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CHI RHO CONNECTION The eNewsletter of Chi Rho Press, Your LGBT Christian Publishing House

Vol. VI, No. 15
15 September 2005
 

Contents:

 1.  Report from the UFMCC General Conference

By Adam DeBaugh 

The MCC General Conference in Calgary, Alberta, Canada was an amazing week.  There were vibrant and Spirit-filled worship services every day with brilliant preachers.  Amazing workshops filled the schedule.  Special lunches, dinners, and even breakfasts were available.  And of course it was a wonderful time to renew old friendships and make new ones.

There were people from at least 25 nations there, including people from Japan, Serbia, Croatia, and Bulgaria who are working to bring MCC to their countries.  The best part of an MCC conference for me happens in the restaurants, lobbies, and hallways where old friends and new congregate to share their stories.

 Of course, General Conference is also a business conference and MCC had some important business on the agenda.  The Rev. Troy Perry, founder of the MCC movement and Moderator of the denomination, is retiring this year and MCC overwhelmingly elected the Rev. Nancy Wilson as our new Moderator.  It was decided to have our international conferences every three years instead of every two years.  Some important by-law amendments were passed, mostly cleaning up legal language as a result of the massive transition to a new polity and structure over the past few years.  The Conference voted overwhelmingly to keep the assessment to the denomination at 14% in light of difficult financial times.

We gave Troy Perry a wonderful send-off as he prepares for his retirement.  We celebrated the publication of a new book by long-time LGBT Presbyterian activist Chris Glaser.  The book, called Troy Perry: Pastor and Prophet will be widely available soon.  Chris, whose book Come Home! was published by Chi Rho Press and is still available (http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevComeHome.html), announced that he is transferring the clergy credentials the Presbyterian Church never gave him (but which MCC honors and recognizes) and has accepted the pastorate of an MCC in Georgia.

I met our newest author, Marco Rubio from Monterey, Mexico, who has written what will be Chi Rho Press' first book in Spanish, and many other people from our Spanish-speaking countries.

 Since same-gender marriage had become legal throughout Canada just the week before we arrived, Canadian clergy offered to marry couples.  There were directions and even a shuttle to the licensing office and there were 60 weddings in a small chapel the hotel provided.  I went to the wedding of two wonderful men from Seattle, Washington, USA, Steve and George who had been together for 16 years were married by the Rev. Jo Bell from Toronto and their former MCC pastor, the Rev. Wallace Lanchester, who is now retired.  Travis and Lisa, new friends from Calgary, and I cried our eyes out!  But it was totally lovely.  After the wedding, Travis took us all out to dinner to celebrate with George and Steve, and Rev. Wallace and his partner.

 MCC sponsored a rally to thank Canada for passing same gender marriage rights, which got considerable media coverage.  There was an excellent Human Right Lunch with Sheriff Lupe Valdez of Dallas, Texas, USA speaking.  Lupe is the first Latina, woman, lesbian to be elected Sheriff in Texas and a long time member of MCC.

 The worship services, plenary sessions, and business meetings were all translated simultaneously into Spanish, a first step that greatly excited my friends Axel (pastor), Jurgen (lay delegate), and Jens from our church in Stuttgart, Germany.  They recognized this as an important first step for MCC and one day soon other languages, including German, will be added to our simultaneous translation program.

 Bishop Gene Robinson (Episcopal) of New Hampshire, USA preached and was wonderful.  Bishop Robinson pointed out that he was only the first OPENLY Gay Episcopal Bishop!  Bishop Stephen Charleston (also Episcopal), who is President and Dean of Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA also preached an amazing sermon for MCC!  The Director of Communications of the United Church of Christ (in the USA) was there and spoke, in part because he is Nancy Wilson's cousin, but also representing the UCC, more and more our sibling denomination.

 A new HIV initiative was introduced to support an HIV orphanage in Zimbabwe with an initial grant from an individual in our Atlanta church for $10,000 a year for five years, matched by MCC and also by the City of Refuge UCC in San Francisco (whose Rev. Yvette Flunder was at conference to talk about this new initiative).  People with HIV had a special breakfast and lots of amazing ministry.  "We are a Church with HIV."  Tee shirts emblazoned with "HIV +" on the front were sold to raise additional money for our HIV ministries and though the back had information about the Zimbabwe project, the front certainly made a lot of people in Calgary stop.  Being Canadians, of course, no one was rude!  Lots of HIV negative people were wearing the tee shirts, an amazing show of solidarity and support.

 You should have seen the worship services in the Singer Concert Hall.  The sight of 1,500 queer Christians with their voices lifted in song and prayer and worship was inspiring and a powerful witness.

 In all, it was a brilliant conference and I am proud and excited to be part of MCC.

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 2.  A Hymn for Victims of Katrina

 James Michael Hayes of MCC Boston, Massachusetts, USA sent this hymn along to the MCC LayLink list-serve in honor of those suffering from the onslaught of hurricane Katrina in the southern US.  The hymn is called, God Of My Life, To Thee I Call (music published in Boston, Massachusetts, USA in 1850)

 God of my life, to Thee I call;

Afflicted, at Thy feet I fall;

When the great water floods prevail

Leave not my trembling heart to fail!

Friend of the friendless and the saint,

Where should I lodge my deep complaint?

Where but with Thee, Whose open door

Invites the helpless and the poor!

Did ever mourner plead with Thee,

And Thou refuse that mourner’s plea?

Does not the Word still fixed remain

That none shall seek Thy face in vain?

That were a grief I could not bear,

Didst Thou not hear and answer prayer;

But a prayer hearing, answering God

Supports me under every load.

Fair is the lot that’s cast for me!

I have an Advocate with Thee;

They whom the world caresses most,

Have no such privilege to boast.

Poor though I am, despised, forgot,

Yet God, my God, forgets me not;

And one is safe, and must succeed,

For whom the Lord vouchsafes to plead.

Words by William Cowper (1731-1800)

Cowper (pronounced “Cooper”), whose father was chaplain to King George II, went through the motions of becoming an attorney, but never practiced law.  He lived near Olney, Buckinghamshire, England the namesake town of the Olney Hymns, which he co-wrote with John Newton, author of Amazing Grace.  Cowper also wrote poetry, including “The Negro’s Complaint,” an anti-slavery work, and the 5,000-line “The Task.”

Music by Virgil Corydon Taylor (1817-1891)

Taylor lived for a while in Hartford, Connecticut, then moved to Poughkeepsie, New York, where he played the organ at the Central Baptist Church and the First Dutch Reformed Church.  He then took a position as organist at a Baptist church in Brooklyn, New York. He later moved to Niagara Falls, New York, and finally Des Moines, Iowa.

 Sacred Minstrel or American Church Music Book (New York: 1846)

Choral Anthems (Boston, Massachusetts: 1850)

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3.  Please Join LivingFusion.org

We at Chi Rho Press want to issue to you a special invitation to join a wonderful new, interactive Web site sponsored by MCC.  LivingFusion.org is, a wonderful way to network with literally thousands of LGBT Christian people all over the world. 

In it’s own words, "LivingFusion contains a full range of searching and messaging systems.  It is the place to meet people."

More and more people have joined LivingFusion, the new UFMCC networking and chat site.  It features pictures, profiles, a personal calendar, news about MCC, search capabilities, and lots more!

You can get to know and see pictures of, e-mail, and chat with MCCers and others around the globe.

You might even find a special friend who shares your faith and other things.

Or you might reconnect with an old friend from the past!

Whatever your interest, check out LivingFusion by clicking the link below or copying it into your browser. You'll be glad you did.

Please join LivingFusionMCC today.  I think the link sent out previously may have been incorrect.  You may use this link to join:

http://www.livingfusion.org/index.cfm

You don’t have to be an MCC member to join LivingFusion and to take advantage of the opportunity to meet LGBT Christians and our friends all over the world.  Please follow the link above and join today!

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4.  Have you read "The Children are Free"?

"The Children are Free: Reexamining the Biblical Evidence on Same-sex Relationships," by Rev. Jeff Miner and John Tyler Connoley.  (ISBN: 0-9719296-0-2)  91 pages.  $12.95 each, six or more copies for $9.75 each.  See it on our Web site at

http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevTheChildrenAreFree.html

Published by Jesus Metropolitan Community Church, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, this book is a positive and concise new look at what the Bible really says about homosexuality and same-sex relationships.

The book is divided into four chapters.  The first is "The Clobber Passages" and deals with the scripture in both the Hebrew and the Christian Testaments that have in the past been used to condemn homosexual people.  The second chapter is "Finding Affirmation in Scripture," in which the authors explore same-sex love found in the Scriptures and positive role models for sexual minority people.

The third chapter is about "How Jesus Applied Scripture" and deals with Christ's take on the issues.  The fourth chapter discusses at length "Relearning an Ancient Lesson," using stories of the early church in the Book of Acts to illuminate our struggle to understand God's will for us today.  A "Final Word" is addressed "To Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual People."  This slim volume is an excellent resource for people who are struggling with their sexuality and spirituality and who have been taught that the Bible automatically condemns sexual minority people.

Here's what some reviewers have said.  "If you're confused by all the misinformation about homosexuality and the Bible, read 'The Children Are Free.'  The authors have created a wonderful, timely, easy to read summary of the evidence that will inform and inspire your search.  Let the Spirit of Truth set you free."

-- Rev. Dr. Mel White, co-founder of Soulforce, past professor at Fuller Theological Seminary, and former writer for Billy Graham and Jerry Falwell.

"This book reaffirmed my belief in God and gave me a renewed sense of hope."

-- Justin Copeland, gay youth.

"It was refreshing to read this loving and supportive treatment.  I can hardly wait to use this material in discussions with my Christian friends and neighbors."

-- Sue Hazer, mother of a lesbian daughter and member of PFLAG.

"This brand new book is one of the best yet for Christians who are struggling to find a pro-gay understanding of Scripture.  Short, clear, and amazingly easy to read, this book does much more than offering loopholes or excuses with regards to the Bible.  Instead, the authors combine careful research with a tremendous respect for God's Word, and they use humor, personal stories, and numerous Biblical examples to make their case.  A must-read for anyone wanting to understand the Bible better!"

-- from www.gaychristian.net.

"Many books have argued that the Bible does not condemn same-sex relationships.  In the vast majority of cases, however, the arguments sound like loopholes and excuses, not a sincere reading of Holy Scripture.  (Sadly, this includes even the ever popular 'What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality.')

"This book is remarkably different!  The authors don't make excuses or water down the text; instead, they take the Bible seriously and treat it respectfully, allowing the Bible itself to provide the best evidence of their case.  Meanwhile, this book is so short, simple, and easy to read that anyone can benefit from it.

"'The Children Are Free' is chock full of anecdotes and examples, making it a delight to read, even for people who don't normally read about the Bible.  Those of us more familiar with the subject will appreciate the clarity of the authors' argument.

"Other, similar books made me think, 'Yeah, I guess I can see that,' but this one left me wondering, 'How could you come to any other conclusion?'"

-- from amazon.com, a reader from Raleigh, NC, USA

About the Authors:

Jeff Miner is the pastor of Jesus Metropolitan Community Church in Indianapolis, Indiana.  He was raised in fundamentalist independent Baptist churches, and received his undergraduate degree from Bob Jones University.  In college, Jeff felt called to the ministry, but deferred that calling while trying to come to terms with being gay.  In the meantime, he attended Harvard Law School, graduating with honors in 1983.  Several years later, after intensive study of the Bible and homosexuality, Jeff came to peace with being gay.  Soon he discovered the Metropolitan Community Churches, a Christian denomination that has arisen out of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community.  There, Jeff realized he could fulfill his call to ministry.  He completed his clergy training and was ordained in 1997.

Before his ordination, Jeff worked as an attorney for 13 years, last serving as Deputy Chief Council for a federal banking agency.

Jeff lives with his spouse, David Zier.  They were joined in Holy Union on September 8, 1990, and live in Indianapolis.

John Tyler Connoley is the son of Wesleyan missionaries.  He spent most of his childhood years in Zambia, Africa, and has lived in Korea, the Philippines, and all of the West Coast states.

He came out to himself in 1991, while attending Indiana Wesleyan University, and has since sought to live a life that integrates his deep faith in God with his sexuality.  While working on "The Children Are Free," Tyler completed his M.A. in Biblical studies at Earlham School of Religion in Richmond, Indiana.

He is married to Rob Connoley.

See and order this exciting new book on our Web site at

http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevTheChildrenAreFree.html

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5.  "Christian with a Twist"

Here is a selection from our second major book of reflections, "Christian with a Twist: Reflections on Scripture that are a bit more inclusive, a bit more relevant, and with a bit of a bite," by the late William Gaston.

"Christian with a Twist" is available for $19.95 each, $14.95 each for six or more copies, plus shipping and handling.  You can read more about it and order it at http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevChristianWithATwist.htm

As the subtitle suggests, Bill's writing has a bit of a bite, and we believe you will enjoy his sharp, but loving take on Scripture, life, and faith.

Here is a selection entitled "Saved by Faith" from the Ordinary Time section of "Christian with a Twist."

Please read Galatians 2:15-21

Oftentimes it seems that our religious practices and beliefs are based more on the teachings of Paul than the teachings of Jesus.  Maybe it is because Paul's ministry was longer and he talked a lot.  I suppose I should relate to that.  I talk a lot, too, and probably am as opinionated and as sanctimonious as Paul.  Maybe that is why I have trouble with him.

In today's passage my trouble with Paul is not so much what he says, but what I find myself reading between the lines.  He is saying that we are justified by faith in Jesus, not by the law.  Who can argue with that?  It sounds as good as mother and apple pie.

Somehow though, I get the feeling that Paul has created a new law.  What if my faith in Jesus is not the same as his?  Who determines what is faith?  This may be a harder law to follow than the old law.  I may not even know if I have complied or not.

There is a harshness here that does not seem like Jesus:  "Servant of sin," "transgressor," "no longer I who live," and "died for nothing."  These all seem like warnings that I better be getting something right.  Jesus said that sins are forgiven, that we should not judge, that God wants us to have life abundantly, and that life is eternal.

With all respect to Paul and the church he established, I think it may be better to strive to have the faith OF Jesus rather than faith IN Jesus.  That way I can look at how I am living and compare it to how Jesus lived to measure my success.  Paul's way, it seems is that I have to rely on the judgment of others.  I am not very comfortable with that.  It is, after all, Jesus whom I am willing to call Lord, not the church that seems to have made laws about the faith that is supposed to have replaced the law.

http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevChristianWithATwist.htm

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6.  Sanctoral Cycle

As a regular feature in the Chi Rho Connection, we are offering up traditional saints listed in the 2005 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary from today until our next scheduled electronic newsletter.

*****

Wed., Aug. 31, St. Aidan.  Gentleness:  It is the meek, the gentle and the humble who spiritually conquer the world.  The less we give way to impatience in our dealings with others, the more the spirit of God works in us and for us.  We have to overcome inward feelings of pride and irritation as well as their outward expressions.  "But the meek shall inherit the land and enjoy great peace" (Psalm 37:11).

Thurs., Sep. 1, St. Giles (Patron saint: homeless, disabled).  The riches of poverty:  The finest of chains can hold a small bird captive and prevent it from flying away.  We cannot fully enjoy the blessings nor love that God has for us as long as one tiny single tie binds our hearts to sin.  "Sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor yet making many rich; having nothing and yet possessing everything" (2 Corinthians 6:10).

Diversity Dates: Hispanic Heritage Month

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Fri., Sep. 2, St. Stephen of Hungary.  With God all plans come to fruition:  Saint Stephen was a man with a mission.  This mission he managed to accomplish in the course of his life and the reforms he instituted lasted for centuries to come.  His most important contribution, though, was to bring to Hungary the status of a nation.  Though small, this country would come to effect Europe in some very important ways in future centuries.

Sat., Sep. 3, St. Pius X.  Simplicity of living:  Simplicity of life and spirit, humbleness and gentleness, carried St. Pius X to all of the world's hearts and thus God glorified him to the world.  "I was born poor, I have lived poor, and I wish to die poor," St. Pius X.

Sun., Sep. 4, St. Rose of Viterbo.  Use of today:  Rose died when she was seventeen but she died a saint.  Many of us have lived much longer, yet with what result?  Every minute of every day there is something we can do for God.  Let us learn from St. Rose's example to be up and doing every single day.  "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you" (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Mon., Sep. 5, St. Laurence Giustiniani.  Seeking divine wisdom:  "Why do you go about trying to satisfy your mind first with one thing and then another?  Rest is to be found only in the boundless treasures of divine wisdom," St. Laurence Giustiniani.

Tues., Sep. 6, St. Symphorosa.  Suffering:  History shows that Hadrian threatened to burn St. Symphorosa alive as a sacrifice to his gods.  She told him this was beyond his power, if she was burnt, she would be offered up, not to demons, but to Christ the Son of God, and the fire that consumed her body would add light to her crown.  Her trial is an example to us that no matter what comes our way, it is a means of consecrating ourselves anew to Christ.

Wed., Sep. 7, St. Tarbula.  Guarding chastity:  Whatever your state of life may be, you too are dedicated to Christ and bound to follow him in purity of body and soul.  "But among you there must be not even a hint of sexual impurity, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people" (Ephesians 5:3).

Thurs., Sep. 8, St. Poemen.  Kind judgments:  We can never arrive at true purity of heart until we believe ourselves to be more worthless than anybody else.  This is not difficult, for even if we were to see a murderer we could say, "He has only killed one person, while I have put my soul to death many times by my sins."  "If we pass over people's faults in silence, God also will hide ours, but if we divulge them, God will make known our own," St. Poemen.

Fri., Sep. 9, St. Peter Claver (Patron saint: African Americans).  Our neighbor's needs:  When we see someone in need, either for body or for soul, do not ask why someone else did not help, but be thankful for the opportunity to do it yourself.  "Who is weak, and I do not feel weak?  Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?" (2 Corinthians 11:29).

Sat., Sep. 10, St. Nicholas of Tolentino.  A good death:  Would you die the death of the just? There is only one way of making sure of doing so.  Live the life of the just.  For it is impossible that one who has been faithful to God in life should make a bad or unhappy end.  "I love life only because it leads quickly to death," St. Nicholas of Tolentino.

Sun., Sep. 11, Bd. Charles Spinola.  Death for Christ:  So deeply was Bd. Charles steeped in the wisdom of the cross that he not only welcomed suffering in every way and bore it when most crushing, but even in the prison of Omura, more terrible as he said, than death by fire, he imposed mortifications on himself.  "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Philemon 1:21).

Mon., Sep. 12, St. Guy.  Reverence for the house of God:  Jesus was nine months in Mary's womb, three hours on the cross, and three days in the grave, but sacramentally, he is in the tabernacle always.  Does our reverence before him bear witness to this blessed truth?  "Zeal for your house will consume me!" (John 2:17).

Tues., Sep. 13, St. Francis di Girolamo.  Attending to sermons:  In spite of the wisdom and power with which St. Francis preached, his sermons were of no use to those who listened with hardened hearts.  If we would hear preachers aright, we must examine our own conscience instead of criticizing what is being said.  "They who hear the divine warning unmoved are not worthy to be healed," St. Augustine.

Wed., Sep. 14, St. Speratus.  Perseverance:  Beg God for the gift of perseverance.  Do not hesitate, do not look back, do not listen to suggestions against faith nor virtue.  Go forward day by day along the road which you have chosen, to God who is your lover forever.  "But they that stand firm to the end will be saved" (Matthew 24:13).

Thurs., Sep. 15, St. Catherine of Genoa.  Purgatory:  St. Catherine said that the bitterness of the suffering of Purgatory could not be expressed or understood.  Frequent reflection on Purgatory will help us to escape it, by avoiding the least imperfection that hinders our approach to God.  "Yet God was merciful; and forgave their iniquities and did not destroy them" (Psalm 78:38).

*****

Order the 2004-2005 Liturgical Calendar and Lectionary,

complete with the entire year's Sanctoral Cycle, at this link:

http://www.chirhopress.com/products/product_details/BookRevLiturgicalCa04_05.html

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7.  Adam's Last Word

The disaster on the Gulf Coast of the United States raises so many important questions.

The first, of course, is how people of faith can help those of our sisters and brothers who are in such need.  MCC has created a Hurricane Relief Fund that will assist our congregations and others in the stricken area.  I encourage you to contribute.

Please send your checks to MCC Hurricane Relief Fund, 8704 Santa Monica Blvd., 2nd Floor, West Hollywood, CA 90069-4548, USA, and note that it is for the MCC Hurricane Relief Fund. If you would prefer to have a donation charged to your credit card, you can send that information to MargaretMahlman@MCCchurch.org.  Or to make your donation immediately available for disaster relief, visit www.MCCchurch.org and make your gift right now on-line.

*****

As we attempt to help financially, other questions come to mind as well:  why would an evacuation be ordered in New Orleans but no provisions are made for the poor who have no transportation and little money with which to flee the city?

Why would the President of the United States remain at his vacation home in Texas, knowing that a huge and fatal hurricane is bearing down on the Gulf Coast of the US?  And then after Katrina hit, why would he remain on vacation for another couple of days?

Why would the President say that the breach in the levees protecting New Orleans from the waters of Lake Pontrachain was "unexpected" despite many reports that predicted just this sort of disaster?

Why has the US Corps of Engineers not been given the resources to enhance the levees, despite those reports that proved the levees to be woefully inadequate?

Why did FEMA not have relief supplies on the ground near the Gulf Coast rather than waiting until after the hurricane hit?

Why has it taken so long, dear God, so long to get help to this devastated area?

Why have people been sitting on their rooftops for four days in some cases, waiting for someone to rescue them?

Why have people been allowed to die in the streets of New Orleans?

Let us pray for the growing, if belated response of our government to this crisis, and more importantly let us pray for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and it's aftermath.

*****

Please check out the Chi Rho Cards!  Our line of greeting cards, by the talented New York artist Timothy Leetch, are now available.  See the descriptions of the cards on our Web site at:  http://www.chirhopress.com/products/cards.html.

Order some cards today!

*****

Gracia y paz,

 R. Adam DeBaugh, Director, Adam@ChiRhoPress.com.

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Copyright 2005, Chi Rho Press, Inc.

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