In light of this week’s news of a North Carolina pastor calling for people who are gay or lesbian to be rounded up and fenced in – concentration-camp-like – along with other toxic anti-gay statements attributed to some pastors during the recent Amendment One campaign, the NC Council of Churches is reiterating a critical point.
We reaffirm our belief that all people are created in the image of God and are equally loved by God. As the Council said 20 years ago, we reject “the fear, prejudice and hatred that foster societal and religious attitudes which either encourage, condone, or ignore violence and discrimination against gay men and lesbians.” Read the full statement here.
This pastor’s words were stunning and horrifying, evoking an historic tragedy rooted in intolerance. He looks forward to the day when his rounding-up-and-fencing-in operation will mean that there will no longer be any people who are gay or lesbian. There are those still alive today who have lived through a time when isolation and extermination were used in an effort to rid the planet of minorities that were hated in some circles. Given the sacrifices of those who fought long and hard to defeat that movement and the inhumanity others endured during that time, it is unimaginable that these ideas are still with us.
We are grateful that these few visible, vitriolic pastors do not represent all people of faith in North Carolina or even all people of faith who supported Amendment One. And we call on those who agree with us – regardless of position on Amendment One – to repudiate the toxic statements of hatred by signing onto the statement below.
Meg Hemauer says
June 7, 2012 at 1:01 pmIt is astounding that having been through our human history that at this time we still are finding divisiveness and hate because of ignorance. We know ignorance is a cancer that needs attention, but attention not based on reactiveness but thoughtful, careful and prayerful action.
From the history of addressing ‘things’ we don’t understand (mental illnes, addiction, cancer, leprosy, aids, ‘religion’, cultures)in fear and isolation may we be moved in Jesus name with the help of the Holy Spirit to allaying fears to promoting understanding to living in peace accepting that differences that are do not have to divide us hurt us or make us angry. We are all flawed human beings and may we be able to look at this as an opportunity to respond to ignorance and fear with grace and in Hope to His Glory.
Rev. Gene W. Moore, Fire Chaplain says
May 25, 2012 at 9:37 pmI will not agree to marry anyone until ALL can marry. Those pastors who preach hate must not be allowed to marry anyone until they can learn of God’s love of ALL God’s children.
Hilda and Larry Highfill says
May 25, 2012 at 7:56 pmThank you for giving us this opportunity to join others in opposing
hateful language toward anyone. We deplore all acts, words or behaviors which are demeaning or violent toward others. As Christians
we are called to be accepting, compassionate and loving toward all of
God’s children.
David McBriar, OFM says
May 25, 2012 at 5:16 pmThank you, my brothers and sisters from the Council of Churches. We can always count on you to make the voice of Jesus heard.
Jeanne Patterson says
May 25, 2012 at 2:43 pmThanks for speaking out on this issue. I agree.