Christians and Bullying: Standing with Gays and Lesbians

QUOTE OF THE WEEK “If I didn’t have those people back there, I would never have had anything to write about. That’s where I got all my stories from. My life is from them. … I’m going to do everything to keep up for them, in memory. That is my duty from now until I die.” - Author Ernest J. Gaines explaining why he takes care of an old cemetery on the former plantation where five generations of his ancestors, going back to slavery, are buried. (Source: New York Times) + Sign up to receive "Verse and Voice" - our daily quote and Bible verse e-mail Christians and Bullying: Standing with Gays and Lesbians  Get a free issue of Sojourners Donate to support Sojourners My mother used to give us kids two instructions: 1. If there is a kid on the playground that nobody else is playing with -- you play with them. 2. If there is a bully picking on other kids -- you be the one to stand up to him or her. Those two principles have served me well. And I can almost hear my mother's voice sometimes … like now. On Wednesday, I wore purple. I was speaking at North Park University, an evangelical Christian college, with Tim King, my colleague and a former student there. I was pleased to see them passing out purple ribbons and announcing why just before chapel. So I joined thousands of others across the country who believe that bullying should never be tolerated at any time, at any place, or for any reason. I wore purple to commemorate "Spirit Day," in memory of the many young people who have taken their own lives as a result of harassment and bullying inflicted on them because they are gay. I wore purple because I am a follower of Christ. A bully is a person who habitually intimidates, harasses, or commits violence against those who are smaller, weaker, or more vulnerable because of their "outsider" status. A bully stands in opposition to all of what Christ taught and lived. There is broad opposition within the Christian community to bullying, especially the sort that leads to the deaths we have seen as of late. This sort of harassment is indefensible. And the stories of young kids being so bullied that they take their own lives has been heartbreaking to hear. But, to paraphrase Christ, if you oppose bullying, what reward will you get? Isn't everybody against it? If all you do is say that you shouldn't harass someone until they kill themselves, are you really doing more than others? The fact that bullies target gay and lesbian people should mean that Christians give extra attention to protecting and standing up for them. The fact that any community or group of people is regularly the target of harassment and hate means Christians should be on the front line of defense against any who would attack. But, most bullies don't know that they are bullies. A bully might think that his or her words don't matter that much or affect others that greatly. A bully might think that he or she is being funny or just kidding around. A bully might think that he or she is just saying what everyone is thinking or speaking out about what everyone thinks. There is disagreement within the Christian community when it comes to issues of human sexuality. But, there should be a united front against all who would disrespect, disparage, or denigrate anyone created in the image of God. I hope you will join me in prayer for the family and friends of every young person who has taken their own lives. I hope you will join me in a message of hope for any person who has been teased, harassed, or bullied by another because of his or her sexual orientation. More than that, no matter what your views of homosexuality are, I hope you will join with me in standing in the way between bullies and their victims. At an evangelical Christian college in the Midwest, there was a lot of purple yesterday. And the airline security official who checked my boarding pass saw my purple ribbon and said, "I see you're wearing purple today, that's a good thing." Last week, I was taking my boys to school and raised the issue of the bullying and gay teen suicides to see what they had heard about it. My 12-year-old Luke, of course, knew all about it; while 7-year-old Jack hadn't heard yet. But Jack spoke of a boy on the playground of his school who was sometimes a bully to others. Before I could say a word, Luke said to his little brother, "Now Jack, you need to talk to him. He will respect and listen to you because you are an athlete, a good student, and very popular. Kids who are strong need to be the ones who stand up for those who get bullied. Jack, part of our job is to make sure nobody gets bullied at our school. Understand?" Jack said, "Yes," and I could just feel his grandmother smiling. E-mail this article to friends Share this article on Facebook Comment on this article on the God's Politics Blog

MFSA October newsletter

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RMN Flashnet 10/20/10

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Clergy Against Bullying

Dear friends in the faith in the NE UMC Annual Conference and beyond, Reconciling friends and persons of all faiths:  

 

Please READ and forward this moving Petition by the Human Rights Campaign today to pastors, local church members and friends of all faiths --  so that the cry is loud and clear from our spiritual leadership that bullying is not acceptable in our churches and communities around the world!

 

We need to hear from our pastors as our spiritual leaders at this time of bullying, hate and violence.  As laypersons of faith we also need to speak up and let folks know we want STOP bullying in our neighhorhoods and communities!   We thank all of you! 

 

maureen vetter and wendy smith, NE Reconciling Minitry Network Contacts, PRN contacts, Main Email Contacts, Local Contacts in NE, www.RMNetwork.org

************************************************************************************************************************************

Dear friends,

We need your help.  HRC has been working in partnership with faith leaders on a  "Clergy Against Bullying " petition and website.  Please sign this important letter for accountability and a time of healing in wake of gay teen suicides and anti-gay violence.  It will only take a minute of your time.

Please forward this email freely.  Below is the press release. 

Thanks and blessings,

Sharon

Dr. Sharon Groves, Deputy Director

HRC Religion and Faith Program

religion@hrc.org

Clergy Against Bullying:
A Faith Alliance to Stop Bullying of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender People

Media Release

October 18, 2010

Media Contact:  Ann Craig, 213-703-1365, craig@glaad.org

Clergy and faith leaders say “No More Bullying!”
In Wake of Gay Teen Suicides and Anti-Gay Violence, Faith Leaders Pledge Peaceful Actions

In a groundbreaking alliance of high level mainline Christian leaders and faith groups that fully include lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people, faith leaders released a statement calling on “the Church Universal to join us in working to end the violence and hatred against our lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters.” 

In the wake of a rash of suicides after anti-gay bullying and violent attacks on gay people in New York, top faith leaders signed a pledge “to be LGBT and straight people of faith standing together for the shared values of decency and civility, compassion and care in all interactions.”

National faith leaders signing the Clergy Against Bullying statement include the Rev. Michael Kinnamon, General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, the Rev. Geoffrey Black, President of the United Church of Christ, Elder Cynthia J. Bolbach, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church (USA), the Rev. Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, Bishop Yvette Flunder, Presiding Bishop of The Fellowship and the Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches.

The Rev. Michael Kinnamon said, "The member churches of the National Council of Churches are moved by scripture to affirm every person as a valued child of God and to support protection from bullying and discrimination.  Just as we spoke out on behalf of Muslims who were under threat, so we now stand as Clergy Against Bullying of our neighbors, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity. Given the recent outburst of anti-gay rhetoric and action, the Church must not be silent."

Head of The Episcopal Church, Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said, “The Episcopal Church abhors the persecution of any group of human beings and seeks the just and dignified treatment of all.”

"Bullying for any reason is contradictory to authentic religion,” said Dr. C. Welton Gaddy.  “Religion inspires respect, empathy, compassion and humility--values that prompt healing and condemn hurting."

“We are asking all faith colleagues, LGBT and straight alike, to go online and sign the Clergy Against Bullying statement and to work toward safe space for all God's children in our churches,” said the Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson.  “Too often, young people who are gay, transgender or questioning fear judgmental church people.  This statement by Clergy Against Bullying will help us all tell the story of the One who came not to judge or condemn but to love us.  Today we are saying to every child who is different in any way: ‘You are safe in the arms of God; you are safe with our congregations.’"     

Bishop Yvette Flunder of The Fellowship said, “When our young people hear messages of condemnation from church leaders, they are left alone to wonder if God loves them, if their families will reject them and if their peers will attack them with taunts and bullying.  Today, Clergy Against Bullying are choosing to speak words of humility, love and acceptance.”

Harry Knox of the Human Rights Campaign said, “We rejoice that we are joining our voices with Muslims for Progressive Values and the more than 300 Jewish organizational leaders coordinated by Keshet.  You will be inspired to do more when you read the powerful Keshet and Muslim statements.”

For a full statement of Clergy Against Bullying and to sign on, go to the web site.  All clergy and people of good faith are welcome to sign. Clergy Against Bullying will be building online resources to help congregations create safe spaces and support for all of God’s children, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender children.

News & Upcoming events

Open Hearts Reconciling Community folks:  

 

Here is the Oct and Nov news for our group.. Another great year of Spiritual Awakenings.. more info coming for fall and winter as times goes on..  I am just back from LIGHTEN THE BURDEN III in Dallas with Bill Black --  and hope to write a reflection in the next week or so!  

 

Reconciling on the Road:  Thanks to all persons and groups that donated  with love gifts for bill black, trinity UMC and Maureen Vetter to go from NE!   There were 168 persons who came from all over the world to learn and share stories .. the UM global aids fund launched the new 20 / 20 Campaign ..  Visioning an AIDS FREE world! 

 

Talk about hitting the road..  bill drove from Lincoln 12 hours each way to dallas and back to get us there and home yesterday -----  and i had fourteen hours in the car both ways leaving from G island to Dallas.. we met new people, heard many tough, heartbreaking stories, learned more what is happening with HIV AIDS in Africa and in the USA, around the world in the UMC.. many urgent challenges all over for those battling HIV AIDS  --------  and we need to step our fundraising locally in local churches, start conversations on HIV AIDS whenever we can and wherever, start doing programs in our churches on Human sexuality again, empowering women and laity with HIV AIDS advocacy and human sexuality!  Great curriculums available for all ages through Cokesbury publishing and time to work on AIDS prevention programs worldwide!   We had spiritual awakenings all three days with inspiration, honest sharing and passion as we tried to LIGHTEN THE BURDEN at this third conference in the UMC. 

 

Rev Steve Griffith attended the RMN Power Summit recently in Oct.. we look forward to hearing from him as well!

 

1)  Believe out loud with events and gatherings:  Oct 22, 23 and SATURDAY Nov 20:  Inspiring Communities Conference is coming Oct 22, 23 Hastings College for safer communities in NE!   SEVEN persons are going from Open Hearts on Friday night and FOUR persons going friday and saturday from our group!   We will be carpooling over to HASTINGS COLLEGE BOTH DAYS --  and sharing about the conference Nov 20 at our first SATURDAY gathering for thanksgiving!  Brian Whitecalf will TELL HIS STORY so come and lend support to him ..  bring a snack to share and come at 1 PM to get started ..  our meeting will run in the same place from 1 - 3 pm .. come early at 12:45 Nov 20 on SATURDAY if you are new to the Open hearts group to read the support group guidelines!   Bring a friend and come together for inclusive community!  We will take Thanksgiving offerings for RMN and do a fundraiser with CLAB Calendars..  also send in our yearly commitment to RMN..  sign up for new members and more!   Come join us!

 

2)  Nov 14:  Reconciling takes to the road again and we anticipate Spiritual awakenings with the movie "INCOMPATIBLE WITH Christian teaching" at Saint Paul UMC, 2:30 PM on Sunday..  the movie maker will be there and discussion after.  Saint Paul UMC is downtown and more info coming!  Contact:  Rev Steve Griffith at Saint Paul umc or go online or call.   Let's pack Saint Paul UMC with this important movie . invite your friends and carpool to Lincoln!

 

3)  World AIDS day coming Dec 1 with spiritual awakenings and responding in faith to those with HIV AIDS in our world :  

 

UM Global AIDS fund special offerings in Local Churches Dec 5!   If your church does not have an AIDS Ambassador to promote this offering, you can be that person!    Remember the commitment to $1 per member in NE (2006) and that would be $78,000 for this Special offering!   Offering envelopes are FREE at cokebury or create your own offering envelopes or fundraisers!

 

Write Maureen mvetter@charter.net or marta at martaw@hamilton.net or Andrew at NAP kearney to volunteer to be an AIDS Ambassador in the UMC and promote this Special offering in NE and around the world! casemanager2@kearneynap.org    If you want more info on this offering and the TOOLKIT of resources go to : www.umglobalaidsfund.org  today!   

 

We need you to help us be the arms of love around the world for this LIFE GIVING offering.    Send prayers and promote this offering in all local churches in NE!  

 

You can do fundraisers too this fall or winter for UM Global AIDS fund too!  we hope to do Baskets of LOVE for the two HIV AIDS funds (global fund and our local emergency fund for NAP kearney)  if you want to participate in Baskets of love Dec 5 and Dec 12 with a Silent Auction both weekends at worship --  let Maureen know atmvetter@charter.net ..   we will be sending ideas for fundraisers this winter!  

 

25 % of all offerings that are sent to NE Conf offices to the Conference Treasurer go to LOCAL AIDS projects for Working for an AIDS Free World Grants set up by our new NE UMC HIV AIDS Task Force a year ago!  Applications for these Grants are due Nov 1 .. you find the Grant to apply on the Conference website:  www.umcneb.org  and then go to Ministries in Action, then to Risk taking mission and find it on the Risk taking mission and Justice team page!  

 

4)  Star City Pride events :  attached info on events and tell your friends..  hit the road and connect with new friends.. collaborate with other GLBT groups!

 

5) Go online to Foundry UMC, Washington DC for news about doing same sex unions in an all church decision in September.

 

6) Check out other Reconciling congregations around the USA and get inspiration!   www.RMNetwork.org  Go to Pacific Northwest Conference a Reconciling Conference as well!   First UMC Tucson is voting soon to become a Reconciling congregation!   You can start a Reconciling community with two more folks or an established group at your church!

 

7) Sign up to be a Reconciling United Methodist today and join over 300 persons in NE now --  we hope to reach 400 RUM's this year.. start a Reconciling support group in your area at a coffee shop, at a Sunday school class, at a book study or book group, at a youth group, at a community group, at a choir or movie group.. 

 

Check out the book "Voices from the KINGDOM" by beverly cole or "COMING OUT as Sacrament" by Chris Glaser, "Change the World" by Mike Slaughter or Transformal Journal..  there are also many books by Bishop Spong who is coming as the Theologian to HORIZONS OF FAITH Conference in Omaha late march for the 10th Anniversary!  

 

Go to www.horizonsoffaith.com   "Stranger at the Gate" by Mel White is a moving telling our story -------   "Would Jesus Discriminate" is a book by the new director of Soulforce!   Send your offerings to RMN, TELL our stories, share your stories one on one!  

 

Start a project for writing down your SACRED stories on paper as a booklet to share in your local group and congregation this winter, put together Awakening our spiritual stories, Believe out loud stories or go to the new Blog to share your stories:   www.nebraskarum.blogspot.com

 

8) A brand new book is available for groups entitled "NAMES NOT JUST NUMBERS" by Don Messer on HIV AIDS along with his total of 15 books authored!   Go online today to purchase them for groups, coffee get togethers, sharing for gifts and more!   Dr Don Messer is a volunteer Chairperson for the UMC Global AIDS fund --  we need more AIDS Ambassadors if you are feeling called to respond in faith this way!

 

9)  OUTREACH, Missions in G Island :  The movie THE 800 Mile Wall this wed, oct 20 with FREE Admission at the Grand Theater, Grand island, NE downtown!  Juan Carlos frey the movie maker will be there and the keynote speaker at the Multicultural Conference Thurs Oct 21 at the Midtown Holiday Inn, Grand island, NE~  learn how to be involved in diversity projects.  

 

The Literacy Council Fundraiser Nov 4 at the Saddle Club, G Island, Call Kelly Outson at the Literacy council today for tickets!  Volunteer to be a Literacy mentor today!   Literancy volunteers are needed in G Island!  Sudanese Ed time for children each sunday is another MISSIONS project at TUMC!   Volunteer to be a sub or helper, do snacks today.. call Jan coghlan at TUMC, family ministries!    Kelly OUTSON the Director of Literacy council is sharing at our Friends for the Journey forum, Sunday Nov 21 along with upcoming books preview!   Celtic Light Circle is Nov 7 and MS support group info in G Island all at 10 am on sundays in Nov in Gollagher chapel at TUMC, Trinity UMC.

 

10) More coming about "Another year of Spiritual Awakenings" this winter!   Reflect on your spiritual awakenings!  Share your spiritual awakenings!   We hope to find ways to share some rainbows next year locally, do uplifting meet ups for signing up folks, movies, books, fundraisers for birthdays and collaborating with other GLBTQ groups ....... building partnerships.. starting support groups of friends and growing the circle of reconciling in NE and beyond!    Open hearts events for 2011:  january coffee time, Feb meeting on Sunday Feb 20, Horizons of faith March 25 - 27, Saturday meeting April 16 with Marta wheeler sharing about her brother and HIV AIDS, with pride events rainbows, movies and meet ups in summer!~  

 

Maureen Vetter, Wendy Smith, PRN contacts, Main Email contacts, local contacts and friends around NE

mvetter@charter.net   wsmith28@gmail.com

 

Open Hearts Reconciling community

If you want to create a BASKET of LOVE for the silent auction Dec 5 and 12 weekends for our TWO HIV AIDS funds at the church..  contact Maureen Vetter mvetter@charter.net or Debz bartlett today!    We would love to have a dozen or so baskets.. we have SIX signed up to be donated so far!

Nov 14 is the documentary in Lincoln at 2:30 pm at Saint Paul UMC downtown.. i hope some of us can carpool...  Incompatible with Christian Teaching is the movie and movie maker..

NEW TIME and DAY in Nov and April :   Nov 20 SATURDAY is our next OPEN HEARTS Support group gathering from 1 - 3 pm in The Gathering place with Brian Telling his story and our Thanksgiving meeting!   See you there from 1 - 3 PM, bring a snack to share, Fundraiser for RMN and offering, upcoming events etc.  Come early at 12:45 if you are new to the group!  Our support group meetings are held in the Gathering place at Trinity UMC, 511 N Elm, Grand island, NE

World AIDS day plans are being made for Dec 5 including Baskets of love for our two funds :  UM Global AIDS Fund and TUMC Emergency HIV AIDS fund.. also a possible service, offerings at all worships and more!    We meet tonight to make plans!

Keep in touch and remember we are discussing the book THE SHACK at Friends for the Journey in Gollagher Chapel --Oct 31 at 10 am on halloween on sunday..  the author is in Lincoln sunday night at 7 PM at St marks UMC to keynote the Shame and Guilt conference for three days.  We will be sharing upcoming books Nov 21 at 10 am and also learning about LITERACY COUNCIL and how to volunteer, give support, dinner Nov 4 as a fundraiser..  $25 to support Literacy council --  they need your help!

Sign up for the new HIV AIDS book in the church offices for Dec reading and holiday remembering others who are struggling with HIV AIDS:  NAMES, NOT JUST NUMBERS by Don messer and this book is just out!  Don is Director of the UM Global AIDS fund for the UM church and is volunteering this in his RETIREMENT!

Sign up for this book in December --  and January /  February books in the church offices in NOV.. they will be announced Nov 21 at the Friends for the Journey forum at 10 am --  and we will discuss the book new book on HIV AIDS at one of our homes in December!

Invite your friends and come join us at events!  friends for the journey! Join us for worship each weekend!    www.RMNetwork.org
Call the church for more info too!   maureen vetter   mvetter@charter.net and cathy denmandanddenman@hotmail.com

Foundry umc votes to allow same gender unions!

http://www.foundryumc.org/