Towards a Welcoming and Inclusive Church
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- News This Week - February 7, 2010
- Last Week's News - January 31, 2010
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IWR Resources
A Time to Build Up
AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD!
- Click here to download A Time to Build Up (pdf)
- Click here to download A Time to Build Up formatted for print (pdf)
All in God's Family: Creating Allies for Our LGBT Families
Giving you opportunities to gather with other members of your congregation to pray, to learn, to share, and to work together to transform your lives, your congregation, and your world into a loving place in which God?s lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender families can thrive.
AVAILABLE NOW!
To Do Justice: A Study of Welcoming Congregations
In order to both highlight the vibrancy, faithfulness and power of the Welcoming Movement and to counter the ?false witness? of those who seek to quash this movement of hospitality and justice, the Institute for Welcoming Resources surveyed pastors and leaders of 1,200 Welcoming congregations to ask them about their work and witness. Two areas emerged that warrant particular focus and celebration:
- Successfully completing a Welcoming Process makes a congregation more likely to work and witness on other justice issues.
- Congregations that directly engage the question of welcoming LGBT persons have low levels of conflict.
AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD!
transACTION
A Transgender Curriculum For Churches and Religious Institutions
AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD!
Liturgical Resource
A Place in God's Heart...
A Place at Christ's Table
Worship Resources for the Welcoming Church Movement
- Click here for index and resources
- Click here to download A Place in God's Heart... A Place at Christ's Table (pdf)
Contact IWR
Faith in Action
Faith leaders speak out against abhorrent Ugandan 'Anti-Homosexuality Bill'
DALLAS, Feb. 4 — Faith leaders from around the country led an American Prayer Hour event at today's National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change, where they prayed together for peace and served as witness to the inhumanity of Uganda's proposed "Anti-Homosexuality Bill."
The gathering was one of several similar events nationwide where faith leaders highlighted the connection between this morning's National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., and the Uganda bill that seeks to make homosexuality punishable by life imprisonment or even death. The measure is being pushed by Ugandan MP David Bahati, who is connected to the National Prayer Breakfast via its sponsor, The Family, a secretive Christian-based organization that supports placement of leaders in government and economic positions of power. Bahati is The Family's primary organizer in Uganda.
More from the American Prayer Hour
Standing Up For Gay Civil Rights
Giving Thanks for Basileia
An Open Door Community of Christ Congregation
January 31, 2010
TO: Meredith Bischoff and Basileia, An Open Door Community of Christ Congregation
Peace and grace to you. I understand that today is your last worship service together. I am holding all of you in my heart, thoughts and prayers. I am so grateful for the ministry and witness that you gave so generously and faithfully to your community, to southern California, and to the worldwide communion of the Community of Christ.
In 2004 you offered this extraordinary welcoming statement, teaching and witness:
"In working to bring about the realm of God, Basileia: An Open Door Community of Christ values diversity and celebrates those differences as intentional acts of God's creation. In that the realm of God includes all persons, we welcome and include all persons including persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities and family units in the full life of the congregation."
I had the wonderful privilege of participating in one of your Solidarity Sundays at the gracious invitation of Meredith Bischoff. On that particular Solidarity Sunday, as part of the worship service, you also brought a display from the Shower of Stoles Project. I shall never forget the kindness of your hospitality extended to me that day and of the witness to God's love what was clearly evident within your fellowship.
Basileia has been known far and wide as a genuine sanctuary for all of God's children, not just some. Basileia has given hope to countless numbers of people seeking to know that God's love and the Gospel of Jesus Christ was good news for them, too. Basileia has given witness to the sacredness of all of God's creation, including God's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender children and their families. Your example and witness to the Welcoming Community Network continues in its ministry.
Basileia will indeed live on in the seeds of hope that you planted all across the Community of Christ and to your sisters and brothers in other Christian traditions. I am grateful for the inspiration that I received from your witness, from being with you on Solidarity Sunday, and from the witness that Basileia so gracefully and lovingly brought to the life and ministry of the Community of Christ.
I join many others around the country and world this day who are giving thanks to God for the ministry and witness of Basileia, An Open Door Community of Christ. May all congregations of the Community of Christ one day live into the spirit, love and extravagant welcome that was and will always be, Basileia.
With hope and gratitude,
Michael J. Adee, M.Div., Ph.D., Executive Director
More Light Presbyterians
U.S. must push for full withdrawal of Uganda's barbaric 'Anti-Homosexuality Bill'
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force calls on the Obama administration and Congress to press for the full withdrawal of Uganda's proposed 'Anti-Homosexuality Bill,' which would make homosexuality punishable by life imprisonment or even death.
President Yoweri Museveni reportedly said this week that more consultation is needed on the bill because it has caused such an international uproar. According to media reports, Museveni has hinted that the death penalty component could be dropped due to the widespread condemnation, saying, 'It's a foreign policy issue, and we must handle it in a way that does not compromise our principles but also takes into account our foreign policy interests.'
Remembering Dr. King & Realizing the Dream
On January 18, 2010 we are called to remember the life, teachings and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement. Over 100 countries celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
More Light Presbyterians is committed to ending racism along with removing sexism, heterosexism and homophobia from the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the body of Christ.
Today, we call all Presbyterians to study for the first time, or again, the teachings, sermons and writings of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his challenge to end prejudice and discrimination against African-Americans and their families.
Honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force honors the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on this, the day of his birth, as well as on Monday?s official holiday commemorating the civil rights leader.
Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
?We honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.?s enduring message of courage, hope and equality. Dr. King is one of history?s towering beacons of inspiration to people around the world who struggle and strive each day to show our common humanity. The global outpouring of support and care expressed following the devastating earthquake in Haiti is an example of how people from everywhere, and all walks of life, can share in compassion and kinship, even in the most challenging times. Dr. King knew we were capable of this human connection, and spoke beautifully of its promise.
Federal jobs Web site change to include gender identity is step in right direction
Urges Congress to pass Employment Non-Discrimination Act
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force welcomes the Obama administration?s inclusion of language on the federal jobs web site that explicitly bans employment discrimination based on gender identity. While calling the action a step in the right direction, the Task Force urges Congress to pass the federal Employment Non-Discrimination Act.
Hate Begets Hate
Uganda?s government, which has a shameful record of discrimination against gay men and lesbians, is now considering legislation that would impose the death sentence for homosexual behavior. The United States and others need to make clear to the Ugandan government that such barbarism is intolerable and will make it an international pariah.
Corruption and repression ? including violence against women and children and abuse of prisoners ? are rife in Uganda. According to The Times?s Jeffrey Gettleman, officially sanctioned homophobia is particularly acute. Gay Ugandans are tormented with beatings, blackmail, death threats and what has been described as ?correctional rape.?
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Catholics respond to Vatican statement opposing criminalization of homosexuality
The National Religious Leadership Roundtable, convened by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, responds to the announcement by the Vatican that it opposes the criminalization of homosexuality. Legislation is currently being considered in Uganda that would make homosexuality illegal and in some cases it would carry a death sentence. Just over the weekend, David Bahati, an Ugandan lawmaker who proposed the bill, vowed to press forward with it.
LGBT Americans Outraged at Delay in Basic Job Rights
In light of continuing delays in the House of Representatives, we must state clearly and unequivocally: Passing basic job protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people must happen now. At a time when our government is deeply focused on the critical issue of employment, it is inexcusable to delay action on the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). Each and every job lost to prejudice based on sexual orientation and gender identity needlessly compounds the unemployment challenges facing our nation. We call on Congress for the immediate passage of ENDA.
Upcoming Training Opportunities
- February 26-28, 2010 ? Charlotte, NC
- March 12-14, 2010 ? Birmingham, AL
- April 9-11, 2010 ? Hayward, CA
- April 16-18, 2010 ? Denver, CO
- April 30-May 1, 2010 ? Dallas, TX
- May 1, 2010 ? Duluth, MN
Now Available!
Building an Inclusive Church: A Welcoming Toolkit
Drawing upon twenty-five years of experience within a variety of Christian denominations, this Toolkit is a step-by-step guide to help facilitate a Welcoming Process in your local congregation. Biblically and theologically based, it uses tools of relational organizing, congregational assessment, conflict management and change theory.
AVAILABLE FOR FREE DOWNLOAD!
ENDA Action Center
As the inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA) begins to make its way through Congress, we want to provide faith based groups with resources and actions that will help them support this important piece of legislation that assures equality for all in the workplace.
The voices of the faith community in support of ENDA is vital to gaining positive Congressional action.
With House action expected before Thanksgiving, fast response is also critical. Check this ENDA Action Center often for new information and resources.
- ENDA Action Alert 11.13.09 (pdf)
- ENDA Bulletin Insert (pdf)
- UE Faith Call Summary 11.02.09 (pdf)
- Clergy sign-on letter in support of ENDA
Follow as ENDA Makes its Way Through Congress
- Senate Hearing - Nov. 5, 2009
- Task Force Press Release: ENDA will provide much-needed employment protections for LGBT workers - Nov. 5, 2009
Multi-Faith Work
NEW DOCUMENTARY!
"In Our Fullness: Faith and Activism Across Difference"
presents conversations with activists about faith-based work for radical social change around issues including sexuality, gender, race, class, and age. The video includes powerful testimonies from activists representing Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Native spiritualities, presenting challenges and successes in faith-based progressive-left coalition building.
Produced by the Institute for Welcoming Resources, a Project of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, in partnership with the Macalester College Chuck Green Civic Engagement Fellowship.
For more information: info@WelcomingResources.org
Additional Ecumenical & Multi-Faith Groups Convened by IWR
New & Timely Resources
- The damage done by hatred and prejudice-based on race, sexual orientation, religion, or gender-runs very deep. The damage done is often invisible, but it simmers beneath the surface anyway. In Race and Prayer, Malcolm Boyd and Chester Talton have collected poems, prayers, and prose that bring the anger and frustration to light, and ultimately, they hope, to a place of reconciliation and healing.
- Uncommon Hope offers a dynamic, small-group curriculum designed to support people of faith in answering God's call to end the silence and inaction magnifying the human suffering and death wrought by HIV and AIDS.
- Spanning two volumes, Hispanic American Religious Cultures encompasses the full diversity of faiths and spiritual beliefs practiced among Hispanic Americans. It is the first comprehensive work to provide historic contexts for the many religious identities expressed among Hispanic Americans.
- Transgender Yeshiva University Professor, Dr. Joy Ladin?s new book of poetry, Transmigration, explores many kinds of journeys, including the journey of the self from one gender to the next; the journey of the soul in and out of flesh; the journey of a marriage into and out of love; the journey of a body from amputation to wholeness.
- In A People's History of Christianity, historian and religion expert Diana Butler Bass reveals an alternate history that includes a deep social ethic and far-reaching inclusivity: "the other side of the story" is not a modern phenomenon, but has always been practiced within the church
- African America?s 3rd Rail - African Americans have thoughts and ideas regarding same gender love (SGL) that rarely are informed by the experiences of openly SGL people who live within black communities. This book links racism to homophobia and economic exploitation due to the history of Africans in America learning Christianity during slavery, when literacy and criticism of the social order were forbidden.
- In Good Conscience: Sister Jeanine Gramick's Journey of Faith - In Barbara Rick's acclaimed documentary, In Good Conscience, a most unlikely and very funny rebel - an American nun - finds herself at the center of a human rights storm with leaders of one of the world's most revered institutions, the Roman Catholic Church.
- Hate is the Sin: Putting Faces on the Debate over Human Sexuality - Arguments based in doctrine and scripture over the inclusion of homosexual people within Christian congregations and sacraments have done little to persuade the faithful on either side of this debate. Hate is the Sin: Putting Faces on the Debate over Human Sexuality approaches this divisive subject...
- Steeplejacking: How the Christian Right is Hijacking Mainstream Religion - An insider account by two ministers on the front lines of mainstream religion's longtime shadow war against the religious right...
- Jesus, the Bible, and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church, Revised and Expanded Edition - In this revised and expanded best seller, Rogers argues for equal rights in both the church and society for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgendered people.
Blogs
- Are You Guys Brothers?
Reflections on a long-term relationship by Brian McNaught - The Christian Agnostic
Candace Chellew-Hodge, founder/editor of Whosoever: An Online Magazine for GLBT Christians - A Christian Voice For Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights
Rev. Dr. Jerry S. Maneker - Crossing the T
Life at the intersection of Church and Trans with Rev. Allyson Robinson - Early Childhood Psychological Development Growing up Gay
By Fr. Marty Kurylowicz - Faith Matters
Community of Welcoming Congregations (Oregon & Washington) - Father Geoff Farrow
- Gay and Transgender Issues in the Workplace
By Brian McNaught - Holy Bullies and Headless Monsters
Author Alvin A. McEwen - Lutherans Concerned
A project of Lutherans Concerned/North America - An Inch at a Time: Reflections on the Journey
Integrity President Rev. Susan Russell - A Jihad for Love
by filmmaker Parvez Sharma - MoSAIC
Methodist Students for an All-Inclusive Church - Network of Spiritual Progressives
A project of the Tikkun Community - OutSpoken
National Gay & Lesbian Task Force - PCUSA 08B overture information
Providing vote counts and analysis on ordination policy change in the Presbyterian Church - Peterson Toscano's A Musing
Musings of Peterson Toscano an ex-gay survivor. - Philocrites
Commentary by Chris Walton on Unitarian Universalism, liberal Christianity, American religion, and liberal culture - Religion, Faith, and Values
GLAAD Blog - Religion Is A Queer Thing
Rev. Tiffany Steinwert, pastor of Cambridge Welcoming Ministries - Sexuality and Religion: What's the Connection?
By minister and sexologist Rev. Debra Haffner - TransEpiscopal
A group of transgender Episcopalians and our significant others, families, friends and allies. - Two World Collision
Being Gay and Christian by Eric - Wake up and LIVE
Thoughts and musings of a lesbian Episcopalian, by Susan Gage - Walking With Integrity
The official blog of Integrity USA - The Wild Reed
Thoughts and reflections from a progressive, gay, Catholic perspective.
