As a queer African American Womanist scholar and clergy let me begin by thanking the media for covering the stories of the several lawsuits filed against Bishop Eddie Long for sexual coercion.
Long has spewed venomous and putrid commentary towards we persons who have the audacity to be and live proudly as our queer selves, openly and closeted for quite some time. It seems to me that it would be an act of professional incompetence for the media not to highlight this behavior in their headlines. They don’t always get it right. In this case, they have done well to remind us of his history and in so doing have done the LGBTQI community a service. That is, they are actually helping make our case regarding the hypocrisy on the issue of sexuality that is so prevalent in the African American church in particular and the Church in general.
The possible sexual coercion of teenagers by anyone is horrible and should be our main concern. However, in this case it is not our only concern. How dare anyone deny the prominent issue here is not the anti-homosexual stance Long displayed before the church and the media while at the same time allegedly sexually abusing teenagers? Though the latter must be proven in a court of law, the former is fact and therefore is fodder for media headlines. Yes, there are other issues at stake here, however there have always been the “other issues” the African American community has wanted to discuss.
Any “issue” was considered more important than gay rights. For years African Americans advocating for gay rights have been told, “That’s not our issue” “We have too many other important issues to deal with in our community. We can’t put gay rights at the forefront.” We have pleaded with the African American church and its leaders to denounce bigoted language and oppression against its many LGBTQI Christian members and citizens. Time and again, we have hoped our cries to cease and desist the homophobic rhetoric and histrionic behavior would be a conversation and work we might begin on a national level only to have our appeals denied. Well, here it is! The conversation about anti-homosexuality, out front, bold and brazenly waxed across the news headlines accompanied by a picture of one of the most prominent African American clergy in the nation.
Let’s not go into denial (innocent or intentional) on this matter: This is an issue about anti-homosexual rhetoric! It must be spotlighted with as much vigor as other matters surrounding this case such as ethical boundaries (including the utilization of power and authority), possible adultery and pedophilia. None of these topics should be had without us also finally having the critical discussion about homophobia.
Since I have been writing and lecturing on queer theology for a while now, let me add a final poignant note edited from an earlier email I sent to Womanist scholars:
Could it be that the African American community in larger numbers than ever before finally wants to talk? Are the members of our community and the American public willing to hear from African American LGBTQI persons or must we sit back and listen as other folk attempt to speak for us?
Sigh, Its deeply saddening to see what has become of the Body of Christ universal and the black church in particular. As a lifelong committed Christian who as most black christians (64 percent according to Pew Surveys do)attend church regularly and believe that homosexuality is a sin, I am increasingly frustrated with those who would lob the word homophobic at me. As a heterosexual male I am not "afraid" of gay people(they are my friends and family), homosexuality doesnt keep me up at night(even with this Long fiasco) As a "phobia" connotates fear by definition, this term is wholly innacurate misleading, and simply allows folks to treat people like myself as some sort of intolerant ignoramus.I and the majority of black christians are simply standing on the word of God. Sin is sin, period. The Bible teaches we are to reject this moral relativism of whatever seems just or "right in our own eyes." Simply because its 2010 doesnt mean you throw out "out-dated" passages of scripture. If we are going to start treating God's word like a buffet, we completely water down the power of it overall. Jesus rose over 2000 years ago but no one is saying "hey, that was a long time ago now, that probably didnt happen or its not really relevant today. Numerous times in the Bible homosexuality is referred to as a sin, nothing that has ocurred since has changed that. Jesus didn't come in the new testament and say i'm taking that or any other sin off the sin list.He as he said "came to fulfill the law" He brought forgiveness for our sins and the earthly punishments not an alteration in the definition of sin. The church, when it draws the line on homosexuality or even premarital sex(amen somebody) is not being homophobic or pre-modern. Its upholding its God-given belief system against a relativist society, drawing a "plumb line" in the sand and saying thus saith the Lord..which is what it should be doing. The church black or otherwise didn't make this stance up out of thin air, God said it in His Word.That doesnt make it homophobic..its makes it obedient relatvism. It should be loving and welcoming, without malice, but it has a right to say what it believes and stand by it. It should talk more openly about sexuality, its pitfals and moral and eternal ramifications. I hope this does bring about open forums on sexuality, at least then It also ought not to be hypocrital if you are a church that opposes homosexuality dont have a gay choir director. if that is your principle, then dont compromise it for the sake of saying you have the best choir in town this isnt a gameshow. It sends a double message. What Long lacked and his church is accountabilty and a superceding authority. Power corruputs and absolute power just accelerates that corrupting and magnfies flaws. I hope this Long scandal brings about a new day in the church and black church specifcally, one where the church IS the church, holds its leaders accountable in their personal lives as well as their pulpit ones, stands on the (whole)Bible and says "thus saith the Lord" with all the love and forgiveness Jesus called displayed.Jesus preached loving everyone as the church should.That means not condemning our LGBT neighbors. There is a difference between loving and standing on principle while disagreeing and outright casting fire and brimstone on someone's head because of their lifestyle. Hopefully churches even those who disagree can speak honestly and openly about WHY they disagree and what ramifications that has for the black church.
Though I agree with detroitblkmale30 that there is BIG difference between believing that homosexuality is a sin and being homophobic. And, I wish that more Christians were as thoughtful and could state a case as clearly as detroitblkmale30 did in their response. Suggesting that the "hate" speech that Bishop Eddie Long has uttered over the past few years has been anything short of "phobic" defies logic. He has fixated on the issue of homosexuality and used every opportunity to riddicle, castigate and demean individuals and actions. As the pastor and chief teacher his words have fostered the same attitude of hatred among his members. And we are witnessing that hatred as his members and his attorney attack the young men who have accused him of sexually exploitive behavior. Here is a man who earns millions of dollars a year referring to himself as David facing Goliath. Can you or anyone else explain how four young men under the age of 25, with little resources can be Goliath in this situation? Yet, Bishop Long would have us believe that "he" is under attack and is the victim. I find his behavior to be quite "phobic".
Frankly, the Bishop Long controversy has very little to do with anti anything... Who knows if these allegations are true? But what we do know that someone is alleging that the A Religious Leader has misused his authority and abused folks while performing his role as spiritual adviser! Nothing more or less. We Should all know that Abuse of authority occurs often within our society, most commonly the workplace. It occurs in other places too, the church, the therapist etc.... This is not a direct message to the Black church from God on the issue of homosexuality .BUT commentary on what happens to children, folks every day and how we often participate in keeping the vicious cycle going. By creating mega gods out of our Pastors and keeping secrets about acts of violence, emotional and physical abuse displayed at work, home, school and church. These young people who are now coming forth in the Long case, represent children who have been abused within the church and found the courage to report. This is a issue for the church to look at and ADDRESS, AN ISSUE OF ABUSE OF AUTHORITY AND ROLE. Pastors have a responsibility to not place themselves in position of immorality or the propriety of immorality. The Black church and it leaders have become loose in their ritual , behavior, and ways of attending church. You go to some churches and you think you are in a after hour or club. Many of the old ways somewhat protected a church leader. Pastor knew he better invite the whole family and not just little SUSIE OR JOHNNIE, if he desires to deal with spiritual issues or family issues... This was protection. The Black church should deal with immoral practices within the church that victimize their parishioners. If anything, The Black church is aware of immoral behavior of many of our leaders, ask pastors wives, members and folks who are close to the one who claims to be the God Head. In order to avoid such tragedy, We must continue to stay on course with the Bible and know WHO IS DEEMED ACCORDING TO THE BIBLE, AS THE TRUE HIGH PRIEST! We must have to courage to expose, Hopefully these young men were not abused and if so,..... everybody needs to get the help they need to prevent it from happening again!
Men have to wear the ihram. Women can wear whatever they want. Really.
"The Power of One Accord."
Put in context, Dan Webster does indeed hold fundamentalist religious beliefs outside the mainstream.
I wonder if the folks over at Focus on the Family are proud of themselves today.
Could it be that the African American community finally wants to talk?
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