David Hayward, who is known on this site for his thought-provoking nakedpastor cartoons, has a serious post up on his site that deserves a read.
He used to be a church pastor who was welcoming to gay people. But that didn’t stop other members of his church from holding views that ran the spectrum from outright bigotry to complete acceptance. That can’t be an easy group of people to lead… (And good luck discussing the issue of homosexuality in the pulpit.)
But now that he’s gone from the church world?
I still believe that gays should have equal status, rights and privileges without fear of negative ramifications in all of society. But it is no longer complicated by my constant obsession with their acceptance and inclusion into a delicate and sometimes easily offended community, the church.
It simply doesn’t matter. So you’re gay! So what? Be gay! If you want to be a part of a religious community, then find one that is inclusive. Or find one that is trying to be. Or go and keep your identity and orientation private. Or go to one that isn’t inclusive and don’t give a damn what they think about you and cause a shit-storm. Whatever. This is not to trivialize the extent of the pain you’ve experienced over this issue. But your sexuality is your business. Not theirs.
This is incredibly uplifting to me: Homosexuality is no longer an issue for David because he’s not trying to lead a church.
Some people are gay. That’s it. It’s not right or wrong or good or bad. It’s just what it is. And it’s not a big deal. When you look at it that way, arguments about whether or not gay or lesbian couples “deserve equal rights” become silly — of course they should. Why wouldn’t they have the same rights as everyone else?
Isn’t this the perspective we wish everyone would have on the issue?
It’s Moving Day for the Friendly ..."
It’s Moving Day for the Friendly ..."
It’s Moving Day for the Friendly ..."
It’s Moving Day for the Friendly ..."