ECO = We don't want equality for gay people

The LayMAN reports that 47 congregations are girding up their loins to leave the PC(USA) for greener more ECO friendly pastures.    These ECO friendly pastures will be pure and lovely and won't have any nasty gay people grazing about (at least in leadership positions).

The congregations offer lists of complaints as they report to their local media how they are leaving the faithless PC(USA) to follow the good shepherd.   They say many things such as the "real reason" being the lack of trust in the Scriptures, or universalism, or quirky views of Jesus that apparently some people in the denomination hold.    Perhaps even me.   Because the denomination (whoever that is, exactly) doesn't punish these "heretics" these faithful congregations can't possibly do their ministry.

But that is nothing new.   So-called "heretics" have gone unpunished in pulpits for centuries.   Complaining about them has served as a cover for darker prejudices.  In fact, these lists of complaints, in this case, are nothing more than veiled homophobia.   

These congregations are leaving because the PC(USA) took a small step in removing discriminatory barriers against gays and lesbians.

This new denomination, ECO, has a lovely new website.  There you will find photos of happy people and you will find rationale and strategy for congregations to depart the PC(USA) with the property.

Be well.  Have a good life.   But do know that you will leave a legacy.

When your children ask you in days to come why you separated from your sisters and brothers in the PC(USA), you can tell them that it was because you didn't think gay people should be equal with straight people.  When your children look at you with a WTF? expression on their faces, you will know that that decision to leave was really warped...

...in fact, not even Christian.    

Let Your Light Shine: An Important New Film

Thanks to More Light Presbyterians for pointing out a new film project, Let Your Light Shine.   The film explores the intersection of religion and homophobia:

Why are religion and the Bible used against homosexuals?  Why are evangelical Christians especially condemning of LGBTQ people and feel free to call us "sinful"?  "Let Your Light Shine" will probe the intersecting circles of evangelical Christianity, the gay civil rights movement and activism by queer alumni from Billy Graham's alma mater, Wheaton College!  This kaleidoscopic lens will shine a light on the deeply historical and discriminatory roots of evangelical Christianity, and the growing visibility of queer liberation which challenges Bible-based homophobia.  The testimonies of LGBTQ survivors from Christian colleges and religious upbringings reveal both the damaging impact of evangelicalism and a spirited resistance to continued religious oppression.  Please view our trailer and help us any way you can!  Even a mustard seed . ..

Here is a preview:



While the focus is Wheaton College, similar stories are found on college campuses all over the country.

To get this project started they are looking for funding. They are almost to their goal of $50,000. Yours could be the dollar that puts them over the top!