CLGS Responds

Signs of Hope and Progress

When the news seems grim -the SoulForce Equality Ride bus defaced in Iowa; the anti-gay legislation in Nigeria - it's important to highlight signs of hope. The House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church recently (re) affirmed the full dignity of LGBT people and refused to make the exclusion of LGBT people the price of unity in the worldwide Anglican Communion (click here for the full story). As an Episcopal priest, I am particularly heartened by the decision.

There is of course still much more work to do on behalf of LGBT people, as the recent New Ways Ministry symposium in Minneapolis March 16-18 clearly indicated. Over 500 Roman Catholics attended that symposium - many of them parents of LGBT children - yet they were denied permission to celebrate the Eucharist. Even so, there were signs of hope. I had the privilege of attending that symposium and witnessing the hard work of so many faithful Catholics going about the business of ministry with and among LGBT people, often despite the posture of the institution.

While the road ahead can seem long, I am convinced by my experience at CLGS and around the country that positive change is not only possible but is already happening. As the House of Bishops of the Episcopal Church declared, "We proclaim the Gospel that in Christ all God's children, including gay and lesbian persons, are full and equal participants in the life of Christ's Church." Speaking the truth about LGBT people and providing education and training for institutional and social change is exactly what CLGS is all about.

Please consider helping us make these signs of hope a reality for all God's people by making a financial contribution today CLGS - and the many people and communities we serve - rely on the contributions of individuals from around the country. Your safe and secure online donation is completely tax-deductible. And let us hear from you about the signs of hope in your own region and community!

Rev. Dr. Jay Emerson Johnson
Acting Executive Director
CLGS

From the CLGS e-newsletter Volume VII, Number 2, March/April 2007. To read the full newsletter, Click Here.

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