Black Christian Group working for LGBTQ rights from within Black Churches

This is great news!

An new initiative is geared to strengthen ties between the Black and Gay communities. It's called Many Voices and it could be a game changer.

Here's more:

Many Voices is committed to creating a national movement for gay and transgender justice from within the Black church.

Working in partnership with nationally-recognized pastors, theologians, and Christian educators, Many Voices is laying a foundation for respectful and loving dialogue. Through trainings, mentoring, and online resources that provide a safe place to ask questions, learn, and take new steps, we equip African American pastors and church members to publicly share the faith journeys that have led them to affirm love and justice for gay and transgender (LGBT) families.

Here's their promo video


Go here, for more info

Black Clergy stand together for Marriage Equality in Maryland

In Maryland, Black clergy are standing on the right side of history and justice. They will support the Civil Marriage Protection Act.

From the Washington Blade:

“As pastors and clergy leaders, we are here today to declare our unequivocal support for Maryland’s Civil Marriage Protection Act and to dispel the myth that all African American pastors are fundamentally opposed to the idea of marriage equality,” said Rev. Delman Coates, senior pastor of the 8,000 member Mt. Ennon Baptist Church in Clinton, Md., during a press conference at the National Press Club in downtown Washington. “For too long the issue of equal treatment under the law for gay and lesbian couples has been mired in a theological debate between those on the one hand who oppose same-sex marriage based upon their religious beliefs, and those on the other who affirm it based upon theirs. And while this is a legitimate discussion for people of faith to have, the appropriate arena that conversation is the house of worship, the seminary, the Bible study or some other religious setting.”

Finally, we are see the Black clergy do something right for a change. Please continue reading by clicking the link above.

Please Take the NoWedge 2012 Pledge

Black pastor and leaders have created a pledge that encourages Black people to not be a victim of NOM or any hate groups' tactics.

It's called NoWedge 2012... check it out after the jump

Thanks to  Kandake CimCiptivan for pointing this out to me.

The Coalition of African American Pastors wants President Obama to Drop his Gay Marriage Support

These fools just can't get it together. A group of Black pastors are asking President Obama to drop his support of gay marriage.

It's not a lot of them, but supposedly they are very influential in the Black community. They got together in Memphis to talk about this big danger of marriage equality.

"The group of black clergy and civil rights leaders say it is time to turn the tide against the 'hijacking' of the civil rights movement," said the Rev. Bill Owens, the coalition's elder statesman and organizer and a veteran of the civil rights movement who marched with Dr. Martin Luther King. "A 50-year-old can only read about the struggles and protests of the civil rights era, but some of us who are older have the battle scars to prove it. And the rights we fought so hard to acquire did not include same-sex marriage."

The coalition argues that there is "no legitimate comparison between skin color and sexual behavior."

The black ministers who came together represent a wide spectrum of religious and political beliefs and many of the pastors have been ardent supporters of President Obama and Democratic causes. But same-sex marriage is where they draw the line.

Owens told The Christian Post that they are "very disappointed" in Obama's newly pronounced support for gay marriage.

"We ask President Obama to stand with the black church, on the Word of God and evolve again back to the common sense biblical view that marriage is the union of husband and wife," he said.
Nonetheless, Owens said the group's goal is to stay away from the issue of whether or not the president will win a second term. "We want to stay away from the political part and stay in the realm of our area which is ministry."

I guess Rev. Bill Owens forgot that it was a gay man who organized the civil rights march and played a huge role in the overall movement.

I guess he also forgot that God's message was for all and not a chosen few.

And he should remember that slave masters used this same Godly rhetoric to keep Blacks in submission. So please, Rev. Bill Owens and the others get on the right side of this.

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Double your Hate! Ken Hutcherson and Bryan Fischer says that Black Pastors will never Support Obama - WATCH

Bishop Harry Jackson talks foolishness about Gay Marriage on Hardball

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Don Lemon tells the Black Church to get it together on Gay Marriage - WATCH

What Black Church Leaders think about Obama's Gay Marriage Support - VIDEO

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

The Rev. Carlton Pearson says Gays have a Place in Heaven - WATCH

This is a great interview with Rev. Carlton Pearson about the Black and Gay relationship, gay marriage and Eddie Long

5 Reasons Why NC's Black Church needs to stay out of the Amendment One Battle

The Amendment One battle in North Carolina is hitting inferno status. From folks shooting and pissing on signs to a slew of marriage commercials, the fight to define marriage has everyone talking.

Perhaps one of the most watched factors in this debate is the participation of the Black clergy. It's not a secret that the Black church is split on the matter. NOM and Vote FOR Marriage NC has pulled out all of the shiny anti-gay toys to win this battle and sadly, several Black clergy have taken the bait.

But if they would stop for a minute, they would realize this anti-gay fight is wrong. In fact, it goes against the practices they love to preach. I know they will disagree with me, but I would give them 5 reasons why they should NOT side with NOM and Vote FOR Marriage NC for Amendment One.

NOM was exposed for race baiting. The leaked documents proved that NOM purposely wanted to divide our communities and cause drama. With that said, why would any Black clergy work with a group who wanted to create an divisive atmosphere? 
1. And speaking of divisiveness, there are few Bible verses that strikes down the action. Titus 3:10, 11 says: "Warn a divisive person once, and then warn them a second time. After that, have nothing to do with them. You may be sure that such people are warped and sinful; they are self-condemned." Galatians 5:19-2l links divisiveness to witchcraft and enmity, and clearly states that anyone who is actively divisive will not inherit the kingdom of God. If these church leaders knew the Bible word for word, then they would see how NOM's tactics are not God-like.
Black clergy should also be mindful of the true nature of Amendment One; it's discriminatory. No church should support anything that reinforces discrimination. To use the Bible again, those who discriminate  “judges with evil thoughts,” you can find that one in James 2:1.
2. The wife of  North Carolina Sen. Peter Brunstetter, Jodie Brunstetter, was caught talking about one of the real reasons behind Amendment One. Supposedly, the anti-gay amendment was created to protect the White race. Once Jodie was confronted on this notion, she tried to cover her tracks; but the damage was done. Now, after hearing this story why would any Black church stand for this amendment? 
3. Some of the arguments used to support Amendment One mirrors the same arguments to keep Black people from working, going to school, voting and marrying outside our race.

For the leaders who are supporting Amendment One, please think about why you're doing this. Are to trying to protect God's way? If God is God, he doesn't need your protection. And if you are trying to preserve marriage, well you lost that battle years ago. So, please get out while you can.

Brian Brown claims that Blacks and Latinos always hated Gay Marriage

In a sad attempt to raise money, NOM hate leader states that Blacks and Latinos always opposed gay marriage.

See here in their letter:

NOM didn't create this issue. The African American and Hispanic communities have always opposed same-sex marriage. It is the gay marriage activists and Democratic party elites who have forced the issue, ignoring the voices of Black and Hispanic voters.

I just spoke with two of my heroes in the fight to defend marriage, Rev. Sen. Ruben Diaz and Bishop Harry Jackson. They are outraged by these latest attacks, and Senator Diaz has already posted a powerful response on his official senate website.

NOM has marched arm-in-arm with countless African American and Hispanic pastors, community leaders and grassroots supporters. They know us. They know our hearts. There is no way the other side can divide us.

If anything, this unprecedented attack has encouraged our Hispanic and African American colleagues to do even more on behalf of marriage.

My friend, we are building an unprecedented coalition of marriage supporters across all racial, ethnic, political and religious lines.

Blacks, whites and Hispanics...Republicans, Democrats and Independents...Catholics and Protestants, Mormons, Jews and atheists...All standing together for the good of marriage!

Brian, first you mock us and now, you claim to know what's in our hearts? Bitch, have a seat! The jig is up.

In Boston: A Black Church reaches out to LGBT Youth

A historically black church in Boston has been reaching out to many of the LGBT youth in the area. Union United Methodist Church is making it their mission help everyone and make our community feel welcomed.

Union United Methodist leaders say the Youth Space drop-in center is an extension of their open and affirming mission to follow the teachings of Christ and serve all people, including those in the margins of society and those who have been disenfranchised.


“Most churches are not willing to put themselves out there . . . because it conflicts with their theology,’’ said Cummings, who then evoked the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.’’


The Youth Space program, which targets gay and straight 13- to 18-year-olds, comes at a time when black churches are coming under increasing pressure from advocates for gays to be more accepting. The topic remains so controversial in many black churches that clergy are reluctant to publicly discuss it.

Simply by being there, the trio was straddling a divisive line between the gay community and the black church, where many gay and lesbian minorities have long felt ignored or unwelcome in the pews.

Kudos, for this church for actually doing what to churches supposed to do. Help people.

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King Eddie Long receives Serious Criticism from the Religious Community

Once the video of King Eddie Long went viral, others in religious community struck back with a big thumbs down.

The Grio reports:

Reverend Morris Tipton, director of media relations, at the National Baptist Convention, warns that, "God has called us to be serving leaders and not celebrities."

"Christ Jesus is the model and example in which we are to be humble in everything, from our lifestyle to the execution of our ministry," says Tipton of the Convention, which is the oldest and largest African-American Christian denomination in the United States. "It's not about being flamboyant."

"When pastors are put on a pedestal when they fall it's a mighty fall and impacts a tremendous amount of people in a hurtful and negative way because the congregation has placed so much confidence in this one person," says Tipton, although he is also keen to stress he is not referring to a specific ministry.

The cult church issued a statement saying it wasn't they intent to make him a king, but I think it's too late... The damage is done. I hope this continues the convo about the Black Church's blind and foolish views of their "leaders".

Black Pastors support Hate Groups' Protest of the Southern Poverty Law Center

Several Black pastors joined Hate Kings, Peter LaBarbera and Matt Barber to protest SPLC for labeling faux Christians organizations hate groups.

About a dozen African-American pastors joined anti-gay extremists on Tuesday in condemning the SPLC for using its “hate group” label to describe faith-based organizations that are against the LGBT lifestyle. At a press conference staged outside of the SPLC offices in Montgomery, Alabama, the pastors spoke and stood in solidarity with organizations, including Americans for the Truth about Homosexuality (AFTAH), an organization the SPLC lists as an anti-gay hate group.

“The SPLC has moved from monitoring actual hate groups like the KKK and neo-Nazis to slandering mainstream Christian organizations with that very same hate group label,” said Matt Barber of the Liberty Counsel. “By extension, the SPLC is smearing billions of Christians and Jews worldwide as haters simply because they embrace the traditional Judeo-Christian ethics.”

In response to the accusations that the SPLC is wrongly labeling organizations as “anti-gay hate groups,” Mark Potok, editor of the SPLC ’s Intelligence Report, says they’re labeled as such because that’s what they are.

“Our listing of anti-gay hate groups is completely unrelated to religion, Christianity or the Bible,” Potok said. “These groups are listed because they repeatedly lie in an effort to defame LGBT people, an exercise they’ve been extraordinarily successful at. The idea that we are criticizing these groups because they represent Judeo-Christian morality is simply ludicrous.”

Please, these groups are ludicrous! They spend countless hours spreading lies and mess about the LGBT community. Instead of strengthen economy or education, they rather cruise Folsom or M.A.L. with donors' money. They wish they were doing God's work. And these Black pastors are so messed up for supporting them.

I guess they enjoy being fooled and lied to like the rest of idiots.

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In South Carolina: A Black Church Grills Newt the Hut

Newt took his 'Mojo' looking ass to one of major Black churches in South Carolina. While none of them will ever vote for Newt, they were nice enough to hear him out... And to call him out as well.

While the give and take between Gingrich and more than 50 people in the audience was largely respectful, some in the crowd had sharp questions for the former House Speaker. Many centered on Gingrich's remark last month that poor children as young as nine should work at least part time cleaning their schools in order to learn about work.

Gingrich said his comments were misconstrued.

"What I was saying was, in the poorest neighborhoods, if we can find a way to help young people earn some money, we might actually be able to keep the dropout rate down and give people an incentive to come to school," he said.

The explanation little satisfied some in the crowd, including a woman who said Gingrich's words came across "so negatively, like we're not doing everything for our young people."

Gingrich was also asked if he stood by his assertion that Obama is a "food stamp president", a line the Georgia Republican uses often during stump speeches. He responded with a simple, "Yes."

They were nice, trying to be good church folks. But I was there, he would've head more than an earful of issues and concerns. 

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A Man Sentenced for 14 years in Prison for Burning down a Black Church because Obama won the Presidential Election - VIDEO

Racism at its best

166-month sentence for Michael Jacques: wwlp.com

In Maryland: More Black Pastors are supporting Marriage Equality

Rev. Jamie Washington

Are times changing in Maryland? I hope so, especially with this news here. There is an increasing number of Black pastors supporting gay marriage.

The Baltimore Sun states:

Since marriage equality became a hot-button issue, a growing number of African-American ministers, both straight and openly gay, have weighed in with support for our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters and elevate the message that we are all children of the creator. Where there is love, there is God.

Leaders such as Rev. Dennis Wiley, a Maryland resident and pastor of Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ in Washington, D.C., have spoken out publicly and unapologetically about their support for all loving and committed couples. Advocates like Rev. Dorothy Harris, pastor of Unity Fellowship Church of Columbia, and Pastor Larry Brumfield with Westminster's Church of the Brethren are standing firmly in solidarity.

Jamie Washington is a pastor of the Unity Fellowship Church of Baltimore, and a person I have met on many occasions, had this to say:

Our LGBT brothers and sisters want the same things as everyone else. They want what is at the core of marriage equality — to make a lifelong promise in front of family, friends and God to commit to each other and take care of one another.

I'm hoping their work will break through the old prejudices held by the many in the Black community.

Eddie Long's Church wants to Recover Settlement Money from the Sex Scandal

Jamal Parris and Spencer LeGrande were among the five men who accused Bishop Eddie Long of sexual coercion

The Black Church at their best... They want to get their money back from Eddie Long's sex scandals.

Attorneys representing Eddie Long's church have informed three of the five young men who accused the pastor of sexual coercion that they intend to recover nearly $1 million from their financial settlement, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution has learned.


The letter, sent this week by the Atlanta law firm Drew Eckl & Farnham, alleges that Jamal Parris, Spencer LeGrande and Centino Kemp violated terms of a confidentiality agreement outlined in the settlement with Long and New Birth Missionary Baptist Church.  The firm is seeking at least $900,000 already paid the three accusers, according to people involved in the settlement but not authorized to speak publicly. That figure is a portion of the total settlement with the three men.

Financial terms of that settlement have not been disclosed but, based on the letter and the fact each of the young men were paid equitably, the total comes to at least $1.5 million.

This is some brand new mess right here. You can't get your money back! But let's take a real look at this issue. Since this was settled out of court and we had no idea what the deals were between the men... Does Eddie want those detail flashed all over the news?

New Birth members, y'all are about to learn more about your faithful leader.

Thanks, Nelson for the heads up.

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Swindlers stick Together like Corn in Sh*t: Creflo Dollar defends Eddie Long

WATCH this liar and bootlegger defend Eddie Long

Bishop Eddie Long Settles Out of Court

Yes, the guilty must pay and pay he did. Bishop Eddie Long has settled his sex scandal case out of court.

B.J. Bernstein, the attorney representing the men, said in a statement that the lawsuits against Long and his church have “been resolved.”
Bernstein's two-paragraph statement said that neither she nor the accusers would talk about the lawsuits “now or in the future.”

Art Franklin, a Long spokesman, said Thursday that the pastor settled because it “is the most reasonable road for everyone to travel.”
 
“This decision was made to bring closure to this matter and to allow us to move forward with the plans God has for this ministry,” Franklin said in a statement. Long is an internationally known televangelist who crusaded against gay marriage, and the lawsuits against him drew national attention.

The settlement comes eight months after Long, the senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Church in Lithonia, Georgia, said from the pulpit of his 25,000 member megachurch that he vowed to fight the accusations against him, with the congregation cheering in response.

To be honest, I hate that he didn't go to court for this. I believe he is guilty and he took advantage of those boys. I hope his church members wake up and see the liar and charlatan he really is.

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