Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
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About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
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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
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
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
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
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/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
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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
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About
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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/contact-us/
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
Contact us
You can leave a message or ask a question using the contact form below.
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Sending ...
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/contact-us/
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
Pledge to Raise Your Voice
to honor the inherent dignity and worth of all people
Pledge to Speak with Respect
recognizing that Black Christians hold different biblical perspectives
Have Questions?
Check out our answers to questions about God, the Bible, and LGBT
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Current News
In his video interview, Rev. Dr. Terence K. Leathers points out that in the Bible, there are "scriptures that we don't fully examine, that we take out of context, and we move them to where we are now--not understanding that you can't always do that."
EBONY features video campaign: 'Many Voices' Campaign Highlights Black Clergy in Support of LGBT Issues.
Black Church Conversations
Rev_Leathers_Photo
When I spoke out, support poured out
By Rev. Dr. Terence K. Leathers
Rev. Cedric A. Harmon
Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community
By Rev. Cedric A. Harmon
Bishop Yvette Flunder
Things I thought I would never say: An open letter to COGIC
By Bishop Yvette Flunder
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/
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
Pledge to Raise Your Voice
to honor the inherent dignity and worth of all people
Pledge to Speak with Respect
recognizing that Black Christians hold different biblical perspectives
Have Questions?
Check out our answers to questions about God, the Bible, and LGBT
View Video
View Video
View Video
View Video
View Video
View Video
1
2
3
4
5
6
Upcoming Events
Full Calendar
Current News
In his video interview, Rev. Dr. Terence K. Leathers points out that in the Bible, there are "scriptures that we don't fully examine, that we take out of context, and we move them to where we are now--not understanding that you can't always do that."
EBONY features video campaign: 'Many Voices' Campaign Highlights Black Clergy in Support of LGBT Issues.
Black Church Conversations
Rev_Leathers_Photo
When I spoke out, support poured out
By Rev. Dr. Terence K. Leathers
Rev. Cedric A. Harmon
Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community
By Rev. Cedric A. Harmon
Bishop Yvette Flunder
Things I thought I would never say: An open letter to COGIC
By Bishop Yvette Flunder
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/
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
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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/people/contributors/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
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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
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
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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/people/contributors/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
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Press release 10-21-14
Press release 10-7-14
Media hits
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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
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
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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/media/revleathers/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
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Five-year roadmap toward justice
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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
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Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
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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/media/revleathers/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
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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
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Employment
Contact us
Encourage learning
Share resources on sexuality & gender
Get involved
Donate now
Sign up
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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/video-campaign/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
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Five-year roadmap toward justice
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Media
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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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Encourage learning
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Get involved
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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/video-campaign/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
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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
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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/contact-us/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
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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.
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Encourage learning
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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/contact-us/
Many Voices
A Black Church Movement for Gay & Transgender Justice
Donate Now
About
How to Begin
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Get Involved
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About
Five-year roadmap toward justice
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Media
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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
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.
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3133 Dumbarton Street, NW | Washington, DC 20007 | info@manyvoices.org
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Many Voices
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recognizing that Black Christians hold different biblical perspectives
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In his video interview, Rev. Dr. Terence K. Leathers points out that in the Bible, there are "scriptures that we don't fully examine, that we take out of context, and we move them to where we are now--not understanding that you can't always do that."
EBONY features video campaign: 'Many Voices' Campaign Highlights Black Clergy in Support of LGBT Issues.
Black Church Conversations
Rev_Leathers_Photo
When I spoke out, support poured out
By Rev. Dr. Terence K. Leathers
Rev. Cedric A. Harmon
Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community
By Rev. Cedric A. Harmon
Bishop Yvette Flunder
Things I thought I would never say: An open letter to COGIC
By Bishop Yvette Flunder
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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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/
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
Pledge to Raise Your Voice
to honor the inherent dignity and worth of all people
Pledge to Speak with Respect
recognizing that Black Christians hold different biblical perspectives
Have Questions?
Check out our answers to questions about God, the Bible, and LGBT
View Video
View Video
View Video
View Video
View Video
View Video
1
2
3
4
5
6
Upcoming Events
Full Calendar
Current News
In his video interview, Rev. Dr. Terence K. Leathers points out that in the Bible, there are "scriptures that we don't fully examine, that we take out of context, and we move them to where we are now--not understanding that you can't always do that."
EBONY features video campaign: 'Many Voices' Campaign Highlights Black Clergy in Support of LGBT Issues.
Black Church Conversations
Rev_Leathers_Photo
When I spoke out, support poured out
By Rev. Dr. Terence K. Leathers
Rev. Cedric A. Harmon
Southern Clergy Voices Signal a Shift throughout the Black Community
By Rev. Cedric A. Harmon
Bishop Yvette Flunder
Things I thought I would never say: An open letter to COGIC
By Bishop Yvette Flunder
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/
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/
Nondiscrimination Policy
Many Voices’ policy on discrimination applies to all employees, volunteers, members, customers, and
contractors.
It is intended to guide all of Many Voices’ decisions and actions regarding employment, internal
promotions, training, opportunities for advancement, terminations, relationships with outside vendors
and customers, use of contractors and consultants, and in dealing with the general public.
Many Voices does not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, ethnic or religious background, descent or nationality
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression
age, height, weight, physical or mental ability
veteran status or military obligations, or
marital status
Approved by Incorporating Board
April 24, 2012
Nondiscrimination Policy
Many Voices’ policy on discrimination applies to all employees, volunteers, members, customers, and
contractors.
It is intended to guide all of Many Voices’ decisions and actions regarding employment, internal
promotions, training, opportunities for advancement, terminations, relationships with outside vendors
and customers, use of contractors and consultants, and in dealing with the general public.
Many Voices does not discriminate on the basis of
race, color, ethnic or religious background, descent or nationality
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression
age, height, weight, physical or mental ability
veteran status or military obligations, or
marital status
Approved by Incorporating Board
April 24, 2012
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