|
|
|
|
Bishops and Elders Council.
Photo:
Bishops & Elders Council at Remembering September 11, Twenty-five national Welcoming & Affirming lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and same-gender loving (lgbtsgl) Christian leaders made history convening this ecumenically diverse pro-welcoming Christian gathering--Bishops and Elders Council. It was Convened by the Institute for Welcoming Resources (of which
Reconciling Ministries Network is a founding and sponsoring organization);
Dignity/USA; The Fellowship; and the worldwide Bishop Yvette Flunder (The Fellowship), Elder Nancy Wilson ( On STATEMENT BY BISHOPS AND ELDERS COUNCILOn Today, on the fifth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we, as leaders representing organizations that touch the lives of 98 million Americans, are united in our rejection of all forms of fear-based religion, all political manipulation in the name of Jesus, and governmental hostility toward gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender persons, especially that hostility that uses Christianity as an excuse to divide society and demonize minorities. Today, as Christian leaders who have gathered in Council
in Today, we announce that the anti-gay agenda against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender is effectively over. Thanks to a rapidly growing movement of churches and faith leaders in communities across the United States, thousands of churches now embrace Jesus' message that "whosoever will may come," and open their doors in welcome to same-gender-loving people of faith. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Christians, along with their families and allies, now have the option of nurturing their spiritual lives in faith communities that celebrate and welcome all of God's creation. Motivated by our Christian faith and to further our nation's founding goals of justice and equality for all, we call upon all people of goodwill to work actively for an end to discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons by: ·
Realizing
that the relationships of same-gender loving couples are equal in every way to
heterosexual couples and are worthy of both the right to civil marriage and the
rites of Christian marriage; ·
Reaffirming
the rights of gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgender persons to full
equality under the law, including adoption rights, employment and housing
protections, and the right to openly serve in the U.S. military; ·
Refusing
to cooperate with or support political or religious leaders who caricature and
condemn the lives of gays and lesbians; ·
Refuting
the ex-gay notion that sexual orientation and gender identity can and should be
changed. As unified followers of Christ, reclaiming our faith, we commit to speak boldly with our own communities and the larger culture from out of our experience as those who have been both oppressed and oppressor. We will communicate God's incessant call for justice, wholeness and peace and work to equip ourselves and others to take concrete action to achieve God's loving shalom. The Bishops and Elders Council further commits to continued work on behalf of all people oppressed or marginalized by poverty, immigration policies, HIV/AIDS, addictions, classism, sexism, ageism, or violence. Bishops and Elders Council, September 9 - 11, 2006 Dallas, Texas·
Dr.
Michael J. Adee, More Light Presbyterians ·
Bishop
Craig Bergland, The Universal Anglican Church ·
Reverend
Jim Birkitt, Metropolitan Community Churches ·
Reverend
Shari Brink, Room For All of the Reformed Church in America ·
Emily
Eastwood, Lutherans Concerned/North America ·
Todd
Ferrell, The Evangelical Network ·
Bishop
Yvette Flunder, The Fellowship ·
Reverend
Ruth Garwood, United Church of Christ Coalition for LGBT Concerns ·
Dr.
John Harris, National Baptist Conference of Welcoming and Affirming Churches,
USA ·
Bishop
Zachary Jones, Unity Fellowship Church ·
Harry
Knox, Religion and Faith Program of the Human Rights Campaign ·
David
Lohman, Institute for Welcoming Resources ·
Reverend
Dr. Cindi Love, Metropolitan Community Churches ·
Reverend
Dámaris Ortega, Pride in the Pulpit ·
Reverend
Kenneth Pennings, Association of Welcoming and Affirming Baptists ·
Reverend
Troy Plummer, Reconciling Ministries Network of the United Methodist Church ·
Sylvia
Rhue, National Black Justice Coalition ·
Pernessa
Seele, The Balm in Gilead ·
Bishop
John Selders, Inter-Denominational Conference of Liberation Congregations &
Ministries ·
Sam
Sinnett, DignityUSA ·
Reverend
Janie Spahr, That All May Freely Serve ·
Reverend
Rebecca Voelkel, The Institute for Welcoming Resources ·
Reverend
Mel White, Soulforce ·
Reverend
Elder Nancy Wilson, Metropolitan Community Churches ·
Carol
Wise, Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBT Interests ·
Archbishop
Philip Zimmerman, Reformed Catholic Church
National Gay and Lebsian Task ForceThursday, September 14, 2006 Task Force praises Christian leaders' courage in standing against fear-based religion and political manipulation in the name of Christianity Council of Bishops, Elders and Christian Leaders calls for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender inclusion in the church and full equality under the law WASHINGTON, Sept. 14 — The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force today strongly praised the statement put forth by the Council of Bishops, Elders and Christian Leaders denouncing hostility that uses Christianity against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and opening the doors of their faith communities to all. On the fifth anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, the Council denounced the “portrayal by Christian extremists of the tragedy of Sept. 11 as God’s judgment on America for the presence of gays and lesbians and all political manipulation in the name of Jesus.” The statement was adopted at the national gathering of more than 25 Christian leaders who represent organizations that reach 98 million Americans, including leaders from conservative groups such as the Evangelical Network. “This historic statement from the faith community proclaims that discrimination against and rejection and oppression of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and their families are incompatible with the Christian ethic of love,” said Matt Foreman, the Task Force’s executive director. “The religious right's tactics of using Christianity to divide and oppress lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people are unpatriotic, anti-democratic and unfair. We applaud the courage of the many faith leaders who in this powerful statement reject bigotry and discrimination veiled in the false cloak of piety. We reaffirm our commitment to working with welcoming faith communities to create a more just and peaceful world for all.” The resolution adopted at the Council of Bishops, Elders and Christian Leaders calls for five critical steps to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people: ·
Realize
that the “relationships of same-gender loving couples are equal” and are
worthy of both the right to civil marriage and the rites of Christian marriage. ·
Reaffirm
the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to full equality
under the law, including adoption rights, employment and housing protections,
and the right to serve openly in the military. ·
Refute
the “ex-gay notion that sexual orientation and gender identity can and should
be changed.” ·
Refuse
to cooperate with or support political or religious leaders who condemn the
lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. ·
Reclaim
faith and speak boldly on “God’s call for justice, wholeness and peace,”
working on behalf of all oppressed people.
National Gay and Lesbian Task ForceMonday, September 18, 2006 Article of Faith: Religious leaders praise statement calling for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender inclusion in the church WASHINGTON, Sept. 18 — The National Religious Leadership Roundtable today strongly praised the joint statement put forth by the Council of Bishops, Elders and Christian Leaders on Sept. 11, 2006 denouncing hostility that uses Christianity against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. They deplored the “portrayal by Christian extremists of the tragedy of Sept. 11 as God's judgment on America for the presence of gays and lesbians and all political manipulation in the name of Jesus.” The statement was adopted at the national gathering of more than 25 Christian leaders, who represent organizations that reach over 98 million Americans. They included delegates from a wide spectrum of groups, ranging from liberal and moderate groups such as More Light Presbyterians and Soulforce to conservative groups such as the Evangelical Network. The resolution adopted at the Council of Bishops, Elders and Christian Leaders calls for five critical steps to end discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people: ·
Realize
that “the relationships of same-gender loving couples are equal” and are
worthy of both the right to civil marriage and the rites of Christian marriage. ·
Reaffirm
the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people to full equality
under the law, including adoption rights, employment and housing protections,
and the right to serve openly in the military. ·
Refute
the “ex-gay notion that sexual orientation and gender identity can and should
be changed.” ·
Refuse
to cooperate with or support political or religious leaders who condemn the
lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. ·
Reclaim
faith and speak boldly on “God’s call for justice, wholeness and peace,”
working on behalf of all oppressed people. Responses from National Religious Leadership Roundtable Members: I rejoice over the strength of the marvelous statement by the Bishops and Elders Council. The clear commitment to advance the central message of welcome found in the Gospel is encouraging to all who seek authenticity in their faith. Release of this inclusive message will undoubtedly inspire the growth of additional worship spaces that “nurture spiritual lives in communities that celebrate and welcome all of God’s creation.” It is my hope that all oppressed and marginalized persons will encounter the love, welcome and acceptance in communities of faith so beautifully articulated by the Bishops and Elders Council’s statement and be free of the hostility and rejection too often experienced by gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender persons in the name of Christianity. Rev. Cedric A. Harmon The Institute for Judaism and Sexual Orientation applauds the truth-speaking of the Council of Bishops and Elders for not only proclaiming their support for the basic human rights of LGBT people but also moving further to take action to redress the damage that has been done by the religious right by saying to their many Christian brothers and sisters to stop using fear and hate in the name of God to attack lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. It is a weighty task to sail opposite the tide of years of religious attacks on LGBT people and their families, especially when it means going against members of your own religious family. We thank the Bishops and Elders Council for making this brave proclamation. Reform Judaism supports the civil rights of same-gender couples to marry, the sanctity of same-gender relationships which are filled with holiness, and the right to then have those relationships affirmed in a religious ceremony. The Bishops and Elders Council lifts up these truths as well as others, saying that it is time to take a stand and shout out these foundations of social justice and God's love. As an Institute of Hebrew Union College, the seminary of the Reform (Jewish) Movement, we teach these values to rabbis, cantors, Jewish educators and communal professionals who will be future leaders in the Jewish world. It is our hope that the Council's message of support, advocacy and truth will be picked up by other denominations and religious faiths to make it heard around the world by all those who need to hear its critical message. Dr. Joel L. Kushner Catholics welcome this statement so infused with gospel virtues of compassion, justice and reconciliation. Despite negative messages from some in the church’s hierarchy, Catholic people in the pews are willing and indeed eager to welcome and embrace LGBT people in the wide tent of diversity that is the true church. True and lasting change comes only from the “bottom up,” not the “top down,” and so as Catholic laypeople continue to advance in their acceptance of LGBT people, the hierarchy will eventually have to follow. The process may be slow, but it is the only way to bring change that lasts. It is through these slow and sometimes arduous struggles that God, little by little, changes hearts and even institutions. Francis DeBernardo Bigotry, discrimination, hatred, violence and prejudice find no home in any religion worthy of the name. The Council of Bishops and Elders has made it clear that continued oppression of LGBT persons cannot be supported by any who hold sacred the central tenets of Christianity. We join them in calling on all followers of Christ Risen to oppose the false use of scripture and doctrine against LGBT persons. Emily Eastwood On behalf of the Pagan Alliance, a religious interfaith organization devoted to understanding and tolerance, we applaud the Council of Bishops, Elders and Christian Leaders’ call for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender inclusion in the church and full equality under the law. As a transgender woman who is bisexual and a pagan priestess, rooted in the Wiccan tradition, it is my tradition's understanding that all living beings are blessed creations. There is not room for any ifs, ands or buts. This statement recognizes the affirmation of qualities that create and heal. We do not confuse the harm of fear and discrimination with love and divine life. We oppose any power above and power below, but recognize power between which is cooperative and nurturing. Those of us in the pagan tradition, in collaboration with the leaders of other faith-based traditions, look forward to a world in which faith-based traditions work arm in arm with each other. We stand in support of this statement with conviction and eternal steadfastness. Patricia Kevena Fili On the fifth anniversary of the September 11, 2001, foreign terrorists’ attacks against the United States in New York City, Washington, D.C., and in the countryside of Pennsylvania, it is appropriate that the Council of Bishops, Elders and Christian Leaders denounce domestic religion-based political attacks against same-gender-loving American citizens. Faith In America, Inc. condemns bigotry against lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people, especially when it is disguised as religious truth. Such religion-based bigotry has manipulated the American political process in the past to support slavery, racial segregation and the denial of women’s right to vote. Using religion to deny lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people the rights and protections guaranteed by the U.S. Constitution is no less a violation of both the Christian ethic of love and the democratic principles upon which this country is founded. We stand with the Council of Bishops, Elders and Christian Leaders in its rejection of “fear-based religion” and its “commitment to work actively for an end to discrimination against gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender persons.” Rev. Jimmy Creech
From The Evangelical NetworkDear TEN friends and family: For some time The Evangelical Network leaders have been challenged to see TEN develop some sort of voice into the community and social arena. Earlier this year we received and accepted an invitation to attend the Bishops & Elders Council which took place in Dallas recently. The following article, press release and pictures are from that meeting. Anyone with questions or comments are encouraged to either email us or contact us at 415-286-7751. Having attended the meeting on behalf of The Evangelical Network I have to tell you I was very please with the outcome & the quality of people involved in the meetings. On more than one occasion I had people come up and tell me how thrilled they were that we (the Evangelical) voice was there & being present in the discussion. At least three people came to me and shared with me personal stories of how they had very negative ideas of Evangelicalism coming into the meeting & how after having a chance to speak directly with me, they were able to see that they walked into the meetings with mis-conceptions of what Evangelical Christians were and had lumped all Evangelicals into the radical Evangelicals that are out spewing hatred in the name of Jesus. I left the meetings very encouraged that we, as an organization, need to be more vocal when we see our community being oppressed. I look forward to speaking with many of you about this trip & about our future opportunities to be light in the midst of so much fear and hatred. Sincerely, Todd Ferrell, President
From More Light PresbyteriansMore Light Presbyterian members, donors, supporters, allies & friends: RE: 9/11 Anniversary Statement & Call to End Homophobia and Heterosexism by the Bishops & Elders Council, plus More Light organizing in Grace Presbytery Hello from Dallas. I am here with 25 National Welcoming & Affirming lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and same-gender loving Christian leaders meeting and constituted as the Bishops and Elders Council. Not only is this new Council making history as it is being formed, it is also the most ecumencially diverse pro-LGBT Christian gathering as well. Convened by the Institute for Welcoming Resources of which MLP is a founding and sponsoring organization; Dignity/USA; The Fellowship; and the worldwide Metropolitan Community Church, I was invited to participate in the Council on behalf of MLP and the welcoming movement in the Presbyterian Church (USA). Janie Spahr represented TAMFS and we had a special display of the Shower of Stoles Project for our meeting and the Anniversary of 9/11 press conference in downtown Dallas. Ruth Garwood, former pastor of Jan Hus Presbyterian Church, NYC, a More Light Church, now with the UCC Coalition was with us, too. Bishop Yvette Flunder, Elder Nancy Wilson and Rev. Rebecca Voelkel are providing extraordinary leadership and inspiration for our Council. In addition to the creation of our 9/11 Anniversary Statement and Call to End Homophobia & Heterosexism, we are committed to faith-based community organizing to expand the welcoming church movement, training and conferences with special efforts to resource pastors and to support lgbtsgl/gueer youth and young adults. In addition to participating in the opening Bishops & Elders Council reception, Jean and John Martin, longtime MLP supporters and organizers in Grace Presbytery, and I met to plan MLP organizing and outreach for northern Texas. For those of you in Grace Presbytery, watch for an upcoming traveling film series with Shower of Stoles' project display, educational panels, welcoming worship celebrations, etc. The photo and media statement from the Bishops & Elders Council follows this update on that national effort and More Light organizing and future offerings for you in Grace Presbytery. with hope and grace, Michael J. Adee, M.Div., Ph.D., National Field Organizer
|
Click the picture above to dedicate a memorial mass Multimedia RCC Radio
|
|
This Site and Its Contents, Copyright ©2004-2007 BC Redd for The Reformed Catholic Church. All Rights Reserved Disclaimer: The Unauthorized use of the name The Reformed Catholic Church is a violation of copyright & trademark laws. Federal Trademark #77377344. Only those individuals or communities included on this website are officially recognized as validly ordained clergy, lay leadership or authorized member parishes of The Reformed Catholic Church. If you want to use any art on this site, please ask first! Contact the Webmaster
|
