Friday evening when the young people held their 24- hour drumming circle, several self-identified Christians appeared to protest against LGBT people with signs and shouting. They attempted to exhibit superior understanding of the Bible and quickly escalated their attacks to denounce women with short hair and women in leadership positions.
Early in the evening, Reconciling parents formed a line between the groups facing in to the drums and joining in the faithful witness. For a time several young people engaged the protesters to divert the attacks and reduce the harm.
These folks were not United Methodists. But their actions are related to the same message we hear in the UMC when LGBT people are excluded from full participation in quiet ways… by votes, by inaction of friends, by silence, by being portrayed as “extreme” when we desire to belong at our local churches.
Homosexuality is not sin. We thank the young people for showing the path to authentic and exuberant welcome.
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
YouTube: Drumming Circle 1
YouTube: Drumming Circle 2
Reconciling Ministries Network mobilizes United Methodists of all sexual orientations and gender identities to transform our Church and world into the full expression of Christ’s inclusive love.
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