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This past week there has been a lot of discussion about the treatment of young gays and others. Last week, a young man whose private sexual life was aired without his notice, committed suicide. The young man was gay. The college roommate and his female friend were not.
Whether or not gayness was the main issue, that this young man did not want to come out of the closet, or was shamed by his orientation, is only part of the issue. The first part is simply respecting other people's right to privacy. If a camera is bought, it shouldn't be put in hidden places to spy on other people's personal business. If someone wants to show themselves in personal moments, that is their decision. But a lot of things other people do in private is just none of our business. It is not acceptable to show heterosexual relations, masturbation or even just hanging around nude...unless it is yourself you are publicizing.
What is more horrifying to me is that several young gay men have been driven to suicide in the last few weeks by bullying. Why is bullying continuing? What attitudes do we model for our children and teens when it is okay to name them as "bad" and taunt them? Obese children often experience the same type of taunting. Does it matter how someone becomes gay or fat or whatever? They are unique individuals, created by Jesus. Anyone who claims to be a follower of Jesus should be speaking out when bullying or prejudice occurs.
Isn't it time we stop categorizing people altogether? Do we need labels like "gay", or "fat" or "Jewish" or "Latino" or "atheist"? Do people need a tagline?
I tend to refer to friends from the place from which I know them, such as an Akron friend, or a friend from college or high school. Rarely do I say, "and she or he is fat/thin married/divorced childless/or has children, heterosexual/gay. I, and you, too, tend to describe by character or story than by anything else.
I still don't see why anyone's sexual orientation should make the slightest difference in how I treat them, whether or not I believe that the practice of same sex relationships is right or wrong. The church is meant to welcome everyone, every one of us with internal and external labels of either community judgment or self-judgment. Everyone of us is welcome to encounter Jesus, who gives us his label, "beloved one." Everyone. No exclusions.
We are meant to listen to each other's journeys, to love graciously, and to include all in our friendship and family circles.
I want to apologize to any of you reading this who have been injured and hurt by reactions of people who call themselves Christians. We in the church have not always practiced the kindness that we should. We have sometimes decided that some people are less acceptable than others. That is not the way Jesus acted. In his mind, no one had a label that would bring rejection. Please forgive us, and if you are able, maybe even give the church a second chance.
Contrary to those stupid signs, God loves gays and lesbians! |
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