The words below are from Bruce Reyes-Chow, former Moderator of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA, in his speech at a Prop 8 Verdict Rally in San Francisco. I might not have chosen such strong words, but the moment we stop being radical is the moment we stop being Christian...
I know that many of my people have influenced this particular journey in non-positive ways. I stand before you also confessing for the Christian church for too many times in our words and actions have created pain and violence. I stand before you confessing for those who have proclaimed a message of Biblical literalism and cultural narrow-mindedness that has oppressed rather than liberated. I stand before you at this time to confess for far too many of us well meaning straight allies who have not spoken out for justice that we need to step out now more than ever.
This is a time of great celebration. This is a time when Christians around the world who will continue to push for justice must come out and stand, stand long and advocate the message of God to those Biblical literalists who have poisoned our understanding of marriage, sexuality and love. We will no long stand and allow the message of hope, compassion, justice and love to be drowned out by the screams of hatred, oppression and injustice. We will no longer stand and see our friends, our family, our congregations members and strangers be denied the same civil rights that so many of us have been granted for a life time.
There is a time that we must each embrace our call to speak out, act out of our place of privilege, risk our power, our authority, our comfort and assure that justice, compassion and love prevail.This is such a time. This is now.Thank you and God bless.
1 comment:
I certainly agree that the church has been horrible in its relations with the homosexual community. I am ashamed that people like Fred Phelps claim to know the name of Christ.
I don't think homosexuality is an issue of biblical literalism, though. Obviously, there are times where Jesus used hyperbole in scripture to illustrate a point (like when he said we could move mountains). But I also feel scripture is very clear about some things. One of these things is sexual immorality.
I personally believe that practicing homosexuality is a sin. I also believe looking at a woman and lusting after her is a sin. And I believe both of these things are sexual immoral. I also generally believe that all sins are equal in God's eyes.. we all need redemption.
I commend this guy for standing up for "social justice" (such a buzzword) because I totally believe that gays should marry if they want to. The only problem I have with his statement is apologizing on behalf of all Biblical literalists. It almost seems like he is making a comment on theology rather than celebrating a victory.
As for gay marraige, I am okay with it if the church doesn't have to recognize it (though I know that some already have and will continue to.) As long as the church and state continue to stay separated for the msot part in this manner, that's fine with me. I believe we all have the right to choose how we want to live. We can choose light or darkness. I believe homosexuality is darkness. I also believe I will see many gay people in heaven. why? Because everyone struggles with sin. For me, it may be pride. For the other guy at church, maybe it's his sexuality.
Sorry for the novel. I do wish the church could agree to love without condition. We're all struggling and to say we aren't is lying. Did you hear about Jennifer Knapp "coming out"? What did you think of it?
Post a Comment