Many Voices Blog
When Love Gets Lost in the Scuffle
I have lived through that peculiar moment in American history, when it came to marriage, many Christians were more concerned about the race of persons who love each other, than the quality and content of their love for each other. …
Gays are us
From the pen of Reverend Dr. Dennis W. Wiley, prior to the King Memorial Dedication As the nation prepares to celebrate the dedication of the new Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington, D.C., this weekend, I am reminded that …
5 tips to begin welcoming gay/transgender people in the church
Perhaps you love your congregation, but you’re troubled or hurt by its failure to acknowledge and affirm the presence of gay and transgender (LGBT) people. You know the church is failing in its mission to welcome all, but it’s hard …
Sweet Tea: “We haven’t forgiven ourselves for being gay.”
On a recent Saturday night I went to see playwright E. Patrick Johnson in his one man performance, Sweet Tea: Black Gay Men of the South. One point he brilliantly made during a monologue has haunted my thoughts, “We haven’t …
Growing the economy of belonging
We frequently look at belonging, in society and in the body of Christ, as a limited and diminishing account – few are called and few will ever measure up enough to make the cut! What does Jesus have to say …
6 steps for pastors: Opening dialogue about welcoming gay and transgender people in the church
Is your congregation silent on the subject? Contrary to popular assumptions, most churches are not loudly condemning gay and transgender (LGBT) people; they’re simply silent. In fact, many pastors want to be affirming but fear the congregation’s reaction, and many …
Why LGBT equality is not a “white” issue
From the pen of Reverend Dr. Dennis W. Wiley At last month’s 102nd annual convention of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, a historic workshop focused on overcoming homophobia within the black community. As an African American, …
“Go into all the world…” Really?
Showing broad acceptance of people of different sexual orientations, as well as other diverse backgrounds should be our goal. The message of Christ is for the whole world, and all who embrace Christ become part of the body of Christ, …
Pastor, “Is God displeased with me?”
Recently a pastor described to me the experience of sitting in the office with a church member and being asked a familiar question, “Pastor, Is God displeased with me?” This leader had demonstrated and publicly stated their welcome. The congregation …
Are families of gays and lesbians free to talk in your church?
Welcoming and accepting congregations can provide support to families and friends of gay and lesbian people who have in the past felt unable to safely talk about their questions and concerns. For every gay person in North America, there are …