During the recent (March 1st) Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in Sydney, 100 “revs”
marched with the expressed purpose of apologizing for not making the church a place of welcome for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people.
While I still find myself sympathetic (although not in agreement) with churches and pastors who firmly believe that homosexual behaviour is sinful, I do not believe that the church can move forward on LGBT issues without making some effort to welcome us without judgment.
It is clear that the church’s double standard regarding homosexuality needs to change. Andy Crouch commented on this at recent pastors convention in San Diego:
“According to Andy, “Humankind is not divided into homosexual or heterosexual categories. We are all sexual beings who tend towards self-satisfaction.” Additionally, many churches rally around these categories, “which leads to a double standard: chastity for those who are gay and a don’t-ask-don’t-tell policy regarding sexuality for the rest of us.”
A much-loved Australian pastor, Rowland Croucher, also used this argument to suggest that the church’s attitude towards homosexuals was sinful:
“There are three categories of sexual activity which are proscribed, in the Bible. And I believe this too. Fornication – sex between at least one unmarried person, Adultery – sex with a married person whose not your spouse, and homosexual activity. Homosexual activity and adultery are generally policed pretty thoroughly [in the Church]. But not fornication. The vast majority of our young people who are married in conservative Churches, and other Churches for that matter, are not virgins. So not to put too fine a point on it they’re fornicators. But they are not disciplined publicly as the others might be. Now I have a question about that kind of hypocrisy.”
As for the 100 Revs, it was recently reported that some of these pastors have been threatened by their churches for their involvement in the Mardi Gras. I guess this was to be expected. And it shows the courage of these ministers who made a stand for the grace and truth of the gospel. They make me feel proud to be an Australian (few North American church leaders have shown this kind of courage) and they give me hope for the church. I pray that the church worldwide will take note of their humble and loving example, begin to support them, and find other ways to demonstrate the love, acceptance, forgiveness, truth and nonviolence that is the heart of the Christian message.
Just as I am 
April 13, 2008 at 6:52 pm
The 100 Revs has had a profound impact on people in the GLBT community and for those ministers who were involved. I think the ones who got the most out of it were those who actually march in the parade. They have had an experience they will never forget. For many it was life-changing to find themselves in the GLBT space and be so sincerely and overwhelmingly welcomed.
As one minister said.
In some ways the hospitality of the Gay and Lesbian community was so gracious that we felt a rebuke as it is in the area of hospitality that we feel the church has been so remiss. Our attitude has been excluding.
For me personally there was a sense that we were standing on Holy Ground as people connected with our act of contrition. It also felt during the march that we had the amazing privilege of making known the truth of God made known in Jesus who constantly took himself to the margins and to those who were left out and offered love and acceptance.
I now have videos on my blog of the 100 Revs that might interest you.
http://alifeofunlearning.blogspot.com/
April 14, 2008 at 5:58 am
Thanks, Anthony, for providing this link and for posting the videos.