So, perhaps you've heard the brouhaha about Barack Obama and his association with a homophobic gospel singer set to perform during a show in Columbia, SC this Sunday. The GLBT community is going nuts, of course, demanding that Obama get rid of said performer.
Instead, the campaign has asked an openly gay pastor to give the opening prayer. That pastor is none other than Andy Sidden, the Senior Pastor of Garden of Grace United Church of Christ where I am privileged to serve as his associate pastor.
When he told me yesterday that they had asked him to do this, I told him he'd make news if he did it. He didn't think some little old pastor doing a prayer would be anything newsworthy - but I knew better. I told him Obama needs to throw the GLBT community a bone and he's the bone!
Andy's already taking some hits over on Pam's House Blend for agreeing to do this, but I am proud of him for taking a stand and for taking the opportunity to give a voice to our community against this blatant homophobia.
In addition, Andy will be appearing on Mike Signorile's Sirius Satellite Radio show at 4:30 p.m. this afternoon. Catch it if you have SIRIUS OutQ 109, and let me know how it went. I gave up my satellite radio about a year ago.
And give Andy your prayer support while you're at it. He's getting it from both sides now!
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4 comments:
Rev. Andy Sidden is a great leader in the United Church of Christ. I'm forunate to have him as a colleague in the ministry.
- Rev. Chuck Currie
Amen, Rev. Chuck. Andy is a man of great integrity and doesn't deserve the harsh attacks he's enduring simply because he agreed to pray for a group of people.
Our church is Garden of Grace, and grace extends to all. I'm proud of Andy for not withholding that grace.
Really glad to find your blog, by the way. I've added a link to it on the United Church News Blog which can be found at:
http://unitedchurchofchrist.blogspot.com/
Thanks for the link! I'm returning the favor. :)
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