Now is the time that we need all those good Christian folks who say they are our friends. I hope some of my well-meaning and supportive buddies on the Memphis Ministerial Alliance will help! I keep hoping that the decency of loving followers of Jesus will out-voice the Christians who use the glbt community as fear fodder. Yep, it is clear that there are different Christianities and on most subjects we see the world quite differently. Sadly, alot of folks in Tennessee like to think the Christian voice is summed up in being saved and conforming to evangelical interpretations of our common faith. In other words, a "fear-factor-Christianity" that is used to serve the status quo, seeks privilege and keeps faith-maturity at a fifth grade level seems to be the dominant and loudest voice. WE really need all the folks who see a diverse creation, who confess a faith that expands our world view and who know a redemptive life is a life of gratitude, to step up to the plate!
Holy Trinity Church has had a remarkable history of providing refuge for gay,lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and progressive Christians in the Mid-South for nearly two decades. Over these years we have seen more and more opportunities for the rainbow community to live and work more fully in the larger community due to our witness. As you all know, hiding in a covered parking lot, existing in unmarked buildings, avoiding the media spotlight and hiding our light under a bushel would not have pleaded our case for fairness. Holy Trinity over these years has at times walked a tight rope between being a safe haven for exiles and being a prophetic voice for our brilliantly diverse community. While we have had seasons of solitude for healing and restoration, we have had seasons for confrontation and advocacy. An opportune time has arisen for advocacy in these next few weeks. Again, we must share our dream of a Shelby County that respects all people.
Last week I had the opportunity of joining with our friends from the Tennessee Equality Project and Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center to help introduce a non-discrimination ordinance to the Shelby County Commission. Who would have imagined that we would be at this place where Shelby County would be willing to hear and consider adding sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression to the present non-discrimination ordinance? This would be a first for the whole state of Tennessee. I wonder if it would set off a chain reaction like dominoes across the state making our Tennessee cities more egalitarian? The greatest opposition will be from right-wing politically active Christians. It is imperative that our county commissioners hear from people of faith in favor of including glbt people in the non-discrimination ordinance. Justice has arrived on our doorstep, I hope we have the oil and lamps ready to make the journey!
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