News & Events : Happenings : Would Jesus Discriminate?
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Introduction |
Would Jesus Discriminate?Ask this question on any street corner or in any house of worship across the state of Minnesota and the answer is always a resounding, "No!"
Why then does it seem so many religious people -- conservative Christians, in particular -- come to such a different conclusion when this question includes the place of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered (GLBTQ) people in the family of God? Why is it OK to prevent GLBTQ families from having the same legal protections and privileges that other families enjoy?
In Minnesota today whenever there is a debate about the legal status of GLBTQ people or providing equal access for GLBTQ people to all levels of citizenship, it is often religious people who raise their voices the loudest in favor of discrimination, often invoking the name of Jesus in the process. The Bible shows a very different Jesus than the one portrayed by conservative Christianity.
When given the choice of grace or discrimination, Jesus chose to stand with:
- The Samaritan, considered a half-breed and impure by religious people
- The sick, even though religious people thought illness was a sign of God's punishment
- Women, who were deemed unworthy of full humanity
- Tax collectors and Roman soldiers, who were seen as the enemy
- The poor, who were thought to deserve their place in life by the religious elite
- The leper, whom most good religious people would shun
Sound familiar?
We invite people of faith and people of conscience everywhere to consider how we treat each other from a new point of view:
What would Jesus do? Would Jesus discriminate?
For the last several years the Minnesota legislature has considered legislation that would forever make GLBTQ families vulnerable without legal recourse. Luckily these efforts have been thwarted. Minnesota has a long history of honoring diversity and insuring that all of its citizens receive equal protection and access under the law. Whether it is welcoming refugees from Africa and Southeast Asia, pushing for greater access to health care, offering quality educational opportunities or helping its most vulnerable citizens claim the American dream, Minnesota has often led the way. These are the same kinds of family values we believe Jesus shared.
History Reveals an Ugly Lesson
The institutional church has often chosen the wrong answer when faced with social questions and equality. We now look back at these times and shake our heads in shame. Consider these examples of how God was invoked to support discrimination:
Slavery
"Slavery was established by decree of Almighty God... It is sanctioned in the Bible, in both Testaments, from Genesis to Revelation... It has existed in all ages, has been found among the people of the highest civilization, and nations of the highest proficiency in the arts." (Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States of America)
Women's Right to Vote
"Who demands the ballot for woman? They are not the lovers of God, nor are they believers in Christ, as a class. There may be exceptions, but the majority prefer an infidel's cheer to the favor of God and the love of the Christian community. It is because of this tendency that the majority of those who contend for the ballot for woman cut loose from the legislation of Heaven, from the enjoyments of home, and drift to infidelity and ruin." (Justin Fulton, 1869)
Interracial Marriage
Almighty God created the races, white, black, yellow, malay and red, and he placed them on separate continents. All but for the interference with his arrangement there would be no cause for such marriage." (Virginia judge, 1959)
There are many more such historical examples. To learn more visit www.faithinamerica.com
How can we use the name of God or the standard of our religion to justify such shameful discrimination? It should make us all pause today whenever we feel the urge to condemn or demean other human beings simply because there is something different about them. Will Minnesota make the same mistake with GLBTQ people's request for equal access and responsibility as citizens of this great state?
Our Call to Action
We ask you to join us in calling Christians of goodwill to have the courage to speak out against the misuse of the example of Jesus as a justification for discrimination against GLBTQ Minnesotans. Here are four steps that Christians can take that will keep Minnesota a safer place for its GLBTQ citizens:
1. Stay committed to honesty.
It is too easy for church leaders and politicians to make vast sweeping statements about GLBTQ people without ever taking the time to know the truth. We must hold ourselves and our leaders to the high standard of truthfulness. When we hear someone say, "GLBTQ people choose to be that way" or "all gay men are promiscuous" or "homosexuality is an illness", challenge the truth of those beliefs. There is no scientific evidence or scriptural evidence to suggest any of these are true. Exodus 20:16 tells us, "Thou shalt not bear false witness." Religious people are called to stand for truth.
2. Risk getting to know a GLBTQ person.
History has shown us that those whom we don't know are the ones we fear the most. Building bridges across the chasms that separate us from other human beings was a clear message in Jesus' teaching. Have coffee, visit a GLBTQ church like All God's Children MCC, take a class at the local university or community college, or ask your friends to introduce you to their GLBTQ friends. Educating ourselves with first-hand experience is an important step in this process. If you are a GLBTQ person, make your next step in coming out to others with whom you can build bridges of understanding.
3. Study the Bible with an open mind.
Just because lots of Christians may say something about what the Bible says doesn't mean it is true. Look for yourself. Ask God to guide you in your study. We know how powerful cultural prejudice can be. It can color everything we see and read. Some good study sources include:
Miner, Jeff & Connoley, John Tyler, "The Children Are Free: Reexamining the Biblical Evidence on Same-sex Relationships. (2002)
West, Dr. Mona, "The Bible and Homosexuality"
White, Dr. Mel, "Religion Gone Bad"
4. Stop using the law to harm GLBTQ people
Whether it is equal marriage protection, domestic partnership benefits, adoption of children or equal access to the legal benefits other citizens enjoy, GLBTQ people don't deserve the mean-spirited legislation that is often championed by sincere (but sincerely wrong) Christian organizations to limit rights. Our state and nation is about "freedom and liberty for all" not just for those who look, think, act and go to the same church as I do.
All God's Children Metropolitan Community Church stands with Jesus in defense of those people who are being unfairly treated by religious leaders and legislators. We ask you to stand with us.
2009 WJD Events Across the Globe
Metropolitan Community Churches around the world are hosting local portions of the Would Jesus Discriminate? campaign. To learn the latest, please click here to visit the denominational website and learn about events in your area.
2007 WJD Events
April 17 and continuing indefinitely
WJD Tee shirt sales following worship for $10 in Whispering Hope Store.
April 19 Action Event (Successfully Completed)
Lobby Day at the State Capitol. Wear your WJD tee shirt and join the All God's Children continengent at the noon rally. You are also encouraged to visit your legislators that day. Taking them a WJD tee shirt might be a great gift!
April 22 and continuing indefinitely
WJD yard signs arrive. These are available for FREE following worship. Containing the same logo and web address as the tee shirts and other materials, the yard signs are a great witness across the community that fair-minded people live in your neighborhood.
May 12 Action Event (Successfully Completed)
This is a large gathering of tee shirt wearing people at the Mall of America at 2PM to simply walk around the mall, shop, go to the theater or other normal activities while your tee shirt does the talking for you. Key talking points will be given to each participant to assist you with answering questions you might raise.
May 20 Action Event (Successfully Completed)
Wear your tee shirt in the Minnesota AIDS Walk. The walk begins at noon at Minnehaha Park. Look for the other WJD participants.
June 3 Action Event (Successfully Completed)
Join a group of tee shirt wearing friends at Grand Old Day celebration in St. Paul.
June 14 (Successfully Completed)
Pastor Paul speaks live about Would Jesus Discriminate as a guest on Leigh Combs' show on KFAI radio. Broadcast time is 7PM.
June 23-24 Action Event (Successfully Completed)
GLBTQ Pride event at Loring Park. All God's Children will have tee shirts, yard signs and informational literature available at our booth throughout the weekend to educate the larger GLBTQ community about the WJD campaign. The Sunday morning worship service in Loring Park at 9AM and the All God's Children parade contingent will continue the WJD theme.
June/July Billboards
Billboards with the WJD logo and web address go up across the metro beginning June 11th. We know this will raise a great deal of interest from a large number of people wanting to know what WJD is all about. For billboard locations, click here.
July 3 Action Event (Successfully completed)
Taste of Minnesota outing. Wear your tee shirt and enjoy the great food and music of the Taste of Minnesota at Harriet Island in St. Paul.
July 14 News Coverage
Pastor Paul is guest on FOX9 television at 7:15AM to discuss WJD and the upcoming Town Hall Meeting. KSTP, Channel 5 also ran a story about the Town Hall meeting and the WJD campaign. Lavender magazine included a story plus photos in several places of the special Pride recap edition.
July 14 Town Hall Meeting - 6PM refreshments, 7PM meeting (ASL Interpretation provided) (Successfully completed)
This gathering drew together people from across the theological spectrum to discuss how we cross barriers and learn to listen to others who are different from us without resorting to name-calling or violence. Presenters at the Town Hall included Rev. Dr. Cindi Love, Executive Director of Metropolitan Community Churches; Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches; and Rev. Paul Eknes-Tucker, pastor of All God's Children MCC. State Senator Patricia Torres Ray was scheduled to speak but was unable to join us.
August 7 Action Event (Successfully completed)
National Night Out gathering. The neighborhood gathering for this national event is in the church parking lot beginning at 7PM. The church praise team and band will be providing music for the event. Wear your tee shirt and be part of building a better neighborhood.
August 26 Action Event (Successfully completed)
We're going to the "Great Miinnesota Get Together", the Minnesota State Fair. A group leaves after church to enjoy the food, rides, shows and fun. Wear your WJD tee shirt and be a witness to God's inclusive love.