http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/AIDS-support-march-for-Montego-Bay-today
http://www.iglhrc.org/cgi-bin/iowa/article/takeaction/partners/1108.html
http://go-jamaica.com/news/read_article.php?id=18249
http://madikazemi.blogspot.com/2010/04/jamaica-to-hold-walk-for-tolerance.html
Showing posts with label jamaica. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jamaica. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 07, 2010
Saturday, September 19, 2009
No Gambling on Sundays, Faggot!
"Church leaders called Friday for Jamaica's government to drop plans for horse racing on Sundays, saying the ills from gambling addiction and its harm to families will far outweigh financial benefits." - Forbes.com
(http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/09/18/business-cb-jamaica-gambling_6905531.html)
Are you freaking kidding me? They're getting worked up about Sunday gambling, but nary a word about the epidemic of gay murders and mob violence? I'm sure this is the karmic result of colonization, imperial conquest, and other evils where one culture tried to dominate others...but it is mind numbing regardless of the sociological explanations. Give me strength!
Victorian prudishness is alive and well. This is a perfect illustration of fundamentalist religion...to be outraged about what day on the calendar gambling takes place while being totally ambivalent (or even pleased) about the violence done to same-gender loving people in society. Jamaica may be the most homophobic country in the Western Hemisphere, and one of the most dangerous countries for gay people on the planet. But in that country, an outcry can be heard from the "faithful" against horseracing on Sundays.
I know its complicated. I know many factors for many years have contributed to this sad reality. Slavery, financial exploitation, colonization, European racism, and imperialism disguised as "missiology" and other harsh realities can all share blame for the fundamentalist and violent attitudes that thrive in Jamaica.
We have contributed to a world where a day of the week is sacred, and love shared between two humans is not, where a column on a calendar has importance, and the human dignity of a person whose innate attractions are for people of the same-gender does not. Surely there is a cure for this madness. Surely fundamentalism will not always be with us.
Sigh.
- dw+
(http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/09/18/business-cb-jamaica-gambling_6905531.html)
Are you freaking kidding me? They're getting worked up about Sunday gambling, but nary a word about the epidemic of gay murders and mob violence? I'm sure this is the karmic result of colonization, imperial conquest, and other evils where one culture tried to dominate others...but it is mind numbing regardless of the sociological explanations. Give me strength!
Victorian prudishness is alive and well. This is a perfect illustration of fundamentalist religion...to be outraged about what day on the calendar gambling takes place while being totally ambivalent (or even pleased) about the violence done to same-gender loving people in society. Jamaica may be the most homophobic country in the Western Hemisphere, and one of the most dangerous countries for gay people on the planet. But in that country, an outcry can be heard from the "faithful" against horseracing on Sundays.
I know its complicated. I know many factors for many years have contributed to this sad reality. Slavery, financial exploitation, colonization, European racism, and imperialism disguised as "missiology" and other harsh realities can all share blame for the fundamentalist and violent attitudes that thrive in Jamaica.
We have contributed to a world where a day of the week is sacred, and love shared between two humans is not, where a column on a calendar has importance, and the human dignity of a person whose innate attractions are for people of the same-gender does not. Surely there is a cure for this madness. Surely fundamentalism will not always be with us.
Sigh.
- dw+
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Speak Out Against Homophobic Violence in Jamaica
Since 1997 Amnesty International has recorded the murders of more than 35 gay men in Jamaica. 32 incidents of mob violence have been recorded in just the last 18 months. And last week, another gay man was attacked and brutally murdered in that country.
John Terry, a British diplomat living in Jamaica was beaten and strangled. A note found near his body read, "This is what will happen to all gays."
You can email the Jamaican Prime Minister, The Hon. O. Bruce Golding (hpmgolding@opm.gov.jm) and tell him that as a person of faith you are calling for decisive action to change the culture of violence and intolerance in Jamaica. And join us in praying for an end to homophobic violence in Jamaica and around the world.
To view our statement on the recent killing, go to www.youtube.com/sunshinecathedral
Yours in shared service,
Durrell+
John Terry, a British diplomat living in Jamaica was beaten and strangled. A note found near his body read, "This is what will happen to all gays."
You can email the Jamaican Prime Minister, The Hon. O. Bruce Golding (hpmgolding@opm.gov.jm) and tell him that as a person of faith you are calling for decisive action to change the culture of violence and intolerance in Jamaica. And join us in praying for an end to homophobic violence in Jamaica and around the world.
To view our statement on the recent killing, go to www.youtube.com/sunshinecathedral
Yours in shared service,
Durrell+
Friday, February 01, 2008
Homophobic Violence Strikes Again in Jamaica
Sunshine Cathedral
A Metropolitan Community Church
Affiliated with The Center for Progressive Christianity
1 February, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
According to a statement from JFLAG (Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals, and Gays) and confirmed by a report in the Jamaica Star online, there has been another homophobic attack in Jamaica. On 31 January, 2008 The Jamaica Star reported that intruders broke into a private home and attacked three men who were in the house.
The men who suffered the attack were accused of being “homosexual.” At least two of the men were brutally beaten and “chopped” with machetes, while the third is missing and possibly dead. The survivors apparently require extensive medical attention.
The leadership of Sunshine Cathedral Metropolitan Community Church unequivocally condemns this recent attack and we hope other people and organizations will speak out against unprovoked violence whenever it occurs.
To the survivors of this vicious and unwarranted attack, we at the Sunshine Cathedral offer our sincere wishes for a full and speedy recovery. We continue to pray for our sisters and brothers in Jamaica and we dare to imagine a day when goodwill, peace, and civility will triumph over human prejudices, hatreds, and suspicions.
We call upon all religious people who use religion to justify and promote their homophobic prejudices to see that the rhetoric of hate and condemnation contributes to acts of dehumanizing violence. We further ask all religious people to remember and share the spiritual values of love, mercy, justice, goodwill, kindness, and generosity. We ask all religious people to lift up and live by the Golden Rule, which is to do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
Finally, we call upon the Jamaican authorities to investigate this heinous attack and to do everything possible to protect all Jamaican citizens from future acts of senseless violence.
- End -
Contact: Reverend Robert Griffin, Director of Adult Spiritual Education & Christian Social Action, Robert@Sunshinecathedral.org or Reverend Durrell Watkins, Senior Pastor, Durrell@Sunshinecathedral.org
954.462.2004
Sunshine Cathedral
Fort Lauderdale, the Caribbean, and the World Wide Web
www.sunshinecathedral.org
A Metropolitan Community Church
Affiliated with The Center for Progressive Christianity
1 February, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
According to a statement from JFLAG (Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-Sexuals, and Gays) and confirmed by a report in the Jamaica Star online, there has been another homophobic attack in Jamaica. On 31 January, 2008 The Jamaica Star reported that intruders broke into a private home and attacked three men who were in the house.
The men who suffered the attack were accused of being “homosexual.” At least two of the men were brutally beaten and “chopped” with machetes, while the third is missing and possibly dead. The survivors apparently require extensive medical attention.
The leadership of Sunshine Cathedral Metropolitan Community Church unequivocally condemns this recent attack and we hope other people and organizations will speak out against unprovoked violence whenever it occurs.
To the survivors of this vicious and unwarranted attack, we at the Sunshine Cathedral offer our sincere wishes for a full and speedy recovery. We continue to pray for our sisters and brothers in Jamaica and we dare to imagine a day when goodwill, peace, and civility will triumph over human prejudices, hatreds, and suspicions.
We call upon all religious people who use religion to justify and promote their homophobic prejudices to see that the rhetoric of hate and condemnation contributes to acts of dehumanizing violence. We further ask all religious people to remember and share the spiritual values of love, mercy, justice, goodwill, kindness, and generosity. We ask all religious people to lift up and live by the Golden Rule, which is to do unto others as you would have others do unto you.
Finally, we call upon the Jamaican authorities to investigate this heinous attack and to do everything possible to protect all Jamaican citizens from future acts of senseless violence.
- End -
Contact: Reverend Robert Griffin, Director of Adult Spiritual Education & Christian Social Action, Robert@Sunshinecathedral.org or Reverend Durrell Watkins, Senior Pastor, Durrell@Sunshinecathedral.org
954.462.2004
Sunshine Cathedral
Fort Lauderdale, the Caribbean, and the World Wide Web
www.sunshinecathedral.org
Friday, May 11, 2007
Response to "Gays Skewing the Word of God"
In a letter to the editor of the Jamaican Observer, an annoyed contributor expressed dismay that MCC's titular head and chief theologian Nancy Wilson, MDiv, recently visited Jamaica as an advocate for gay and lesbians in that country. From the lengthy and venomous letter, I share with you only four quotes and I respond to them. Our work is clearly not done. There is much more to do before all people are afforded equal rights. For the entire letter to the editor, visit http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/letters/html/20070510T230000-0500_122825_OBS_GAYS_SKEWING_THE_WORD_OF_GOD_.asp
JMF writes: "[Rev. Nancy Wilson] might ask us soon to allow a man to marry a pig! Because from a Christian perspective, what would be the difference?"
DW: The difference, to any intelligent person, is that a pig could not consent. Two men or two women or a man and a woman can decide if they are attracted to one another and wish to enter into a physical relationship. That is not the case with a person and an animal. Adults within a species are certainly free to express desire and affection for one another. Now, if and when pigs evolve to the point of being able to speak and find employment and vote and be in every way equal in social-power to humans, then we'll discuss human-swine marriages. Until then, its too ridiculous to even bring up in a serious debate.
JMF writes: "Homosexuals are so bent on enjoying their lifestyle that they now want to skew the Word of God to suit themselves and then, when they cannot, they accuse others of misinterpreting the Word. God hates homosexuality and He does not apologise for it - if it is spoken against one time in the Bible it would be once too many times, but for it to be written against six times is showing God's complete distaste for the act."
DW: And God's ignorance of evolution, "his" [sic] uncritical acceptance of slavery, "his" mistaken notion that the sun travels throughout the sky (as we see when Joshua makes the moving sun stand still), "his" assumption that virgins and 90 year old women can conceive children, "his" tolerance of polygamy, and "his" laws against eating pork and shellfish (which "he" seems to forget later in the book of Acts) all seem OK to this person (I presume). First, that anyone believes God literally composed the contents of the bible continues to astound me. Secondly, that anyone would have the arrogance to state so boldly what God hates also astounds me. Finally, if God can condone slavery but not same-gender love, what use would any of us have for such a god?
JMF writes: "However, as Romans Chapter 1 starting at verse 22 states, 'Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves, who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature. And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one towards another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.'"
DW: One, St. Paul, not God, wrote the book of Romans. Two, "For this cause..." that is, in response to their idolatry, God punished the people Paul talks about WITH (not FOR) same-gender attraction. Thirdly, if it is a curse for one to try to change one's nature, wouldn't it be bad for gay people to try to change into straight people? One can certainly disagree with Paul's conclusions, and even if one (inexplicably) agreed with Mr. Paul, that still isn't an argument against a 21st century understanding of sexual orientation.
(Finally), JMF writes: "For the pastors claiming to be Christians who are approving of such churches, I repeat, they are not of God."
DW: Perhaps not of God as this person understands God. Thank God!
JMF writes: "[Rev. Nancy Wilson] might ask us soon to allow a man to marry a pig! Because from a Christian perspective, what would be the difference?"
DW: The difference, to any intelligent person, is that a pig could not consent. Two men or two women or a man and a woman can decide if they are attracted to one another and wish to enter into a physical relationship. That is not the case with a person and an animal. Adults within a species are certainly free to express desire and affection for one another. Now, if and when pigs evolve to the point of being able to speak and find employment and vote and be in every way equal in social-power to humans, then we'll discuss human-swine marriages. Until then, its too ridiculous to even bring up in a serious debate.
JMF writes: "Homosexuals are so bent on enjoying their lifestyle that they now want to skew the Word of God to suit themselves and then, when they cannot, they accuse others of misinterpreting the Word. God hates homosexuality and He does not apologise for it - if it is spoken against one time in the Bible it would be once too many times, but for it to be written against six times is showing God's complete distaste for the act."
DW: And God's ignorance of evolution, "his" [sic] uncritical acceptance of slavery, "his" mistaken notion that the sun travels throughout the sky (as we see when Joshua makes the moving sun stand still), "his" assumption that virgins and 90 year old women can conceive children, "his" tolerance of polygamy, and "his" laws against eating pork and shellfish (which "he" seems to forget later in the book of Acts) all seem OK to this person (I presume). First, that anyone believes God literally composed the contents of the bible continues to astound me. Secondly, that anyone would have the arrogance to state so boldly what God hates also astounds me. Finally, if God can condone slavery but not same-gender love, what use would any of us have for such a god?
JMF writes: "However, as Romans Chapter 1 starting at verse 22 states, 'Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves, who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature. And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one towards another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.'"
DW: One, St. Paul, not God, wrote the book of Romans. Two, "For this cause..." that is, in response to their idolatry, God punished the people Paul talks about WITH (not FOR) same-gender attraction. Thirdly, if it is a curse for one to try to change one's nature, wouldn't it be bad for gay people to try to change into straight people? One can certainly disagree with Paul's conclusions, and even if one (inexplicably) agreed with Mr. Paul, that still isn't an argument against a 21st century understanding of sexual orientation.
(Finally), JMF writes: "For the pastors claiming to be Christians who are approving of such churches, I repeat, they are not of God."
DW: Perhaps not of God as this person understands God. Thank God!
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Response to New Mob Attack in Jamaica
Sunshine Cathedral
A Metropolitan Community Church affiliated with The Center for Progressive Christianity
For Immediate Release
April 28th, 2007
Sunshine Cathedral’s Canon Precentor Responds to New Mob Attack in Jamaica
Once again, mob violence has erupted in Jamaica. According to a news report, a cross-dresser was identified as a man in women’s attire yesterday morning in the town of Falmouth. Apparently, the victim was simply waiting for public transportation when someone shouted out that the person who appeared female was actually male. Violence ensued, and escalated. The crowd that attacked the victim with sticks, rocks, and “whatever weapon they could find” was dispersed with warning shots from the police. The assault victim was taken by the police to the hospital. The story can be found in the Jamaican Observer (http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20070428T020000-0500_122324_OBS_MOB_BEATS_CROSS_DRESSER.asp).
The person who was attacked apparently did nothing other than to defy society’s gender norms. It is outrageous to think that simply being different remains so dangerous today. We again are reminded of the Golden Rule, stated variously across cultures and religions, but recorded in the Sermon on the Mount as, “Treat others as you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about” (The Bible, Contemporary English Version). Would any of the attackers want to be singled out and outnumbered by a violent crowd? Of course not. And no one would want their child, grandchild, sibling, or friend attacked for being different. And so, again, in the name and words of Jesus, we say, “Treat others as you want them to treat you.”
We, the leaders of the Sunshine Cathedral, continue to condemn such unprovoked violence and we continue to call upon religious leaders in Jamaica and throughout the world to speak out against such violence. We further hope the Jamaican government will act to secure the safety of all its citizens. Finally, we continue to pray for the victims of violence, wishing them healing, hope, and peace.
/signed/
Durrell Watkins
The Reverend Canon Durrell Watkins, MA, MDiv
submitted on behalf of Sunshine Cathedral’s Canon Circle
www.sunshinecathedral.org office phone: 954.462.2004 fax: 954.462.7070
(End)
........................................................
To see previous press releases and reports dating back to February 16th, 2007, please email Durrell@Sunshinecathedral.org
A Metropolitan Community Church affiliated with The Center for Progressive Christianity
For Immediate Release
April 28th, 2007
Sunshine Cathedral’s Canon Precentor Responds to New Mob Attack in Jamaica
Once again, mob violence has erupted in Jamaica. According to a news report, a cross-dresser was identified as a man in women’s attire yesterday morning in the town of Falmouth. Apparently, the victim was simply waiting for public transportation when someone shouted out that the person who appeared female was actually male. Violence ensued, and escalated. The crowd that attacked the victim with sticks, rocks, and “whatever weapon they could find” was dispersed with warning shots from the police. The assault victim was taken by the police to the hospital. The story can be found in the Jamaican Observer (http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/html/20070428T020000-0500_122324_OBS_MOB_BEATS_CROSS_DRESSER.asp).
The person who was attacked apparently did nothing other than to defy society’s gender norms. It is outrageous to think that simply being different remains so dangerous today. We again are reminded of the Golden Rule, stated variously across cultures and religions, but recorded in the Sermon on the Mount as, “Treat others as you want them to treat you. This is what the Law and the Prophets are all about” (The Bible, Contemporary English Version). Would any of the attackers want to be singled out and outnumbered by a violent crowd? Of course not. And no one would want their child, grandchild, sibling, or friend attacked for being different. And so, again, in the name and words of Jesus, we say, “Treat others as you want them to treat you.”
We, the leaders of the Sunshine Cathedral, continue to condemn such unprovoked violence and we continue to call upon religious leaders in Jamaica and throughout the world to speak out against such violence. We further hope the Jamaican government will act to secure the safety of all its citizens. Finally, we continue to pray for the victims of violence, wishing them healing, hope, and peace.
/signed/
Durrell Watkins
The Reverend Canon Durrell Watkins, MA, MDiv
submitted on behalf of Sunshine Cathedral’s Canon Circle
www.sunshinecathedral.org office phone: 954.462.2004 fax: 954.462.7070
(End)
........................................................
To see previous press releases and reports dating back to February 16th, 2007, please email Durrell@Sunshinecathedral.org
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Response to Easter Attack in Jamaica
4/10/2007
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Response to Easter Attack
From The Reverend Canon Durrell Watkins, M.A., M.Div.
on behalf of the Canon Circle of the Sunshine Cathedral
According to frequent reports, Jamaica remains a very dangerous place for same-gender loving people, and even for people who are merely suspected of being gay or lesbian. Just over a week ago, young men presumed to be gay were attacked by a mob at the MoBay Nite-Out Carnival. And more recently, on Easter Sunday, a funeral was reportedly disrupted by a threatening mob objecting to the presence of mourners who were thought to be gay.
According to a J-FLAG (Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals, & Gays) press release, a number of individuals left the church where a funeral was being conducted on April 8th and returned with a crowd from a nearby community. The crowd, reportedly armed with machetes and knives, surrounded the church and threw objects through the windows of the church while the funeral service was in process.
Words fail to communicate the despair and righteous indignation such reports cause justice-seekers, human rights activists, and peace loving people of goodwill. Homophobia cannot be allowed to disrupt sacred ceremonies that are meant to honor the departed and bring comfort to the bereaved, nor should violence be considered an acceptable way to demonstrate disapproval of any minority group.
We at the Sunshine Cathedral call for an end to institutionalized homophobia. Pulpits and political platforms should no longer be used to dehumanize same-gender loving people. Disguising anti-gay prejudice as a religious value gives the more zealous in any community perceived permission to strike out against gay and lesbian members of society. Surely these incidents show that homophobia is the true danger to a society. The Sunshine Cathedral, a progressive and inclusive Christian church, affirms the sacred value of all people and we continue to offer a message of hope and liberation to all who have been oppressed by homophobia and other forms of prejudice that fan the flames of intolerance and violence.
The Sunshine Cathedral continues to call upon religious and political leaders as well as individuals throughout society to denounce violence against any class of people. Violence limits freedom, not diversity. Violence limits the safety of society, not the differences within it.
We at the Sunshine Cathedral hope the police will thoroughly investigate the most recent attacks and work diligently to protect all inhabitants of Jamaica. We continue to call upon the Jamaican government to take anti-gay violence seriously and to propose viable, fair solutions. And, we continue to pray for our lesbian, bisexual, and gay brothers and sisters who often fear for their very lives simply for being who they are.
The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." This is not simply an internal matter for Jamaica, nor is this simply a matter for same-gender loving people. The present situation in Jamaica shows that justice everywhere must be valued, promoted and protected. And so, we at Sunshine Cathedral continue to speak out for justice and equality for same-gender loving Jamaicans and for all people in all places.
Contact:
The Reverend Canon Durrell Watkins
Durrell@Sunshinecathedral.org
Or…
The Right Reverend Grant Lynn Ford
Grant@Sunshinecathedral.org
Sunshine Cathedral
Affiliated with The Center for Progressive Christianity
Office Phone: 954.462.2004
Fax: 954.462.7070
www.sunshinecathedral.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Response to Easter Attack
From The Reverend Canon Durrell Watkins, M.A., M.Div.
on behalf of the Canon Circle of the Sunshine Cathedral
According to frequent reports, Jamaica remains a very dangerous place for same-gender loving people, and even for people who are merely suspected of being gay or lesbian. Just over a week ago, young men presumed to be gay were attacked by a mob at the MoBay Nite-Out Carnival. And more recently, on Easter Sunday, a funeral was reportedly disrupted by a threatening mob objecting to the presence of mourners who were thought to be gay.
According to a J-FLAG (Jamaica Forum for Lesbians, All-sexuals, & Gays) press release, a number of individuals left the church where a funeral was being conducted on April 8th and returned with a crowd from a nearby community. The crowd, reportedly armed with machetes and knives, surrounded the church and threw objects through the windows of the church while the funeral service was in process.
Words fail to communicate the despair and righteous indignation such reports cause justice-seekers, human rights activists, and peace loving people of goodwill. Homophobia cannot be allowed to disrupt sacred ceremonies that are meant to honor the departed and bring comfort to the bereaved, nor should violence be considered an acceptable way to demonstrate disapproval of any minority group.
We at the Sunshine Cathedral call for an end to institutionalized homophobia. Pulpits and political platforms should no longer be used to dehumanize same-gender loving people. Disguising anti-gay prejudice as a religious value gives the more zealous in any community perceived permission to strike out against gay and lesbian members of society. Surely these incidents show that homophobia is the true danger to a society. The Sunshine Cathedral, a progressive and inclusive Christian church, affirms the sacred value of all people and we continue to offer a message of hope and liberation to all who have been oppressed by homophobia and other forms of prejudice that fan the flames of intolerance and violence.
The Sunshine Cathedral continues to call upon religious and political leaders as well as individuals throughout society to denounce violence against any class of people. Violence limits freedom, not diversity. Violence limits the safety of society, not the differences within it.
We at the Sunshine Cathedral hope the police will thoroughly investigate the most recent attacks and work diligently to protect all inhabitants of Jamaica. We continue to call upon the Jamaican government to take anti-gay violence seriously and to propose viable, fair solutions. And, we continue to pray for our lesbian, bisexual, and gay brothers and sisters who often fear for their very lives simply for being who they are.
The Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." This is not simply an internal matter for Jamaica, nor is this simply a matter for same-gender loving people. The present situation in Jamaica shows that justice everywhere must be valued, promoted and protected. And so, we at Sunshine Cathedral continue to speak out for justice and equality for same-gender loving Jamaicans and for all people in all places.
Contact:
The Reverend Canon Durrell Watkins
Durrell@Sunshinecathedral.org
Or…
The Right Reverend Grant Lynn Ford
Grant@Sunshinecathedral.org
Sunshine Cathedral
Affiliated with The Center for Progressive Christianity
Office Phone: 954.462.2004
Fax: 954.462.7070
www.sunshinecathedral.org
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Action Alert from MCC
A C T I O N A L E R T
from Metropolitan Community Churches
URGENT! TIME VALUE!
LGBT Jamaicans Need Your Help Today!
An Important Messagefrom Rev. Pat BumgardnerChair, MCC Global Justice TeamFebruary 28, 2007
Your help today -- just a few minutes of your time -- can help protect the lives of LGBT across Jamaica.Time Magazine has designated Jamaica "the most homophobic country in the Western hemisphere." Over several years, MCC has documented an alarming pattern of overt hostility, violent attacks, and murder of LGBT people in Jamaica. These incidents have received little coverage by the Jamaican media and have often been ignored by the civil authorities.In the latest incident, three gay men in St. Andrew's parish were attacked by a mob on Valentines Day 2007. While being rescued by police, one of the gay men was gun-butted by an officer. Another was hit by a rock thrown from the mob. All of the men were taunted with anti-gay slurs by police officers.Now is the time for all people of goodwill to take a stand for justice and against intolerance. No person of conscience should remain silent in the face of the continuing horrific attacks on gays in Jamaica.By taking action today -- in less than five minutes -- you can help make a difference in the lives of our LGBT brothers and sisters in Jamaica.Won't you take two simple steps right now?
First, write a brief e-mail directly to Jamaica's Prime Minister... The Most Honorable Portia Simpson Miller at HPM@opm.gov.jm. Keep your message brief and write from your heart. Ask her to speak out publicly against the violence, to establish a tone of respect and tolerance for all life, and to guarantee the human rights and safety of Jamaica's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens. (And to help us track responses, please send a copy of your e-mail to MCC's Communications Department at info@MCCchurch.net.)
Second, forward this Action Alert... to your friends, distribute it to your e-mail lists, and post it on listserves to which you subscribe. Reprint it in your newsletters, post it on your website, and send it to publications and media outlets in your area. Help get the word out.Your actions -- today! -- will focus international attention on the horrific pattern of anti-gay violence in Jamaica and can help bring about legal protections for LGBT Jamaicans.
/signed/
Rev. Pat BumgardnerChairMCC Global Justice Team
(END)
For Additional Information, ContactMCC Communications DepartmentE-Mail: info@MCCchurch.netWeb: http://www.mccchurch.org/
from Metropolitan Community Churches
URGENT! TIME VALUE!
LGBT Jamaicans Need Your Help Today!
An Important Messagefrom Rev. Pat BumgardnerChair, MCC Global Justice TeamFebruary 28, 2007
Your help today -- just a few minutes of your time -- can help protect the lives of LGBT across Jamaica.Time Magazine has designated Jamaica "the most homophobic country in the Western hemisphere." Over several years, MCC has documented an alarming pattern of overt hostility, violent attacks, and murder of LGBT people in Jamaica. These incidents have received little coverage by the Jamaican media and have often been ignored by the civil authorities.In the latest incident, three gay men in St. Andrew's parish were attacked by a mob on Valentines Day 2007. While being rescued by police, one of the gay men was gun-butted by an officer. Another was hit by a rock thrown from the mob. All of the men were taunted with anti-gay slurs by police officers.Now is the time for all people of goodwill to take a stand for justice and against intolerance. No person of conscience should remain silent in the face of the continuing horrific attacks on gays in Jamaica.By taking action today -- in less than five minutes -- you can help make a difference in the lives of our LGBT brothers and sisters in Jamaica.Won't you take two simple steps right now?
First, write a brief e-mail directly to Jamaica's Prime Minister... The Most Honorable Portia Simpson Miller at HPM@opm.gov.jm. Keep your message brief and write from your heart. Ask her to speak out publicly against the violence, to establish a tone of respect and tolerance for all life, and to guarantee the human rights and safety of Jamaica's gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender citizens. (And to help us track responses, please send a copy of your e-mail to MCC's Communications Department at info@MCCchurch.net.)
Second, forward this Action Alert... to your friends, distribute it to your e-mail lists, and post it on listserves to which you subscribe. Reprint it in your newsletters, post it on your website, and send it to publications and media outlets in your area. Help get the word out.Your actions -- today! -- will focus international attention on the horrific pattern of anti-gay violence in Jamaica and can help bring about legal protections for LGBT Jamaicans.
/signed/
Rev. Pat BumgardnerChairMCC Global Justice Team
(END)
For Additional Information, ContactMCC Communications DepartmentE-Mail: info@MCCchurch.netWeb: http://www.mccchurch.org/
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