Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Yolanda King Dies
With sadness we learn of Yolanda King's death today. An actor, activist, speaker, and daughter of the Civil Rights Movement, Ms. King was a voice of hope and a symbol of empowerment. I once had the privilege of hearing her speak when I was in college. She was a powerful and dynamic speaker and she had a commanding presence. An inheritor of her parents' nobility and an accomplished leader in her own right, Yolanda King will be missed. "Let light perpetual shine upon her."
Official MCC Statement on the Death of Jerry Falwell by Reverends Nancy L. Wilson and Troy D. Perry
EDITOR'S NOTE:
MCC's Rev. Nancy Wilson once debated Rev. Jerry Falwell on the national (U.S.) late-night "Ron Reagan Show" hosted by Ron Reagan Jr., and on July 6, 1983, Rev. Troy Perry took part in a national (Canadian) debate on HIV and AIDS with Jerry Falwell on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. You can view the CBC archival video on-line at http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-70-413-2376/disasters_tragedies/early_aids/.
May 15, 2007
Today we join with people of faith and conscience everywhere in expressing our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Rev. Jerry Falwell, who died of heart failure while in his office at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is noteworthy that Jerry Falwell, once an adamant voice against the involvement in politics by people of faith, later become the face and voice most associated with conservative evangelical and fundamentalist Protestantism and its political influence in the United States.It is a sad truth to also note today that Jerry Falwell became one of the faces and voices most associated with religion-based condemnation of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender persons. While his passing most certainly brings sorrow to many, any honest appraisal of his life must also note that his work and words brought needless suffering to many LGBT people.
In our interactions over many years with Rev. Falwell, we came to believe two things about his views of LGBT people: 1) they were sincerely held and 2) they were sincerely wrong.Instead, we found that the Jesus of Scripture never supported the judgment and exclusion too often perpetrated by religious leaders throughout history. Like those who experienced rejection in Jesus' day, we, too, have found in Jesus a message of hope, and acceptance, and love.Today, we call upon people of faith and goodwill to ask simply that you join us in praying for Rev. Falwell's family. Join with us in praying that he, himself, will find peace in eternity.
We trust, as St. Paul said of the human condition, that though he saw dimly and understood many things, including God's gifts of diverse sexual orientations, with only partial insight, in the light of eternity and in the presence of God's unconditional love, he will now see and understand clearly. In this Light, we trust that he will now join the angels and saints in praying for all our sad divisions to cease.As we acknowledge the passing of Rev. Jerry Falwell, we recommit ourselves to pray for the healing and spiritual restoration of all who experienced pain and rejection from his teachings, and to MCC's vital mission of sharing the message of God's unconditional love with all of God's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender children.
/signed/
+ Rev. Nancy L. Wilson, Moderator & +Rev. Troy Perry, Founder and Moderator Emeritus
This statement prepared in conjunction with MCC's Global Justice Team, Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Chair.
MCC's Rev. Nancy Wilson once debated Rev. Jerry Falwell on the national (U.S.) late-night "Ron Reagan Show" hosted by Ron Reagan Jr., and on July 6, 1983, Rev. Troy Perry took part in a national (Canadian) debate on HIV and AIDS with Jerry Falwell on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. You can view the CBC archival video on-line at http://archives.cbc.ca/IDC-1-70-413-2376/disasters_tragedies/early_aids/.
May 15, 2007
Today we join with people of faith and conscience everywhere in expressing our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Rev. Jerry Falwell, who died of heart failure while in his office at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. It is noteworthy that Jerry Falwell, once an adamant voice against the involvement in politics by people of faith, later become the face and voice most associated with conservative evangelical and fundamentalist Protestantism and its political influence in the United States.It is a sad truth to also note today that Jerry Falwell became one of the faces and voices most associated with religion-based condemnation of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgender persons. While his passing most certainly brings sorrow to many, any honest appraisal of his life must also note that his work and words brought needless suffering to many LGBT people.
In our interactions over many years with Rev. Falwell, we came to believe two things about his views of LGBT people: 1) they were sincerely held and 2) they were sincerely wrong.Instead, we found that the Jesus of Scripture never supported the judgment and exclusion too often perpetrated by religious leaders throughout history. Like those who experienced rejection in Jesus' day, we, too, have found in Jesus a message of hope, and acceptance, and love.Today, we call upon people of faith and goodwill to ask simply that you join us in praying for Rev. Falwell's family. Join with us in praying that he, himself, will find peace in eternity.
We trust, as St. Paul said of the human condition, that though he saw dimly and understood many things, including God's gifts of diverse sexual orientations, with only partial insight, in the light of eternity and in the presence of God's unconditional love, he will now see and understand clearly. In this Light, we trust that he will now join the angels and saints in praying for all our sad divisions to cease.As we acknowledge the passing of Rev. Jerry Falwell, we recommit ourselves to pray for the healing and spiritual restoration of all who experienced pain and rejection from his teachings, and to MCC's vital mission of sharing the message of God's unconditional love with all of God's lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender children.
/signed/
+ Rev. Nancy L. Wilson, Moderator & +Rev. Troy Perry, Founder and Moderator Emeritus
This statement prepared in conjunction with MCC's Global Justice Team, Rev. Pat Bumgardner, Chair.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
On the Death of Jerry Falwell by Rev. Durrell Watkins
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15th, 2007
The Reverend Jerry Falwell died early this afternoon, according to http://news.bbc.co.uk. Falwell was a conservative activist, a Christian fundamentalist, and an opponent of the pro-choice movement, gay rights, and religious pluralism.
As a progressive and pluralistic Christian and a social liberal, I found myself holding views very different from most of Rev. Falwell’s stated positions. As a gay man and queer activist, I not only disagreed with many of Falwell’s views, but found myself feeling threatened and targeted by them.
However, in spite of differing opinions and life paths, I am reminded by Reverend Falwell’s death that life is fragile and short. The fragility and brevity of life should teach us that there is little room for grudges and hatreds and whereas Reverend Falwell preached and promoted views that I found offensive to my dignity, the truth remains that we are all part of the One Life, we are all connected within the Web of Existence, and we are all part of the same human family.
Therefore, we acknowledge that there are many people who love and respect Reverend Falwell and they must be saddened by his unexpected demise. We wish them comfort during this time of bereavement. And for Mr. Falwell, the energy of his consciousness will continue to evolve and journey forward; let us wish light and joy for his continued journey.
May Divine Love bless us all, reminding us of our unity, our common Source, and our sacred value.
Reverend Canon Durrell Watkins, MA, MDiv
Sunshine Cathedral
www.sunshinecathedral.org
May 15th, 2007
The Reverend Jerry Falwell died early this afternoon, according to http://news.bbc.co.uk. Falwell was a conservative activist, a Christian fundamentalist, and an opponent of the pro-choice movement, gay rights, and religious pluralism.
As a progressive and pluralistic Christian and a social liberal, I found myself holding views very different from most of Rev. Falwell’s stated positions. As a gay man and queer activist, I not only disagreed with many of Falwell’s views, but found myself feeling threatened and targeted by them.
However, in spite of differing opinions and life paths, I am reminded by Reverend Falwell’s death that life is fragile and short. The fragility and brevity of life should teach us that there is little room for grudges and hatreds and whereas Reverend Falwell preached and promoted views that I found offensive to my dignity, the truth remains that we are all part of the One Life, we are all connected within the Web of Existence, and we are all part of the same human family.
Therefore, we acknowledge that there are many people who love and respect Reverend Falwell and they must be saddened by his unexpected demise. We wish them comfort during this time of bereavement. And for Mr. Falwell, the energy of his consciousness will continue to evolve and journey forward; let us wish light and joy for his continued journey.
May Divine Love bless us all, reminding us of our unity, our common Source, and our sacred value.
Reverend Canon Durrell Watkins, MA, MDiv
Sunshine Cathedral
www.sunshinecathedral.org
Sunday, May 13, 2007
We're All Right (Enough)
Religions seem to compete for members, trying to convince people that one Religion is best of all or in some cases that a particular Religion is exclusively "right." Besides the faithful (and sometimes fanatical) there are also the committed skeptics, insisting that our universe is completely material, our lives are brief and fragile, and Religion is a symptom (or even cause) of deep neurosis. And so the tug of war continues between the Religion and the non-Religious and among the Religious the struggle continues to "prove" which tradition is really "right."
Jesus (pardon my Christian bias) actually said something (or at least the statement is attributed to him) that might settle the issue entirely. The Jesus saying goes simply, "The Sabbath was made of humans, not humans for the Sabbath." The Sabbath, in his culture, was a day of observance mandated by his Religion. We could capture the spirit of the saying by paraphrasing it as, "Religion was made for humans, not humans for Religion."
If we could just remember that Religion is a tool for us to use rather than an imperial overlord that uses us, we could eliminate the angst created by religious competition. If Religion doesn't make sense to you or if it offends you, then a secular life is probably for you. If your personality thrives in the community that Religion creates or if you find comfort or empowerment from Religious ritual, then a life of Religious devotion may be for you. Which Religion? Pick one! Shop around for one that helps you live with love and hope and compassion and peace and then enjoy it. But please allow your neighbor to find the one that works for her/him. It may not be the one that you chose, and that has to be OK.
Is Religion bunk? I enjoy the ritual, sacred prose and poetry, and community that Religion brings together. So, I tend to believe Religion has merit. But I cannot accept that one Religion has all the answers or that members of one Religion are rewarded with an eternal paradise while all others are excluded from that paradise. The human soul exists or it doesn't. If it exists it is eternal or it isn't. But the soul's existence and durability doesn't depend on Religion. Religion isn't insurance to protect us from a worst-case afterlife scenario. Religion is for us, here and now. It seems to me this simple idea could de-fang Religion and thus allow it to enhance human life. Helping us is what Religion is for; let's not allow it to be the excuse we use to hurt, exclude, or vilify others any longer.
Jesus (pardon my Christian bias) actually said something (or at least the statement is attributed to him) that might settle the issue entirely. The Jesus saying goes simply, "The Sabbath was made of humans, not humans for the Sabbath." The Sabbath, in his culture, was a day of observance mandated by his Religion. We could capture the spirit of the saying by paraphrasing it as, "Religion was made for humans, not humans for Religion."
If we could just remember that Religion is a tool for us to use rather than an imperial overlord that uses us, we could eliminate the angst created by religious competition. If Religion doesn't make sense to you or if it offends you, then a secular life is probably for you. If your personality thrives in the community that Religion creates or if you find comfort or empowerment from Religious ritual, then a life of Religious devotion may be for you. Which Religion? Pick one! Shop around for one that helps you live with love and hope and compassion and peace and then enjoy it. But please allow your neighbor to find the one that works for her/him. It may not be the one that you chose, and that has to be OK.
Is Religion bunk? I enjoy the ritual, sacred prose and poetry, and community that Religion brings together. So, I tend to believe Religion has merit. But I cannot accept that one Religion has all the answers or that members of one Religion are rewarded with an eternal paradise while all others are excluded from that paradise. The human soul exists or it doesn't. If it exists it is eternal or it isn't. But the soul's existence and durability doesn't depend on Religion. Religion isn't insurance to protect us from a worst-case afterlife scenario. Religion is for us, here and now. It seems to me this simple idea could de-fang Religion and thus allow it to enhance human life. Helping us is what Religion is for; let's not allow it to be the excuse we use to hurt, exclude, or vilify others any longer.
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!
Thursday, May 03, 2007
We Need Another Buffy
"Do---do you think I chose to be like this? Do you have any idea how lonely it is, how dangerous? I would love to be upstairs watching TV or gossiping about boys or... God, even studying! But I have to save the world. Again." - Buffy (The Vampire Slayer)
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" was one of the smartest television series ever in the history of the world. Action. Pop culture. Occult thrills. Philosophy. Wit. Humor. It was complex and thoughtful and I watched it with religious devotion.
I would like to think that I loved Buffy because I'm smart, witty, and I possess that rare combination of depth and whimsy. I might have liked it because there is something erotic about vampirism. Maybe the youthful cast made me feel younger. But I suspect it was the character of Buffy herself that appealed to me the most.
Buffy was special. She was born different than other people, but she didn't discover who she really was and what it meant until she was in her late teens. She came to realize that her difference was powerful and the world was actually better because she embraced her truth. Her unique gifts were needed in the world and her courage in accepting her role in life improved the lives of others. And yet, some were afraid of her difference. Others hated her for her difference. She often felt the need to "hide" her gifts from those who might not understand. And, because she was different, she often felt lonely, misunderstood, and unappreciated.
Buffy was a queer character. She was not only odd by society's standards but her love interests were sometimes "forbidden" and her friends were also "queer." She fell in love with a vampire and had an affair with another. Her friends were a "watcher" (a sort of wizard/scholar), a couple of lesbian witches, a werewolf, and a non-corporeal energy field who was given human form and became her mystically adopted sister.
For all her differences and oddities, Buffy was strong, noble, courageous, smart and funny. She was an embodiment of what a gift being queer really is. She didn't choose what she was, but she embraced it and lived it with integrity, and the world was better off as a result. Every queer identified person could see their lives reflected in Buffy's, and the life they saw was one of power, dignity, and accomplishment. We need another Buffy. Or maybe we need to remember that Buffy was simply reminding us of our own truth.
"Buffy the Vampire Slayer" was one of the smartest television series ever in the history of the world. Action. Pop culture. Occult thrills. Philosophy. Wit. Humor. It was complex and thoughtful and I watched it with religious devotion.
I would like to think that I loved Buffy because I'm smart, witty, and I possess that rare combination of depth and whimsy. I might have liked it because there is something erotic about vampirism. Maybe the youthful cast made me feel younger. But I suspect it was the character of Buffy herself that appealed to me the most.
Buffy was special. She was born different than other people, but she didn't discover who she really was and what it meant until she was in her late teens. She came to realize that her difference was powerful and the world was actually better because she embraced her truth. Her unique gifts were needed in the world and her courage in accepting her role in life improved the lives of others. And yet, some were afraid of her difference. Others hated her for her difference. She often felt the need to "hide" her gifts from those who might not understand. And, because she was different, she often felt lonely, misunderstood, and unappreciated.
Buffy was a queer character. She was not only odd by society's standards but her love interests were sometimes "forbidden" and her friends were also "queer." She fell in love with a vampire and had an affair with another. Her friends were a "watcher" (a sort of wizard/scholar), a couple of lesbian witches, a werewolf, and a non-corporeal energy field who was given human form and became her mystically adopted sister.
For all her differences and oddities, Buffy was strong, noble, courageous, smart and funny. She was an embodiment of what a gift being queer really is. She didn't choose what she was, but she embraced it and lived it with integrity, and the world was better off as a result. Every queer identified person could see their lives reflected in Buffy's, and the life they saw was one of power, dignity, and accomplishment. We need another Buffy. Or maybe we need to remember that Buffy was simply reminding us of our own truth.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Keep Praying
Everything is energy. This isn't a startling revelation. We are energy fields within a larger energy field. Because we are part of the One energetic Source, our prayers (and thoughts and wishes and feelings and attitudes) make a difference. To hope, to imagine, to care, to plan...it can all be very powerful.
If the energy of life were a pond, then our every move would cause ripples in the pond. Some movements would be larger or more focused than others and would therefore cause bigger ripples (sometimes even waves), but every movement would cause movement within the pond.
Well, life is like a pond in which we "live and move and have our being," but instead of being filled with water this pond is filled with eternal, indestructible energy that has always existed, always will, and is constantly moving into and out of form. So, our thoughts, aspirations, intentions, and choices all cause ripples (and sometimes waves) within this energy pond. When we pray for gay and lesbian Jamaicans to be safe in their country, our prayers are rippling throughout the Universe and will create some kind of change. When we pray for peace in the middle east, the ripples go out. When we pray for a cure for AIDS or Alzheimer's or MS, the ripples go out. When we pray for anything, we know currents of life-energy are flowing to that situation, directed by our intentional prayers. So keep praying. Everything is energy and prayer is a way of directing energy toward accomplishment. Imagine the best, believe in possibilities, and know the energy of life is moving as directed by our prayers.
If the energy of life were a pond, then our every move would cause ripples in the pond. Some movements would be larger or more focused than others and would therefore cause bigger ripples (sometimes even waves), but every movement would cause movement within the pond.
Well, life is like a pond in which we "live and move and have our being," but instead of being filled with water this pond is filled with eternal, indestructible energy that has always existed, always will, and is constantly moving into and out of form. So, our thoughts, aspirations, intentions, and choices all cause ripples (and sometimes waves) within this energy pond. When we pray for gay and lesbian Jamaicans to be safe in their country, our prayers are rippling throughout the Universe and will create some kind of change. When we pray for peace in the middle east, the ripples go out. When we pray for a cure for AIDS or Alzheimer's or MS, the ripples go out. When we pray for anything, we know currents of life-energy are flowing to that situation, directed by our intentional prayers. So keep praying. Everything is energy and prayer is a way of directing energy toward accomplishment. Imagine the best, believe in possibilities, and know the energy of life is moving as directed by our prayers.
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