Right will take any image it deems gay and claim it "promotes homosexuality." This even extends to fictional characters such as Tinky Winky and Sponge Bob Square Pants. Yet, these same oversensitive preachers refuse to acknowledge that their mean-spirited sermons might lead to violence.
This is not reactionary hyperbole. I know people, including some members of my church family and my late brother, who lived and continue to live with that fear. The fact that, as Besen writes, it is often promulgated by those claiming they speak for God and are acting in his will makes it even more heinous.
Click here to read the rest of the column.
The far right's dirty little secret is that they depend on the threat of violence to retard the advancement of the GLBT movement. Without the fear of physical attack, the number of people who are out of the closet would quickly multiply. Gay couples would hold hands in every city in the nation. On each block, from San Francisco to San Antonio, gay and lesbian people would be visibly present.
Each day, all but the bravest GLBT people make subtle or even significant adjustments to remain safe. Some dress a little blander in order to blend in. A number of gay men talk a bit deeper so they won't arouse suspicion. Some lesbians apply make up so they won't get beaten up. And, most loving couples act like buddies so they won't get bashed.
We tell ourselves comforting lies, such as "we don't like public displays of affection," to justify pushing a partner's hand away at a romantic moment. But, the reality is, even the most confident and brave among us have something to fear.
Of course, the overwhelming majority of people are not violent and a significant minority of Americans fervently supports GLBT people. What the right wing realizes, however, is it only takes a small number of twisted fanatics to keep GLBT people in check. We rarely know who these lunatics are, as they often keep their hate closeted. But, each gay person knows these hidden ticking time bombs exist and could go off at any moment -- shattering our lives.
When Focus on the Family's James Dobson says that giving gay people the freedom to marry will "destroy the earth" he is encouraging hate crimes. When Oklahoma state legislator Sally Kern says that homosexuality is the "death knell of this country," she is promoting gay bashing. When Elaine Donnelly told a congressional committee that lifting Don't Ask/Don't Tell would let lesbians take pictures of people in the shower she was setting the stage for violence. When Ann Coulter authors, "How to Talk To a Liberal (If You Must)," people like Jim Adkisson may be influenced.
What I find hypocritical is that the Religious Right will take any image it deems gay and claim it "promotes homosexuality." This even extends to fictional characters such as Tinky Winky and Sponge Bob Square Pants. Yet, these same oversensitive preachers refuse to acknowledge that their mean-spirited sermons might lead to violence.
This is not reactionary hyperbole. I know people, including some members of my church family and my late brother, who lived and continue to live with that fear. The fact that, as Besen writes, it is often promulgated by those claiming they speak for God and are acting in his will makes it even more heinous.
Click here to read the rest of the column.
July 30, 2008
MySpace Friend of the Day: Gay is Not
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=149090830&MyToken=a814c55d-20f5-4e19-a9bb-8cd696abfeb3
Too often in our everyday language,the word gay (in reference to sexual orientation), is loosely used as an insult. To say that something "looks gay" or "sounds gay" represents a lack of creativity and articulationthat only serves to advance homophobia.
Words don't hurt. How you use them does.
Too often in our everyday language,the word gay (in reference to sexual orientation), is loosely used as an insult. To say that something "looks gay" or "sounds gay" represents a lack of creativity and articulationthat only serves to advance homophobia.
Words don't hurt. How you use them does.
Unitarian Church Targeted For Their "Liberal Theology"
I'm sure by now, most of you have heard about the shooting on Sunday at the Tennessee Valley Unitarian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee.
For those of you who don't know the story, a man opened fire at a children's play at the church on Sunday and killed 2 people. He also injured 6 others, I believe. Parishioners tackled the man and held him down until police arrived. After he was taken into custody, police found a 4-page letter stating that this man targeted the Unitarian church because he wanted to punish liberals who are "ruining the country". He was unemployed and blamed liberals for that, as well as other things. He also had books by well known right-wing talk show hosts in his home and car.
What I find really telling about this incident is that this man obviously listened to these hosts who spout forth on a daily basis about how the liberals are taking over America. They tell their listeners that gay people are out to get their children and that we are trying to destroy so-called traditional marriage, etc.
When I joined Soulforce in 1999 and we went down to meet with Jerry Falwell and his congregants, we tried to impress upon them the need to tone down the rhetoric. We really talked at length about the damage that words can do. Do we need any more evidence than this shooting??
When will the religious right and the right wing pundits learn that they have got to stop speaking in such a way as to inflame people who are mentally or emotionally unstable? When will they realize that they are partially to blame for this tragedy? When we start de-humanizing people because of their beliefs or because of parts of their personality, color of their skin, whatever, we open the door for people like this man to do harm to the people who he thinks are somehow less than human and, therefore, fair game.
This guy was mentally ill. There's no doubt in my mind. However, we don't know what might have contributed to his dillusions. Maybe he'll be able to share that knowledge some day. All I'm saying is that it's not life-affirming, Christian, or even worth saying things that are so hateful. Bill O'Reilly is constantly saying things about how the liberals are trying to "humanize homosexuals", as if we aren't already human! The last time I looked, I was part of the human race. I'm not a rabbit or something. Rush Limbaugh talks about "feminazis" and acts as though lesbians are these man-hating androgenous she-wolfs who eat babies and bare their breasts in parades and such.
I find what they say ridiculous and sometimes even laugh at their incredulous talk. The problem is that people like the man in Tennessee didn't find it ridiculous. He bought it...hook, line, and sinker. This church had a ministry to GLBT and questioning youth. They had fought for desegregation, women's and GLBT rights since the 50's when many churches still wrestle with issues of equality. Since this man had it in his head that all of these things were evil and were ruining our country, he felt he was justified in shooting the church up and taking 2 lives. It's just amazing that in 2008, we are still struggling, as a nation, to accept each other for who we are. We just can't seem to get past labels and let people be. We need to start going in that direction or there will be more violence.
Years ago, I was friends with some folks from a local UU church. We were shocked that in a community that was supposedly pretty progressive in their politics, the church's "Marriage Equality" sign was torn down or set on fire several times. Why would people be so opposed to a church simply expressing their views that marriage was something that should be able to be shared between two adults, no matter their gender?
This is not the first incident of violence against a congregation for their beliefs, and it won't be the last. However, I am hopeful that this latest event will cause many of my Christian brothers and sisters to re-think how they talk. In God's Word, He speaks to us many times about the power of the tongue to speak life or death. We would do well to remember those scriptures when we start to speak about others. Jesus said that we were to love our neighbor as ourselves. We need to practice that in everything we do. How about it, religious right? Will you join me in loving as Christ loved?
If you'd like to read the whole story, it's at:
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/jul/28/church-shooting-police-find-manifesto-suspects-car/
Sharone
For those of you who don't know the story, a man opened fire at a children's play at the church on Sunday and killed 2 people. He also injured 6 others, I believe. Parishioners tackled the man and held him down until police arrived. After he was taken into custody, police found a 4-page letter stating that this man targeted the Unitarian church because he wanted to punish liberals who are "ruining the country". He was unemployed and blamed liberals for that, as well as other things. He also had books by well known right-wing talk show hosts in his home and car.
What I find really telling about this incident is that this man obviously listened to these hosts who spout forth on a daily basis about how the liberals are taking over America. They tell their listeners that gay people are out to get their children and that we are trying to destroy so-called traditional marriage, etc.
When I joined Soulforce in 1999 and we went down to meet with Jerry Falwell and his congregants, we tried to impress upon them the need to tone down the rhetoric. We really talked at length about the damage that words can do. Do we need any more evidence than this shooting??
When will the religious right and the right wing pundits learn that they have got to stop speaking in such a way as to inflame people who are mentally or emotionally unstable? When will they realize that they are partially to blame for this tragedy? When we start de-humanizing people because of their beliefs or because of parts of their personality, color of their skin, whatever, we open the door for people like this man to do harm to the people who he thinks are somehow less than human and, therefore, fair game.
This guy was mentally ill. There's no doubt in my mind. However, we don't know what might have contributed to his dillusions. Maybe he'll be able to share that knowledge some day. All I'm saying is that it's not life-affirming, Christian, or even worth saying things that are so hateful. Bill O'Reilly is constantly saying things about how the liberals are trying to "humanize homosexuals", as if we aren't already human! The last time I looked, I was part of the human race. I'm not a rabbit or something. Rush Limbaugh talks about "feminazis" and acts as though lesbians are these man-hating androgenous she-wolfs who eat babies and bare their breasts in parades and such.
I find what they say ridiculous and sometimes even laugh at their incredulous talk. The problem is that people like the man in Tennessee didn't find it ridiculous. He bought it...hook, line, and sinker. This church had a ministry to GLBT and questioning youth. They had fought for desegregation, women's and GLBT rights since the 50's when many churches still wrestle with issues of equality. Since this man had it in his head that all of these things were evil and were ruining our country, he felt he was justified in shooting the church up and taking 2 lives. It's just amazing that in 2008, we are still struggling, as a nation, to accept each other for who we are. We just can't seem to get past labels and let people be. We need to start going in that direction or there will be more violence.
Years ago, I was friends with some folks from a local UU church. We were shocked that in a community that was supposedly pretty progressive in their politics, the church's "Marriage Equality" sign was torn down or set on fire several times. Why would people be so opposed to a church simply expressing their views that marriage was something that should be able to be shared between two adults, no matter their gender?
This is not the first incident of violence against a congregation for their beliefs, and it won't be the last. However, I am hopeful that this latest event will cause many of my Christian brothers and sisters to re-think how they talk. In God's Word, He speaks to us many times about the power of the tongue to speak life or death. We would do well to remember those scriptures when we start to speak about others. Jesus said that we were to love our neighbor as ourselves. We need to practice that in everything we do. How about it, religious right? Will you join me in loving as Christ loved?
If you'd like to read the whole story, it's at:
http://www.knoxnews.com/news/2008/jul/28/church-shooting-police-find-manifesto-suspects-car/
Sharone
July 29, 2008
Link of the Day: Rodney Croome-Gay Adovcate
http://www.rodneycroome.id.au/weblog
Articles, essays, reviews, speeches, lectures and daily comment by prominent Australian gay advocate Rodney Croome.
For my North American readers, I think it's helpful to be reminded that the issue of equality for GLBT people is one being wrestled with across the globe.
Articles, essays, reviews, speeches, lectures and daily comment by prominent Australian gay advocate Rodney Croome.
For my North American readers, I think it's helpful to be reminded that the issue of equality for GLBT people is one being wrestled with across the globe.
Is The Dark Knight Gay?
Yes, there was a time when there was some strong sentiment that Batman, the Dark Knight running across our movie screens fighting off the Joker, was gay.
From The Bilerico Project:
The accusation that Batman was a homo, as strange as it might sound to our own ears, was taken quite seriously by government and public alike. It wasn't leveled by a marginal nut or crank, but by a world-renowned psychiatrist, Dr. Frederic Wertham.
Wertham was the Chief Psychiatrist for the New York Department of Hospitals and an important figure among the New York City liberal intelligentsia. His writings were respected enough to help form part of the legal strategy for Brown v. Board. In 1954, Wertham published a scathing indictment of comic books, The Seduction of the Innocent, which argued that comic books were an invidious influence on American youth, responsible for warped gender attitudes and all manner of delinquency. Wertham's accusations garnered the attention of Senator Estes Kefauver and his Senate Sub-committee on Juvenile Delinquency, where Wertham repeated many of his central claims.
Batman and Robin, Wertham charged, inhabited "a wish dream of two homosexuals living together." They lived in "sumptuous quarters," unencumbered by wives and girlfriends, with only an aged butler for company. They cared for each other's injuries, frequently shared quarters, and lounged together in dressing gowns. Worse still, both exhibited damning psychological characteristics: proclivities for costumes, dressing up, and fantasy play; secretive behavior and double-lives; little interest in women; and, most damning of all, neurotic compulsions resulting in their violent vigilantism. Indeed, Wertham argued, depictions of Batman and Robin were frequently homoerotic, visually emphasizing Batman's rippling physique and Robins splayed, bare thighs.
You know what, I think he makes a pretty darned good case here, especially since I've read many, many Batman stories going back to the beginning of the comic. What if he actually did come out of the bat-closet? Now THAT would be interesting.
Click here to read the rest of the story on The Bilerico Project. It's worth clicking through just to see the reproduction of the cover where Batman wore a pink costume.
From The Bilerico Project:
The accusation that Batman was a homo, as strange as it might sound to our own ears, was taken quite seriously by government and public alike. It wasn't leveled by a marginal nut or crank, but by a world-renowned psychiatrist, Dr. Frederic Wertham.
Wertham was the Chief Psychiatrist for the New York Department of Hospitals and an important figure among the New York City liberal intelligentsia. His writings were respected enough to help form part of the legal strategy for Brown v. Board. In 1954, Wertham published a scathing indictment of comic books, The Seduction of the Innocent, which argued that comic books were an invidious influence on American youth, responsible for warped gender attitudes and all manner of delinquency. Wertham's accusations garnered the attention of Senator Estes Kefauver and his Senate Sub-committee on Juvenile Delinquency, where Wertham repeated many of his central claims.
Batman and Robin, Wertham charged, inhabited "a wish dream of two homosexuals living together." They lived in "sumptuous quarters," unencumbered by wives and girlfriends, with only an aged butler for company. They cared for each other's injuries, frequently shared quarters, and lounged together in dressing gowns. Worse still, both exhibited damning psychological characteristics: proclivities for costumes, dressing up, and fantasy play; secretive behavior and double-lives; little interest in women; and, most damning of all, neurotic compulsions resulting in their violent vigilantism. Indeed, Wertham argued, depictions of Batman and Robin were frequently homoerotic, visually emphasizing Batman's rippling physique and Robins splayed, bare thighs.
You know what, I think he makes a pretty darned good case here, especially since I've read many, many Batman stories going back to the beginning of the comic. What if he actually did come out of the bat-closet? Now THAT would be interesting.
Click here to read the rest of the story on The Bilerico Project. It's worth clicking through just to see the reproduction of the cover where Batman wore a pink costume.
July 28, 2008
MySpace Friend of the Day: Pride Connections Center of New Jersey
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=34305716&MyToken=ba9f0999-d11a-4c37-8d4c-8fbbf33b1f5c
HPC is the only social service provider dedicated to and founded by the LGBT community in Hudson County. We are a non profit organization serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender communities and all people living with HIV since 1993. Check us out for more info at
www.PrideConnections.org
WE ARE HERE FOR YOUR HEALTH-RELATED QUESTIONS!
Interested in Youth Connect? LGBT or questioning? Join our MySpace group: http://groups.myspace.com/YouthConnect
Ask us for non-judgmental support and help.
YouthConnect @ Hudson Pride Connections is making our services available to everyone--blk, latino, asian,white, gay, str8, bi, trans, girl, boy, male, female, or anything else.
You can get non-judgmental support & information about any kind of sexual health question.
You can email us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at myhealth@hudsonpride.org or here. You will get an answer to your questions and can learn about our local services!
HPC is the only social service provider dedicated to and founded by the LGBT community in Hudson County. We are a non profit organization serving the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender communities and all people living with HIV since 1993. Check us out for more info at
www.PrideConnections.org
WE ARE HERE FOR YOUR HEALTH-RELATED QUESTIONS!
Interested in Youth Connect? LGBT or questioning? Join our MySpace group: http://groups.myspace.com/YouthConnect
Ask us for non-judgmental support and help.
YouthConnect @ Hudson Pride Connections is making our services available to everyone--blk, latino, asian,white, gay, str8, bi, trans, girl, boy, male, female, or anything else.
You can get non-judgmental support & information about any kind of sexual health question.
You can email us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at myhealth@hudsonpride.org or here. You will get an answer to your questions and can learn about our local services!
Is California the Deciding Battle in the "Culture Wars?"
That's what American Family Association Don Wildmon says.
From Religion Dispatches:
The “culture wars” will be irrevocably lost, said Wildmon, if Proposition 8 (the “California Marriage Protection Act“ which states that “Only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California”) loses on November 4.
“If we lose California, if they defeat the marriage amendment, I’m afraid that the culture war is over and Christians have lost,” said Wildmon, “I’ve never said that publicly until now—but that’s just the reality of the fact.”
Wildmon pointed out that If the “homosexuals” were “able to defeat the marriage amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman, then the culture war is over and we’ve lost—and gradually, secularism will replace Christianity as the foundation of our society.”
“California is a big dam, holding back the flood—and if you take down the dam in California, it’s going to flood 49 other states,” Wildmon maintained. “It will destroy marriage as it has been known for thousands of years [For an opposing view from a historian of the family see Stephanie Coontz's "Traditional" Marriage or a Break with Tradition?—ed.], and with that the cultural decline that normally would follow.”
Of course, he's not the only right-winger using their standard fall-back methodology--fear mongering.
“Homosexual rights are trampling freedom of religion, of speech and of association,” Michael J. McManus, President and Co-Chair of “Marriage Savers,“ recently wrote. “Homosexuals have a right to live any way they wish, but they do not have the right to redefine marriage for the whole culture.”
"What is at stake in the California marriage debate now taking place?” asked Maggie Gallagher, president of the National Organization for Marriage, which helped qualify Proposition 8 for the ballot, in a recent piece for the National Review. “The meaning of marriage, the idea of judicial restraint, and the official harassment and repression (by our own government) of traditional religious faiths.” (Gallagher, a long-time marriage advocate, also received money—without disclosing it—from the Department of Health and Human Services to help promote the President’s “Healthy Marriages Initiative“.)
Of course, what is at stake is one of the largest states in the nation taking a stand and granting equal rights to ALL people and not hiding behind tradition to perpetuate discrimination.
That apparently just scares the living crap out of some people. What a shame for them.
Click here to read the rest of the article from Religion Dispatches.
From Religion Dispatches:
The “culture wars” will be irrevocably lost, said Wildmon, if Proposition 8 (the “California Marriage Protection Act“ which states that “Only a marriage between a man and a woman is valid or recognized in California”) loses on November 4.
“If we lose California, if they defeat the marriage amendment, I’m afraid that the culture war is over and Christians have lost,” said Wildmon, “I’ve never said that publicly until now—but that’s just the reality of the fact.”
Wildmon pointed out that If the “homosexuals” were “able to defeat the marriage amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman, then the culture war is over and we’ve lost—and gradually, secularism will replace Christianity as the foundation of our society.”
“California is a big dam, holding back the flood—and if you take down the dam in California, it’s going to flood 49 other states,” Wildmon maintained. “It will destroy marriage as it has been known for thousands of years [For an opposing view from a historian of the family see Stephanie Coontz's "Traditional" Marriage or a Break with Tradition?—ed.], and with that the cultural decline that normally would follow.”
Of course, he's not the only right-winger using their standard fall-back methodology--fear mongering.
“Homosexual rights are trampling freedom of religion, of speech and of association,” Michael J. McManus, President and Co-Chair of “Marriage Savers,“ recently wrote. “Homosexuals have a right to live any way they wish, but they do not have the right to redefine marriage for the whole culture.”
"What is at stake in the California marriage debate now taking place?” asked Maggie Gallagher, president of the National Organization for Marriage, which helped qualify Proposition 8 for the ballot, in a recent piece for the National Review. “The meaning of marriage, the idea of judicial restraint, and the official harassment and repression (by our own government) of traditional religious faiths.” (Gallagher, a long-time marriage advocate, also received money—without disclosing it—from the Department of Health and Human Services to help promote the President’s “Healthy Marriages Initiative“.)
Of course, what is at stake is one of the largest states in the nation taking a stand and granting equal rights to ALL people and not hiding behind tradition to perpetuate discrimination.
That apparently just scares the living crap out of some people. What a shame for them.
Click here to read the rest of the article from Religion Dispatches.
July 27, 2008
"Do I Need Medicine of Prayers for Depression?"
Billy Graham answers that question for the Christian Post:
Q: My doctor says I need to get on some medicine for my depression but I'm afraid to do it. I have a friend who says I just need to pray and get close to God. How do I do that? I admit I need some kind of help. I don't understand what's been happening to me. - Mrs. B.T.
A: Depression can be very crippling, and I commend you for facing up to it and seeking help. Unfortunately, some people who experience depression feel guilty or ashamed, and as a result they refuse to admit they need help.
But they shouldn't feel this way; some of the Bible's greatest people (such as Job and Elijah) knew what it was to be depressed. In the midst of his suffering, Job cried out in despair, "Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?" (Job 3:11). But in time Job realized that God still loved him, and when he turned to God he found new strength and comfort.
And I pray this will be your experience as well. Perhaps you've never thought about God very much - but He made you, and He loves you. He loves you so much that He sent His Son into the world to give His life for you and make you part of His family forever. If you have never done so, ask Jesus Christ to come into your life today - and He will. No matter what happens to us, we can have hope when we know Christ.
At the same time, don't hesitate to seek medical help if you need it. Depression can be caused by many things, including chemical imbalances in our brains, and often the right medicine can correct these. God can use doctors and medicines to help us, and in fact they may be God's answer to our prayers.
Q: My doctor says I need to get on some medicine for my depression but I'm afraid to do it. I have a friend who says I just need to pray and get close to God. How do I do that? I admit I need some kind of help. I don't understand what's been happening to me. - Mrs. B.T.
A: Depression can be very crippling, and I commend you for facing up to it and seeking help. Unfortunately, some people who experience depression feel guilty or ashamed, and as a result they refuse to admit they need help.
But they shouldn't feel this way; some of the Bible's greatest people (such as Job and Elijah) knew what it was to be depressed. In the midst of his suffering, Job cried out in despair, "Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?" (Job 3:11). But in time Job realized that God still loved him, and when he turned to God he found new strength and comfort.
And I pray this will be your experience as well. Perhaps you've never thought about God very much - but He made you, and He loves you. He loves you so much that He sent His Son into the world to give His life for you and make you part of His family forever. If you have never done so, ask Jesus Christ to come into your life today - and He will. No matter what happens to us, we can have hope when we know Christ.
At the same time, don't hesitate to seek medical help if you need it. Depression can be caused by many things, including chemical imbalances in our brains, and often the right medicine can correct these. God can use doctors and medicines to help us, and in fact they may be God's answer to our prayers.
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