In his article entitled Church Gives Sanctuary to Gay Man and His Family, Samuel Freedman describes a church in the very conservative State of
In today’s society, we are fighting for a new set of civil rights. While racism still exists in today’s society, and we must be ever vigilant to fight it at every turn, a different type of discrimination has developed. The gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, and transgender community is fighting hard for equal rights, and they should have them. This issue is multifaceted, and very complicated. However, one issue I would like to discuss is the idea of adoption.
With a divorce rate at over 50%, and children growing up in one parent homes, GLBT couples should have the right to adopt children. In fact, in many states they already do. However, in Florida, GLBT citizens are not permitted to adopt children. While I understand some of the concerns that some may find problematic, such as negative reactions of some towards the children, and ridicule the children might face in school, no real reason exists as to why GLBT people should be denied. Children statistically do better in school and social interactions when they have grown up in a two parent home than they do in a single parent home. I will not generalize, however, and say this is always the case, because, of course, it is not, s. But
So, good for you Pullen Memorial Baptist Church for being open to the changing culture, and helping to fight the new civil rights fight. Continue to be the voice of change, and I hope that someday you will not be alone.
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As a new resident of North Carolina (go Duke!), I think the article in question is especially interesting. First, I'd like to point out that while some of the Baptist churches in question were, indeed, very conservative theologically (and most likely, politically), North Carolina itself is a swing-state this upcoming election. Even in the context of a Southern Baptist tradition, I think the Keel's situation may have been different in, say Mississippi. But, ultimately, the Pullen church is a bold one. Though I admire the acceptance and tolerance demonstrated by this congregation, as a member of the evangelical community, I also don't expect a string of churches to follow suit. Still, while Pullen may be an anomaly theologically, it could foreshadow a political trend of increased tolerance for gays in the form of legislation.
Pullen church is indeed very bold. Isn't it slightly sad, however, that a church is bold for accepting people the way they are? I sincerely doubt that their acceptance will invoke a religious trend where gay people are considered “spiritual heroes,” but it does inspire hope that there will not be a stigma inevitably associated with the gay/lesbian community and their families.
The Pullen church also seems proactive in their homosexual acceptance, especially appointing a lesbian co-pastor. I wonder if, like other churches, they will attempt to indoctrinate the judicial process with their religious believes. I feel if the religious stigma was removed from homosexuality, the legislation for gay marriage and rights would have very few opponents... perhaps that power is another sad thing about churches.
I also found this article to be very promising in the hopes of abolishing the negative stereotypes associating homosexual and transgendered peoples. I believe that change can be initiated at any time, by any people, and if there are enough followers good will prevail. Obviously not all change is good, but in this specific situation it is. From analyzing this from a sociological perspective, I first found it interesting that the gay man was previously in a heterosexual relationship, and I wonder if that was why the church welcomed him more widely than other people, but as I read further I discovered that this particular church had been open to LGBT people throughout its history. This church should be applauded for their works in promoting social equality throughout America, when it is not openly practiced by others in their denomination
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