Thursday, December 11, 2014
Many Voices part 7
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
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Church Seasons
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
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Song of Letting Go
I will sing the song of letting go, I will sing it out though I don't know, I will sing it clear though I don't know where this song goes.... [Includes MP3 recording.]
Attachments:
SONG OF LETTING GO.mp3
Contributed by Thew Elliott
Please give credit: The person or organization who contributed this resource has made it available for you to download free for use for worship or education in your congregation or faith community. Whenever you use it, please attribute to the contributors as they are named, adding the words, "downloaded at ManyVoices.org." Use of this resource for commercial purposes is expressly prohibited.
Please give feedback: To share anything about your experience using this resource, enter your comments below. Your feedback helps build a vibrant community.
Please give a donation: If you appreciate the opportunity for free downloads, please consider a donation so we can continue offering guidance to all who seek to broaden their welcome.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
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Welcoming church list
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RSS Feed
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Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/blog/resource/song-of-letting-go/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
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Worship
Black Church Conversations
Biblical Themes
Education
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Music & Media
Church Seasons
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Song of Letting Go
I will sing the song of letting go, I will sing it out though I don't know, I will sing it clear though I don't know where this song goes.... [Includes MP3 recording.]
Attachments:
SONG OF LETTING GO.mp3
Contributed by Thew Elliott
Please give credit: The person or organization who contributed this resource has made it available for you to download free for use for worship or education in your congregation or faith community. Whenever you use it, please attribute to the contributors as they are named, adding the words, "downloaded at ManyVoices.org." Use of this resource for commercial purposes is expressly prohibited.
Please give feedback: To share anything about your experience using this resource, enter your comments below. Your feedback helps build a vibrant community.
Please give a donation: If you appreciate the opportunity for free downloads, please consider a donation so we can continue offering guidance to all who seek to broaden their welcome.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/blog/resource/song-of-letting-go/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
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Join our mailing list
Resources
Worship
Black Church Conversations
Biblical Themes
Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Rituals & Blessings
Music & Media
Church Seasons
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
We Sing Because
A song of praise, peace, and love. [Includes MP3 recording and PDF with full score.]
From deep within us comes a song of praise.
Our voices rise to bless the promise of the day.
We sing God’s presence with us here, we sing to cast out ev’ry fear,
We sing because from deep within us comes a song of praise.
We meet each other at the well of peace.
We add our tears and cry that ev’ry war must cease.
We cry not for ourselves alone, we cry for peace in ev’ry home,
We cry because from deep within us springs a well of peace.
And all around us shines the light of love!
We cast a ray as bright as any sun above.
We shout to light a weary world, we shout a healing pow’r unfurled,
We shout because from deep within us shines the light of love!
Attachments:
WeSingBecause_ThewElliott.pdf
WE SING BECAUSE.mp3
Contributed by Thew Elliott
Please give credit: The person or organization who contributed this resource has made it available for you to download free for use for worship or education in your congregation or faith community. Whenever you use it, please attribute to the contributors as they are named, adding the words, "downloaded at ManyVoices.org." Use of this resource for commercial purposes is expressly prohibited.
Please give feedback: To share anything about your experience using this resource, enter your comments below. Your feedback helps build a vibrant community.
Please give a donation: If you appreciate the opportunity for free downloads, please consider a donation so we can continue offering guidance to all who seek to broaden their welcome.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
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Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/blog/resource/we-sing-because/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
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Join our mailing list
Resources
Worship
Black Church Conversations
Biblical Themes
Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Rituals & Blessings
Music & Media
Church Seasons
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
We Sing Because
A song of praise, peace, and love. [Includes MP3 recording and PDF with full score.]
From deep within us comes a song of praise.
Our voices rise to bless the promise of the day.
We sing God’s presence with us here, we sing to cast out ev’ry fear,
We sing because from deep within us comes a song of praise.
We meet each other at the well of peace.
We add our tears and cry that ev’ry war must cease.
We cry not for ourselves alone, we cry for peace in ev’ry home,
We cry because from deep within us springs a well of peace.
And all around us shines the light of love!
We cast a ray as bright as any sun above.
We shout to light a weary world, we shout a healing pow’r unfurled,
We shout because from deep within us shines the light of love!
Attachments:
WeSingBecause_ThewElliott.pdf
WE SING BECAUSE.mp3
Contributed by Thew Elliott
Please give credit: The person or organization who contributed this resource has made it available for you to download free for use for worship or education in your congregation or faith community. Whenever you use it, please attribute to the contributors as they are named, adding the words, "downloaded at ManyVoices.org." Use of this resource for commercial purposes is expressly prohibited.
Please give feedback: To share anything about your experience using this resource, enter your comments below. Your feedback helps build a vibrant community.
Please give a donation: If you appreciate the opportunity for free downloads, please consider a donation so we can continue offering guidance to all who seek to broaden their welcome.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
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on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/blog/resource/we-sing-because/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
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Current Search Terms
Congregational Singing
Refine Your Search
Biblical ThemesLove/Relationships (1)
Stewardship & Creation (2)
Music & MediaChoir or Small Group (1)
Solo (1)
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Resources in "Congregational Singing"
Light My Step
Choir or Small Group, Congregational Singing, Love/Relationships, Music & Media, Solo, Stewardship & Creation
Allow yourself to bask in the glow and warmth of God's holy light surrounding you wherever you go. [Includes MP3 and PDF of score.]
Song of Letting Go
Congregational Singing, Music & Media, Stewardship & Creation
I will sing the song of letting go, I will sing it out though I don't know, I will sing it clear though I don't know where this song goes.... [Includes MP3 recording.]
We Sing Because
Congregational Singing, Music & Media
A song of praise, peace, and love. [Includes MP3 recording and PDF with full score.]
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
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Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/resources/?/congregational-singing/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
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Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
Resources
Current Search Terms
Congregational Singing
Refine Your Search
Biblical ThemesLove/Relationships (1)
Stewardship & Creation (2)
Music & MediaChoir or Small Group (1)
Solo (1)
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Resources in "Congregational Singing"
Light My Step
Choir or Small Group, Congregational Singing, Love/Relationships, Music & Media, Solo, Stewardship & Creation
Allow yourself to bask in the glow and warmth of God's holy light surrounding you wherever you go. [Includes MP3 and PDF of score.]
Song of Letting Go
Congregational Singing, Music & Media, Stewardship & Creation
I will sing the song of letting go, I will sing it out though I don't know, I will sing it clear though I don't know where this song goes.... [Includes MP3 recording.]
We Sing Because
Congregational Singing, Music & Media
A song of praise, peace, and love. [Includes MP3 recording and PDF with full score.]
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/resources/?/congregational-singing/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
Resources
Worship
Black Church Conversations
Biblical Themes
Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Rituals & Blessings
Music & Media
Church Seasons
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Light My Step
Allow yourself to bask in the glow and warmth of God's holy light surrounding you wherever you go. [Includes MP3 and PDF of score.]
There’s a light that shines into the darkness.
There’s a song that rises from the earth.
There’s a hope that guides us on our journey.
There’s a love that springs to life new birth.
Light my step, guide my feet.
Show me the path to my life.
In Your love, rescue me.
Light my step, guide my feet.
There are times when loneliness surrounds you,
when the pain seems too much to bear.
Can you hear the voice of love that calls you?
In your grief, know that I am here.
Light my step, guide my feet.
Show me the path to my life.
In Your love, rescue me.
Light my step, guide my feet.
There are times when we are called to journey.
When the road ahead becomes unclear.
Just take one step and know that I am with you.
Walk in faith and know that I am here.
Light my step, guide my feet.
Show me the path to my life.
In Your love, rescue me.
Light my step, guide my feet.
© 1999 Thomas W. Nichols and Daniel Chadburn All Rights Reserved.
Attachments:
Nichols – Chadburn – Light My Step.mp3
Chadburn-Nichols Light My Step.pdf
Contributed by Dan Chadburn & Tom Nichols
Please give credit: The person or organization who contributed this resource has made it available for you to download free for use for worship or education in your congregation or faith community. Whenever you use it, please attribute to the contributors as they are named, adding the words, "downloaded at ManyVoices.org." Use of this resource for commercial purposes is expressly prohibited.
Please give feedback: To share anything about your experience using this resource, enter your comments below. Your feedback helps build a vibrant community.
Please give a donation: If you appreciate the opportunity for free downloads, please consider a donation so we can continue offering guidance to all who seek to broaden their welcome.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/blog/resource/light-my-step/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
Resources
Worship
Black Church Conversations
Biblical Themes
Education
Frequently Asked Questions
Rituals & Blessings
Music & Media
Church Seasons
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Light My Step
Allow yourself to bask in the glow and warmth of God's holy light surrounding you wherever you go. [Includes MP3 and PDF of score.]
There’s a light that shines into the darkness.
There’s a song that rises from the earth.
There’s a hope that guides us on our journey.
There’s a love that springs to life new birth.
Light my step, guide my feet.
Show me the path to my life.
In Your love, rescue me.
Light my step, guide my feet.
There are times when loneliness surrounds you,
when the pain seems too much to bear.
Can you hear the voice of love that calls you?
In your grief, know that I am here.
Light my step, guide my feet.
Show me the path to my life.
In Your love, rescue me.
Light my step, guide my feet.
There are times when we are called to journey.
When the road ahead becomes unclear.
Just take one step and know that I am with you.
Walk in faith and know that I am here.
Light my step, guide my feet.
Show me the path to my life.
In Your love, rescue me.
Light my step, guide my feet.
© 1999 Thomas W. Nichols and Daniel Chadburn All Rights Reserved.
Attachments:
Nichols – Chadburn – Light My Step.mp3
Chadburn-Nichols Light My Step.pdf
Contributed by Dan Chadburn & Tom Nichols
Please give credit: The person or organization who contributed this resource has made it available for you to download free for use for worship or education in your congregation or faith community. Whenever you use it, please attribute to the contributors as they are named, adding the words, "downloaded at ManyVoices.org." Use of this resource for commercial purposes is expressly prohibited.
Please give feedback: To share anything about your experience using this resource, enter your comments below. Your feedback helps build a vibrant community.
Please give a donation: If you appreciate the opportunity for free downloads, please consider a donation so we can continue offering guidance to all who seek to broaden their welcome.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/blog/resource/light-my-step/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
Resources
Current Search Terms
Solo
Refine Your Search
Biblical ThemesLove/Relationships (1)
Stewardship & Creation (1)
Music & MediaChoir or Small Group (1)
Congregational Singing (1)
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Resources in "Solo"
Light My Step
Choir or Small Group, Congregational Singing, Love/Relationships, Music & Media, Solo, Stewardship & Creation
Allow yourself to bask in the glow and warmth of God's holy light surrounding you wherever you go. [Includes MP3 and PDF of score.]
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/resources/?/solo/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
Resources
Current Search Terms
Solo
Refine Your Search
Biblical ThemesLove/Relationships (1)
Stewardship & Creation (1)
Music & MediaChoir or Small Group (1)
Congregational Singing (1)
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Resources in "Solo"
Light My Step
Choir or Small Group, Congregational Singing, Love/Relationships, Music & Media, Solo, Stewardship & Creation
Allow yourself to bask in the glow and warmth of God's holy light surrounding you wherever you go. [Includes MP3 and PDF of score.]
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/resources/?/solo/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Our team
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Please click on the image to see the overview of our new strategic plan.
For printed copies, contact us at info@manyvoices.org.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
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Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/roadmap-to-justice/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
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Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Our team
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Please click on the image to see the overview of our new strategic plan.
For printed copies, contact us at info@manyvoices.org.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/roadmap-to-justice/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Our team
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Video campaign
Black Southern Pastors Call for LGBT Justice in Video Campaign
Straight clergy challenge scripture & stereotypes; send powerful message to church and community
WASHINGTON, DC — October 7, 2014 — Today, Many Voices, a Black church movement for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) justice, launches a series of unprecedented videos that feature LGBT-affirming African American clergy from the South. Video subjects include Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler, Associate Professor of Bible, Union Presbyterian Seminary at Charlotte; Rev. Reggie Longcrier, Executive Director of prison ministry Exodus Missionary Outreach Church; and Rev. Dr. Terence Leathers, Pastor, Mount Vernon Christian Church.
“All people are worthy of God’s love,” says Rev. Sadler. “In essence, sex is at the core of the biblical message. Our fear of sexuality is inconsistent with the biblical text. Our job is not to keep people away…our job is to be open in our welcome.”
Each interview captures experiences from ally voices of faith that undermine the misconception that Black pastors are monolithically homophobic. The videos also illuminate how African Americans can be both religious and supportive of LGBT people, and that being LGBT-affirming can be consistent with one’s faith.
“Each pastor partaking in this powerful platform talks from a place of religious grounding, and their understanding of scripture harmoniously informs their understanding of LGBT acceptance,” says Rev. Cedric A. Harmon, Co-Director for Many Voices. “Our allies are deeply important to this work because they remind us that at the heart of the movement for LGBT justice is the fight for everyone in God’s family to live safely and authentically.”
All interviewees are based in North Carolina, a state with a substantial Black LGBT presence and strong ties to the Church. With over 40 percent of Black Protestants supporting the freedom to marry, the testimonies are representative of a growing number of justice-seeking pastors across the country. In addition to sharing the videos through social media and community collaborators, Many Voices offers training, resources, and relationship-building opportunities for church leaders and Black LGBT people. The video release is part of an ongoing campaign that launched in 2013.
The Many Voices Visibility Campaign was funded in part by the Arcus Foundation, Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Foundation, and the E. Rhodes & Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, and was created by Katina Parker, a filmmaker and PR specialist. The music was performed by Rachael Derello, Monica Douthit and Meredeth Summers Moore, and recorded by Sammy Truong and Katina Parker.
Contact: pr@manyvoices.org
About
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3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/video-campaign/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
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About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
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Media
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The board
Financial support
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Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Video campaign
Black Southern Pastors Call for LGBT Justice in Video Campaign
Straight clergy challenge scripture & stereotypes; send powerful message to church and community
WASHINGTON, DC — October 7, 2014 — Today, Many Voices, a Black church movement for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) justice, launches a series of unprecedented videos that feature LGBT-affirming African American clergy from the South. Video subjects include Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler, Associate Professor of Bible, Union Presbyterian Seminary at Charlotte; Rev. Reggie Longcrier, Executive Director of prison ministry Exodus Missionary Outreach Church; and Rev. Dr. Terence Leathers, Pastor, Mount Vernon Christian Church.
“All people are worthy of God’s love,” says Rev. Sadler. “In essence, sex is at the core of the biblical message. Our fear of sexuality is inconsistent with the biblical text. Our job is not to keep people away…our job is to be open in our welcome.”
Each interview captures experiences from ally voices of faith that undermine the misconception that Black pastors are monolithically homophobic. The videos also illuminate how African Americans can be both religious and supportive of LGBT people, and that being LGBT-affirming can be consistent with one’s faith.
“Each pastor partaking in this powerful platform talks from a place of religious grounding, and their understanding of scripture harmoniously informs their understanding of LGBT acceptance,” says Rev. Cedric A. Harmon, Co-Director for Many Voices. “Our allies are deeply important to this work because they remind us that at the heart of the movement for LGBT justice is the fight for everyone in God’s family to live safely and authentically.”
All interviewees are based in North Carolina, a state with a substantial Black LGBT presence and strong ties to the Church. With over 40 percent of Black Protestants supporting the freedom to marry, the testimonies are representative of a growing number of justice-seeking pastors across the country. In addition to sharing the videos through social media and community collaborators, Many Voices offers training, resources, and relationship-building opportunities for church leaders and Black LGBT people. The video release is part of an ongoing campaign that launched in 2013.
The Many Voices Visibility Campaign was funded in part by the Arcus Foundation, Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Foundation, and the E. Rhodes & Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, and was created by Katina Parker, a filmmaker and PR specialist. The music was performed by Rachael Derello, Monica Douthit and Meredeth Summers Moore, and recorded by Sammy Truong and Katina Parker.
Contact: pr@manyvoices.org
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/video-campaign/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Press release 10-21-14
Press release 10-7-14
Media hits
Our team
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Press release 10-21-14
Black Southern Pastors Call for LGBT Justice in Video Campaign
Straight clergy challenge scripture & stereotypes; send powerful message to church and community
Contact: pr@manyvoices.org
Click on photo to view Dr. Leathers' interview
WASHINGTON, DC — October 21, 2014 — Today, Many Voices, a Black church movement for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) justice, launches the second in a series of unprecedented videos that feature LGBT-affirming African American clergy from the South. Video subjects include Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler, Associate Professor of Bible, Union Presbyterian Seminary at Charlotte; Rev. Dr. Terence Leathers, Pastor, Mount Vernon Christian Church; and Rev. Reggie Longcrier, Executive Director of prison ministry Exodus Missionary Outreach Church;
“There’s too much segregation and too much separation because we’ve used the Word to do it,” says Rev. Dr. Terence Leathers.. “My whole concept has been to bring together and not to break apart. I believe we must be well-studied…[T]here are scriptures that we don’t fully examine, that we take out of context, and we take those scriptures and we move them to where we are now—not understanding that you can’t always do that.”
Each interview captures experiences from ally voices of faith that undermine the misconception that Black pastors are monolithically homophobic. The videos also illuminate how African Americans can be both religious and supportive of LGBT people, and that being LGBT-affirming can be consistent with one’s faith.
“Each pastor partaking in this powerful platform talks from a place of religious grounding, and their understanding of how scripture harmoniously informs their understanding of LGBT acceptance,” says Rev. Cedric A. Harmon, Co-Director for Many Voices. “Our allies are deeply important to this work because they remind us that at the heart of the movement for LGBT justice is the fight for everyone in God’s family to live safely and authentically.”
All interviewees are based in North Carolina, a state with a substantial Black LGBT presence and strong ties to the Church. With over 40 percent of Black Protestants supporting the freedom to marry, the testimonies are representative of a growing number of justice-seeking pastors across the country. In addition to sharing the videos through social media and community collaborators, Many Voices offers training, resources, and relationship-building opportunities for church leaders and Black LGBT people. The video release is part of an ongoing campaign that launched in 2013.
The Many Voices Visibility Campaign was funded in part by the Arcus Foundation, Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Foundation, and the E. Rhodes & Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, and was created by Katina Parker, a filmmaker and PR specialist. The music was performed by Rachael Derello, Monica Douthit and Meredeth Summers Moore, and recorded by Sammy Truong and Katina Parker.
For more information about the Many Voices Visibility Campaign, visit manyvoices.org/about/video-campaign.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/media/revleathers/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Press release 10-21-14
Press release 10-7-14
Media hits
Our team
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Press release 10-21-14
Black Southern Pastors Call for LGBT Justice in Video Campaign
Straight clergy challenge scripture & stereotypes; send powerful message to church and community
Contact: pr@manyvoices.org
Click on photo to view Dr. Leathers' interview
WASHINGTON, DC — October 21, 2014 — Today, Many Voices, a Black church movement for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) justice, launches the second in a series of unprecedented videos that feature LGBT-affirming African American clergy from the South. Video subjects include Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler, Associate Professor of Bible, Union Presbyterian Seminary at Charlotte; Rev. Dr. Terence Leathers, Pastor, Mount Vernon Christian Church; and Rev. Reggie Longcrier, Executive Director of prison ministry Exodus Missionary Outreach Church;
“There’s too much segregation and too much separation because we’ve used the Word to do it,” says Rev. Dr. Terence Leathers.. “My whole concept has been to bring together and not to break apart. I believe we must be well-studied…[T]here are scriptures that we don’t fully examine, that we take out of context, and we take those scriptures and we move them to where we are now—not understanding that you can’t always do that.”
Each interview captures experiences from ally voices of faith that undermine the misconception that Black pastors are monolithically homophobic. The videos also illuminate how African Americans can be both religious and supportive of LGBT people, and that being LGBT-affirming can be consistent with one’s faith.
“Each pastor partaking in this powerful platform talks from a place of religious grounding, and their understanding of how scripture harmoniously informs their understanding of LGBT acceptance,” says Rev. Cedric A. Harmon, Co-Director for Many Voices. “Our allies are deeply important to this work because they remind us that at the heart of the movement for LGBT justice is the fight for everyone in God’s family to live safely and authentically.”
All interviewees are based in North Carolina, a state with a substantial Black LGBT presence and strong ties to the Church. With over 40 percent of Black Protestants supporting the freedom to marry, the testimonies are representative of a growing number of justice-seeking pastors across the country. In addition to sharing the videos through social media and community collaborators, Many Voices offers training, resources, and relationship-building opportunities for church leaders and Black LGBT people. The video release is part of an ongoing campaign that launched in 2013.
The Many Voices Visibility Campaign was funded in part by the Arcus Foundation, Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Foundation, and the E. Rhodes & Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, and was created by Katina Parker, a filmmaker and PR specialist. The music was performed by Rachael Derello, Monica Douthit and Meredeth Summers Moore, and recorded by Sammy Truong and Katina Parker.
For more information about the Many Voices Visibility Campaign, visit manyvoices.org/about/video-campaign.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/media/revleathers/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Press release 10-21-14
Press release 10-7-14
Media hits
Our team
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Press release 10-7-14
Black Southern Pastors Call for LGBT Justice in Video Campaign
Straight clergy challenge scripture & stereotypes; send powerful message to church and community
Contact: Kimberley McLeod
pr@manyvoices.org
Click on photo to view Dr. Sadler's interview
WASHINGTON, DC — October 7, 2014 — Today, Many Voices, a Black church movement for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) justice, launches a series of unprecedented videos that feature LGBT-affirming African American clergy from the South. Video subjects include Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler, Associate Professor of Bible, Union Presbyterian Seminary at Charlotte; Rev. Reggie Longcrier, Executive Director of prison ministry Exodus Missionary Outreach Church; and Rev. Dr. Terence Leathers, Pastor, Mount Vernon Christian Church.
“All people are worthy of God’s love,” says Rev. Sadler. “In essence, sex is at the core of the biblical message. Our fear of sexuality is inconsistent with the biblical text. Our job is not to keep people away…our job is to be open in our welcome.”
Each interview captures experiences from ally voices of faith that undermine the misconception that Black pastors are monolithically homophobic. The videos also illuminate how African Americans can be both religious and supportive of LGBT people, and that being LGBT-affirming can be consistent with one’s faith.
“Each pastor partaking in this powerful platform talks from a place of religious grounding, and their understanding of scripture harmoniously informs their understanding of LGBT acceptance,” says Rev. Cedric A. Harmon, Co-Director for Many Voices. “Our allies are deeply important to this work because they remind us that at the heart of the movement for LGBT justice is the fight for everyone in God’s family to live safely and authentically.”
All interviewees are based in North Carolina, a state with a substantial Black LGBT presence and strong ties to the Church. With over 40 percent of Black Protestants supporting the freedom to marry, the testimonies are representative of a growing number of justice-seeking pastors across the country. In addition to sharing the videos through social media and community collaborators, Many Voices offers training, resources, and relationship-building opportunities for church leaders and Black LGBT people. The video release is part of an ongoing campaign that launched in 2013.
The Many Voices Visibility Campaign was funded in part by the Arcus Foundation, Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Foundation, and the E. Rhodes & Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, and was created by Katina Parker, a filmmaker and PR specialist. The music was performed by Rachael Derello, Monica Douthit and Meredeth Summers Moore, and recorded by Sammy Truong and Katina Parker.
For more information about the Many Voices Visibility Campaign, visit manyvoices.org/about/video-campaign.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/media/revsadler/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Press release 10-21-14
Press release 10-7-14
Media hits
Our team
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Press release 10-7-14
Black Southern Pastors Call for LGBT Justice in Video Campaign
Straight clergy challenge scripture & stereotypes; send powerful message to church and community
Contact: Kimberley McLeod
pr@manyvoices.org
Click on photo to view Dr. Sadler's interview
WASHINGTON, DC — October 7, 2014 — Today, Many Voices, a Black church movement for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) justice, launches a series of unprecedented videos that feature LGBT-affirming African American clergy from the South. Video subjects include Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler, Associate Professor of Bible, Union Presbyterian Seminary at Charlotte; Rev. Reggie Longcrier, Executive Director of prison ministry Exodus Missionary Outreach Church; and Rev. Dr. Terence Leathers, Pastor, Mount Vernon Christian Church.
“All people are worthy of God’s love,” says Rev. Sadler. “In essence, sex is at the core of the biblical message. Our fear of sexuality is inconsistent with the biblical text. Our job is not to keep people away…our job is to be open in our welcome.”
Each interview captures experiences from ally voices of faith that undermine the misconception that Black pastors are monolithically homophobic. The videos also illuminate how African Americans can be both religious and supportive of LGBT people, and that being LGBT-affirming can be consistent with one’s faith.
“Each pastor partaking in this powerful platform talks from a place of religious grounding, and their understanding of scripture harmoniously informs their understanding of LGBT acceptance,” says Rev. Cedric A. Harmon, Co-Director for Many Voices. “Our allies are deeply important to this work because they remind us that at the heart of the movement for LGBT justice is the fight for everyone in God’s family to live safely and authentically.”
All interviewees are based in North Carolina, a state with a substantial Black LGBT presence and strong ties to the Church. With over 40 percent of Black Protestants supporting the freedom to marry, the testimonies are representative of a growing number of justice-seeking pastors across the country. In addition to sharing the videos through social media and community collaborators, Many Voices offers training, resources, and relationship-building opportunities for church leaders and Black LGBT people. The video release is part of an ongoing campaign that launched in 2013.
The Many Voices Visibility Campaign was funded in part by the Arcus Foundation, Evelyn & Walter Haas, Jr. Foundation, and the E. Rhodes & Leona B. Carpenter Foundation, and was created by Katina Parker, a filmmaker and PR specialist. The music was performed by Rachael Derello, Monica Douthit and Meredeth Summers Moore, and recorded by Sammy Truong and Katina Parker.
For more information about the Many Voices Visibility Campaign, visit manyvoices.org/about/video-campaign.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/media/revsadler/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Press release 10-21-14
Press release 10-7-14
Media hits
Our team
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Media hits
Huffington Post
Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community
October 17, 2014
Shadow and Act: On Cinema of the African Diaspora
Watch: Black Pastors Call for LGBT Justice in New ‘Many Voices’ Video Campaign Series.
October 17, 2014
EBONY
‘Many Voices’ Campaign Highlights Black Clergy in Support of LGBT Issues
October 8, 2014
The Root
Dr. Rodney Sadler, Jr. Examines Sexuality in the Bible
October 7, 2014
Mused Magazine
Black Southern Pastors Speak Out For LGBT Justice In New Video Campaign
October 7, 2014
GLAAD Blog
Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler: “All people are worthy of God’s love.”
October 7, 2014
Metro Weekly
Seasonal Solace: Rev. Cedric Harmon shares Many Voices’ inclusive mission
December 19, 2013
Windy City Times
Many Voices campaign uses videos to tell personal stories
December 3, 2013
The Advocate
WATCH: Many Voices Videos Spotlight Black LGBT Christians
October 13, 2013
Shadow and Act
Many Voices’ Video Campaign to Reveal Stories of Black Gay & Transgender Christians in the Church
October 12, 2013
Watch Many Voices’ Episode 2
October 21, 2013
Watch Many Voices’ Episode 3
October 31, 2013
Watch Many Voices’ Episode 4
November 13, 2013
Blog posts
GLAAD.org
National Coming Out Day: New Video Campaign Highlights Black LGBT Christians
Oct. 11, 2013
BlackSpaceBlog.com
Many Voices
Oct. 11, 2013
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/media/media-hits/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Press release 10-21-14
Press release 10-7-14
Media hits
Our team
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Media hits
Huffington Post
Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community
October 17, 2014
Shadow and Act: On Cinema of the African Diaspora
Watch: Black Pastors Call for LGBT Justice in New ‘Many Voices’ Video Campaign Series.
October 17, 2014
EBONY
‘Many Voices’ Campaign Highlights Black Clergy in Support of LGBT Issues
October 8, 2014
The Root
Dr. Rodney Sadler, Jr. Examines Sexuality in the Bible
October 7, 2014
Mused Magazine
Black Southern Pastors Speak Out For LGBT Justice In New Video Campaign
October 7, 2014
GLAAD Blog
Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler: “All people are worthy of God’s love.”
October 7, 2014
Metro Weekly
Seasonal Solace: Rev. Cedric Harmon shares Many Voices’ inclusive mission
December 19, 2013
Windy City Times
Many Voices campaign uses videos to tell personal stories
December 3, 2013
The Advocate
WATCH: Many Voices Videos Spotlight Black LGBT Christians
October 13, 2013
Shadow and Act
Many Voices’ Video Campaign to Reveal Stories of Black Gay & Transgender Christians in the Church
October 12, 2013
Watch Many Voices’ Episode 2
October 21, 2013
Watch Many Voices’ Episode 3
October 31, 2013
Watch Many Voices’ Episode 4
November 13, 2013
Blog posts
GLAAD.org
National Coming Out Day: New Video Campaign Highlights Black LGBT Christians
Oct. 11, 2013
BlackSpaceBlog.com
Many Voices
Oct. 11, 2013
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/media/media-hits/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Our team
Resource contributors
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Our team
Rev. Cedric A. Harmon, Co-Director
As Co-Director of Many Voices, Cedric works directly with Black religious leaders and other people of faith to engage diverse topics at the intersection of religion, faith and human sexuality. An ordained pastor affiliated with the National Baptist and Missionary Baptist Churches, he provides trainings, workshops, coaching, and presentations—always creating a safe space to connect the concerns of LGBT families with Black churches’ historic commitment to liberation, freedom, and justice.
Formerly, he served as religious organizer for Americans United for Separation of Church and State where for 13 years, he recruited and trained clergy from around the country to provide legislative testimony about issues of religion and government. He’s also known for his writing and television appearances—again on human rights and social justice—and serves on several boards having to do with sexuality and religion.
Ann Thompson Cook, Co-Director
Ann is an experienced executive, educator, and advocate for LGBT equality, known for her ability to gain trust and partner with people from diverse backgrounds. For 25 years, she has facilitated dialogue and produced educational materials for churches on sexual orientation and gender diversity. Her educational books—And God Loves Each One, Made in God’s Image, and Dios nos ama por iqual—are distributed throughout the world.
Recognized as an expert in nonprofit leadership, Ann has served as President and CEO of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice where she initiated, with Rev. Carlton Veazey, the National Black Religious Summit on Sexuality, and later provided executive coaching, executive transition services, and strategic planning facilitation for leaders of national LGBT and other nonprofit organizations. She has served on national and local boards that build bridges and promote dialogue about sexuality.
Melissa McQueen, Seminarian
Melissa is completing her Master of Divinity at Howard University School of Divinity, serving her part time field placement with Many Voices, and founding a gay/straight alliance at HUSD.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/people/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Our team
Resource contributors
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Our team
Rev. Cedric A. Harmon, Co-Director
As Co-Director of Many Voices, Cedric works directly with Black religious leaders and other people of faith to engage diverse topics at the intersection of religion, faith and human sexuality. An ordained pastor affiliated with the National Baptist and Missionary Baptist Churches, he provides trainings, workshops, coaching, and presentations—always creating a safe space to connect the concerns of LGBT families with Black churches’ historic commitment to liberation, freedom, and justice.
Formerly, he served as religious organizer for Americans United for Separation of Church and State where for 13 years, he recruited and trained clergy from around the country to provide legislative testimony about issues of religion and government. He’s also known for his writing and television appearances—again on human rights and social justice—and serves on several boards having to do with sexuality and religion.
Ann Thompson Cook, Co-Director
Ann is an experienced executive, educator, and advocate for LGBT equality, known for her ability to gain trust and partner with people from diverse backgrounds. For 25 years, she has facilitated dialogue and produced educational materials for churches on sexual orientation and gender diversity. Her educational books—And God Loves Each One, Made in God’s Image, and Dios nos ama por iqual—are distributed throughout the world.
Recognized as an expert in nonprofit leadership, Ann has served as President and CEO of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice where she initiated, with Rev. Carlton Veazey, the National Black Religious Summit on Sexuality, and later provided executive coaching, executive transition services, and strategic planning facilitation for leaders of national LGBT and other nonprofit organizations. She has served on national and local boards that build bridges and promote dialogue about sexuality.
Melissa McQueen, Seminarian
Melissa is completing her Master of Divinity at Howard University School of Divinity, serving her part time field placement with Many Voices, and founding a gay/straight alliance at HUSD.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/people/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Our team
Resource contributors
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Resource contributors
The people who have contributed our rich tools & resources…
Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington
Verdell Wright
Rev. Dr. Terence Leathers
Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler, Jr.
Rev. Jan Berry
Rev. Dr. Mark S. Bollwinkel
Rev. Brendan Boone
Rev. Celestine Brooks
Melany Burrill
Reverend Gilbert H. Caldwell
Nate Cook
Ann Thompson Cook
Ann B. Day
Rev. Dr. Miguel A. De La Torre
Geoffrey Duncan
Heather Murray Elkins, Ph.D.
Thew Elliott
Ai Elo
Reverend Elise Elrod
Rev. Todd Freeman
Roger Gilkeson
Chris Glaser, M.Div.
The Rev. Debra W. Haffner
W. Scott Haldeman, Ph.D.
Rev. Cedric A. Harmon
Rev. Dr. Obery M. Hendricks, Jr.
Sarah Hoffman
Rev. Dr. Ron Hopson
Limor Inbar
Rev. Wes Jamison
Rev. Ann Jefferson
Jeehye Kim Pak
Rev. Mary E. Kraus
A’Omare Kyyam
Jermaine Lee
The Rev. Jacqui Lewis, Ph.D.
Jorge Lockward
Paul Louie
Robin Lunn, M.Div.
Dr. David J. Malebranche
Tim McGinley
Louis Mitchell
Rev. Gregory R. Morisse
Dan Chadburn & Tom Nichols
Dr. Kate Ott
Reverend Dr. Cameron Partridge
Wayne V. Pawlowski
Cindy Pomeroy
Chett Pritchett
Mittie Quinn
Bishop Tonyia Rawls
Cody J. Sanders
Justin Tanis
Rev. Mary Kay Totty
Duncan L. Tuck
Kelly Turney
Rev. Jay Wallace
Julia Wallace
Rev. Dr. Dennis W. Wiley
Pamela M. Wilson
Rev. Dr. Walter Wink
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/people/contributors/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Our team
Resource contributors
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Resource contributors
The people who have contributed our rich tools & resources…
Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington
Verdell Wright
Rev. Dr. Terence Leathers
Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler, Jr.
Rev. Jan Berry
Rev. Dr. Mark S. Bollwinkel
Rev. Brendan Boone
Rev. Celestine Brooks
Melany Burrill
Reverend Gilbert H. Caldwell
Nate Cook
Ann Thompson Cook
Ann B. Day
Rev. Dr. Miguel A. De La Torre
Geoffrey Duncan
Heather Murray Elkins, Ph.D.
Thew Elliott
Ai Elo
Reverend Elise Elrod
Rev. Todd Freeman
Roger Gilkeson
Chris Glaser, M.Div.
The Rev. Debra W. Haffner
W. Scott Haldeman, Ph.D.
Rev. Cedric A. Harmon
Rev. Dr. Obery M. Hendricks, Jr.
Sarah Hoffman
Rev. Dr. Ron Hopson
Limor Inbar
Rev. Wes Jamison
Rev. Ann Jefferson
Jeehye Kim Pak
Rev. Mary E. Kraus
A’Omare Kyyam
Jermaine Lee
The Rev. Jacqui Lewis, Ph.D.
Jorge Lockward
Paul Louie
Robin Lunn, M.Div.
Dr. David J. Malebranche
Tim McGinley
Louis Mitchell
Rev. Gregory R. Morisse
Dan Chadburn & Tom Nichols
Dr. Kate Ott
Reverend Dr. Cameron Partridge
Wayne V. Pawlowski
Cindy Pomeroy
Chett Pritchett
Mittie Quinn
Bishop Tonyia Rawls
Cody J. Sanders
Justin Tanis
Rev. Mary Kay Totty
Duncan L. Tuck
Kelly Turney
Rev. Jay Wallace
Julia Wallace
Rev. Dr. Dennis W. Wiley
Pamela M. Wilson
Rev. Dr. Walter Wink
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/people/contributors/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Our team
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
The board
Letitia Gomez, Chair
Letitia Gomez, a senior manager in the federal government, is a veteran organizer in the gay/lesbian community. Currently, she is co-authoring a book highlighting the contributions of lesbian and gay Latino/a activists in the movement for equality. She has served on many boards including the National Latino/a Lesbian and Gay Organization (LLEGO), ENLACE, DC Women’s Council on AIDS, DC Latino Civil Rights Task Force, National Lesbian and Gay Health Association, Whitman Walker Clinic, AIDS Action Foundation, LGBT Latino History Project, and currently serves as Secretary of La Trenza Leadership.
Rev. Countess Cooper, Secretary/Treasurer
Countess Clarke Cooper is a minister, musician and public servant. For the past 21 years, she has served in various capacities at the U.S. Department of Education including accountant, management analyst, and supervisory institutional review specialist. Her first love, however, is music and ministry. Currently, she works with three churches as team pastor, Sanctuary choir/ensemble director, and worship leader. Rev. Cooper’s ministerial service also extends into the military sector as a Chaplain, Captain in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Reverend Cooper is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC).
Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington
Jamie Washington is President of the Washington Consulting Group, a multicultural organizational development firm, and a senior consultant with The Equity Consulting Group of California, and Elsie Y. Cross and Associates. He served as an educator and administrator in higher education for over 20 years, most recently as Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). He has also held leadership positions in ACPA, NASPA, ACHUO-I, MACUHO, MCPA, APA, NGLTF, The Campaign to End Homophobia and the National Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/the-booard/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Our team
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
The board
Letitia Gomez, Chair
Letitia Gomez, a senior manager in the federal government, is a veteran organizer in the gay/lesbian community. Currently, she is co-authoring a book highlighting the contributions of lesbian and gay Latino/a activists in the movement for equality. She has served on many boards including the National Latino/a Lesbian and Gay Organization (LLEGO), ENLACE, DC Women’s Council on AIDS, DC Latino Civil Rights Task Force, National Lesbian and Gay Health Association, Whitman Walker Clinic, AIDS Action Foundation, LGBT Latino History Project, and currently serves as Secretary of La Trenza Leadership.
Rev. Countess Cooper, Secretary/Treasurer
Countess Clarke Cooper is a minister, musician and public servant. For the past 21 years, she has served in various capacities at the U.S. Department of Education including accountant, management analyst, and supervisory institutional review specialist. Her first love, however, is music and ministry. Currently, she works with three churches as team pastor, Sanctuary choir/ensemble director, and worship leader. Rev. Cooper’s ministerial service also extends into the military sector as a Chaplain, Captain in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. Reverend Cooper is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ (UCC).
Rev. Dr. Jamie Washington
Jamie Washington is President of the Washington Consulting Group, a multicultural organizational development firm, and a senior consultant with The Equity Consulting Group of California, and Elsie Y. Cross and Associates. He served as an educator and administrator in higher education for over 20 years, most recently as Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC). He has also held leadership positions in ACPA, NASPA, ACHUO-I, MACUHO, MCPA, APA, NGLTF, The Campaign to End Homophobia and the National Black Lesbian and Gay Leadership Forum.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/the-booard/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Our team
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Core values
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Organizational background
History: Founded in 2010
Many Voices was founded in 2010 to offer an online resource center for the many Christians—particularly people of color—who were not being served by the LGBT-focused programs within the mainline Protestant denominations.
In 2011, after an extensive strategic planning process, we narrowed our focus to organize specifically from within the Black Church.
In 2012, we incorporated in the District of Columbia, obtained IRS 501(c)(3) status, set up an independent board, and created a solid infrastructure.
All along, Many Voices’ work has been led by two co-directors and blessed with the pro bono contributions of several experts including Pamela Wilson and Wayne Pawlowski, internationally recognized trainers in sexuality and gender education; Rev. Dr. Ronald Hopson, a Howard University professor who specializes in sexuality and the Black Church; and Mr. Sterling Tucker, a veteran civil rights organizer and nonprofit consultant.
Accomplishments: 2012-2013
Many Voices
•Compiled a rich and growing resource center that includes worship tools, thoughtful articles by leading thinkers in the Black church, age appropriate educational tools for children and adults about sexual orientation and gender diversity, and much more.
•Educated more than four hundred Black pastors and lay leaders at seminars and panels exploring sexuality, gender, and theology—preparing them for thoughtful dialogue about sexuality and LGBT justice within their congregations and among their peers.
•Launched a powerful video series featuring the personal stories of six African American lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) North Carolinians who came of age in Black churches. Earlier videos featured prominent straight-identified pastors, including Bishop Carlton Pearson, Rev. Dr. Louis Shockley, and Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Haggray. In addition to expanding Many Voices’ reach through an intensive PR/marketing campaign, the videos are used as teaching tools in seminars with religious leaders and congregations.
•Calmed down the rhetoric during the lead-up to Maryland ‘s ballot referendum on marriage in response to vitriolic speech from some Black pulpits—such as Rev. Anderson’s reference to“these things [homosexuality] that are worthy of death “
•Our fairness pledge,” which was circulated by several state-wide and national advocacy organizations, invited Black clergy in Maryland—regardless of their views or stand on marriage—to stand back from divisive, hurtful statements and enter into loving, respectful dialogue that honored the dignity of all persons. Circulating it made a huge difference in calming down the rhetoric in the days and weeks leading up to the marriage equality referendum, allowing people to vote thoughtfully, mindful of their gay and lesbian families and friends.
•Provided key leadership in the NoWedge2012 national campaign with the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, National Black Justice Coalition, Southern Poverty Law Center, Metropolitan Community Churches, and the NAACP to combat the anti-gay National Organization for Marriage’s stated strategy to drive a wedge between the same-gender-loving community and the Black church.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/background/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Our team
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Core values
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Organizational background
History: Founded in 2010
Many Voices was founded in 2010 to offer an online resource center for the many Christians—particularly people of color—who were not being served by the LGBT-focused programs within the mainline Protestant denominations.
In 2011, after an extensive strategic planning process, we narrowed our focus to organize specifically from within the Black Church.
In 2012, we incorporated in the District of Columbia, obtained IRS 501(c)(3) status, set up an independent board, and created a solid infrastructure.
All along, Many Voices’ work has been led by two co-directors and blessed with the pro bono contributions of several experts including Pamela Wilson and Wayne Pawlowski, internationally recognized trainers in sexuality and gender education; Rev. Dr. Ronald Hopson, a Howard University professor who specializes in sexuality and the Black Church; and Mr. Sterling Tucker, a veteran civil rights organizer and nonprofit consultant.
Accomplishments: 2012-2013
Many Voices
•Compiled a rich and growing resource center that includes worship tools, thoughtful articles by leading thinkers in the Black church, age appropriate educational tools for children and adults about sexual orientation and gender diversity, and much more.
•Educated more than four hundred Black pastors and lay leaders at seminars and panels exploring sexuality, gender, and theology—preparing them for thoughtful dialogue about sexuality and LGBT justice within their congregations and among their peers.
•Launched a powerful video series featuring the personal stories of six African American lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) North Carolinians who came of age in Black churches. Earlier videos featured prominent straight-identified pastors, including Bishop Carlton Pearson, Rev. Dr. Louis Shockley, and Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Haggray. In addition to expanding Many Voices’ reach through an intensive PR/marketing campaign, the videos are used as teaching tools in seminars with religious leaders and congregations.
•Calmed down the rhetoric during the lead-up to Maryland ‘s ballot referendum on marriage in response to vitriolic speech from some Black pulpits—such as Rev. Anderson’s reference to“these things [homosexuality] that are worthy of death “
•Our fairness pledge,” which was circulated by several state-wide and national advocacy organizations, invited Black clergy in Maryland—regardless of their views or stand on marriage—to stand back from divisive, hurtful statements and enter into loving, respectful dialogue that honored the dignity of all persons. Circulating it made a huge difference in calming down the rhetoric in the days and weeks leading up to the marriage equality referendum, allowing people to vote thoughtfully, mindful of their gay and lesbian families and friends.
•Provided key leadership in the NoWedge2012 national campaign with the Fellowship of Affirming Ministries, National Black Justice Coalition, Southern Poverty Law Center, Metropolitan Community Churches, and the NAACP to combat the anti-gay National Organization for Marriage’s stated strategy to drive a wedge between the same-gender-loving community and the Black church.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/background/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Our team
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Core values
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Core values
Beloved community
We aim to build a beloved community of people who seek God’s justice, a community where those who are different are never shunned or pushed away. When our welcome extends to everyone, we celebrate and appreciate the wonder of God’s creation.
God’s gift of sexuality & gender
Each of us has a unique way of understanding and expressing our sexual orientation and gender. We affirm the responsible use of these God-given gifts in ways that reflect the beauty of true connection.
Equality & full participation
Knowing in our hearts that everyone is loved by God and made in God’s image, we affirm that we’re related to all of creation and that no one is better than anyone else. Each of us has gifts and graces that can enrich any congregation that truly affirms and welcomes all who take part.
Courage
Having the courage to break the silence is about being open to authenticity—being willing to listen, to be honest, to be vulnerable, to speak lovingly, to seek justice, and to extend hospitality. We believe that respectfully challenging one another can lead to meaningful dialogue and draw us into beloved community.
Integrity
For us, integrity is a commitment to act and speak from wholeness and honesty. We strive to embody God’s unconditional love, to have high ethical standards, and to be trustworthy in all of our interactions with people.
Servant leadership
Creating space to encourage, inspire, and support others in opening dialogue in their churches is Many Voices’ joyful gift to the community. We don’t own the conversation or the work. Our mission is to build relationships that empower and nurture possibilities for wider welcome and wholeness.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/background/core-values/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Our team
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Core values
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Core values
Beloved community
We aim to build a beloved community of people who seek God’s justice, a community where those who are different are never shunned or pushed away. When our welcome extends to everyone, we celebrate and appreciate the wonder of God’s creation.
God’s gift of sexuality & gender
Each of us has a unique way of understanding and expressing our sexual orientation and gender. We affirm the responsible use of these God-given gifts in ways that reflect the beauty of true connection.
Equality & full participation
Knowing in our hearts that everyone is loved by God and made in God’s image, we affirm that we’re related to all of creation and that no one is better than anyone else. Each of us has gifts and graces that can enrich any congregation that truly affirms and welcomes all who take part.
Courage
Having the courage to break the silence is about being open to authenticity—being willing to listen, to be honest, to be vulnerable, to speak lovingly, to seek justice, and to extend hospitality. We believe that respectfully challenging one another can lead to meaningful dialogue and draw us into beloved community.
Integrity
For us, integrity is a commitment to act and speak from wholeness and honesty. We strive to embody God’s unconditional love, to have high ethical standards, and to be trustworthy in all of our interactions with people.
Servant leadership
Creating space to encourage, inspire, and support others in opening dialogue in their churches is Many Voices’ joyful gift to the community. We don’t own the conversation or the work. Our mission is to build relationships that empower and nurture possibilities for wider welcome and wholeness.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/background/core-values/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Our team
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
About
As a Black church movement for gay and transgender justice, we envision a community that embraces the diversity of the human family and ensures that all are treated with love, compassion, and justice.
Black gay and transgender people are too often case studies in discrimination, shame, hardship, insecurity and isolation.
Job insecurity and other financial threats, lack of legal protections, discrimination in employment and housing, heightened violence due to gender non-conformity—all these and more can be a daily reality. The Black church, historically a crucible for social change, has been strangely silent and unavailable to confront or address the inequalities and injustices experienced by LGBT people and their families.
Many Voices envisions a Black church and community that embrace the diversity of the human family and ensures that all are treated with love, compassion, and justice.
To fulfill that vision, we are transforming the inaccurate narrative that the entire Black church is negative.
We raise the voices of Black gay and transgender Christians who, despite rejection and condemnation, contribute so much.
And we equip and bring forward influential Black leaders to demonstrate that support for LGBT equality and justice is deeply rooted in the Black religious experience and entirely consistent with being Christian.
Once the narrative of a monolithic church has been repudiated, the silence will be broken, allowing space for a new, thoughtful dialogue about fairness, equality, and justice for everyone.
How will we get there? Coming soon: Our five-year roadmap. Watch for it.
Become one of the many voices that are speaking for love and justice!
Take the next step and make a donation here.
*Many Voices is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Tax ID: 45-4613506
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
Video campaign
Media
Our team
The board
Financial support
Organizational background
Governance & finance documents
Contact us
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
About
As a Black church movement for gay and transgender justice, we envision a community that embraces the diversity of the human family and ensures that all are treated with love, compassion, and justice.
Black gay and transgender people are too often case studies in discrimination, shame, hardship, insecurity and isolation.
Job insecurity and other financial threats, lack of legal protections, discrimination in employment and housing, heightened violence due to gender non-conformity—all these and more can be a daily reality. The Black church, historically a crucible for social change, has been strangely silent and unavailable to confront or address the inequalities and injustices experienced by LGBT people and their families.
Many Voices envisions a Black church and community that embrace the diversity of the human family and ensures that all are treated with love, compassion, and justice.
To fulfill that vision, we are transforming the inaccurate narrative that the entire Black church is negative.
We raise the voices of Black gay and transgender Christians who, despite rejection and condemnation, contribute so much.
And we equip and bring forward influential Black leaders to demonstrate that support for LGBT equality and justice is deeply rooted in the Black religious experience and entirely consistent with being Christian.
Once the narrative of a monolithic church has been repudiated, the silence will be broken, allowing space for a new, thoughtful dialogue about fairness, equality, and justice for everyone.
How will we get there? Coming soon: Our five-year roadmap. Watch for it.
Become one of the many voices that are speaking for love and justice!
Take the next step and make a donation here.
*Many Voices is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.
Tax ID: 45-4613506
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
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Welcoming church list
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Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/about/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
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RSS Feed
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Search for:
Join our mailing list
How to Begin
Understanding what the Bible says
A conversation with your pastor
Learning about inclusion
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
Educating your congregation
Responding when someone comes out
Engaging your own faith tradition
Getting comfortable with voicing your concerns
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
How to Begin
Looking for guidance or have a specific question?
This section includes several issues that people frequently raise. Look here for more specific questions. If your question is not addressed, however, please ask here.
Throughout the site, you can also look for this icon that flags resources that are particularly useful to people just beginning their journey to becoming welcoming:
Explore this section on how to begin…
Understanding what the Bible says
Sacred texts inspire us, offer examples of journeying with God, help us to be faithful to God and to see the central message of God’s love in action.
Read More
Learning about inclusion
In some ways, the first lessons about inclusion are similar to the first lessons of learning a new language. We quickly realize that we can offend even when we mean to be welcoming.
Read More
Educating your congregation
Your first step is to identify the gap that—if filled —would allow the congregation to become truly inclusive and welcoming.
Read More
Engaging your own faith tradition
Welcome, inclusion, community, love and hospitality are found in each faith tradition, and Scriptures speak positively about God’s love for all.
Read More
A conversation with your pastor
You may be upset, you may feel newly inspired, you may have suffered in silence for a long, long time. Wherever you are, know that you’re in the perfect place.
Read More
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
Lori entered the sanctuary of Ellsworth Church. Greeted by warm handshakes and bright smiles, she wondered. “Is all of this love and warmth lasting….?”
Read More
Responding when someone comes out
When someone chooses to share the truth of their existence with you, it reflects their view that you are open and trustworthy. The good news is that you are not expected to have answers….
Read More
Getting comfortable voicing concerns
Lifting your voice may not require grand schemes and extensive planning. Simply say what is true for you in your own way. Many Voices can help you with resources to make that difference.
Read More
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/how-to-begin/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
How to Begin
Understanding what the Bible says
A conversation with your pastor
Learning about inclusion
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
Educating your congregation
Responding when someone comes out
Engaging your own faith tradition
Getting comfortable with voicing your concerns
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
How to Begin
Looking for guidance or have a specific question?
This section includes several issues that people frequently raise. Look here for more specific questions. If your question is not addressed, however, please ask here.
Throughout the site, you can also look for this icon that flags resources that are particularly useful to people just beginning their journey to becoming welcoming:
Explore this section on how to begin…
Understanding what the Bible says
Sacred texts inspire us, offer examples of journeying with God, help us to be faithful to God and to see the central message of God’s love in action.
Read More
Learning about inclusion
In some ways, the first lessons about inclusion are similar to the first lessons of learning a new language. We quickly realize that we can offend even when we mean to be welcoming.
Read More
Educating your congregation
Your first step is to identify the gap that—if filled —would allow the congregation to become truly inclusive and welcoming.
Read More
Engaging your own faith tradition
Welcome, inclusion, community, love and hospitality are found in each faith tradition, and Scriptures speak positively about God’s love for all.
Read More
A conversation with your pastor
You may be upset, you may feel newly inspired, you may have suffered in silence for a long, long time. Wherever you are, know that you’re in the perfect place.
Read More
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
Lori entered the sanctuary of Ellsworth Church. Greeted by warm handshakes and bright smiles, she wondered. “Is all of this love and warmth lasting….?”
Read More
Responding when someone comes out
When someone chooses to share the truth of their existence with you, it reflects their view that you are open and trustworthy. The good news is that you are not expected to have answers….
Read More
Getting comfortable voicing concerns
Lifting your voice may not require grand schemes and extensive planning. Simply say what is true for you in your own way. Many Voices can help you with resources to make that difference.
Read More
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/how-to-begin/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
How to Begin
Understanding what the Bible says
A conversation with your pastor
Learning about inclusion
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
Educating your congregation
Responding when someone comes out
Engaging your own faith tradition
Getting comfortable with voicing your concerns
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Understanding what the Bible says
A few texts that have been used to deny the dignity and worth of gay and lesbian persons and wrongly presumed silence about transgender persons have caused great pain. Similarly, texts that have denied the full humanity and personhood of women, slaves, lepers, cultural and ethnic minorities have far too often been tools of exclusion.
The first question is how do we approach the Bible? We may come seeking simple answers… We may come with fixed ideas… We may come poised for an argument.
But remember, the Bible is bigger than any six or seven highlighted passages. It is more meaningful than tiny slices of scripture and proof-texting. It has greater impact than our favorite verses. We would have a richer experience by asking
• What is the point?
• What am I learning about God’s character?
• Am I confined by the short list or am I gaining a better understanding of the whole?
Here’s where to look for discussions of specific texts and more.
Sacred texts inspire us, offer examples of journeying with God, help us to be faithful to God and to see the central message of God’ love in action. We do not simply rely upon words on a page, but we live out the meaning in our relationships with others. We should engage and read the holy writings and be open to the positive messages in the Bible, while acknowledging that there are problematic messages.
Most of us use the Bible in many different ways:
• for personal reflection,
• for congregational sharing/preaching,
• for group study and prayer,
• as the basis of tradition and denominational development.
In each use and reading of the Bible, it helps to consider
• The historical, social and cultural context at the time of the writing
• Our current time, knowledge and understandings
• Our culture, traditions and denominational affiliation
• Our personal experiences and beliefs
Listening for the Word of God is about remaining open to what God is doing now and discerning how you will respond. Certainly, God’s welcome is broader than we could ever imagine and too vast to be contained between book covers.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/how-to-begin/understanding-what-the-bible-says/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
How to Begin
Understanding what the Bible says
A conversation with your pastor
Learning about inclusion
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
Educating your congregation
Responding when someone comes out
Engaging your own faith tradition
Getting comfortable with voicing your concerns
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Understanding what the Bible says
A few texts that have been used to deny the dignity and worth of gay and lesbian persons and wrongly presumed silence about transgender persons have caused great pain. Similarly, texts that have denied the full humanity and personhood of women, slaves, lepers, cultural and ethnic minorities have far too often been tools of exclusion.
The first question is how do we approach the Bible? We may come seeking simple answers… We may come with fixed ideas… We may come poised for an argument.
But remember, the Bible is bigger than any six or seven highlighted passages. It is more meaningful than tiny slices of scripture and proof-texting. It has greater impact than our favorite verses. We would have a richer experience by asking
• What is the point?
• What am I learning about God’s character?
• Am I confined by the short list or am I gaining a better understanding of the whole?
Here’s where to look for discussions of specific texts and more.
Sacred texts inspire us, offer examples of journeying with God, help us to be faithful to God and to see the central message of God’ love in action. We do not simply rely upon words on a page, but we live out the meaning in our relationships with others. We should engage and read the holy writings and be open to the positive messages in the Bible, while acknowledging that there are problematic messages.
Most of us use the Bible in many different ways:
• for personal reflection,
• for congregational sharing/preaching,
• for group study and prayer,
• as the basis of tradition and denominational development.
In each use and reading of the Bible, it helps to consider
• The historical, social and cultural context at the time of the writing
• Our current time, knowledge and understandings
• Our culture, traditions and denominational affiliation
• Our personal experiences and beliefs
Listening for the Word of God is about remaining open to what God is doing now and discerning how you will respond. Certainly, God’s welcome is broader than we could ever imagine and too vast to be contained between book covers.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/how-to-begin/understanding-what-the-bible-says/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
How to Begin
Understanding what the Bible says
A conversation with your pastor
Learning about inclusion
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
Educating your congregation
Responding when someone comes out
Engaging your own faith tradition
Getting comfortable with voicing your concerns
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
A conversation with your pastor
Thank you for considering how to speak with your pastor about expanding the congregation’s welcome and inclusion.
You may be upset about something that’s happened—or not happened.
You may feel newly inspired by the possibilities of a breakthrough to new wholeness in your congregation.
You may have suffered in silence for a long, long time.
Wherever you are, know that you’re in the perfect place. Lifting your voice could be key to greater inclusion.
Before beginning a conversation…
Think about what you know about this person.
• Perhaps your pastor hasn’t ever spoken from the pulpit about including everyone along the full spectrum of sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Perhaps you’ve heard proud declarations of welcome for everyone, but you’ve also heard condemnations or you still have questions about where the pastor stands.
• Within your worship community, you may have endured expressions of inequality and discrimination against persons who are gay or transgender.
Consider as well that a pastor’s reluctance to raise the issue is not necessarily a sign of opposition. Pastors often wonder how their congregations will react if they take a supportive stand: Will this conversation be too divisive? Will members disagree? Will they leave the church? Will they remove the pastor?
Your pastor may be waiting for the congregation to ask about welcome of gay or transgender people, and what the church is supposed to be.
Engaging in conversation with your pastor benefits everyone.
Very often, your own experience and perspective provide the best starting point.
• If you’re lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender yourself, or have close friends or family members who are, talk with the pastor about what it means—how hurtful it can be—that you or they are made invisible or condemned.
• Talk about your desire to see everyone involved, embraced, and fully included in the life of your congregation.
• Invite your pastor to think creatively with you about how to accomplish the kind of worship that reflects God’s diversity and expresses the welcome spoken about.
• Offer to help make this happen, offer your ideas as a starting point, and ask the pastor for ideas.
• Make clear that you and others will stand with the pastor to create a more open and welcome worshipping community.
If your pastor has been openly condemning…
You might consider sharing the effect of that condemnation on the young people in your faith community. Recent research suggests that not only are a significant number of youth in our churches questioning their orientation or gender identity, these youth are more likely to attempt or commit suicide when faced with pastoral condemnation. Many pastors are upset to learn that they may be causing such distress among the youth in their flock.
Remember, too, that many people in our churches, pastors included, were brought up to believe that the Bible is condemning, and they haven’t been introduced to alternative views of Scripture. Here is some material you could look through to see what might be useful to share with your own pastor.
For additional perspectives, please follow these links:
Dr. Obrey Hendricks Jr., Don’t Blame it on the Bible
Rev. Cedric A. Harmon, But I Know what the Bible Says
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/how-to-begin/a-conversation-with-your-pastor/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
How to Begin
Understanding what the Bible says
A conversation with your pastor
Learning about inclusion
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
Educating your congregation
Responding when someone comes out
Engaging your own faith tradition
Getting comfortable with voicing your concerns
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
A conversation with your pastor
Thank you for considering how to speak with your pastor about expanding the congregation’s welcome and inclusion.
You may be upset about something that’s happened—or not happened.
You may feel newly inspired by the possibilities of a breakthrough to new wholeness in your congregation.
You may have suffered in silence for a long, long time.
Wherever you are, know that you’re in the perfect place. Lifting your voice could be key to greater inclusion.
Before beginning a conversation…
Think about what you know about this person.
• Perhaps your pastor hasn’t ever spoken from the pulpit about including everyone along the full spectrum of sexual orientation or gender identity.
• Perhaps you’ve heard proud declarations of welcome for everyone, but you’ve also heard condemnations or you still have questions about where the pastor stands.
• Within your worship community, you may have endured expressions of inequality and discrimination against persons who are gay or transgender.
Consider as well that a pastor’s reluctance to raise the issue is not necessarily a sign of opposition. Pastors often wonder how their congregations will react if they take a supportive stand: Will this conversation be too divisive? Will members disagree? Will they leave the church? Will they remove the pastor?
Your pastor may be waiting for the congregation to ask about welcome of gay or transgender people, and what the church is supposed to be.
Engaging in conversation with your pastor benefits everyone.
Very often, your own experience and perspective provide the best starting point.
• If you’re lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender yourself, or have close friends or family members who are, talk with the pastor about what it means—how hurtful it can be—that you or they are made invisible or condemned.
• Talk about your desire to see everyone involved, embraced, and fully included in the life of your congregation.
• Invite your pastor to think creatively with you about how to accomplish the kind of worship that reflects God’s diversity and expresses the welcome spoken about.
• Offer to help make this happen, offer your ideas as a starting point, and ask the pastor for ideas.
• Make clear that you and others will stand with the pastor to create a more open and welcome worshipping community.
If your pastor has been openly condemning…
You might consider sharing the effect of that condemnation on the young people in your faith community. Recent research suggests that not only are a significant number of youth in our churches questioning their orientation or gender identity, these youth are more likely to attempt or commit suicide when faced with pastoral condemnation. Many pastors are upset to learn that they may be causing such distress among the youth in their flock.
Remember, too, that many people in our churches, pastors included, were brought up to believe that the Bible is condemning, and they haven’t been introduced to alternative views of Scripture. Here is some material you could look through to see what might be useful to share with your own pastor.
For additional perspectives, please follow these links:
Dr. Obrey Hendricks Jr., Don’t Blame it on the Bible
Rev. Cedric A. Harmon, But I Know what the Bible Says
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/how-to-begin/a-conversation-with-your-pastor/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
How to Begin
Understanding what the Bible says
A conversation with your pastor
Learning about inclusion
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
Educating your congregation
Responding when someone comes out
Engaging your own faith tradition
Getting comfortable with voicing your concerns
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Learning about inclusion
Your desire to be welcoming and include all persons in the life and ministry of your church is a fantastic starting place. No one should be locked out of worship.
In some ways, the first lessons about inclusion are similar to the first lessons of learning a new language. We quickly realize that we can offend even when we mean to be welcoming.
Inclusion requires intention.
Using resources at Many Voices will enable you to open up worship spaces to fully involve every person in the experience of community. As you do so, the possibility of justice unfolds. Every time you reach beyond boundaries, break down walls of division, and remove hindrances to welcome based on gender, sexuality, race or any other difference in places of worship, you expand equality and eliminate exclusion.
One way to begin is to embrace the emphasis on hospitality that permeates the Bible and is demonstrated in the stories of Jesus’ compassion. We can draw inspiration from sacred texts: Loving God with heart, strength, soul and mind; and neighbor as yourself.
You'll find that expanding welcome in your place of worship creates a warm environment inside and promotes a positive view of your faith tradition externally. Your congregation may begin to attract those who feel alienated. As persons of every sexual orientation and gender identity participate fully in the life of the congregation, the richness of the worship deepens.
In inclusive spaces, people who are already members of the congregation may experience new freedom to be open and honest about who they are. When barriers and conditions of acceptance are removed, parents and loved ones willingly extend invitations to all.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/how-to-begin/learning-about-inclusion/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
How to Begin
Understanding what the Bible says
A conversation with your pastor
Learning about inclusion
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
Educating your congregation
Responding when someone comes out
Engaging your own faith tradition
Getting comfortable with voicing your concerns
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Learning about inclusion
Your desire to be welcoming and include all persons in the life and ministry of your church is a fantastic starting place. No one should be locked out of worship.
In some ways, the first lessons about inclusion are similar to the first lessons of learning a new language. We quickly realize that we can offend even when we mean to be welcoming.
Inclusion requires intention.
Using resources at Many Voices will enable you to open up worship spaces to fully involve every person in the experience of community. As you do so, the possibility of justice unfolds. Every time you reach beyond boundaries, break down walls of division, and remove hindrances to welcome based on gender, sexuality, race or any other difference in places of worship, you expand equality and eliminate exclusion.
One way to begin is to embrace the emphasis on hospitality that permeates the Bible and is demonstrated in the stories of Jesus’ compassion. We can draw inspiration from sacred texts: Loving God with heart, strength, soul and mind; and neighbor as yourself.
You'll find that expanding welcome in your place of worship creates a warm environment inside and promotes a positive view of your faith tradition externally. Your congregation may begin to attract those who feel alienated. As persons of every sexual orientation and gender identity participate fully in the life of the congregation, the richness of the worship deepens.
In inclusive spaces, people who are already members of the congregation may experience new freedom to be open and honest about who they are. When barriers and conditions of acceptance are removed, parents and loved ones willingly extend invitations to all.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/how-to-begin/learning-about-inclusion/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
How to Begin
Understanding what the Bible says
A conversation with your pastor
Learning about inclusion
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
Educating your congregation
Responding when someone comes out
Engaging your own faith tradition
Getting comfortable with voicing your concerns
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
How does welcome look and feel?
Lori entered the sanctuary of Ellsworth Church greeted by warm handshakes and bright smiles.
As she took her seat six rows from the chancel area, she wondered. “Is all of this love and warmth lasting, or is it based on the assumption that every one is or should be heterosexual?”
•The melodies and lyrics of great music enlightened and soothed her.
•Words of love and mutuality encouraged her.
•Readings and the sermon inspired her.
It wasn’t until she stood at the exit about to greet the Pastor that it dawned on her: There are families of every combination, the greeters are male partners of different races, the pastor is a married heterosexual woman, the first reader is a lesbian woman, and the choir is peppered with transgender women and men.
Lori thanked the pastor for a lovely worship and the palpable inclusion. “No,” she thought, “this wasn’t surface, it was real welcome.”
Share the joy
There is no one way or cookie-cutter method to express authentic hospitality. Welcome should reflect the culture and style of your church. However, it should be experienced and felt throughout the entire congregation and the worship.
Take full advantage of community events to exhibit your inclusiveness. Festivals, walks, marches, block parties and Pride events are perfect opportunities to publicly acknowledge your welcome of all people.
Greeters should be comfortable with difference and engage people to help establish a positive experience for your guests at the outset.
• Has your church included persons of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity in leading worship?
• Are there clear representations of your welcome in the liturgy – each time you gather and not just for special occasions?
Raise awareness in the congregation about the injustices, discrimination and rejection experienced by persons because of difference. Integrate acceptance, hospitality and welcome into sermons, prayers and even bulletins. All of these steps will support understanding throughout your church. Remember, as you extend welcome you may find existing members feeling fully visible in ways they had not been before.
Welcome is for everyone and can be expressed by everyone. Use the Resources tab above to search this site for children’s sermons, adult and children’s curricula and other resources to aid you in creating a welcoming environment from pulpit to exit and beyond.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/how-to-begin/expressing-the-congregations-welcome/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
How to Begin
Understanding what the Bible says
A conversation with your pastor
Learning about inclusion
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
Educating your congregation
Responding when someone comes out
Engaging your own faith tradition
Getting comfortable with voicing your concerns
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
How does welcome look and feel?
Lori entered the sanctuary of Ellsworth Church greeted by warm handshakes and bright smiles.
As she took her seat six rows from the chancel area, she wondered. “Is all of this love and warmth lasting, or is it based on the assumption that every one is or should be heterosexual?”
•The melodies and lyrics of great music enlightened and soothed her.
•Words of love and mutuality encouraged her.
•Readings and the sermon inspired her.
It wasn’t until she stood at the exit about to greet the Pastor that it dawned on her: There are families of every combination, the greeters are male partners of different races, the pastor is a married heterosexual woman, the first reader is a lesbian woman, and the choir is peppered with transgender women and men.
Lori thanked the pastor for a lovely worship and the palpable inclusion. “No,” she thought, “this wasn’t surface, it was real welcome.”
Share the joy
There is no one way or cookie-cutter method to express authentic hospitality. Welcome should reflect the culture and style of your church. However, it should be experienced and felt throughout the entire congregation and the worship.
Take full advantage of community events to exhibit your inclusiveness. Festivals, walks, marches, block parties and Pride events are perfect opportunities to publicly acknowledge your welcome of all people.
Greeters should be comfortable with difference and engage people to help establish a positive experience for your guests at the outset.
• Has your church included persons of diverse sexual orientation and gender identity in leading worship?
• Are there clear representations of your welcome in the liturgy – each time you gather and not just for special occasions?
Raise awareness in the congregation about the injustices, discrimination and rejection experienced by persons because of difference. Integrate acceptance, hospitality and welcome into sermons, prayers and even bulletins. All of these steps will support understanding throughout your church. Remember, as you extend welcome you may find existing members feeling fully visible in ways they had not been before.
Welcome is for everyone and can be expressed by everyone. Use the Resources tab above to search this site for children’s sermons, adult and children’s curricula and other resources to aid you in creating a welcoming environment from pulpit to exit and beyond.
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©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/how-to-begin/expressing-the-congregations-welcome/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
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How to Begin
Understanding what the Bible says
A conversation with your pastor
Learning about inclusion
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
Educating your congregation
Responding when someone comes out
Engaging your own faith tradition
Getting comfortable with voicing your concerns
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Educating your congregation
Questions to ask
• Is there room for new learning and understanding of the role of scripture?
• Can we comfortably speak about sexuality and sex at our church?
• What more can we say about hospitality and welcome? What more can we do to be more welcoming?
• How are sexual orientation and gender matters of justice?
Consider opening up the conversation within your place of worship with friends you already know are asking questions like these. Start your process of engagement where you are as a congregation. Do not be concerned with large numbers —a small group of committed people can make a difference.
Why are we talking about this?
Some in your community of faith may feel that too much time has already been spent discussing gay and lesbian issues. Part of the education is helping them recognize themselves in this discussion. Think about creating space for honest dialogue. Everyone suffers when part of community is isolated and made to feel unwelcome; breaking through the silence invites truth-telling.
A central issue for our faith
You have the opportunity to demonstrate and share why this is a central faith issue. Care for our neighbors, love of all families, and refusal of isolation, hurt, oppression and marginalization—all of these are the work of justice.
Be mindful to partner with others in your local congregation and within your denomination and faith tradition to increase the tools you have and keep the conversation relevant to your community. Sharing the resolutions and directives that already support full inclusion will be fresh news to some in your church.
Educational resources, like the Circles of Sexuality, on Many Voices can help everyone see themselves as part of this journey. There are stories on this site from members of congregations like yours and from pastors whose faith has deepened as a result of boldly raising their voices.
As this educating and learning takes place, your worshipping community will be reminded that openness and inclusion are core values of Christian faith. New opportunities for inclusion of all in the life and mission of your congregation can emerge. Dialogue and discussion that are open and non-threatening present chances for deep sharing and deeper understanding.
Click here for more information and details on educating your faith community.
About
Media
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Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
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Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/how-to-begin/educating-your-congregation/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
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How to Begin
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How to Begin
Understanding what the Bible says
A conversation with your pastor
Learning about inclusion
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
Educating your congregation
Responding when someone comes out
Engaging your own faith tradition
Getting comfortable with voicing your concerns
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Educating your congregation
Questions to ask
• Is there room for new learning and understanding of the role of scripture?
• Can we comfortably speak about sexuality and sex at our church?
• What more can we say about hospitality and welcome? What more can we do to be more welcoming?
• How are sexual orientation and gender matters of justice?
Consider opening up the conversation within your place of worship with friends you already know are asking questions like these. Start your process of engagement where you are as a congregation. Do not be concerned with large numbers —a small group of committed people can make a difference.
Why are we talking about this?
Some in your community of faith may feel that too much time has already been spent discussing gay and lesbian issues. Part of the education is helping them recognize themselves in this discussion. Think about creating space for honest dialogue. Everyone suffers when part of community is isolated and made to feel unwelcome; breaking through the silence invites truth-telling.
A central issue for our faith
You have the opportunity to demonstrate and share why this is a central faith issue. Care for our neighbors, love of all families, and refusal of isolation, hurt, oppression and marginalization—all of these are the work of justice.
Be mindful to partner with others in your local congregation and within your denomination and faith tradition to increase the tools you have and keep the conversation relevant to your community. Sharing the resolutions and directives that already support full inclusion will be fresh news to some in your church.
Educational resources, like the Circles of Sexuality, on Many Voices can help everyone see themselves as part of this journey. There are stories on this site from members of congregations like yours and from pastors whose faith has deepened as a result of boldly raising their voices.
As this educating and learning takes place, your worshipping community will be reminded that openness and inclusion are core values of Christian faith. New opportunities for inclusion of all in the life and mission of your congregation can emerge. Dialogue and discussion that are open and non-threatening present chances for deep sharing and deeper understanding.
Click here for more information and details on educating your faith community.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
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Like ManyVoices
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Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/how-to-begin/educating-your-congregation/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
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Join our mailing list
How to Begin
Understanding what the Bible says
A conversation with your pastor
Learning about inclusion
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
Educating your congregation
Responding when someone comes out
Engaging your own faith tradition
Getting comfortable with voicing your concerns
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Responding when someone comes out
When someone chooses to share the truth of their existence with you, it reflects their view that you are open and trustworthy. You may not know what to do, you may feel like you do not know enough to handle their questions. The good news is that you are not expected to have answers; what they most often want is for you to be present with them, listen to them, encourage them, and be honest.
Your willingness to truly listen to their story can be freeing for them and you. Be open to learn about their lived experience, with them. Coming out is not a one-time-and-you’re-done experience. It is a process that will unfold over time. Awareness of and sensitivity to the alienation felt by persons of different sexual orientations from communities of faith may invite others to share with you. Remain available; the challenge to be true to self will require support over time.
Share God’s love for them, express your love for them, and joyfully affirm them. Assure them that they are a gift to your congregation. You can also offer your support in tangible ways; recommend resources, support systems, share your knowledge of faith and spirituality, and commit to journey with them. Embrace their sharing with you as a fresh invitation to be in relationship and to grow together. Their coming out means they are ready to know themselves more fully, to know others and to be known for who they are.
Here is an inspiring video sharing the difference one person can make.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
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Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/how-to-begin/responding-when-someone-comes-out/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
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Join our mailing list
How to Begin
Understanding what the Bible says
A conversation with your pastor
Learning about inclusion
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
Educating your congregation
Responding when someone comes out
Engaging your own faith tradition
Getting comfortable with voicing your concerns
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Responding when someone comes out
When someone chooses to share the truth of their existence with you, it reflects their view that you are open and trustworthy. You may not know what to do, you may feel like you do not know enough to handle their questions. The good news is that you are not expected to have answers; what they most often want is for you to be present with them, listen to them, encourage them, and be honest.
Your willingness to truly listen to their story can be freeing for them and you. Be open to learn about their lived experience, with them. Coming out is not a one-time-and-you’re-done experience. It is a process that will unfold over time. Awareness of and sensitivity to the alienation felt by persons of different sexual orientations from communities of faith may invite others to share with you. Remain available; the challenge to be true to self will require support over time.
Share God’s love for them, express your love for them, and joyfully affirm them. Assure them that they are a gift to your congregation. You can also offer your support in tangible ways; recommend resources, support systems, share your knowledge of faith and spirituality, and commit to journey with them. Embrace their sharing with you as a fresh invitation to be in relationship and to grow together. Their coming out means they are ready to know themselves more fully, to know others and to be known for who they are.
Here is an inspiring video sharing the difference one person can make.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/how-to-begin/responding-when-someone-comes-out/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
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Search for:
Join our mailing list
How to Begin
Understanding what the Bible says
A conversation with your pastor
Learning about inclusion
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
Educating your congregation
Responding when someone comes out
Engaging your own faith tradition
Getting comfortable with voicing your concerns
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Engaging your own faith tradition
Welcome, inclusion, community, love and hospitality are found in each faith tradition, and Scriptures speak positively about God’s love for all.
Take a look inside
As you take new steps within your church to make real the inclusive love of God, be sure to examine the teachings, doctrine, resolutions and messages specific to your tradition. Many years of rancorous debate, and blatant silence have delayed the openness we’ve longed for. Passages of scripture have been used to pass judgment, raise fears and maintain division among us. Suspicion of condemnation from the church by gay and transgender people is based on prior knowledge of these teachings that deny their full humanity.
Express love publicly
Share with each other welcoming and affirming words. A central value of our faith, to love your neighbor as yourself, guides our worship, and our work in the world. Seek ideas that create openings for broader understanding in the community. Allow the authentic love in your church to emerge and intentionally embrace each person for who they are.
Follow God’s guidance
You will find deep inspiration and feel more secure in discussions of inclusion by remembering the biblical mandate to love mercy, do justice and walk humbly with God.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/how-to-begin/engaging-your-own-faith-tradition/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
How to Begin
Understanding what the Bible says
A conversation with your pastor
Learning about inclusion
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
Educating your congregation
Responding when someone comes out
Engaging your own faith tradition
Getting comfortable with voicing your concerns
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Engaging your own faith tradition
Welcome, inclusion, community, love and hospitality are found in each faith tradition, and Scriptures speak positively about God’s love for all.
Take a look inside
As you take new steps within your church to make real the inclusive love of God, be sure to examine the teachings, doctrine, resolutions and messages specific to your tradition. Many years of rancorous debate, and blatant silence have delayed the openness we’ve longed for. Passages of scripture have been used to pass judgment, raise fears and maintain division among us. Suspicion of condemnation from the church by gay and transgender people is based on prior knowledge of these teachings that deny their full humanity.
Express love publicly
Share with each other welcoming and affirming words. A central value of our faith, to love your neighbor as yourself, guides our worship, and our work in the world. Seek ideas that create openings for broader understanding in the community. Allow the authentic love in your church to emerge and intentionally embrace each person for who they are.
Follow God’s guidance
You will find deep inspiration and feel more secure in discussions of inclusion by remembering the biblical mandate to love mercy, do justice and walk humbly with God.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/how-to-begin/engaging-your-own-faith-tradition/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
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Search for:
Join our mailing list
How to Begin
Understanding what the Bible says
A conversation with your pastor
Learning about inclusion
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
Educating your congregation
Responding when someone comes out
Engaging your own faith tradition
Getting comfortable with voicing your concerns
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Getting comfortable with voicing your concerns
Have you been called, but…
•you don’t want to rock the boat,
•you feel inadequate to challenge the way things are,
•you believe you may be the only one who is disturbed by this, or
•you’re not sure you have the right words to express what you feel?
If you…
•feel compelled to do something,
•have said, “enough already” or
•are asking, “why can’t they see this?”
…these are gentle nudges to raise your voice.
You do have the ability to speak authentically and to motivate others. Lifting your voice may not require grand schemes and extensive planning. Simply say what is true for you in your own way, and you will have taken a significant step. Many Voices will help you with resources to make that difference.
Remember, there may be young people in your congregation, as in many others, who self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or “queer.” There may also be those with questions and concerns about sexual orientation or gender identity in relation to their faith. Raising your voice helps create a safe environment for their questions. Breaking silence enriches the community and saves lives, especially in religious settings where youth seek to balance their commitment to God with their sense of self.
Remember also that parents and guardians of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning children need places of nurture and spiritual guidance. Speaking about the needs of these families will not require expertise in theology or human sexuality; it will simply require your compassion.
Lifting up your concerns may open room for others
to express their private hurts and initiate the process of healing. Whatever you do to demonstrate compassion, seek justice, and broaden understanding of God’s abundant grace will reap benefits.
Genuine welcome is wholly transformative. You, your congregation, and the larger community will see the change happen. Remember the words of Audre Lorde, When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/how-to-begin/getting-comfortable-with-voicing-your-concerns/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
Resources
Blog
Events
Get Involved
Tumblr
YouTube
Vimeo
RSS Feed
Shopping Cart
Search for:
Join our mailing list
How to Begin
Understanding what the Bible says
A conversation with your pastor
Learning about inclusion
Expressing the congregation’s welcome
Educating your congregation
Responding when someone comes out
Engaging your own faith tradition
Getting comfortable with voicing your concerns
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Getting comfortable with voicing your concerns
Have you been called, but…
•you don’t want to rock the boat,
•you feel inadequate to challenge the way things are,
•you believe you may be the only one who is disturbed by this, or
•you’re not sure you have the right words to express what you feel?
If you…
•feel compelled to do something,
•have said, “enough already” or
•are asking, “why can’t they see this?”
…these are gentle nudges to raise your voice.
You do have the ability to speak authentically and to motivate others. Lifting your voice may not require grand schemes and extensive planning. Simply say what is true for you in your own way, and you will have taken a significant step. Many Voices will help you with resources to make that difference.
Remember, there may be young people in your congregation, as in many others, who self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or “queer.” There may also be those with questions and concerns about sexual orientation or gender identity in relation to their faith. Raising your voice helps create a safe environment for their questions. Breaking silence enriches the community and saves lives, especially in religious settings where youth seek to balance their commitment to God with their sense of self.
Remember also that parents and guardians of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender or questioning children need places of nurture and spiritual guidance. Speaking about the needs of these families will not require expertise in theology or human sexuality; it will simply require your compassion.
Lifting up your concerns may open room for others
to express their private hurts and initiate the process of healing. Whatever you do to demonstrate compassion, seek justice, and broaden understanding of God’s abundant grace will reap benefits.
Genuine welcome is wholly transformative. You, your congregation, and the larger community will see the change happen. Remember the words of Audre Lorde, When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/how-to-begin/getting-comfortable-with-voicing-your-concerns/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
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Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Upcoming events
Sep 17 2013
07:00 PM
Celebrating the Soul of Justice A service of worship The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his ...
First Congregational Church
945 G Street, NW
Washington, DC
Jan 07 2014
09:00 AM
Clergy Breakfast Series African American clergy leaders in the Washington, DC area meet monthly in a private dialogue ...
Jan 31 2014
09:30 AM
Ministry with Bisexuals: Honoring the "B" in LGBTQ Presenters Rev. Dr. Janet Edwards; Rev. Cedric Harmon, Co-Director, Many Voices; Marie ...
Creating Change
1600 Lamar Street
Houston, TX
Jan 31 2014
06:30 PM
Our Time is Now: Empowering Black LGBTQ People Through Digital Media Presenter Rev. Cedric Harmon, Co-Director, Many Voices Why attend? Don't miss this ...
Creating Change
1600 Lamar Street
Houston, TX
Jan 31 2014
08:00 PM
David Roussève's Stardust About Stardust Choreographed, written and directed by David Roussève, Stardust follows ...
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
3800 The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
College Park, MD
Feb 04 2014
09:00 AM
DC Clergy Breakfast African American clergy leaders in the Washington, DC area meet monthly in a private dialogue ...
Feb 12 2014
08:00 PM
Hayti Heritage Film Festival Don't miss this opening-night screening and discussion of Many Voices' video series featuring ...
St. Joseph's Performance Center
804 Old Fayetteville St.
Durham, NC
Feb 19 2014
10:00 AM
Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference
Fairmont Hotel
1717 North Akard Street
Dallas, TX
Feb 24 2014
06:30 PM
The New Black: Screening & Panel Discussion The New Black is a documentary that tells the story of how the African-American community is ...
AARP
601 E Street, NW
Washington, DC
Mar 21 2014
10:00 AM
Black Religious Heritage & LGBT: What's the Connection? Why? In many Black churches, no one dares speak the words. LGBT people and their concerns ...
Howard University School of Divinity
1400 Shepherd Street, NE
Washington, DC
Jun 06 2014
03:00 PM
Advancing Equitable Outcomes for Black LGBTQ Communities Rev. Harmon will participate in this panel discussion at the AFBE Conference.
ABFE Conference -- Renaissance Hotel
999 9th Street, NW
Washington, DC
Jun 30 2014
11:00 AM
The Bible, Homosexuality, & Sin: Taking a New Look Questions about the message, place and power of scripture often inhibit our ability to engage in ...
Webinar
Jul 14 2014
04:00 PM
Love Conquers Hate Vigil-NC The main message of this vigil is YOU'RE NOT ALONE. Whether you're someone who's ...
Get Equal
240 East Main Street
Yadkinville, NC
Jul 15 2014
04:00 PM
Sodom: A Profound Misreading? Stories are highly influential and a great tool for learning. However, when we get the story’s ...
Webinar
Jul 19 2014
12:00 PM
Charlotte Black Gay Pride Come say hello to Many Voices' Co-Director Rev. Cedric Harmon at the Expo.
Crown Plaza Charlotte
5700 Westpark Dr.
Charlotte, NC
Jul 26 2014
12:00 PM
Triangle Black Pride Come say hello to Melissa McQueen at the Many Voices table.
Marsh Creek Park Community Center
3050 N. New Hope Rd.
Raleigh, NC
Jul 27 2014
01:30 PM
Intersectional Justice: Why Should I Care (Panel Discussion at the MCC Conference for People of African Descent) Rev. MacArthur H. Flournoy, theologian, author, and preacher is the Director for Faith ...
DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta - Emory
2061 N. Druid Hills Road NE
Atlanta, GA
Jul 31 2014
07:00 PM
When Identities Collide: LGBTQ and Religious Conflict The Human Rights Campaign and The Carpenter Program on Religion, Gender, and Sexuality are ...
Human Rights Campaign
1640 Rhode Island Avenue, NW
Washington, DC
Aug 08 2014
12:00 PM
Souls a'Fire 4 Conference Many Voices is pleased to co-host the Souls a' Fire Conference with The Center for Lesbian and ...
Mt. Zion Congregational Church
10723 Magnolia Dr.
Cleveland, OH
Aug 29 2014
09:00 AM
Making the Justice Connection: Religion & LGBT Often false divisions exist between the various social justice issues we face in and across ...
Hilton Hotel, University Place
8629 JM Keynes Drive
Charlotte, NC
Sep 24 2014
07:30 PM
Celebrating the Soul of Justice A vibrant worship experience for lovers of God and lovers of people, expressing our commitment to ...
15th Street Presbyterian Church
1705 Fifteenth Street, NW
Washington, DC
57 attendees
Sep 25 2014
06:30 PM
A Pan African Faith Movement for LGBTI Justice National Town Hall Meeting Presented by NBJC, The Fellowship Global, and HUSL OURLaw ...
Howard University Law School
2900 Van Ness Street, NW Moot Court Room
Washington, DC
Oct 02 2014
07:00 PM
DC: What's the "T"? Presented by HUSD Gay/Straight Alliance
Howard University School of Divinity
Pratt Room 1400 Shepherd Street, NE
Washington, DC
Oct 07 2014
08:00 AM
Video series launch: Black pastors who support LGBT justice Unprecedented three-part video series features straight-identified clergy in North Carolina who ...
Oct 11 2014
02:00 PM
DC: Celebrate National Coming Out Day Open Mic: Accepting Ourselves & Supporting Each Other Join the National Park Service at ...
Mary McLeod Bethune Council House
1318 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC
Oct 23 2014
10:30 AM
NY: Are the Gods Afraid of Black Sexuality? Religion and the Burdens of Black Sexual Politics Presented by the Institute for Research in ...
Columbia University
Earl Hall, Columbia University First Corinthian Baptist Church, Harlem Miller Theater, Columbia University
New York, NY
Oct 24 2014
07:00 PM
Raleigh: Meet & greet Bishop Melvin Talbert Don't miss this opportunity for an intimate gathering with a beloved elder. Bishop Melvin ...
Marsh Creek Community Building
3050 N New Hope Road
Raleigh, NC
4 attendees
Oct 30 2014
05:00 PM
Multi-Faith Transgender Summit The summit will bring together religious activists, leaders, students, and practitioners from ...
Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry
Berkeley, CA
Nov 09 2014
12:30 PM
DC: 3rd Annual Health & Wellness Conference for Black Gay Men Embrace Healing for your soul Join Rev. Cedric Harmon for a thoughtful inquiry: Have ...
Nov 16 2014
05:00 PM
OH: Faith Week A faith-based, public education project to raise awareness about the harms caused to LGBTQ people ...
Nov 20 2014
12:00 PM
DC: Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigils to remember those who have been brutally murdered due to anti-transgender hatred or ...
Dec 03 2014
06:00 PM
MD: Taking it to the Streets: Reviving the Black Church The Black Church Center for Justice and Equality hosts its inaugural convening to reaffirm the ...
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Upcoming events
Sep 17 2013
07:00 PM
Celebrating the Soul of Justice A service of worship The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his ...
First Congregational Church
945 G Street, NW
Washington, DC
Jan 07 2014
09:00 AM
Clergy Breakfast Series African American clergy leaders in the Washington, DC area meet monthly in a private dialogue ...
Jan 31 2014
09:30 AM
Ministry with Bisexuals: Honoring the "B" in LGBTQ Presenters Rev. Dr. Janet Edwards; Rev. Cedric Harmon, Co-Director, Many Voices; Marie ...
Creating Change
1600 Lamar Street
Houston, TX
Jan 31 2014
06:30 PM
Our Time is Now: Empowering Black LGBTQ People Through Digital Media Presenter Rev. Cedric Harmon, Co-Director, Many Voices Why attend? Don't miss this ...
Creating Change
1600 Lamar Street
Houston, TX
Jan 31 2014
08:00 PM
David Roussève's Stardust About Stardust Choreographed, written and directed by David Roussève, Stardust follows ...
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
3800 The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
College Park, MD
Feb 04 2014
09:00 AM
DC Clergy Breakfast African American clergy leaders in the Washington, DC area meet monthly in a private dialogue ...
Feb 12 2014
08:00 PM
Hayti Heritage Film Festival Don't miss this opening-night screening and discussion of Many Voices' video series featuring ...
St. Joseph's Performance Center
804 Old Fayetteville St.
Durham, NC
Feb 19 2014
10:00 AM
Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference
Fairmont Hotel
1717 North Akard Street
Dallas, TX
Feb 24 2014
06:30 PM
The New Black: Screening & Panel Discussion The New Black is a documentary that tells the story of how the African-American community is ...
AARP
601 E Street, NW
Washington, DC
Mar 21 2014
10:00 AM
Black Religious Heritage & LGBT: What's the Connection? Why? In many Black churches, no one dares speak the words. LGBT people and their concerns ...
Howard University School of Divinity
1400 Shepherd Street, NE
Washington, DC
Jun 06 2014
03:00 PM
Advancing Equitable Outcomes for Black LGBTQ Communities Rev. Harmon will participate in this panel discussion at the AFBE Conference.
ABFE Conference -- Renaissance Hotel
999 9th Street, NW
Washington, DC
Jun 30 2014
11:00 AM
The Bible, Homosexuality, & Sin: Taking a New Look Questions about the message, place and power of scripture often inhibit our ability to engage in ...
Webinar
Jul 14 2014
04:00 PM
Love Conquers Hate Vigil-NC The main message of this vigil is YOU'RE NOT ALONE. Whether you're someone who's ...
Get Equal
240 East Main Street
Yadkinville, NC
Jul 15 2014
04:00 PM
Sodom: A Profound Misreading? Stories are highly influential and a great tool for learning. However, when we get the story’s ...
Webinar
Jul 19 2014
12:00 PM
Charlotte Black Gay Pride Come say hello to Many Voices' Co-Director Rev. Cedric Harmon at the Expo.
Crown Plaza Charlotte
5700 Westpark Dr.
Charlotte, NC
Jul 26 2014
12:00 PM
Triangle Black Pride Come say hello to Melissa McQueen at the Many Voices table.
Marsh Creek Park Community Center
3050 N. New Hope Rd.
Raleigh, NC
Jul 27 2014
01:30 PM
Intersectional Justice: Why Should I Care (Panel Discussion at the MCC Conference for People of African Descent) Rev. MacArthur H. Flournoy, theologian, author, and preacher is the Director for Faith ...
DoubleTree by Hilton Atlanta - Emory
2061 N. Druid Hills Road NE
Atlanta, GA
Jul 31 2014
07:00 PM
When Identities Collide: LGBTQ and Religious Conflict The Human Rights Campaign and The Carpenter Program on Religion, Gender, and Sexuality are ...
Human Rights Campaign
1640 Rhode Island Avenue, NW
Washington, DC
Aug 08 2014
12:00 PM
Souls a'Fire 4 Conference Many Voices is pleased to co-host the Souls a' Fire Conference with The Center for Lesbian and ...
Mt. Zion Congregational Church
10723 Magnolia Dr.
Cleveland, OH
Aug 29 2014
09:00 AM
Making the Justice Connection: Religion & LGBT Often false divisions exist between the various social justice issues we face in and across ...
Hilton Hotel, University Place
8629 JM Keynes Drive
Charlotte, NC
Sep 24 2014
07:30 PM
Celebrating the Soul of Justice A vibrant worship experience for lovers of God and lovers of people, expressing our commitment to ...
15th Street Presbyterian Church
1705 Fifteenth Street, NW
Washington, DC
57 attendees
Sep 25 2014
06:30 PM
A Pan African Faith Movement for LGBTI Justice National Town Hall Meeting Presented by NBJC, The Fellowship Global, and HUSL OURLaw ...
Howard University Law School
2900 Van Ness Street, NW Moot Court Room
Washington, DC
Oct 02 2014
07:00 PM
DC: What's the "T"? Presented by HUSD Gay/Straight Alliance
Howard University School of Divinity
Pratt Room 1400 Shepherd Street, NE
Washington, DC
Oct 07 2014
08:00 AM
Video series launch: Black pastors who support LGBT justice Unprecedented three-part video series features straight-identified clergy in North Carolina who ...
Oct 11 2014
02:00 PM
DC: Celebrate National Coming Out Day Open Mic: Accepting Ourselves & Supporting Each Other Join the National Park Service at ...
Mary McLeod Bethune Council House
1318 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC
Oct 23 2014
10:30 AM
NY: Are the Gods Afraid of Black Sexuality? Religion and the Burdens of Black Sexual Politics Presented by the Institute for Research in ...
Columbia University
Earl Hall, Columbia University First Corinthian Baptist Church, Harlem Miller Theater, Columbia University
New York, NY
Oct 24 2014
07:00 PM
Raleigh: Meet & greet Bishop Melvin Talbert Don't miss this opportunity for an intimate gathering with a beloved elder. Bishop Melvin ...
Marsh Creek Community Building
3050 N New Hope Road
Raleigh, NC
4 attendees
Oct 30 2014
05:00 PM
Multi-Faith Transgender Summit The summit will bring together religious activists, leaders, students, and practitioners from ...
Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry
Berkeley, CA
Nov 09 2014
12:30 PM
DC: 3rd Annual Health & Wellness Conference for Black Gay Men Embrace Healing for your soul Join Rev. Cedric Harmon for a thoughtful inquiry: Have ...
Nov 16 2014
05:00 PM
OH: Faith Week A faith-based, public education project to raise awareness about the harms caused to LGBTQ people ...
Nov 20 2014
12:00 PM
DC: Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigils to remember those who have been brutally murdered due to anti-transgender hatred or ...
Dec 03 2014
06:00 PM
MD: Taking it to the Streets: Reviving the Black Church The Black Church Center for Justice and Equality hosts its inaugural convening to reaffirm the ...
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Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
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Welcoming church list
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Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
https://salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/51138/p/salsa/event/common/public/search.sjs?&end=2014-12-11 06:17:11
Many Voices
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When I spoke out, support poured out
Posted by Rev. Dr. Terence K. Leathers on December 3, 2014 at 12:53 pm
Rev. Dr. Terence Leathers appears in the Many Voices Video Campaign, a visibility platform that illuminates the powerful presence of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Christians and allies within the Black church. Watch and share his video here.
When I first joined the Many Voices Video campaign, I wrote a reflection on the importance of having the conversation around lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) acceptance in the Black Church—even when we’re not sure how.
Since my video testimony voicing my support as an ally and a southern minister was released, one thing is for certain: People are talking.
My congregation at Mount Vernon Church is talking. My fellow ministers are talking. All of Clayton, North Carolina is talking. Loud.
For every naysayer, there have been multiple unapologetic supporters spreading a message of acceptance.And their response has been overwhelmingly positive.
While there were pastors who called, concerned that I took such a strong stance publicly, and community members that could not get on board — for every naysayer, there have been multiple unapologetic supporters spreading a message of acceptance.
My participation in the campaign made my views about inclusion unequivocally clear. Although I had never condemned anyone from the pulpit and alluded to my support of the LGBT community, I wanted my church members to hear firsthand why I stepped out in this way. Although I had never condemned anyone from the pulpit, I wanted my church members to hear firsthand why I stepped out in this way.So I preached a sermon called “The Invite” for them to gain clarity on my position. It was something I had on my heart that I needed to do.
The message came from John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
I talked about how Christ invites everyone to the table. No matter what position you hold, no matter how you identify yourself, you are still God’s child. I explained how some folks don’t feel welcomed coming to church. They feel discounted, judged, and moved aside.
Some people didn’t care for that message but, by in large, it was a moment in our church that we’ll remember. It broke a lot of chains.
There were parents I didn’t know had gay children pouring out their appreciation.After my Many Voices video and Sunday sermon, I realized that many people want something from the church that they aren’t getting. There were parents I didn’t know had gay children pouring out their appreciation and parishioners sharing my testimony on social media. Some felt they had to keep their LGBT loved ones a secret.
I got emails and phone calls thanking me for making them feel comfortable—and that’s how family should feel. The church is home for everyone. No one should have to leave parts of themselves at the door.
When people wonder why I participated in this campaign, I tell them plainly: God loves everyone. It’s that simple. I’m 52 years old. I have to walk in my authentic self. If I can’t be me, who am I going to be?
After the video, someone complained on a congregant’s Facebook post, “I don’t know why these pastors can’t deal with black issues.” Her response: “Black people are gay too…and my pastor deals with all issues.”At times I don’t even have to defend my decision. Members of my church and my community jump to my defense. For instance, someone commented on a congregant’s Facebook post about the video saying, “I don’t know why these pastors can’t deal with black issues.” My church member responded, “Black people are gay too…and my pastor deals with all issues.”
I recently went in to get my car fixed and the manager said, “I saw you in the newspaper concerning ‘that issue.’” I said, “Yes, I was…you still gonna do my car?” He said, “I’m so proud of you,” then proceeded to tell everyone in the shop the details of the campaign and the local paper that covered my participation. A woman at the auto repair added, “That was so brave of you. God is going to bless you. I know so many people that struggle with this. I’m going to get the paper.”
I’m not sure where this is going but we’re moving through this process to a deeper understanding together. Let’s keep talking.
Rev. Dr. Terence Leathers is a recognized leader in the development and establishment of youth-oriented programs that specifically address their culture and social environment. His work is widely respected by community, civil and governmental leaders. He is pastor of the Mount Vernon Church, located in Clayton, N.C.
This entry was posted in Blog, Congregational life, Family, Hospitality, Opening to change, Straight allies, Theology. Bookmark the permalink.
← Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community
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Recent Posts
When I spoke out, support poured out
Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community
Things I thought I would never say: An open letter to COGIC
Reflecting on Black Sexualities, Black Religiosity, & Black Lives in Anti-Black Times
Having the conversation, even when you’re not sure how
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December 2011
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June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
January 2011
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
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Like ManyVoices
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Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/blog/2014/12/when-i-spoke-out-support-poured-out/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
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When I spoke out, support poured out
Posted by Rev. Dr. Terence K. Leathers on December 3, 2014 at 12:53 pm
Rev. Dr. Terence Leathers appears in the Many Voices Video Campaign, a visibility platform that illuminates the powerful presence of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Christians and allies within the Black church. Watch and share his video here.
When I first joined the Many Voices Video campaign, I wrote a reflection on the importance of having the conversation around lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) acceptance in the Black Church—even when we’re not sure how.
Since my video testimony voicing my support as an ally and a southern minister was released, one thing is for certain: People are talking.
My congregation at Mount Vernon Church is talking. My fellow ministers are talking. All of Clayton, North Carolina is talking. Loud.
For every naysayer, there have been multiple unapologetic supporters spreading a message of acceptance.And their response has been overwhelmingly positive.
While there were pastors who called, concerned that I took such a strong stance publicly, and community members that could not get on board — for every naysayer, there have been multiple unapologetic supporters spreading a message of acceptance.
My participation in the campaign made my views about inclusion unequivocally clear. Although I had never condemned anyone from the pulpit and alluded to my support of the LGBT community, I wanted my church members to hear firsthand why I stepped out in this way. Although I had never condemned anyone from the pulpit, I wanted my church members to hear firsthand why I stepped out in this way.So I preached a sermon called “The Invite” for them to gain clarity on my position. It was something I had on my heart that I needed to do.
The message came from John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
I talked about how Christ invites everyone to the table. No matter what position you hold, no matter how you identify yourself, you are still God’s child. I explained how some folks don’t feel welcomed coming to church. They feel discounted, judged, and moved aside.
Some people didn’t care for that message but, by in large, it was a moment in our church that we’ll remember. It broke a lot of chains.
There were parents I didn’t know had gay children pouring out their appreciation.After my Many Voices video and Sunday sermon, I realized that many people want something from the church that they aren’t getting. There were parents I didn’t know had gay children pouring out their appreciation and parishioners sharing my testimony on social media. Some felt they had to keep their LGBT loved ones a secret.
I got emails and phone calls thanking me for making them feel comfortable—and that’s how family should feel. The church is home for everyone. No one should have to leave parts of themselves at the door.
When people wonder why I participated in this campaign, I tell them plainly: God loves everyone. It’s that simple. I’m 52 years old. I have to walk in my authentic self. If I can’t be me, who am I going to be?
After the video, someone complained on a congregant’s Facebook post, “I don’t know why these pastors can’t deal with black issues.” Her response: “Black people are gay too…and my pastor deals with all issues.”At times I don’t even have to defend my decision. Members of my church and my community jump to my defense. For instance, someone commented on a congregant’s Facebook post about the video saying, “I don’t know why these pastors can’t deal with black issues.” My church member responded, “Black people are gay too…and my pastor deals with all issues.”
I recently went in to get my car fixed and the manager said, “I saw you in the newspaper concerning ‘that issue.’” I said, “Yes, I was…you still gonna do my car?” He said, “I’m so proud of you,” then proceeded to tell everyone in the shop the details of the campaign and the local paper that covered my participation. A woman at the auto repair added, “That was so brave of you. God is going to bless you. I know so many people that struggle with this. I’m going to get the paper.”
I’m not sure where this is going but we’re moving through this process to a deeper understanding together. Let’s keep talking.
Rev. Dr. Terence Leathers is a recognized leader in the development and establishment of youth-oriented programs that specifically address their culture and social environment. His work is widely respected by community, civil and governmental leaders. He is pastor of the Mount Vernon Church, located in Clayton, N.C.
This entry was posted in Blog, Congregational life, Family, Hospitality, Opening to change, Straight allies, Theology. Bookmark the permalink.
← Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Recent Posts
When I spoke out, support poured out
Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community
Things I thought I would never say: An open letter to COGIC
Reflecting on Black Sexualities, Black Religiosity, & Black Lives in Anti-Black Times
Having the conversation, even when you’re not sure how
Categories
Blog
Bullying/violence
Children
Church leaders
Church seasons
Community questions
Congregational life
Family
Gay/lesbian
Gender
Hospitality
Opening to change
Questions & answers
Sexual orientation
Share your story
Straight allies
Theology
Transgender
welcome
Youth and young adult
Archives
December 2014
November 2014
October 2014
June 2014
April 2014
March 2014
November 2013
September 2013
June 2013
April 2013
March 2013
February 2013
October 2012
September 2012
June 2012
May 2012
April 2012
March 2012
February 2012
January 2012
December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
January 2011
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
RSS Feed
YouTube
Like ManyVoices
on Facebook
Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/blog/2014/12/when-i-spoke-out-support-poured-out/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
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Get Involved
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Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community
Posted by Rev. Cedric A. Harmon on November 21, 2014 at 2:50 pm
For many, the very idea of an African American pastor or clergy person publicly embracing LGBT equality is unimaginable. You know the story; the Black Church is conservative and homophobic.
That story is shifting. While the larger society has grown in support of LGBT people and their families, pastors and church members in black religious settings have engaged in ‘Many Voices’ dialogues, seminars, and discussions, and forged deep relationships over the last four years.
Many Voices’ videos feature the voices of Southern Black clergy who have broken through disbelief and resignation, sharing how they hold fast to their faith and support LGBT people and their families.Now three are speaking out through Many Voices’ video campaign launched on October 7. The campaign features the voices of Southern Black clergy who have broken through disbelief and resignation. These clergy tell how they hold fast to their faith and support LGBT people and their families.
In the series, sexuality is not avoided, as is too often the case in our churches, rather it is celebrated as an essential part of scripture.
Misinterpreted biblical mandates used to condemn gays and lesbians are illuminated, giving Christian families and friends courage to love without hesitation.
As Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler reminds us in his interview, “All people are worthy of God’s love.” He is clear there are no exceptions.
Later in the series, Rev. Dr. Terence Leathers testifies to the power of honest dialogue within his congregation as they grow and learn together. He raises the question, “How Speaking from their hearts as pastors, they know all forms of discrimination are to be challenged. The lessons of the civil rights movement, commitment to social justice and full human rights are at the core of their theology.could someone be treated as if they don’t matter?” His faith and relationship with God informs him that, “Whosoever” relates to everybody – transgender, gay, lesbian, queer – ”
Speaking from their hearts as pastors, they know all forms of discrimination are to be challenged. The lessons of the civil rights movement, commitment to social justice and full human rights are at the core of their theology.
Rev. Reggie Longcrier provides ministry and care in rural North Carolina to those on the margins. It wasn’t a leap for him to be outspoken and supportive of LGBT people. Reflecting on growing up, he says , “We were friends. We were family. We had a common bond. We shared in the same pain. We shared in the same struggle.”
Isn’t that the point? Our common experiences, similarities, shared hurts and hopes connect us far more than anything that divides us.
Another powerful Southern preacher steeped in black religious heritage said it this way,
It really boils down to this: that all life is interrelated.
We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality,
tied into a single garment of destiny.
Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As one viewer of the first video commented, “I hope it can create a wave of change.” Amen to that. I do too as the final video is released in the coming weeks.
I believe the wave is part of a rising tide, and as more are willing to face the troubling concerns, conflict and questions that hinder the necessary conversations, the sweep of this wave will lead toward greater justice everywhere and for everyone.
This entry was posted in Blog, Church leaders, Congregational life, Hospitality, Opening to change, Theology. Bookmark the permalink.
← Things I thought I would never say: An open letter to COGIC
When I spoke out, support poured out →
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Recent Posts
When I spoke out, support poured out
Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community
Things I thought I would never say: An open letter to COGIC
Reflecting on Black Sexualities, Black Religiosity, & Black Lives in Anti-Black Times
Having the conversation, even when you’re not sure how
Categories
Blog
Bullying/violence
Children
Church leaders
Church seasons
Community questions
Congregational life
Family
Gay/lesbian
Gender
Hospitality
Opening to change
Questions & answers
Sexual orientation
Share your story
Straight allies
Theology
Transgender
welcome
Youth and young adult
Archives
December 2014
November 2014
October 2014
June 2014
April 2014
March 2014
November 2013
September 2013
June 2013
April 2013
March 2013
February 2013
October 2012
September 2012
June 2012
May 2012
April 2012
March 2012
February 2012
January 2012
December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
January 2011
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
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Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community
Posted by Rev. Cedric A. Harmon on November 21, 2014 at 2:50 pm
For many, the very idea of an African American pastor or clergy person publicly embracing LGBT equality is unimaginable. You know the story; the Black Church is conservative and homophobic.
That story is shifting. While the larger society has grown in support of LGBT people and their families, pastors and church members in black religious settings have engaged in ‘Many Voices’ dialogues, seminars, and discussions, and forged deep relationships over the last four years.
Many Voices’ videos feature the voices of Southern Black clergy who have broken through disbelief and resignation, sharing how they hold fast to their faith and support LGBT people and their families.Now three are speaking out through Many Voices’ video campaign launched on October 7. The campaign features the voices of Southern Black clergy who have broken through disbelief and resignation. These clergy tell how they hold fast to their faith and support LGBT people and their families.
In the series, sexuality is not avoided, as is too often the case in our churches, rather it is celebrated as an essential part of scripture.
Misinterpreted biblical mandates used to condemn gays and lesbians are illuminated, giving Christian families and friends courage to love without hesitation.
As Rev. Dr. Rodney Sadler reminds us in his interview, “All people are worthy of God’s love.” He is clear there are no exceptions.
Later in the series, Rev. Dr. Terence Leathers testifies to the power of honest dialogue within his congregation as they grow and learn together. He raises the question, “How Speaking from their hearts as pastors, they know all forms of discrimination are to be challenged. The lessons of the civil rights movement, commitment to social justice and full human rights are at the core of their theology.could someone be treated as if they don’t matter?” His faith and relationship with God informs him that, “Whosoever” relates to everybody – transgender, gay, lesbian, queer – ”
Speaking from their hearts as pastors, they know all forms of discrimination are to be challenged. The lessons of the civil rights movement, commitment to social justice and full human rights are at the core of their theology.
Rev. Reggie Longcrier provides ministry and care in rural North Carolina to those on the margins. It wasn’t a leap for him to be outspoken and supportive of LGBT people. Reflecting on growing up, he says , “We were friends. We were family. We had a common bond. We shared in the same pain. We shared in the same struggle.”
Isn’t that the point? Our common experiences, similarities, shared hurts and hopes connect us far more than anything that divides us.
Another powerful Southern preacher steeped in black religious heritage said it this way,
It really boils down to this: that all life is interrelated.
We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality,
tied into a single garment of destiny.
Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As one viewer of the first video commented, “I hope it can create a wave of change.” Amen to that. I do too as the final video is released in the coming weeks.
I believe the wave is part of a rising tide, and as more are willing to face the troubling concerns, conflict and questions that hinder the necessary conversations, the sweep of this wave will lead toward greater justice everywhere and for everyone.
This entry was posted in Blog, Church leaders, Congregational life, Hospitality, Opening to change, Theology. Bookmark the permalink.
← Things I thought I would never say: An open letter to COGIC
When I spoke out, support poured out →
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Recent Posts
When I spoke out, support poured out
Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community
Things I thought I would never say: An open letter to COGIC
Reflecting on Black Sexualities, Black Religiosity, & Black Lives in Anti-Black Times
Having the conversation, even when you’re not sure how
Categories
Blog
Bullying/violence
Children
Church leaders
Church seasons
Community questions
Congregational life
Family
Gay/lesbian
Gender
Hospitality
Opening to change
Questions & answers
Sexual orientation
Share your story
Straight allies
Theology
Transgender
welcome
Youth and young adult
Archives
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November 2014
October 2014
June 2014
April 2014
March 2014
November 2013
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June 2013
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April 2012
March 2012
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December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
January 2011
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
About
Media
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Contact us
Encourage learning
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Get involved
Donate now
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Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/blog/2014/11/southern-clergy-voices-shift-black-community/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
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Things I thought I would never say: An open letter to COGIC
Posted by Bishop Yvette Flunder on November 12, 2014 at 11:09 am
My dear Church of God in Christ,
I am about to take a risk and say some things that I more or less thought I would never say. I have concluded that it is time. I am approaching my 60th birthday and it seems imminently important that I speak these things into time.
I am proud to be from a family of Church of God in Christ pioneers…three generations with three Bishops and many female local and national leaders as well.
As such, I grew up around conversations regarding the backstories and underbelly of the lives of many prominent COGIC leaders and their families, from the time of Bishop Mason until the present.
I grew up around conversations regarding the backstories and underbelly of the lives of many prominent leaders and their families.My family was closely acquainted with the old first families–the royalty of the COGIC–and the particulars, peculiarities and proclivities of their lives and relationships were a part of dinner table discussions.
I knew who drank too much, who slept with whom, whose child was not really their child, who misappropriated money, who was gay, who was greedy, who lied, who was power hungry, etc.
These issues were not the reality for everyone, but there were many stories. I suspect that for some, the dichotomy of these realities would have made them wonder if there was any truth to any of the proclamations of ‘sin-free’ living, but it did not impact me that way. It simply shifted my expectations.
I was never encouraged to fear or venerate the leaders of the church. I was allowed to see people’s humanity.I learned to respect leadership, in spite of what I knew, but I was privileged, as I was never encouraged to fear or venerate the leaders of the church. I was allowed to see people’s humanity, but to worship God…and I continue to worship God with all my heart to this day.
This upbringing was foundational to the work I am called to because I don’t anticipate that people will not be flawed. There are thorns in everyone’s flesh. I don’t need to be judgmental, just practical and my expectations are seldom undermined by the foibles of others because I expect humans to be human…even spirit filled, fire baptized, tongue speaking humans are still works in process.
I am not suggesting that our walk with God does not afford us the impetus, purpose and power for a better life, but learning to live a better life is a process that many did not undertake because we were taught that the ability to live ‘holy’ was instantaneous and not incremental. We seemed to spend more energy pretending than becoming. I watched in sadness the true difficulty this scenario was for leaders who could not divulge their issues and were forced by unrealistic expectations of perfection, to hide in plain sight.
My heart desires that we mature enough to allow people to move beyond the guilt and shame that that makes them hide, judge and condemn people from their closets.I need broken leaders to stop hurting people. Free people, Free people.
I was able to embrace my being a same gender-loving woman, first because it is my reality, and because I am called to the many same-gender-loving sisters and brothers who have lived tortured lives within their church communities.My upbringing also strengthened my ability to take a path that led me away from the COGIC to answer the call to social justice, pastoral and ecclesial ministry as a woman. I deeply engaged in the fight against AIDS, the care of our Elderly and the equal rights of African Americans and women. I was also able to embrace my being a same gender-loving woman, first because it is my reality and because I am called to the many same-gender-loving sisters and brothers who have lived tortured lives within their church communities. (I was told that I was leaving the only true church and I was encouraged to stay and hide.)
I bless God for the call. I am clear about who and whose I am and what I am called to do. Hence the opinions of others down through the years has had little effect on me. I have experienced ridicule and there were some who are now in power who aggrandized themselves at my and my family’s expense, but in truth they must live with their ill-gotten gain and the knowledge that I know….
I now understand myself to perhaps be in a unique place, as I do not fear the loss of position or power. I am not seeking to win favor with leadership. I am not interested in the ‘old boys’ or ‘old girls’ club.
I cannot overstate how glad I am about being free from these weights. I study and teach the history of African faith and Native American faith and how these spiritualities influence the African American brand of Christianity. I am particularly moved by the influence of African indigenous faith in the spiritual growth of Rev William Joseph Seymour and Bishop C.H. Mason.
I love the COGIC with its pageantry, music, celebratory and cathartic worship. I am aware that there is a theological ‘girdle’ that is rooted in the Wesleyan holiness movement, but many don’t fully subscribe to it…but they love the church! All religions evolve and experience reformation in time.
I thank God for the freedom to believe in Christ and feel the presence of God and to simultaneously embrace a liberating theology filled with the love and light of God and free from fear of damnation.Finally, I thank God for the freedom to believe in Christ and feel the presence of God and to simultaneously embrace a liberating theology filled with the love and light of God and free from fear of damnation (hell, hades, sheol). I am deeply grateful to all of my ancestors for preparing me for such a time as this and to the COGIC for my spiritual formation.
I love you still…
Your Daughter,
Bishop Yvette Flunder
Presiding Bishop, The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries
Pastor, City of Refuge United Church of Christ
This entry was posted in Blog, Church leaders, Congregational life, Family, Gay/lesbian, Hospitality, Opening to change, Transgender. Bookmark the permalink.
← Reflecting on Black Sexualities, Black Religiosity, & Black Lives in Anti-Black Times
Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community →
Leave a Reply
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Recent Posts
When I spoke out, support poured out
Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community
Things I thought I would never say: An open letter to COGIC
Reflecting on Black Sexualities, Black Religiosity, & Black Lives in Anti-Black Times
Having the conversation, even when you’re not sure how
Categories
Blog
Bullying/violence
Children
Church leaders
Church seasons
Community questions
Congregational life
Family
Gay/lesbian
Gender
Hospitality
Opening to change
Questions & answers
Sexual orientation
Share your story
Straight allies
Theology
Transgender
welcome
Youth and young adult
Archives
December 2014
November 2014
October 2014
June 2014
April 2014
March 2014
November 2013
September 2013
June 2013
April 2013
March 2013
February 2013
October 2012
September 2012
June 2012
May 2012
April 2012
March 2012
February 2012
January 2012
December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011
July 2011
June 2011
May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
January 2011
November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
Welcoming church list
Other justice-seeking organizations
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Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/blog/2014/11/things-i-thought-i-would-never-say-an-open-letter-to-cogic/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
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Things I thought I would never say: An open letter to COGIC
Posted by Bishop Yvette Flunder on November 12, 2014 at 11:09 am
My dear Church of God in Christ,
I am about to take a risk and say some things that I more or less thought I would never say. I have concluded that it is time. I am approaching my 60th birthday and it seems imminently important that I speak these things into time.
I am proud to be from a family of Church of God in Christ pioneers…three generations with three Bishops and many female local and national leaders as well.
As such, I grew up around conversations regarding the backstories and underbelly of the lives of many prominent COGIC leaders and their families, from the time of Bishop Mason until the present.
I grew up around conversations regarding the backstories and underbelly of the lives of many prominent leaders and their families.My family was closely acquainted with the old first families–the royalty of the COGIC–and the particulars, peculiarities and proclivities of their lives and relationships were a part of dinner table discussions.
I knew who drank too much, who slept with whom, whose child was not really their child, who misappropriated money, who was gay, who was greedy, who lied, who was power hungry, etc.
These issues were not the reality for everyone, but there were many stories. I suspect that for some, the dichotomy of these realities would have made them wonder if there was any truth to any of the proclamations of ‘sin-free’ living, but it did not impact me that way. It simply shifted my expectations.
I was never encouraged to fear or venerate the leaders of the church. I was allowed to see people’s humanity.I learned to respect leadership, in spite of what I knew, but I was privileged, as I was never encouraged to fear or venerate the leaders of the church. I was allowed to see people’s humanity, but to worship God…and I continue to worship God with all my heart to this day.
This upbringing was foundational to the work I am called to because I don’t anticipate that people will not be flawed. There are thorns in everyone’s flesh. I don’t need to be judgmental, just practical and my expectations are seldom undermined by the foibles of others because I expect humans to be human…even spirit filled, fire baptized, tongue speaking humans are still works in process.
I am not suggesting that our walk with God does not afford us the impetus, purpose and power for a better life, but learning to live a better life is a process that many did not undertake because we were taught that the ability to live ‘holy’ was instantaneous and not incremental. We seemed to spend more energy pretending than becoming. I watched in sadness the true difficulty this scenario was for leaders who could not divulge their issues and were forced by unrealistic expectations of perfection, to hide in plain sight.
My heart desires that we mature enough to allow people to move beyond the guilt and shame that that makes them hide, judge and condemn people from their closets.I need broken leaders to stop hurting people. Free people, Free people.
I was able to embrace my being a same gender-loving woman, first because it is my reality, and because I am called to the many same-gender-loving sisters and brothers who have lived tortured lives within their church communities.My upbringing also strengthened my ability to take a path that led me away from the COGIC to answer the call to social justice, pastoral and ecclesial ministry as a woman. I deeply engaged in the fight against AIDS, the care of our Elderly and the equal rights of African Americans and women. I was also able to embrace my being a same gender-loving woman, first because it is my reality and because I am called to the many same-gender-loving sisters and brothers who have lived tortured lives within their church communities. (I was told that I was leaving the only true church and I was encouraged to stay and hide.)
I bless God for the call. I am clear about who and whose I am and what I am called to do. Hence the opinions of others down through the years has had little effect on me. I have experienced ridicule and there were some who are now in power who aggrandized themselves at my and my family’s expense, but in truth they must live with their ill-gotten gain and the knowledge that I know….
I now understand myself to perhaps be in a unique place, as I do not fear the loss of position or power. I am not seeking to win favor with leadership. I am not interested in the ‘old boys’ or ‘old girls’ club.
I cannot overstate how glad I am about being free from these weights. I study and teach the history of African faith and Native American faith and how these spiritualities influence the African American brand of Christianity. I am particularly moved by the influence of African indigenous faith in the spiritual growth of Rev William Joseph Seymour and Bishop C.H. Mason.
I love the COGIC with its pageantry, music, celebratory and cathartic worship. I am aware that there is a theological ‘girdle’ that is rooted in the Wesleyan holiness movement, but many don’t fully subscribe to it…but they love the church! All religions evolve and experience reformation in time.
I thank God for the freedom to believe in Christ and feel the presence of God and to simultaneously embrace a liberating theology filled with the love and light of God and free from fear of damnation.Finally, I thank God for the freedom to believe in Christ and feel the presence of God and to simultaneously embrace a liberating theology filled with the love and light of God and free from fear of damnation (hell, hades, sheol). I am deeply grateful to all of my ancestors for preparing me for such a time as this and to the COGIC for my spiritual formation.
I love you still…
Your Daughter,
Bishop Yvette Flunder
Presiding Bishop, The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries
Pastor, City of Refuge United Church of Christ
This entry was posted in Blog, Church leaders, Congregational life, Family, Gay/lesbian, Hospitality, Opening to change, Transgender. Bookmark the permalink.
← Reflecting on Black Sexualities, Black Religiosity, & Black Lives in Anti-Black Times
Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community →
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Recent Posts
When I spoke out, support poured out
Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community
Things I thought I would never say: An open letter to COGIC
Reflecting on Black Sexualities, Black Religiosity, & Black Lives in Anti-Black Times
Having the conversation, even when you’re not sure how
Categories
Blog
Bullying/violence
Children
Church leaders
Church seasons
Community questions
Congregational life
Family
Gay/lesbian
Gender
Hospitality
Opening to change
Questions & answers
Sexual orientation
Share your story
Straight allies
Theology
Transgender
welcome
Youth and young adult
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February 2012
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May 2011
April 2011
March 2011
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November 2010
October 2010
September 2010
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
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©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/blog/2014/11/things-i-thought-i-would-never-say-an-open-letter-to-cogic/
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God, the Bible & LGBT
God, the Bible & LGBT
How to respond to negative claims about the Bible and LGBT. View card.
Questions you may have about God and LGBT. View card.
These 6x9 cards offer language that respects LGBT Christians, invites dialogue, and recognizes that for each of us “Who you are is perfect in the eyes of God.” Order in packs of 10 or 50 to share with your friends, colleagues, pastors, and church family.
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And God Loves Each One
And God Loves Each One
And God Loves Each One offers a path for people who wonder about sexual orientation, who wonder about the religious view that it’s wrong to be gay (LGB). Read it and start a dialogue. Share it, give it away, and tell your own story. Make And God Loves Each One the basis for creating new dialogue in your church and community!
Order 10 or more and your price drops to $5!
Price: $7.00
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Dios nos ama por igual
Dios nos ama por igual
An enculturated, Spanish-language version of And God Loves Each One. Order 10 or more and your price drops to $5!
Price: $7.00
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Made In God’s Image
Made In God’s Image
Are you willing to consider that what you’ve been taught and assume to be true about males and females simply doesn’t fit the world as it really is? This resource answers basic questions about gender variance and highlights the experiences of transgender and intersex people. Order 10 or more and your price drops to $5!
Price: $7.00
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All God’s Children
All God’s Children
An essential guide to caring conversations with young children about gender and sexual orientation, this resource addresses your concerns and your search for just the right words, and suggests ideas for sermons and classroom activities. Order 10 or more and your price drops to $5!
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©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
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Many Voices
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Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Shop
God, the Bible & LGBT
God, the Bible & LGBT
How to respond to negative claims about the Bible and LGBT. View card.
Questions you may have about God and LGBT. View card.
These 6x9 cards offer language that respects LGBT Christians, invites dialogue, and recognizes that for each of us “Who you are is perfect in the eyes of God.” Order in packs of 10 or 50 to share with your friends, colleagues, pastors, and church family.
Price: from $10.00
Loading
Quantity:
Packs: -- Please Select -- 10 cards, 5 of each 50 cards, 25 of each
And God Loves Each One
And God Loves Each One
And God Loves Each One offers a path for people who wonder about sexual orientation, who wonder about the religious view that it’s wrong to be gay (LGB). Read it and start a dialogue. Share it, give it away, and tell your own story. Make And God Loves Each One the basis for creating new dialogue in your church and community!
Order 10 or more and your price drops to $5!
Price: $7.00
Loading
Quantity:
Dios nos ama por igual
Dios nos ama por igual
An enculturated, Spanish-language version of And God Loves Each One. Order 10 or more and your price drops to $5!
Price: $7.00
Loading
Quantity:
Made In God’s Image
Made In God’s Image
Are you willing to consider that what you’ve been taught and assume to be true about males and females simply doesn’t fit the world as it really is? This resource answers basic questions about gender variance and highlights the experiences of transgender and intersex people. Order 10 or more and your price drops to $5!
Price: $7.00
Loading
Quantity:
All God’s Children
All God’s Children
An essential guide to caring conversations with young children about gender and sexual orientation, this resource addresses your concerns and your search for just the right words, and suggests ideas for sermons and classroom activities. Order 10 or more and your price drops to $5!
Price: $7.00
Loading
Quantity:
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©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
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Pledge to speak with respect
As African American churches struggle for justice, fairness, and equality for all members of society, especially those who are marginalized;
As gay and transgender (LGBT) members of our community and churches are discriminated against and unprotected in many challenging areas, including health care, taxation, housing, employment, and education, and are frequent victims of vicious bullying and violence; and
As I recognize that we Black Christians are not of one mind but hold different opinions, biblical perspectives, and theological understandings;
I therefore pledge to engage in respectful and loving dialogue – to remain godly in my speaking, demonstrating my respect for differences and Christian love for all.
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Pledge to speak with respect
As African American churches struggle for justice, fairness, and equality for all members of society, especially those who are marginalized;
As gay and transgender (LGBT) members of our community and churches are discriminated against and unprotected in many challenging areas, including health care, taxation, housing, employment, and education, and are frequent victims of vicious bullying and violence; and
As I recognize that we Black Christians are not of one mind but hold different opinions, biblical perspectives, and theological understandings;
I therefore pledge to engage in respectful and loving dialogue – to remain godly in my speaking, demonstrating my respect for differences and Christian love for all.
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Yes, I will raise my voice!
Pentecostal bishop raises his voice for LGBT justice
As an African American Christian, proudly rooted in the spiritual heritage of liberation and freedom, I am dedicated to the struggle for justice for all people, especially those on the margins of society.
My soul is troubled by the continuing isolation, condemnation, and ill treatment that is too often accepted in our churches and community toward our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender sisters and brothers.
In faith and solidarity, I pledge to
Honor the inherent dignity and worth of all people;
Gracefully embrace all families;
Listen to and learn from stories, experiences, and truths of gay and transgender people and family members;
Rev. Gilbert Caldwell
Rev. Dr. James Cone
Bishop Yvette Flunder
Rev. Dr. Malcolm Frazier
Bishop Melvin Talbert
Rev. Dr. Emilie Townes
Rev. John Vaughn
Dr. Traci West
Raise My Voice in love and celebration of all my neighbors;
Grow and share in respectful dialogue with Christians who hold different perspectives.
I make this pledge out of faithfulness to my calling, devotion to do justice, and steadfast commitment to a God whose unfailing love for us knows no limits or bounds, as expressed through the life of Jesus Christ.
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Pledge to raise my voice
Yes, I will raise my voice!
Pentecostal bishop raises his voice for LGBT justice
As an African American Christian, proudly rooted in the spiritual heritage of liberation and freedom, I am dedicated to the struggle for justice for all people, especially those on the margins of society.
My soul is troubled by the continuing isolation, condemnation, and ill treatment that is too often accepted in our churches and community toward our lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender sisters and brothers.
In faith and solidarity, I pledge to
Honor the inherent dignity and worth of all people;
Gracefully embrace all families;
Listen to and learn from stories, experiences, and truths of gay and transgender people and family members;
Rev. Gilbert Caldwell
Rev. Dr. James Cone
Bishop Yvette Flunder
Rev. Dr. Malcolm Frazier
Bishop Melvin Talbert
Rev. Dr. Emilie Townes
Rev. John Vaughn
Dr. Traci West
Raise My Voice in love and celebration of all my neighbors;
Grow and share in respectful dialogue with Christians who hold different perspectives.
I make this pledge out of faithfulness to my calling, devotion to do justice, and steadfast commitment to a God whose unfailing love for us knows no limits or bounds, as expressed through the life of Jesus Christ.
Click here to add your name
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Share your support with your church family
Let’s face it: Many people associate Christianity with condemnation.
Consider how many people are longing for a welcoming church space—the list is very long:
• Gay and transgender people who are unwilling to risk rejection again,
• Young adults who long for an inclusive church,
• Parents who want to raise their children in a truly welcoming environment like yours,
• And many others.
Even if your congregation welcomes and includes people on the full spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity, many people will assume otherwise unless you say so.
Stating your welcome publicly is one important step to inviting many disenfranchised worshippers back into the fold.
And who among us would not love to see people streaming into our churches!
Sign the pledge and raise your voice.
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3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
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Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
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And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Share your support with your church family
Let’s face it: Many people associate Christianity with condemnation.
Consider how many people are longing for a welcoming church space—the list is very long:
• Gay and transgender people who are unwilling to risk rejection again,
• Young adults who long for an inclusive church,
• Parents who want to raise their children in a truly welcoming environment like yours,
• And many others.
Even if your congregation welcomes and includes people on the full spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity, many people will assume otherwise unless you say so.
Stating your welcome publicly is one important step to inviting many disenfranchised worshippers back into the fold.
And who among us would not love to see people streaming into our churches!
Sign the pledge and raise your voice.
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
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3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/get-involved/share-support-family/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
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And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Other justice-seeking organizations
Trans People of Color Coalition seeks to build a pipeline of activists and advocates to engage and connect with one another to create a holistic movement of support, resources, and education by and for transpeople of color.
Social Justice Sexuality Initiative is one of the largest ever national surveys of Black, Latina/o, and Asian and Pacific Islander, and multiracial lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.
LGBT Faith Leaders of African Descent seeks to inform, educate, inspire and empower LGBT people of the Black community in New York City.
National Black Justice Coalition is dedicated to empowering Black same-gender-loving, LGBT people to achieve social justice, equality, and an end to racism and homophobia.
Believe Out Loud, is an online network that empowers Christians to work for LGBT equality by elevating the people and places where Christianity and LGBT justice intersect.
The Center for Black Equity seeks to build a global network of individuals, allies, community-based organizations and prides dedicated to achieving equality and social justice for Black LGBT communities through Health, Economic and Social equity. For a description of the Umoja curriculum, click here.
African American Roundtable of the Center for Lesbian Gay Studies at Pacific School of Religion seeks the full inclusion of black LGBT people in communities of faith and the mobilization of black communities of faith in support of social justice for LGBT people
The Freedom Center for Social Justice seeks to enhance quality of life by increasing the number of healthy options & opportunities available to low income communities, communities of color, sexual minorities and youth.
Religious Institute advocates for sexual health, education and justice in faith communities and society.
The Multicultural Ministries of the Unitarian Universalist Association creates justice-seeking religious communities inclusive of people of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities/expressions, abilities, ages, and economic and educational backgrounds.
Transfaith provides support to transgender people in their faith journeys and aids people of faith in being educated friends and supporters to transgender people.
About
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Share resources on sexuality & gender
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Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/get-involved/justice-seeking-organization/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
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And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Other justice-seeking organizations
Trans People of Color Coalition seeks to build a pipeline of activists and advocates to engage and connect with one another to create a holistic movement of support, resources, and education by and for transpeople of color.
Social Justice Sexuality Initiative is one of the largest ever national surveys of Black, Latina/o, and Asian and Pacific Islander, and multiracial lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.
LGBT Faith Leaders of African Descent seeks to inform, educate, inspire and empower LGBT people of the Black community in New York City.
National Black Justice Coalition is dedicated to empowering Black same-gender-loving, LGBT people to achieve social justice, equality, and an end to racism and homophobia.
Believe Out Loud, is an online network that empowers Christians to work for LGBT equality by elevating the people and places where Christianity and LGBT justice intersect.
The Center for Black Equity seeks to build a global network of individuals, allies, community-based organizations and prides dedicated to achieving equality and social justice for Black LGBT communities through Health, Economic and Social equity. For a description of the Umoja curriculum, click here.
African American Roundtable of the Center for Lesbian Gay Studies at Pacific School of Religion seeks the full inclusion of black LGBT people in communities of faith and the mobilization of black communities of faith in support of social justice for LGBT people
The Freedom Center for Social Justice seeks to enhance quality of life by increasing the number of healthy options & opportunities available to low income communities, communities of color, sexual minorities and youth.
Religious Institute advocates for sexual health, education and justice in faith communities and society.
The Multicultural Ministries of the Unitarian Universalist Association creates justice-seeking religious communities inclusive of people of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities/expressions, abilities, ages, and economic and educational backgrounds.
Transfaith provides support to transgender people in their faith journeys and aids people of faith in being educated friends and supporters to transgender people.
About
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Questions? Comments? Participate in the conversation!
3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/get-involved/justice-seeking-organization/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
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And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Looking for a welcoming church?
Congregations all across the United States openly welcome gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and their families. Check out these lists of welcoming and affirming congregations:
The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries
Metropolitan Community Churches
Unity Fellowship Church Movement
Baptist Churches
Christian Church / Disciples of Christ
The Episcopal Church
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Institute for Welcoming Resources
Presbyterian Church (USA)
Reformed Church in America
Unitarian Universalist Association
United Church of Christ
United Methodist Church
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3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/get-involved/looking-for-a-welcoming-church/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
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Share your support with your church family
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Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Looking for a welcoming church?
Congregations all across the United States openly welcome gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and their families. Check out these lists of welcoming and affirming congregations:
The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries
Metropolitan Community Churches
Unity Fellowship Church Movement
Baptist Churches
Christian Church / Disciples of Christ
The Episcopal Church
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Institute for Welcoming Resources
Presbyterian Church (USA)
Reformed Church in America
Unitarian Universalist Association
United Church of Christ
United Methodist Church
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©2010 Many Voices, All Rights Reserved | Terms of Use
http://www.manyvoices.org/get-involved/looking-for-a-welcoming-church/
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Hush Now Don’t Explain: No Apology Owed to the Black Church
Posted by Rev. Dr. Renita Weems on June 21, 2012 at 11:36 am
I know. It’s been two years. I’ve been busy.
I dusted off my blog this evening because Twitter only allows 140 characters and Facebook is not suited for long, rambling remarks.
Especially when it comes to talk about the black church and gay marriage.
I do not think being gay is an abomination. I’m sure I did once. But I don’t anymore.
President Obama declared for the first time on May 9, 2012 in a White House interview with ABC’s Robin Roberts that he supports same-sex marriage, after nearly two years of saying that his views on same-sex marriage were “evolving.” Reactions to the president’s remarks have been swift, predictable, and for the most partisan.
At least one well-known black minister has not hesitated to voice his disappointment with the president’s comments. Says Rev. Jamal Bryant of Baltimore, Maryland, the president has some explaining to do to his black church constituency. I disagree. Obama doesn’t have any explaining to do to the black church about his position on same-sex marriage. I co-sign my colleague’s, Leslie Callahan, comment on her Facebook page reminding us that Obama is the president of the United States and not the pastor of the United States.
While I am proud there’s a black man in the White House I am not one of more than fourteen thousand fans of the “I love it when I wake up in the morning and Barack Obama is President” Facebook Fan page. Can’t do it. But neither do I want to wake up in the morning with the public thinking Jamal Bryant’s comments represent the best (or only thing) response black clergy have to Obama’s comments on same-sex marriages. (In fairness, I should disclose that I know Jamal Bryant personally and I am disappointed with his comments, though no entirely surprised.)
…biblical teachings on human sexuality (if teachings are what we can call the inchoate biblical passages that deal with sexual issues) don’t serve us well today. We know too much…Human sexuality is powerful, confusing, dangerous, many times beautiful, most often messy.
I’ve already stated on this blog that I do not think being gay is an abomination. I’m sure I did once. But I don’t anymore. And while I’m still evolving on the issue of gay marriages, I don’t oppose it enough to clobber its supporters nor do I support it enough to blast its opponents. Not trying to be coy or clever. It’s just that I am fierce about what matters to me and not easily baited by topics that don’t strike a match in me.
Until now I’ve been content to stay out of the gay marriage fray. Until I read Jamal Bryant’s claim that the POTUS has some explaining to do to his black Christian constituency.
Same sex marriage, in my opinion, is not a biblical or theological issue; it’s a social and political one. Traditional and conservative Christianity is going to lose on this issue.
I disagree with those who see legalizing same sex marriage as a threat to the Bible, Christianity, or the institution of marriage. I agree that legalizing same sex marriage is a threat to thousands of years of tradition. But that isn’t a bad thing, mind you. I would be a slave, and a barefoot and pregnant one at that, if tradition hadn’t been questioned or challenged. Not to mention that lots of other important scientific knowledge we now embrace would not be known to us if we’d stayed tied to the biblical cosmos.
The Bible meant well in its edicts on human sexuality. But not many of us, including Rev. Bryant, would not want to live in biblical times. And not just because there was no running water back then. We wouldn’t want to live in the moral and social universe it advocates where wearing glasses disqualifies you from serving at God’s altar, contact with a menstruating woman makes you unclean, and adulterers must be stoned to death. Yet I understand what made our biblical ancestors want to contain this powerful, chaotic force known as human sexuality. But biblical teachings on human sexuality (if teachings are what we can call the inchoate biblical passages that deal with sexual issues) don’t serve us well today. We know too much. (The same laws probably didn’t serve people well back then either.) Gay love is as old and tenacious as heterosexual love. And love and sexual desire have a tendency to make a mockery of rules. Human sexuality is powerful, confusing, dangerous, many times beautiful, most often messy. Laws are good, but laws are limited.
I am willing to question tradition, even my own cherished tradition and refuse to embrace any part of tradition that flies in the face of what Jesus ultimately lived and died for: unselfish concern for the other; honesty, integrity, equality, and fidelity; and sacrificial love.
Is marriage ordained by God? On those days when the marriage is going well, I like to think that God brought me and Martin together. But on those days when it’s a hot mess and we’re both looking for the exit sign, well, we will both probably say that we should have ceded to the many signs (and friends) that said a marriage between the two of us was doomed. In other words, marriage is ordained by God when it’s a good marriage. But when it’s a hell hole you have every reason and right to exit when it’s wrong for everyone involved. Here’s what those of us who support same sex unions have got to get across to our Christian friends who think of same-sex unions only in sexual terms, and that is that same-sex unions are not simply about sex and power, but love and commitment. Why are we so quick to to tell LGBTQ individuals seeking the rights and recognition of their unions that marriage is ordained by God when many of us don’t honor our own marriage vows or turn a blind eye to the indiscretions of our friends?
Those of us who are products of the 60s and 70s never thought we’d live long enough to see the day when “liberal” would be a bad word. Many of the rights and privileges women and minorities enjoy today are the results of the tenacious agitation of liberal-minded people over the centuries. But now “liberal” has been replaced by “progressive.” So, I guess I’m a progressive Christian if progressive means I am willing to question tradition, even my own cherished tradition and refuse to embrace any part of tradition that flies in the face of what Jesus ultimately lived and died for: unselfish concern for the other; honesty, integrity, equality, and fidelity; and sacrificial love.
What I’m sure of is that I’m no libertarian nor am I a sex positive feminist. I don’t believe “anything goes.” Civilized societies have a duty to protect its citizens from the violent impulses of other citizens. Even if the laws prove imperfect and don’t put an end to the acts they criminalize. Victimized sex can not be tolerated. Rape is unacceptable. Pedophilia is indefensible. (Even though the Bible often soft-pedals rape and is downright silent about pedophilia, something Christians never talk about.)
Speaking as a former Pentecostal who remains Pentecostal in her heart, I say this in sum to my fellow conservative Christians: the train has already left the station. The POTUS does not owe all of us in the black church an explanation for changing his mind on gay marriages. The president is a politician and a Christian. And the politician knows that the momentum is on the side of legalizing same-sex marriage. Even if it doesn’t happen in this latest round of state votes. Same sex marriages will be legalized in my life time (and I’m a cancer survivor so you know I’m on slippery ground here). Social change has always preceded legal and religious change: women’s suffrage, reproductive rights, interracial marriage, and black civil rights movement.
Black Christians will have to find another sign to point to as proof that despite the fact that there’s a black man in the White House, the world is still coming to an end.
Dr. Renita J. Weems is a bible scholar and an ordained elder in the African Methodist Church. Formerly a member of the faculty of Vanderbilt Univeristy and former Visiting Professor at Spelman College, her scholarly insights into modern faith, biblical texts and understanding of the role of spirituality in everyday life make a much sought after author and speaker. She earned her undergraduate degree from Wellesley College, and her Master and Ph.D. degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary. She is an eloquent contributor to Beliefnet.com and her own blog Somethingwithin.com.
This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.
← Hearing the voices of same-gender loving children of God
Same-sex marriage support is a sign of love, acceptance and devotion to God →
Comments are closed.
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When I spoke out, support poured out
Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community
Things I thought I would never say: An open letter to COGIC
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Hush Now Don’t Explain: No Apology Owed to the Black Church
Posted by Rev. Dr. Renita Weems on June 21, 2012 at 11:36 am
I know. It’s been two years. I’ve been busy.
I dusted off my blog this evening because Twitter only allows 140 characters and Facebook is not suited for long, rambling remarks.
Especially when it comes to talk about the black church and gay marriage.
I do not think being gay is an abomination. I’m sure I did once. But I don’t anymore.
President Obama declared for the first time on May 9, 2012 in a White House interview with ABC’s Robin Roberts that he supports same-sex marriage, after nearly two years of saying that his views on same-sex marriage were “evolving.” Reactions to the president’s remarks have been swift, predictable, and for the most partisan.
At least one well-known black minister has not hesitated to voice his disappointment with the president’s comments. Says Rev. Jamal Bryant of Baltimore, Maryland, the president has some explaining to do to his black church constituency. I disagree. Obama doesn’t have any explaining to do to the black church about his position on same-sex marriage. I co-sign my colleague’s, Leslie Callahan, comment on her Facebook page reminding us that Obama is the president of the United States and not the pastor of the United States.
While I am proud there’s a black man in the White House I am not one of more than fourteen thousand fans of the “I love it when I wake up in the morning and Barack Obama is President” Facebook Fan page. Can’t do it. But neither do I want to wake up in the morning with the public thinking Jamal Bryant’s comments represent the best (or only thing) response black clergy have to Obama’s comments on same-sex marriages. (In fairness, I should disclose that I know Jamal Bryant personally and I am disappointed with his comments, though no entirely surprised.)
…biblical teachings on human sexuality (if teachings are what we can call the inchoate biblical passages that deal with sexual issues) don’t serve us well today. We know too much…Human sexuality is powerful, confusing, dangerous, many times beautiful, most often messy.
I’ve already stated on this blog that I do not think being gay is an abomination. I’m sure I did once. But I don’t anymore. And while I’m still evolving on the issue of gay marriages, I don’t oppose it enough to clobber its supporters nor do I support it enough to blast its opponents. Not trying to be coy or clever. It’s just that I am fierce about what matters to me and not easily baited by topics that don’t strike a match in me.
Until now I’ve been content to stay out of the gay marriage fray. Until I read Jamal Bryant’s claim that the POTUS has some explaining to do to his black Christian constituency.
Same sex marriage, in my opinion, is not a biblical or theological issue; it’s a social and political one. Traditional and conservative Christianity is going to lose on this issue.
I disagree with those who see legalizing same sex marriage as a threat to the Bible, Christianity, or the institution of marriage. I agree that legalizing same sex marriage is a threat to thousands of years of tradition. But that isn’t a bad thing, mind you. I would be a slave, and a barefoot and pregnant one at that, if tradition hadn’t been questioned or challenged. Not to mention that lots of other important scientific knowledge we now embrace would not be known to us if we’d stayed tied to the biblical cosmos.
The Bible meant well in its edicts on human sexuality. But not many of us, including Rev. Bryant, would not want to live in biblical times. And not just because there was no running water back then. We wouldn’t want to live in the moral and social universe it advocates where wearing glasses disqualifies you from serving at God’s altar, contact with a menstruating woman makes you unclean, and adulterers must be stoned to death. Yet I understand what made our biblical ancestors want to contain this powerful, chaotic force known as human sexuality. But biblical teachings on human sexuality (if teachings are what we can call the inchoate biblical passages that deal with sexual issues) don’t serve us well today. We know too much. (The same laws probably didn’t serve people well back then either.) Gay love is as old and tenacious as heterosexual love. And love and sexual desire have a tendency to make a mockery of rules. Human sexuality is powerful, confusing, dangerous, many times beautiful, most often messy. Laws are good, but laws are limited.
I am willing to question tradition, even my own cherished tradition and refuse to embrace any part of tradition that flies in the face of what Jesus ultimately lived and died for: unselfish concern for the other; honesty, integrity, equality, and fidelity; and sacrificial love.
Is marriage ordained by God? On those days when the marriage is going well, I like to think that God brought me and Martin together. But on those days when it’s a hot mess and we’re both looking for the exit sign, well, we will both probably say that we should have ceded to the many signs (and friends) that said a marriage between the two of us was doomed. In other words, marriage is ordained by God when it’s a good marriage. But when it’s a hell hole you have every reason and right to exit when it’s wrong for everyone involved. Here’s what those of us who support same sex unions have got to get across to our Christian friends who think of same-sex unions only in sexual terms, and that is that same-sex unions are not simply about sex and power, but love and commitment. Why are we so quick to to tell LGBTQ individuals seeking the rights and recognition of their unions that marriage is ordained by God when many of us don’t honor our own marriage vows or turn a blind eye to the indiscretions of our friends?
Those of us who are products of the 60s and 70s never thought we’d live long enough to see the day when “liberal” would be a bad word. Many of the rights and privileges women and minorities enjoy today are the results of the tenacious agitation of liberal-minded people over the centuries. But now “liberal” has been replaced by “progressive.” So, I guess I’m a progressive Christian if progressive means I am willing to question tradition, even my own cherished tradition and refuse to embrace any part of tradition that flies in the face of what Jesus ultimately lived and died for: unselfish concern for the other; honesty, integrity, equality, and fidelity; and sacrificial love.
What I’m sure of is that I’m no libertarian nor am I a sex positive feminist. I don’t believe “anything goes.” Civilized societies have a duty to protect its citizens from the violent impulses of other citizens. Even if the laws prove imperfect and don’t put an end to the acts they criminalize. Victimized sex can not be tolerated. Rape is unacceptable. Pedophilia is indefensible. (Even though the Bible often soft-pedals rape and is downright silent about pedophilia, something Christians never talk about.)
Speaking as a former Pentecostal who remains Pentecostal in her heart, I say this in sum to my fellow conservative Christians: the train has already left the station. The POTUS does not owe all of us in the black church an explanation for changing his mind on gay marriages. The president is a politician and a Christian. And the politician knows that the momentum is on the side of legalizing same-sex marriage. Even if it doesn’t happen in this latest round of state votes. Same sex marriages will be legalized in my life time (and I’m a cancer survivor so you know I’m on slippery ground here). Social change has always preceded legal and religious change: women’s suffrage, reproductive rights, interracial marriage, and black civil rights movement.
Black Christians will have to find another sign to point to as proof that despite the fact that there’s a black man in the White House, the world is still coming to an end.
Dr. Renita J. Weems is a bible scholar and an ordained elder in the African Methodist Church. Formerly a member of the faculty of Vanderbilt Univeristy and former Visiting Professor at Spelman College, her scholarly insights into modern faith, biblical texts and understanding of the role of spirituality in everyday life make a much sought after author and speaker. She earned her undergraduate degree from Wellesley College, and her Master and Ph.D. degrees from Princeton Theological Seminary. She is an eloquent contributor to Beliefnet.com and her own blog Somethingwithin.com.
This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.
← Hearing the voices of same-gender loving children of God
Same-sex marriage support is a sign of love, acceptance and devotion to God →
Comments are closed.
Recent Posts
When I spoke out, support poured out
Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community
Things I thought I would never say: An open letter to COGIC
Reflecting on Black Sexualities, Black Religiosity, & Black Lives in Anti-Black Times
Having the conversation, even when you’re not sure how
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Recognizing that we Black Christians are not of one mind but hold different opinions, biblical perspectives, and theological understandings… pledge to engage in respectful and loving dialogue….
Read More
Share your support with your church family
Let’s face it: Many people associate Christianity with condemnation. Even if you and/or your faith community welcome and include people on the full spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity, many people will assume otherwise unless you say so.
Read More
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Pledge to speak with respect
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Share your support with your church family
Other justice-seeking organizations
Looking for a welcoming church?
Support Many Voices
Please spread the word about Many Voices.
And donate today, at whatever level you can.
Together, we can achieve the justice and liberation that we so long for, affirm the lives of our gay and transgender brothers and sisters, and call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love.
Donate Now
Get involved
Whether you’ve been on this journey for many years, or you’re just starting out, there’s a place for you.
We welcome you to participate in whatever way that seems right to you. If these items don’t match your interest, please contact us!
Donate — Become one of the many voices seeking to make a difference!
By financially contributing to Many Voices, together we can call the Black church into the full expression of God’s unconditional love. Donate online
•Donate online
•Contribute with a stock transfer
•Send a check
•Create a matching gift with your employer
Other justice-seeking organizations
Here is an annotated list of our valued partners, with links to their sites.
Read More
Looking for a welcoming church?
Congregations all across the United States openly welcome gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people and their families. Here are lists of welcoming and affirming congregations.
Read More
Pledge to raise your voice
As an African American Christian, proudly rooted in the spiritual heritage of liberation and freedom, I am dedicated to the struggle for justice for all people, especially those on the margins of society….
Read More
Pledge to speak with respect
Recognizing that we Black Christians are not of one mind but hold different opinions, biblical perspectives, and theological understandings… pledge to engage in respectful and loving dialogue….
Read More
Share your support with your church family
Let’s face it: Many people associate Christianity with condemnation. Even if you and/or your faith community welcome and include people on the full spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identity, many people will assume otherwise unless you say so.
Read More
About
Media
Our team
Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
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