CAIRO (Reuters) - Traditionalist Anglican clerics warned the U.S. and Canadian churches on Monday that their liberal actions over gay rights were tearing apart the 450-year-old church and told them to change their ways urgently.
In some of the strongest language they have used so far in an already acrimonious dispute, churches from Africa, Asia and Latin America said they saw no evidence yet that U.S. and Canadian Anglicans were responding to calls for "repentance".
The 77 million-strong Anglican church has been divided since 2003 when the U.S. Episcopal Church (ECUSA) ordained a gay bishop and Canadian Anglicans began blessing same-sex marriages.
The move outraged traditionalists who dominate southern hemisphere churches, the so-called Global South. They say the Bible condemns homosexuality and that liberals in the West have introduced unacceptable "innovations" into biblical teaching.
"We recognize with regret the growing evidence that the provinces, which have taken action creating the current crisis in the (Anglican) communion, continue moving in a direction that will result in their walking apart," the group said in a communique issued on Monday after a six-day meeting in Egypt.
"We call for urgent and serious implementation of the recommendations of the Windsor Report," the group of 20 church provinces said, referring to an Anglican report which laid down steps to be taken in bid to resolve the dispute.
The Windsor Report included calls for the U.S. and Canadian churches to express regret for their actions.
Archbishop Robin Eames, who led the Windsor task force, has said he believes the report's demands have now been broadly met. But conservatives say the U.S. and Canadian churches have only said sorry for causing hurt, but have not admitted their actions were wrong.
"We see no evidence that both ECUSA and the Anglican Church of Canada are willing to accept the generally accepted teaching, nor is there evidence that they are willing to turn back from their innovations," the Global South communique said.
Officials say the final position of both churches will only emerge from U.S. and Canadian conventions in 2006 and 2007.
To read the full article click here
Liberal Episcopalians, concerned that a split over homosexuality may be inevitable next year, have begun laying the groundwork for seizing control of church property and replacing bishops who leave the church.
Leaders of Via Media, a loosely knit alliance
of liberal groups in 12 conservative dioceses that does not include the Episcopal Diocese of Utah, sketched out the plan in a Sept. 29 meeting in Dallas. Draft minutes from the meeting were leaked to the news media this week.
The ''Day After'' blueprint - combined with conservative plans for ''faithful disobedience'' and bishops who are already mulling ways to divide property - is the latest indication that all sides are preparing for a battle royal when the church meets next summer in Columbus, Ohio.
''We want to do everything that might be necessary and appropriate to make sure that every Episcopalian who wants an Episcopal church has one,'' said Christopher Wilkins, the national facilitator for Via Media.
The 2.3 million-member Episcopal Church has weathered deep divisions at home and with other Anglican churches abroad since 2003, when it approved an openly gay bishop in New Hampshire and inched toward blessing same-sex unions.
Conservatives have looked to allies in the Third World for guidance, and have predicted a ''realignment'' of Anglicanism in North America unless the U.S. and Canadian churches repent of their actions.
To read the full article click here
'Law and Order' star discusses race, sexuality
By katelyn foley
October 28, 2005
Best known for his role as George Huang on Law and Order: SVU, actor B.D. Wong now rejects roles stereotypically given to Asian-American actors after years of conforming to a "caucasian box."
As part of Asian Pacific American Heritage Week, Wong spoke candidly about his identity as both an Asian-American and a homosexual.
After struggling with his race and sexual orientation during most of his life, Wong has gradually come have confidence in himself.
"Ironically, the two things that I loathed about myself were the things that were rich about myself," he said.
Wong conveyed the confusion of his childhood in San Francisco when he interrupted an anecdote about his struggles as a young Asian-American with, "Oh, I forgot to tell you that I was a homo," eliciting peals of laughter from the audience.
To read the full article click hereThe letter was signed by; Alison Ruoff, a lay Church of England Synod member, the Rev Will Donaldson, a vicar in West Ealing, and Richard Bewes, a former chairman of the Church of England Evangelical Council. It states, “We are greatly concerned that the visit ... will further damage relations between the Church of England and those Anglican provinces staying faithful to the authority of scripture ... Because St Martin's is hosting the event, it will be seen by those in African and Asian dioceses that 'we' in London are content, and so will cause further misunderstanding and upset…Please be aware of the potentially explosive nature of this letter (in terms of it attracting the wrong sort of press attention), and great discretion would be appreciated.” The Bishop’s spokesman told the Guardian that, “He is not in the business of curtailing free speech in London. Bishop Robinson will not be allowed to take part in the service, or to preach, but he will address the congregation when the service is over.”
Skylstad, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, was addressing concerns about an upcoming Vatican document that will address whether homosexuals should be ordained. Conflicting reports have surrounded the contents of the document, which has been in the works for several years. Some church officials had previously signaled the Vatican would instruct seminaries to prohibit gays from enrolling. But earlier this month, a Vatican official said the document would stop short of a sweeping ban and would instead permit candidates who have lived chastely for at least three years. Skylstad wrote that if the latest reports are accurate, the document will be "nuanced and balanced." Vatican teaching holds that homosexual acts are "intrinsically disordered." The church, however, says homosexuals should be treated with compassion and dignity. Estimates of the numbers of gays in the American priesthood vary from around 25 percent to 50 percent, according to a review of research on the issue by the Rev. Donald Cozzens, author of "The Changing Face of the Priesthood."===== Wow! It is not very often that a Bishop just up and tells the Vatican that they are wrong. I mean, that is basically what Bishop Skylstad did. Let's just hope the Holy Father doesn't respond to Bishop with a Papal bull of excommunicaiton.
Ryan Miner, 19, of Hagerstown, Md., was sanctioned by Duquesne after posting his view in The Facebook, an online directory that is not related to the university. Miner opposed an effort by other students to form a Gay-Straight Alliance group, an issue that is still being debated by the university. "I believe as a student that my First Amendment rights in the Constitution were subverted and attacked," said Miner. After Miner's comments appeared online, some students complained to the school. After a hearing, the Office of Judicial Affairs found Miner guilty of violating the University Code, which prohibits harassment or discrimination based on sexual orientation, among other groups. A 10-page paper was assigned as punishment. Miner said he refuses to write it and will file an appeal.===== A really good debate exists here. Not only does it exist in Pittsburgh, but also in Greensboro. UNCG wants to be able to punish resident students for alcohol consumption based upon evidence found on Facebook, such as pictures or comments. My question is this... can universities really enforce the student code of conduct when a student's conduct is not related to the university? Mr. Miner, had he made those remarks during a class or on a univeristy-sponsored website or somewhere on campus, should then be punished. He should not be punished for what he said outside of the university's jurisdiction. I guess many would expect me to say... "Kick him out of school!" and be the most radical gay rights activist I can be on this issue... but, nope. The university shouldn't be able to punish him... the remarks were made outside of the university's control.
Friends,
We've had busy couple weeks fighting the far-right to protect LGBT students. We've also been on the road and traveling around the state for education and outrearch programs in Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, and Chapel Hill and a great fundraiser in Winston-Salem.
If we can help with a program in your area, let us know!
Ian Palmquist & Ed Farthing
Executive Directors
Fight for Inclusive Counseling Continues
Equality NC is continuing our work to ensure that the State Board of Education doesn't give in to pressure from the anti-LGBT bigotry of the NC Family Policy Council and adopts professional standards for school counselors and school social workers that include understanding discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. We're working to educate board members about the issue, ensure that ally organizations speak out on the issue, and get our message of equality and justice out in the media.
Last week we launched an online petition campaign and you, our supporters, came through! In less than a week more than 1000 people have signed the petition. If you haven't signed the petition, click here to sign now. If you have, thank you.
The Board will vote on this policy at their meeting on November 2-3. We'll keep working and keep you up to date as this issue develops.
Activist, Candidate Training Coming to North Carolina
Want to learn how to be a stonger activist? Thinking of working on a campaign? Considering a run for elected office?
Wellstone Action, a national progressive center for training and leadership development is bringing Camp Wellstone to Raleigh November 11-13. The training will include three tracks for people with all levels of experience:
Being a Candidate
Working on a Campaign
Citizen Activism, Advocacy & Organizing
To learn more about the program and to register, click here.
Winston-Salem Reception a Hit
Thanks to our supporters in the Triad for making our fundraising reception there Thursday a success. Our special guests, Carrboro Mayor Mike Nelson and Police Chief Carolyn Hutchison moved the crowd with their stories of serving as openly gay and lesbian officials and Equality NC staff updated the group on our work. The event raised more than $4000, and several members committed to becoming monthly sustainers.
The reception was followed by a screening of In Broad Daylight, a powerful film documenting Dr. Jamie Koufman's transition to living as a female. This documentary, which is a finalist for the Sundance film festival, tells a moving tale and will be a strong tool for helping the public understand what it means to be transsexual.
We are grateful to Dr. Koufman for hosting the event, ENC Board Member Philip Gnilka for organizing it, our special guests and other board members who attended, and the volunteers that aided the event.
Upcoming Events
Triangle Social Hour
Friday, October 28, 6:30-8:30 PM
Our first social hour was a huge success with more than 60 people attending, so we're doing it again! Not a fundraisier, just a fun chance to start the weekend with people who care about equal rights.
Click here for details and to RSVP.
National Transgender Day of Rememberance
Sunday, November 20
Equality NC PAC Reception with Out Officials from Around the Nation
Wednesday, December 7, 7:00-9:00 PM
Save the Date! Details soon.
Help us kick off our fundraising for our 2006 electoral work as we're joined by openly gay and lesbian elected officials from across the country.
Original Source:
click here
Co-Chairs Sheryl Griffin and Stan Kimer invite you to join Human Rights Campaign members and our friends and allies of different races, ethnic backgrounds and religions to celebrate our common values and the progress being made toward fuller civil rights for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans.
Date: Saturday, October 29, 2005
Time:
Reception and Appetizers - 6:00 PM - Exploris Museum
Concert Performance - 8:00 PM - Long View Center
Place:
Exploris Museum, Long View Center (adjacent to the Exploris Museum)
207 East Hargett St.
Raleigh, NC
Special Guests:
This evening of entertainment, celebration and inspiration featuring appearances by:
One Spirit choir - Unity Fellowship Church, Charlotte
Imani Music Team soloists – Imani MCC, Durham
St. John’s MCC soloists – St. John’s MCC, Raleigh
4 for Him quartet – St. John’s MCC
Ray Vester – gospel singer
Randa McNamara – jazz soloist
Carol Lautier – performance poet
Triangle Common Woman Chorus
Rev. Wanda Floyd
Rev. Tonya Rawls
And other special guests
Ticket Price & Info:
$15 adult/$7.50 for children under 12 in advance at www.boxofficetickets.com/hrc.
$20 at the door.
Groups interested in blocks of 5 or more tickets, please contact Eddie McDaniel at 919-266-1585.
For More Info: Sponsorship opportunities available, please contact Lorraine Johnson at planner@nc.rr.com or Jessica Lamb at lamb.jessica.c@principal.com.(Cairo) The agenda for this week's gathering of conservative Anglican clerics from the third world includes dialogue with Islam and fighting poverty. But the wider message is expected to be protest: Another frontal attack against gay clergy and same-sex unions that threaten to break apart the world's 77 million-member Anglican communion.
The six-day meeting, beginning Tuesday in Egypt, will bring together some of the leading opponents of liberalizing trends and highlight the growing strength of Africa and other places outside the traditional Anglican spheres of influence in England and North America.
More than 120 conservative clerics and loyalists are expected from across the so-called Anglican "south" - Africa, Asia and Latin America - who have increasingly warned they could form independent, breakaway churches. The tensions have become so alarming that the leader of the Anglican communion, Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, plans to travel to Egypt in an apparent attempt to calm dissent led by powerful Nigerian Archbishop Peter Akinola (pictured).
"The establishment is desperate to keep together the communion," said George Curry, chairman of the Church Society, a conservative lay and clergy Anglican group based in Watford, England. "But the liberals are unwilling to revisit or invalidate the movements that the conservatives find intolerable. This tolerance has been stretched to the breaking point."
An eventual breakup would be the most stunning fallout from struggles over gay issues that also have gripped Roman Catholics, Lutherans and other churches. It would create a range of new congregations able to veer in even greater conservative or liberal directions and end the English guidance over a church founded in the 16th century by King Henry VIII and spread around the world by the British Empire.
To read the full article visit:
http://www.365gay.com/newscon05/10/102405anglicans.htm
BANGOR - Episcopalians on Friday overwhelmingly endorsed equal rights for gays and lesbians at the their annual convention held at the Bangor Civic Center, but stopped short of urging residents to vote no on Question 1 on Nov. 8.
The original language of the resolution, which included calling "upon all citizens to vote no this November 8th on Proposition #1," could have affected the tax-exempt status of the Diocese of Maine.
"Our chancellor pointed out that by urging people to vote one way or the other, we were functioning as a [political action committee]," said Heidi Shott, communications officer for the diocese. "So the resolution was amended."
Question 1 on the ballot will read: "Do you want to reject the new law that would protect people from discrimination in employment, housing, education, public accommodations and credit based on their sexual orientation?"
A controversy over homosexuality has divided the Anglican Communion, of which the Episcopal Church in the United States is a part, for more than two years. The dispute was ignited two years ago when V. Gene Robinson was elected by the New Hampshire diocese as the first openly gay bishop in the world.
Maine Bishop Chilton Knudsen spoke Friday of the controversy in her convention address.
"I want to tell you that there isn't a doubt in the world that it is a tense time in the Anglican Communion," she said. "It's been tense before, and it will be tense again. We are promised not unanimity of opinion but the grace of God to struggle to live in the tension of differences."
To read the full article visit:
http://www.bangornews.com/news/templates/?a=122482"The Republican Party is using social scare tactics to exploit the Black community at the expense of Black LGBT Americans," said Jasmyne Cannick, the newly installed Co-Chair of the Stonewall Democrats Black Caucus. "The Stonewall Democrats Black Caucus will help refocus political discussion on real issues impacting the Black community while pressing the Democratic Party and LGBT community to address specific concerns of Black LGBT Americans." Cannick, of Los Angeles, is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists. She was recently named by Essence magazine as 'One of 25 Women Changing the World'. She also is a board member of the National Black Justice Coalition, the national Black gay civil rights group. The Stonewall Democrats Black Caucus will be co-chaired by Ramone Gardenhire of Washington, DC. Gardenhire served as Deputy Director of GLBT Outreach for the Democratic National Committee for the 2004 election and currently serves on the Board of Directors for DC Black Pride. He said that the caucus will focus on five key areas.It will promote legislation with a specific focus on Black LGBT communities, increase the number of active Black LGBT Democrats within Stonewall and its chapters, provide National Stonewall Democrats with information on legislative issues as they relate to Black communities, provide political influence with Black elected officials on behalf of Stonewall members and foster relationships between the Black LGBT community and Black civil rights organizations.====== In my opinion, it is not the bisexual community or the transgender community which are the most overlooked within the Gay Rights Movement... it is instead the Black LGBT community. African-Americans who are LGBT are more than often overlooked and many feel as though organizations such as the Stonewall Democrats and the Human Rights Campaign are for wealthy, white, gay males. It is about time that a national LGBT political organization took the time to recognize the needs of the Black LGBT community. LGBT African-Americans have a lot to bring to the table... fromt their experiences of being black in a racist society to their experiences of being LGBT in homophobic society. Good going, Stonewall Dems!
Included in the list are actress Kristin Chenoweth, the Rev. Al Sharpton, Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson, actress Felicity Huffman, talk show host Cristina Saralegui, the Rev. Norm Kansfield, Peter Hams, IBM executive Ted Childs, hip-hop artist Kanye West and Spanish Prime Minister José Luis Zapatero. "Being out and open about our lives is not just for gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender people, but for everyone who cares about equality," said HRC President Joe Solmonese. "These 10 leaders for fairness represent millions of family members, people of faith, friends and co-workers who are helping make America fairer and more equal." The list emphasizes this year's Coming Out Project theme "Talk About It," which encourages fair-minded people to talk openly and honestly about their lives and the inequalities LGBT Americans face under law. "Every single time we talk about it, we are one step closer to equality," said Solmonese. "Each word helps build bridges that change hearts and minds - and eventually our laws." "We need to tear down the barriers that separate us," said Sharpton. "I am honored not only to be named on this list, but also to stand with my gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender brothers and sisters to end hatred and intolerance wherever they live."To see the full "Top 10" list visit: http://www.q-notes.com/top01_102205.html
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