Friday, May 6, 2011

A MESSAGE REGARDING FULL INCLUSION OF GAY PEOPLE IN EVERY ASPECT OF SECULAR AND CHURCH LIFE

UPDATE, 5/10: ESSENTIAL READING: PUTTING AN AFRICAN-AMERICAN FACE ON GAY MARRIAGE



The above is a well thought-out and articulate message for full acceptance of Gay people!

In this connection, the following contains some of the quotes I made in an interview for an article that appears in this week's edition of the "Chico News and Review," entitled, "Is Homosexuality a Sin?", by Jerry Olenyn:

One who is unafraid to speak his mind is the Rev. Jerry Maneker, a retired professor of sociology at Chico State and an ordained Christian minister.

Maneker posts a blog online called “A Christian Voice for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Rights.”

He compares gay rights to the civil-rights movement of 50 years ago. “In 40 years we’ll be wondering how it was possible that we could have prevented gays from full participation in the life of the church.”

Maneker goes further. He blames the church for contributing to the high suicide rate among gay teens, stating that ministers who preach that homosexuality is sinful, or who remain silent amidst homophobic rhetoric, have “blood on their hands.”

He says clergy—no matter their tone or earnestness—who preach that homosexuality is evil engage in hate speech.

“There are different degrees of hate speech,” Maneker said. “But ultimately these ministers give permission to whack-jobs to feel free to kill and bash gay people because they think they’re doing God’s mission.”


Of course, I stand by those comments in which I fervently believe. Some other ministers called my contentions "absurd," which is to be expected by those who allow their preconceived prejudices, based on ignorance and/or hate, to trump the Gospel of grace.

I have no doubt that full integration of Gay people in every aspect of secular and institutional Church life will follow the trajectory of the full integration of African-Americans in the United States!
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4 comments:

DC HAMPTON JACOBS said...

And Jerry, what was these "ministers'" stated justification for callling you absurd? Did you run into some "Old Testament" Christians?
Quoting Leviticus and mistranslated letters from the Apostle Paul?

Jerry Maneker said...

Hi Don Charles: They didn't give their names, and no justifications were given. They are legalists to whom the Gospel of grace is foreign; they teach their congregations the big lie that we must add something to the finished work of Christ and to the free gift of God, thereby committing the egregious sin of throwing God's grace back in God's face. Best wishes, Jerry.

Jerry Maneker said...

Joyce: I chose not to include your comment, as it is grossly illiterate and betrays your arrogant ignorance about Scripture and the Gospel. I would suggest you read the book, "Gay Christian 101," by Rick Brentlinger, but I'm afraid even that book would not open your eyes. Jerry Maneker.

Jerry Maneker said...

To Lavern: I'm not posting your ignorant and hateful remarks. This forum is geared to intelligent people who are interested in various facets of the intersection between Christianity and LGBT people and issues. Moreover, you are dead wrong in both your perceptions and in the interpretation you give to the selected Bible verses you chose to cite. Ad hominem arguments are both wrong-headed and hateful, and no Christian worthy of the name engages in them. Jerry Maneker