Religious, political leaders urged to welcome gays into the fold

[alisaeyes]

I saw this...thought you might like to see it...

Tuesday, June 5, 2007 / 02:38

A coalition of national faith leaders issued an open letter Monday to more than 20,000 religious and political leaders, calling for a faith-based approach that supports diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.

The letter, published by the Religious Institute on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing, challenges religious leaders to use the pulpit to spread a welcoming message to all people while educating themselves about the diversity of human sexuality.

Aside from thousands of religious leaders, each U.S. congressional member will receive the document.

"While religious denominations continue to debate issues of sexuality," said the institute's director, the Reverend Debra W. Haffner, "the silence and ... condemnation of clergy have led to destroyed relationships, suicidal despair and discrimination, and violence against LGBT persons. Denying that God created diversity as a blessing is denying biblical teaching."

"Too many religious institutions have failed to embrace sexual and gender diversity," the letter reads. "Some have mistakenly called homosexuality sinful when the real issue is heterosexism or the unjust privileging of heterosexuality. Heterosexism devalues gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, just as sexism and male privilege devalue women.

"Silence, misinformation and condemnation of differing sexual and gender identities have created despair, destroyed relationships, and led to violence, suicide and even murder. Sexual and gender oppression can no longer be portrayed as virtuous and morally defensible."

According to a press release, the letter was developed by theologians and ordained clergy from Jewish, Baptist, Brethren, Episcopal, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic, United Church of Christ and Unitarian Universalist traditions. (The Advocate)

http://www.planetout.com/news/article.html?2007/06/05/4

[Vanessa White]

I find it sad that there is no representation by Protestant, specifically, Methodist churches. That concerns me a bit since my partner and I joined the Methodist church two years ago after leaving the Catholic church, and had our daughter baptized in the Methodist church as well. I mean, we have a very embracing congregation, but I hope that this is not a sobering indication of things to come to even the small, local congregations. My pastor will probably need to be quite self-protective in these times...... You have no idea how sad I find this to be- rejection is a terribly destructive monster......

[RM260boy]

hobo, vanessa.

i'm dissapointed that the disciples of christ isn't on the list, since the are several congregations that are "open and affirming" as they call it. but i guess we are too small and not as organized as other denominations.

[ladyinred]

Ok, folks let's not be too morose here, it is still a big step in the right direction..Yippeeeee