Star-Gazette dot com Letters to the Editor (http://www.star-gazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070820/OPINION02/708200316/1004)
Many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people are devoted Christians and each year the Pride event has had various Christian churches sponsoring it.
This is one area that the church and the LGBT community will have to discuss in an intelligent and contained manner. LGBT men and women want to feel welcome at church. Unfortunately, in many cases, they are made to feel unwanted and a reproach to so-called 'respectable' Christians. My job is to love whoever comes into a church. God has brought there for a reason. Many have rejected Christianity because of the attitudes toward them by well meaning Christians.
I am writing for an online magazine reaching out to transgender and gender variant people. Love needs to be demonstrated, not merely talked about.
Gennee
I think one of the last remaining areas that GLBT people have to deal with is reconciliation with their faith. This has been one of my primary "crusades" in the last few years, especially since so many have been given that "left foot of fellowship" when their sexual orientation or gender identity came to light.
Most "Christians" don't have a problem with having GLBT people in their neighborhoods. Having GLBT teachers in the school system isn't even a shock anymore. Sure, there are a lot of issues that still need to be worked out. However, when it comes to whether or not we can be gay/bi/lesbian/trans and Christian... well... all bets are off.
Gay pride festivals come and go. But when a gay person wants to worship as a Christian, God help them. I think we've all seen a little bit of this over the last few years. It's gotten to the point that many of us ask why we'd want to be a part of a club that doesn't want us?
Love covers a multitude of sins, my friends. When we walk in the light that we've been given (no matter what religion or faith or form of spirituality that light might be), we must be consistent. Let's keep pressing on!
Quote from: David W. Shelton on August 20, 2007, 09:15:57 PM
Love covers a multitude of sins, my friends. When we walk in the light that we've been given (no matter what religion or faith or form of spirituality that light might be), we must be consistent. Let's keep pressing on!
Well said, David! Thanks.
I've often wondered how many of those Jesus hung around on a daily basis were GLBT folks. By and large, Jesus went to the people who needed some good news. Much of Christendom today has become exactly the kind of religiosity Jesus so often preached against. But when the true power of love is experienced transformation of hearts happens. As I read the New Testament, the one consistent thing that the Spirit did among the early Christians was to bring reconciliation, not just between God and people, but also between people. The early church was a place that knew that there was now no condemnation for those who were in Christ Jesus. (Rom 8:1).
(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fganjataz.com%2F01smileys%2Fimages%2Fsmileys%2FloopyBlonde-blinking.gif&hash=4545ddf8251cf9c32ae6074d56e48bc34a755857)Kristi
When my life was the worst, people from my local MCC reached out and helped me. The finest Christians I've ever met were gay and lesbian. I will always remember them and cherish their kindness and friendship.
Cindi