CNN published a piece yesterday about the question of the Black church and same-sex marriage. Ministers quoted in the piece point to everything from Scripture, history, culture, and sadly even to their own personal feelings. What happened to “We are all God’s children? Judge not lest ye be judged?”
The article also notes some pastors’ concerns with the reality of many couples choosing not to get the blessing of the church for their relationship, i.e. marriage. The data on marriage and successful relationships do not bode well for this argument. The realities of our world- among men and women -suggest that curiosity and openness with regard to sexual activities and relationships are not in sync with many in the Black church, most notably the Black church leadership.
Same-sex marriage isn’t the issue. The paucity of mature, faithful, and responsible partnerships is. We are raising children in a confused world with seemingly few standards. Moms, dads, and grandmas too allow young men and young women to leave home for school or the workforce inappropriately dressed. Young men with their pants hanging down, young women exposing as much skin as if they were at the beach… who is telling them this is unacceptable? What happened to the body is a temple? We are collectively lacking a moral compass. I think it muddies the water to blame social ills on same sex marriages. We need our children raised in homes with loving, mature, and responsible adults. Single moms and dads have done a great job; we just don’t hear as much about their stories.
The Bible the pastors quote was written by men and history is replete with examples of men relying on “the Word” to get, keep, and maintain control of society and its people. Chauvinism has been a hallmark of “church” for centuries; homophobia has been as well. The Civil Rights Movement in retrospect really did not embrace all civil rights or the issues that pertain. The GLBT Movement has much to teach us. It’s past time for us all to pay attention. We are all God’s children. Judge not lest ye be judged.
Good words to live by don’t you think?