This week, Keith Boykin and Jasmyne Cannick are highlighting black ministers and preachers who have used their pulpits for anti-gay and lesbian politics and sermons.
Many of these same ministers are recipients of "faith-based" money, which is government money used to promote church causes and projects. Remember the separation of church and state? Yeah, the concept is like over 200 years old, but it's supposed to be an active concept and "value", right? Hmmm...
Anyway...
The columns are promoting a lot of dialogue and getting people to reflect on their experiences in and out the black church as they relate to the black gay and lesbian community. There are some who agree with the purpose of this week's columns, and there are some who do not.
And I thought you might want to take a look... if you haven't already. To make up your own mind and think about how institutions, such as churches in this instance, but also schools, government, families, media, can make or break the lives of gay and lesbian people in their midst.
Keith and Jasmyne are putting themselves out there in a major way. It's courageous.
And as I often tell my students, being a leader means putting yourself on the line in both popular and unpopular ways. Putting yourself out there can be lonely. And vulnerable. And character-building. But in the end, the goal is to create something better for society at large. For everyone.
At least that's the hope.
Keith Boykin's site.
Jasmyne Cannick's site.
National Black Justice Coalition site.
fs
3 comments:
Yes, we must put ourselvs out there and be heard. I completely agree with what you tell you students. I tell that to my friends as well. Will check those sites.
this is really an important issue - im glad they are talking about it.
Frederick,...What do you think about what they are doing? Do you think it is the right thing to do or not?
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