September 29, 2005 - Can You Be A Gay Republican?

 

"On the one hand, we must come out of the sexual closet. On the other hand, we may find ourselves having to come out of the closet about our own Supreme Identity. This can be tough, because there’s a massive taboo in our culture against knowing who you truly are." ~Ken Wilber in conversation with Patrick McNamara of the Gay Spirit Culture Project

Can You Be A Gay Republican?

By: Ian Lawton

The scene takes place on the TV show, West Wing. The Deputy chief of staff is debating with a gay Republican congressman over the merits of a bill that would prohibit same-sex marriages. The Congressman is confused that a gay Republican would be canvassing support for a bill that opposes gay rights. The gay Republican says that he supports 95% of the Republican platform. He says, “My life doesn’t have to be about being a homosexual.
It doesn’t have to be entirely about that.”

It’s an interesting conundrum. On the one hand, the guy’s lucky to find an organization, political or otherwise, where he supports 95% of the policies. I couldn’t imagine finding any organization, let alone a church, where I agreed with even 50% of its platform. From that perspective, I see his point. On the other hand, this seems like a pretty fundamental disconnect for a gay person to support a party that says that his sexuality is immoral.

Many of us have left organizations over this sort of fundamental disconnect. The church’s discrimination towards gay and lesbian people was the reason our family left our home town of Sydney. We went to New Zealand and found a new level of openness. Then we joined an independent church that split with its denomination over the denomination’s closed attitude to homosexuality. What a relief to find those rare churches where we can be proud of their inclusive stances.

So the question framed in West Wing is up for discussion. Can a person be a gay republican? Is it an oxymoron like “fresh frozen” or “friendly fire”?
Is it like doing business with the devil?

Or is it possible, even if it’s a compromised possibility, to be a republican and not support those policies that relate to same sex legislation? This seems much like asking the question, “Can a woman be a member of a church that doesn’t ordain women?” or “Can a pacifist be a member of the National Rifle Association?”

Or then again is it quite possible and uncomplicated to be a gay republican? Is it just one aspect of a whole platform? Or pushing even further, is it possible that equal rights for same sex couples is completely consistent with a Republican ideology and that its only a matter of time for the party to catch up with that reality.

After all, if a Republican platform is built on small government and personal freedom, it makes sense. With most current research pointing to the fact that people don’t choose to be gay, it seems that sexuality should be a matter of personal freedom. According to this logic, to say that homosexuality is immoral is as ludicrous as saying that being female is immoral.

This is a question that churches need to come to terms with as much as the Republican Party. Churches seem to have been confused on this issue.

Traditional churches have opposed homosexuality on the basis of a literal reading of the Bible. Liberal churches have taken a different view on the basis of a fundamental belief in equality. Just when I think I’ve got that worked out, I meet a gay person in a liberal church who believes in the literal and physical resurrection of Jesus from the dead. He doesn’t feel any conflict between that and not following the Bible’s literal teaching on homosexuality. Maybe this is a similar ambiguity to being a gay republican.

Maybe ambiguity is part of the problem with the Liberal approach to religion. It doesn’t offer a comprehensive perspective on issues like sexuality and gender. It tends to be more interested in reform than revolution. It’s a bit like churches ordaining women to be priests, but not changing the patriarchal structure of the organization. Only so many women will want to be part of that type of church. Equality is a nice sentiment but it doesn’t necessarily lead to a consistent worldview. A belief in equality might also lead to a narcissistic view of rights.

The question, “Can a person be a gay conservative Christian?” seems just as vexed as the gay republican question.

In any case, what might a progressive perspective on sexuality look like?

Being progressive is about coming out in all sorts of ways. We come out of our traditional and liberal pasts and find new freedom to be who we are, without striving to fit other people’s expectations. We come out of the closet of our fears and assumptions. Progressive communities offer the space and acceptance for people to come out in their most glorious display of humanity, sexuality and individuality.

Sexuality needs to be fully embraced and expressed. We need to celebrate freely the bodily, passionate and sensual expressions of our humanity and see them as life experiences that connect our spirits to the Universal Spirit. To deny someone an expression of their sexuality is to deny them part of their spirituality.

Of course once sexuality has been fully embraced, it must then be transcended or in other words an absolute identification with sexuality must be let go. Becoming attached to any one experience of sexuality as if this experience defines who we are is dangerous. All reality is in constant flux. Sexuality is a journey. It exists on a spectrum of diversity. It ebbs and flows, just as all of life is dynamic.

So our sexuality is both fully embraced and also transcended. It’s a constant balance. Once an over identification with sexuality has been transcended, then our activism for equal rights, and our free expression of our truest selves will have so much more power than a vague desire for equality.

A progressive perspective on sexuality will say that life is not entirely about being homosexual just as being heterosexual is not entirely what life is about.

Patrick McNamara, the coordinator of the Gay Spirit Culture Project in California, put it like this, “For me spirituality is a more important piece of my identity than being gay.”

The first role of churches should be the inner health of individuals. At the same time, when society or churches deny people the right to fully embrace their sexuality then a choice has to be made. Stay and fight or else flee! Stay and agitate for change, or find a place where life is not being suppressed.

The question about being a gay republican has no absolute answers, but it is a fascinating and important question. It takes us deep into issues concerning structured homophobia. It propels us back into questions about the church’s homophobia.

Homophobia is unacceptable, and of all places it is unthinkable in the church. Homophobia is devastating for gay and lesbian people. However it’s also destructive for heterosexual people. The ultimate issue for spirit seekers is that to suppress homosexuality is to suppress the freedom of all people to explore this essential aspect of life, human sexuality in all its variety and complexity. To suppress this human expression is to suppress spirit itself.

Sex, Identity, and Spirituality: God in Gay Culture

Integral Naked is a multimedia doorway to the world of integral awareness.
Conversations, performances, live events—all involving the most influential, provocative, and important thinkers and leaders in the world.
Often these are moderated by Ken Wilber, considered the most influential integral theorist today, and his colleagues at Integral Institute.

Check out this dialogue between Ken Wilber and Patrick McNamara.

"As Ken mentions, in any discussion of spirituality, it is helpful to remember that a spiritual or religious orientation has traditionally served in two distinct functions: as a means of understanding and celebrating one's personal/finite life, and as a means of radically transcending all finite identities in the realization of infinite Spirit.
Hence, spirituality can be a joyous and energetic celebration of body, sex, gay identity, and so on. But it can also be—and this is much rarer—a search for and expression of nondual Spirit beyond all personal and finite identities....

"Patrick explains, 'For me spirituality is a more important piece of my identity than being gay.' But he also explains that coming out as a gay man has been an important part of his journey toward his truest self.
Spiritual transformation is a process of 'transcend and include,' meaning you have to genuinely embody your finite self before you can transcend and include it in a fuller, freer, infinite identity. If one fails to honor the truth of their individual being, the foundation for further growth-towards-God will be shaky."

Check out this wonderful audio file from Integral Naked. There is a $10 fee per month for subscription to Integral Naked, but the first month is free. So sign up today!

click here Integral Naked

This Sunday at Christ Community Church!

Join us at 8:30 am and 9:30 am as Ian preaches on "Spong: Sins of Scripture, Part 3: The Bible and Sexuality." Following the 9:30 gathering "Connections" groups will gather for the last of three discussions on "Sins of Scripture."

Don't miss this week's Unleashed gathering as we come together to dialogue on what it means to be a gay republican, watch a clip of West Wing, and come together for some guided meditation. If you miss the opportunity to voice your opinion in sermon talk back this week, come out and join us at unleashed for a conversation on the same topic. You won't want to miss this great community time.

Unleashed is our Sunday evening gathering. It runs from 6:30-7:30 simultaneously with Kids Unleashed. Unleashed seeks to unite progressive ideas with transformative practice by using dialogue, music, meditation, and audio/visual elements.

Michigan Court Ruling: Same Sex Benefits Allowed

A court has ruled that public agencies in Michigan can provide health insurance to the partners of gay employees. The decision overturns an attorney general's opinion that said same-sex benefits violate an amendment to the state constitution banning same sex marriage and similar unions. (AP)

click here for Michigan Daily News Article

Center for Religion and Life Event: Diane Hamilton

Sunday October 9th, 2005
One Service Only at 9:30 am
Large group Dialogue with Diane at 11:00

The Center for Religion and Life welcome senior Zen Practitioner Diane Musho Hamilton. Diane has a Masters Degree in Contemplative Psychology from Naropa Institute in Boulder Colorado. She is a senior student of Genpo Merzel Roshi, and is a facilitator of "Big Mind," a meditation technique designed to help westerners discover the truth of Zen. Diane has been a practitioner of Buddhadharma for over 20 years.

Training as a mediator, group facilitator, and trainer in conflict resolution, adds to Diane's perspective. She was the initial Director of the Office of Alternative Dispute Resolution for the Utah Judiciary from
1994 -1999, where she established the first mediation programs in the courts.

Diane is also one of the most popular facilitators featured at the Integral Institute's workshops in Boulder Colorado. You will not want to miss this incredible opportunity to be in Diane's presence.

Willow Pearson to Perform at C3 on Sunday October 9th!

We have the amazing privilege of having Willow Pearson set to perform on our special CRL Sunday, October 9th. Willow is a distinguished vocal artist, psychotherapist, and music therapist.

Willow's graceful spirit comes through with honest clarity in her beautiful voice facilitating those present to connect with their own unique spirit, and the universal divine essence in us all.

Check out Willow's website to read about her background and philosophy, listen to clips of her songs, and to purchase her most recent CD.

click here for Willow's website

Tips to Start Living In Wellness Today!

Brought to you by Wellness Coach Barbara Badolati...

After 4 months of 1 hour of aerobic exercise 3 times a week, participants in a Duke University research study reported better family relations, better sex and less loneliness. The WellCoach asks … how are you moving your body today?

Sign up to receive wellness tips in your email from Barb Badolati's website by following the link to Alive and Well.

Check out Alive and Well for more information

Check Out the Bulletin for Sunday and Our Bulletin Archive!

Whether you will be with us on Sunday or not, we hope you can be encouraged by this blessing:

May you know an experience of the God who encompasses all gender and sexuality Who came out of the safety of heaven Immanuel, God within, between and beyond every one of us Who came out of the womb of perceived scandal Out of a wilderness of temptations And out of a humiliating closet tomb May you find affirmation for your life and loves, For your coming out, and your staying in.
May we find in our tradition a diversity of images Recognize that which needs to stay in the past And that which propels us into a new future full of possibility and acceptance.
Amen.

The C3 Bulletin Archive has turned into a great resource center for other progressive communities around the world. Thanks to the wonderful talent on our staff we are quickly becoming a leader in Progressive Christian liturgies. Check out our Bulletin Archive for more Progressive Christian Liturgies Today!

(You will need Adobe Reader to view the bulletin a link to the free download is found on our bulletin archive page.)

Click Here for Bulletin

C3 Teen Making Headlines and Supporting a Great Campaign

"SPRING LAKE - A small project begun at Duke University to change perceptions about homophobia on campus has spread across the United States and is finding roots in Michigan.

"One ally who is determined not to be drowned out by homophobic noise is fourteen-year-old Chloe Beighley, who has started a 'fine by me' shirt campaign in Spring Lake, Michigan.

"Beighley's mother, Colette, said that her daughter became 'hurricane Chloe' when she heard about the shirts.

"'She contacted the students services director for permission to wear the shirt, and then she asked if she could sell them on campus' at her high school, said Colette. But that was just the beginning.

"'She got approval from Christ Community Church in Spring Lake,' her mother said. 'She can set up a table to sell the shirts and they'll publicize it.'"

Buy your "gay? fine by me" t-shirt, this Sunday October 2nd from Chloe in
the narthex. The t-shirts are $10.

Click on the link below to read the complete article.

click here for complete article

Connections Groups on "Sins of Scripture"

Connections small groups on Sins of Scripture concludes this Sunday October 2nd.

Connections Book Discussion Format:
Book discussions will be divided into six topical groups following sections in the book. All topics will be repeated and offered each week. You may stay in the same group or move to a different group each week.

The Bible and Environment -- Urban Café
The Bible and Women -- Conference Room 1 The Bible and Homosexuality -- Metro Room The Bible and Children -- Chapel The Bible and Anti-Semitism --Conference Room 2 The Bible and Certainty -- Geneva Room

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