The Called to Be One anti-discrimination series is focusing on "Religion and its Impact on Attitudes Toward Gay and Lesbian Families" at its April 2nd program. We are posting links to articles which contribute to the discussion and Web sites about this subject. We hope that you will find them helpful. We invite you to add your comments to this blog.
Black ministers discuss homophobia in black churches at Howard University School of Divinity forum
It was a lively discussion today at the Howard University School of Divinity in Northeast Washington, DC, where a panel of fair-minded black ministers gathered to discuss the hot topic of homophobia in black churches. This was the first time the Howard University Divinity School Student Government Association has held a forum specifically focused on LGBT issues. The panel was hosted by People for the American Way (PFAW), the National Educational Association (NEA), and the African-American Ministers Leadership Council. [Click here to link to the full article.]
A speech given by the Rev. Rebecca Voelkel for the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies in Religion and Ministry at Pacific School of Religion on January 27, 2009. The Rev. Rebecca Voelkel, an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, is the Institute for Welcoming Resources Faith Work Director for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.
"One of the ways my Central American experience continues to inform and inspire me is that it was the context that emboldened me to come out as a lesbian. Because I was interacting with women and men who were fearless, I was called to face my own fears. And, at the time, my deepest fear was my own internalized homo and trans-phobia. Although I grew up in a UCC context with parents who were very supportive of lgbtq people, I knew that there were many, many barriers that would stand in my way if I were to name both my growing awareness of my sexual orientation and my desire to pursue ordained ministry." [Click here to link to the full article.]
A short film of the theology, activism and spiritual journey of the Reverend Susan Russell.
Susan's story is compelling in that her faith and her sexuality are inextricably tied. Her lifelong spiritual journey from being a self-described "cultural Christian" to becoming a priest, led directly to her coming out as a lesbian. This is a challenging idea for many within Christianity who regard homosexuality as a grave sin and reject the notion of a lesbian in the priesthood. Yet Susan's most intimate experience of the divine is one of confirmation that she should be the person and the priest that God made her to be.
Susan is a senior associate at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pasadena, CA. She is the president of Integrity USA and a member of the Human Rights Campaign's religion council. She has been featured widely in the media from Good Morning America, to CNN, to the Boston Globe, the New York Times, the Los Angeles Times and many others. [Click here to link to the film’s Web site.]
