This is a sad example of just how far Christian wingnuts will take their campaign against gay people, and just how personally they administer it. They always say they “hate the sin, but love the sinner,” which is, of course, one of their greatest lies, but they have no qualms doing everything they can to, for instance, make Bishop Gene Robinson’s life miserable:
CONCORD, N.H. — The first openly gay Episcopal bishop said Saturday that he will retire in 2013, due in part to the “constant strain” on him and his family from the worldwide backlash against his election seven years ago.
Bishop V. Gene Robinson, whose consecration convulsed the global Anglican fellowship, said he was announcing his retirement early so the transition would be smooth for the Diocese of New Hampshire. He assured congregants that he is healthy and sober after seeking treatment for alcoholism five years ago. He will be 65 when he steps down.
Robinson revealed his plans at the annual diocesan convention in Concord.
“The fact is, the last seven years have taken their toll on me, my family and you,” the bishop said, in prepared remarks released by the diocese. “Death threats, and the now-worldwide controversy surrounding your election of me as bishop have been a constant strain, not just on me, but on my beloved husband, Mark.”
He deserves a break. The work he’s done, just by being the pioneer, is beyond measure.
Bishop Gene Robinson spoke last night with Rachel Maddow on MSNBC about the Christian Right’s National Prayer Breakfast and the rival American Prayer Hour.
Maddow first introduces the segment with a review of The Family’s efforts to promote terror and destroy human rights in Uganda. She shows brief clips of President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, and then showcases the American Prayer Hour as an alternative faith event for leaders who oppose the Christian Right’s abuse of the National Prayer Breakfast.
Truth Wins Out co-hosted a press conference on Tuesday announcing the American Prayer Hour. The purpose of the APH, which is Thursday, February 4, is to offer an alternative to the annual National Prayer Breakfast, which takes place on the same day and is run by the secretive fundamentalist organization known as The Family. This shadowy group is directly tied to the notorious “Kill the Gays” bill in Uganda.
Among those who spoke were:
Harry Knox, Director of Religion and Faith for the Human Rights Campaign
Bishop Gene Robinson
Moses, a young gay man from Uganda, is seeking asylum in the United States because he fears for his life in Uganda
Please join an American Prayer Hour event tomorrow (Feb. 4) in a city near you.
(Moses, pictured left, is a gay Ugandan seeking asylum in the U.S. who had to hide his face at today’s press conference. He feared persecution and even violence if his identity were known.)
Religious Leaders Urge America’ Leaders to Speak Out Against Event’s Connection to Abhorrent Ugandan “Anti-Homosexuality Bill”
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Key religious leaders held a press conference this morning at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. to announce the formation of The American Prayer Hour, a multi-city event to be held in two days on February 4, 2010, with key events in Washington, D.C., Dallas, Chicago and Berkeley and to call on organizers of the National Prayer Breakfast, Members of Congress attending and the President to use the opportunity to send a clear, unified message against the horrendous Ugandan “Anti-Homosexuality Bill”.
The American Prayer Hour was announced as an alternative to the National Prayer Breakfast which is sponsored by The Family (aka The Fellowship), a group with disturbing ties to those spearheading Uganda’ oppressive “Anti-Homosexuality Bill.” The Bill proposed by Parliament Member, David Bahati, adds an array of criminal punishments for gay people‚Äîincluding the death penalty.
Harry Knox, Director of Religion and Faith for the Human Rights Campaign,(pictured left) opened the press conference and said, “Tax documents from The Family show millions of dollars have gone into programs run by David Bahati, Ugandan Parliament Member who wrote the anti-gay legislation for Uganda. With that kind of influence, we call on the head of The Family, Doug Coe, to publicly speak out against the proposed anti-gay bill in Uganda. Our nation’ public officials, religious leaders and civil and human rights champions must speak with one, clear voice that the proposed execution of a group of people for no other reason than because of their sexuality is immoral and will not be tolerated or condoned through silence. Members of Congress and other elected officials attending this event cannot turn a blind eye to the obligation they have to speak out against such inhumane proposals such as the legislation being proposed in Uganda.”
Metropolitan Community Church pastor, the Rev. Elder Darlene Garner, (pictured) said, “MCC is an international denomination at work in dozens of countries so we know firsthand that hatred of gay people is not limited to Uganda. Sadly, conservative groups like The Family continue to spread lies and foment rejection of people based on perceived or real differences in sexual orientation and gender identity. In the name of protecting families, they tell parents to reject their sons and daughters. Implicitly they ask families to imprison their own people and inflict the death penalty on them, whether on the streets or in the jails.”
Moses, a gay Ugandan man seeking asylum in The United States said, “It breaks my heart that I have to leave my family and loved ones to seek asylum in this country simply because I am gay. Even as I speak, gay people a are being persecuted as a result of this proposed law against gay people. I can only imagine how bad it will be if the bill is actually passes.”
Bishop Gene Robinson, (pictured left) the first openly gay bishop in the Episcopal Church said, “I spent time in Uganda to help set up HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs many years ago. Ugandans are a generous and hospitable people. But because of an unholy alliance between conservative religious groups in this country and anti-gay forces overseas Ugandans are turning on their own Ugandan sons and daughters who happen to be gay. This proposed law is a threat to LGBT people in Uganda and everywhere. Around 35% of Ugandans are Anglican and 45% are Catholic. Although many faith leaders have stood by silently, today we speak out on behalf of the marginalized. Faith leaders of all traditions should speak out for the most vulnerable in Uganda before it’ too late.”
Bishop Carlton Pearson, (left, with collar) interim senior pastor at Chicago’ Christ Universal Temple said, “As a straight ally, gay and transgender people come to me and say “thank you for speaking out.’ In Uganda, gay and transgender people cannot even say “thank you.’ They are being silenced by the threat of imprisonment and death. In the yawning silence, we must speak and we must pray. Both religious and political leaders must pray for gay people in Uganda and stop preying on them.”
Frank Schaeffer, (pictured left) son of pre-eminent conservative theologian, Francis Schaeffer said, “As a person who was raised in the heart of conservative Christianity, it took me years to realize that anti-gay beliefs are wrong and not inherent to Christianity. Today, fundamentalists are exporting anti-gay beliefs because fewer and fewer people here believe the lies. It’ time to stop using gay people as political pawns and understand that we are all children of God.”
Barry Lynn, Executive Director of Americans for Separation of Church (pictured below) said, “We are heartened to note that Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, and the State Department, under President Obama’ direction, have been actively working against the proposed anti-gay law in Uganda. These efforts have led Ugandan President Museveni and MP David Bahati to signal that they are considering changes to the legislation. But, now is not the time to ease up the pressure but to continue to push for full decriminalization of gay and transgender people. We ask that President Obama to take the lead on human rights for everyone, everywhere, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”
Southern California already had its hands full with an invasion of giant squid when another squishy invertebrate washed ashore. At the Episcopal Church’ conference in Anaheim, California, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, wrapped his amoral tentacles around a proposal to allow more gay bishops.
Williams kicked off the convention with a deplorable speech urging the American church to, once again, abandon their gay friends and family members. His sole mission was to hold together the worldwide Anglican Communion and appease conservatives, even at the expense of the denomination’ decency and dignity.
“I hope and pray there won’t be decisions in the coming days that will push us further apart,” sniveled the feckless Williams.
Williams should understand that a church that uses bigotry as the glue that binds is not worth saving. Furthermore, his obsession with church growth has led to the embrace of sordid tyrants like Nigerian Archbishop, Peter J. Akinola, who is associated with shady activities, if not outright atrocities in Africa.
Fortunately, the American bishops made history and voted 104-30, with 2 abstentions, in favor of the pro-gay measure. The homophobes, of course, offered a heaping helping of hysterics and histrionics. It seems they just can’t find spiritual fulfillment without stepping on the dreams and aspirations of other people.
“It is breaking my heart to see the church destroy itself,” whined Bishop William Love of Albany, clearly betraying his family name.
Don’t you just adore how these divisive souls carelessly wield the wrecking ball yet always accuse other people of division and destruction? Without gay people to kick around, these troglodytes might have nothing better to do than focus on God. What fun would that be?
Now that the Episcopal Church has made a bold decision, one wonders if it can survive. The denomination of two million members decreased six percent between 2003-2007 and the recession has affected its finances.
It seems they are banking on the radical idea that a church can expand by promoting “inclusivity.” I hope that they are proven correct, but I have my doubts. It is no secret that the fastest growing churches have branded themselves as bastions of intellectual stagnation and social intolerance. The slogan for such places might read: “America may have changed, but you don’t have to.” (Read More)
The president is now taking spiritual guidance from no less than five different pastors, whom he phones for advice at moments of stress or when making big decisions.
But a year after the incendiary rantings of Rev Wright threatened to derail Mr Obama’s presidential campaign, revelation of the “dial-a-prayer” sessions has prompted critics to declare that he has a new “pastor problem”.
That has enraged Obama supporter Wayne Besen, founder of Truth Wins Out, a New York organisation which campaigns against the “ex-gay” movement in the church, which insists that homosexuality is nothing more than a sinful lifestyle choice.
He told The Sunday Telegraph: “I think Obama’s got another pastor problem. There’s a tendency to surround himself with these anti-gay preachers which is very offensive. These are people who believe that we are sinful and sick and that you can pray away the gay.
“The notion that Obama can’t find a pastor in America who doesn’t have these outrageous extreme beliefs is baffling to many of us.”
Campaigners say that by talking to those with the views of Bishop Jakes, the president sends the wrong message to his gay supporters who had hoped for a new tone from the White House after eight years in which George W. Bush used wedge issues like opposition to gay marriage to drum up conservative votes.
Mr Besen said: “He’s giving credibility to people who are virulently anti-gay and promoting discrimination. The president has given these homophobes his stamp of approval. He has given them a platform. By elevating these extreme elements, he’s hurting our community.” He suggested that Mr Obama should consult Bishop Gene Robinson, the openly gay head of the American episcopal church, whose ordination sparked a split in the worldwide Anglican union.
“Why not have Gene Robinson in that five?” he said. “There’s a person of courage and integrity and the kind of international leader that Obama should look towards. It’s very disappointing.”
UPDATE 2: It appears that the Team Obama has responded. Gene Robinson’s website said that, “One addendum to yesterday’s posting: I have been invited to be on the President’s Platform for the inauguration/swearing in. An astounding honor!”
UPDATE 1: This is the official statement from Team Obama:
“We had always intended and planned for Rt. Rev. Robinson’s invocation to be included in the televised portion of yesterday’s program. We regret the error in executing this plan — but are gratified that hundreds of thousands of people who gathered on the mall heard his eloquent prayer for our nation that was a fitting start to our event,” said PIC communications director Josh Earnest.
TWO’s Response: “We appreciate the explanation,” said Wayne Besen, Executive Director of Truth Wins Out. “However, it seems that Team Obama should make up for its error by having the courtesy to invite Bishop Robinson to address the nation on national television. He is a major national figure, and more historically prominent than Rick Warren, who will give the invocation. He deserves a ‘Do-Over’.”
Warren Gets Prime Time, Robinson Gets No Time, Says TWO
Truth Wins Out today urged the Presidential Inauguration Committee (PIC) to explain why openly gay Episcopal Bishop Gene Robinson was excluded from a Home Box Office airing of inauguration festivities. He gave his sermon on Sunday, but HBO did not air it, leaving America wondering why he was bumped from the broadcast. Additionally, Robinson’ microphone wasn’t turned on until his prayer was nearly over, so the crowd was also unable to hear him. (Read More)
With a gift of $35 to Truth Wins Out, you can receive an autographed copy of "Anything But Straight: Unmasking the Scandals and Lies Behind the Ex-Gay Myth."
This is a sad example of just how far Christian wingnuts will take their campaign against gay people, and just how personally they administer it. They always say they “hate the sin, but love the sinner,” which is, of course, one of their greatest lies, but they have no qualms doing everything they can to, for instance, make Bishop Gene Robinson’s life miserable:
The American Prayer Hour was announced as an alternative to the National Prayer Breakfast which is sponsored by The Family (aka The Fellowship), a group with disturbing ties to those spearheading Uganda’ oppressive “Anti-Homosexuality Bill.” The Bill proposed by Parliament Member, David Bahati, adds an array of criminal punishments for gay people‚Äîincluding the death penalty.
other elected officials attending this event cannot turn a blind eye to the obligation they have to speak out against such inhumane proposals such as the legislation being proposed in Uganda.”
oses, a gay Ugandan man seeking asylum in The United States said, “It breaks my heart that I have to leave my family and loved ones to seek asylum in this country simply because I am gay. Even as I speak, gay people a are being persecuted as a result of this proposed law against gay people. I can only imagine how bad it will be if the bill is actually passes.”
wn Ugandan sons and daughters who happen to be gay. This proposed law is a threat to LGBT people in Uganda and everywhere. Around 35% of Ugandans are Anglican and 45% are Catholic. Although many faith leaders have stood by silently, today we speak out on behalf of the marginalized. Faith leaders of all traditions should speak out for the most vulnerable in Uganda before it’ too late.”
Frank Schaeffer, (pictured left) son of pre-eminent conservative theologian, Francis Schaeffer said, “As a person who was raised in the heart of conservative Christianity, it took me years to realize that anti-gay beliefs are wrong and not inherent to Christianity. Today, fundamentalists are exporting anti-gay beliefs because fewer and fewer people here believe the lies. It’ time to stop using gay people as political pawns and understand that we are all children of God.”
