White House web page and Gay rights

Following on the heals of my post reflecting on what today means to me, I need to draw your attention to something else that is remarkable about our new President.

I was on the White House Web page this morning and I clicked from the main page to read something interesting. About ten seconds later, I clicked on the "home" page and the Junior's site was gone and Mr. Obama's site was up and running. Isn't technology wonderful.

One of the interesting this is what is contained on the new site. There, in print, the President of The United States of America commits himself to Gay rights. It's all here. Go read it for yourself.

"While we have come a long way since the Stonewall riots in 1969, we still have a lot of work to do. Too often, the issue of LGBT rights is exploited by those seeking to divide us. But at its core, this issue is about who we are as Americans. It's about whether this nation is going to live up to its founding promise of equality by treating all its citizens with dignity and respect."-- Barack Obama, June 1, 2007

Expand Hate Crimes Statutes: In 2004, crimes against LGBT Americans constituted the third-highest category of hate crime reported and made up more than 15 percent of such crimes. President Obama cosponsored legislation that would expand federal jurisdiction to include violent hate crimes perpetrated because of race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, or physical disability. As a state senator, President Obama passed tough legislation that made hate crimes and conspiracy to commit them against the law.

Fight Workplace Discrimination: President Obama supports the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, and believes that our anti-discrimination employment laws should be expanded to include sexual orientation and gender identity. While an increasing number of employers have extended benefits to their employees' domestic partners, discrimination based on sexual orientation in the workplace occurs with no federal legal remedy. The President also sponsored legislation in the Illinois State Senate that would ban employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.

Support Full Civil Unions and Federal Rights for LGBT Couples: President Obama supports full civil unions that give same-sex couples legal rights and privileges equal to those of married couples. Obama also believes we need to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and enact legislation that would ensure that the 1,100+ federal legal rights and benefits currently provided on the basis of marital status are extended to same-sex couples in civil unions and other legally-recognized unions. These rights and benefits include the right to assist a loved one in times of emergency, the right to equal health insurance and other employment benefits, and property rights.

Oppose a Constitutional Ban on Same-Sex Marriage: President Obama voted against the Federal Marriage Amendment in 2006 which would have defined marriage as between a man and a woman and prevented judicial extension of marriage-like rights to same-sex or other unmarried couples.

Repeal Don't Ask-Don't Tell: President Obama agrees with former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff John Shalikashvili and other military experts that we need to repeal the "don't ask, don't tell" policy. The key test for military service should be patriotism, a sense of duty, and a willingness to serve. Discrimination should be prohibited. The U.S. government has spent millions of dollars replacing troops kicked out of the military because of their sexual orientation. Additionally, more than 300 language experts have been fired under this policy, including more than 50 who are fluent in Arabic. The President will work with military leaders to repeal the current policy and ensure it helps accomplish our national defense goals.

Expand Adoption Rights: President Obama believes that we must ensure adoption rights for all couples and individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation. He thinks that a child will benefit from a healthy and loving home, whether the parents are gay or not.

Promote AIDS Prevention: In the first year of his presidency, President Obama will develop and begin to implement a comprehensive national HIV/AIDS strategy that includes all federal agencies. The strategy will be designed to reduce HIV infections, increase access to care and reduce HIV-related health disparities. The President will support common sense approaches including age-appropriate sex education that includes information about contraception, combating infection within our prison population through education and contraception, and distributing contraceptives through our public health system. The President also supports lifting the federal ban on needle exchange, which could dramatically reduce rates of infection among drug users. President Obama has also been willing to confront the stigma -- too often tied to homophobia -- that continues to surround HIV/AIDS.

Empower Women to Prevent HIV/AIDS: In the United States, the percentage of women diagnosed with AIDS has quadrupled over the last 20 years. Today, women account for more than one quarter of all new HIV/AIDS diagnoses. President Obama introduced the Microbicide Development Act, which will accelerate the development of products that empower women in the battle against AIDS. Microbicides are a class of products currently under development that women apply topically to prevent transmission of HIV and other infections.

Yes, words are cheap. But brothers and sisters, do you realize how significant it is for these words to be written on the official URL of the White House? If you don't, then go find one of those people who were at Stonewall that night so long ago and talk to them. Then you'll understand. The GLBT community has moved from the back of the bus. Yes, it's only to the middle of the bus, at the moment, but it's not the back of he bus. I feel very optimistic tonight.

Proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace
according to thy word;
for mine eyes have seen they salvation ...

Today, I understand the words of Simeon more than I have in the past. Like him, I have witnessed something I never, in my wildest imagination, thought I would actually live long enough to see.

When I was a child my two of my parents' best friends were an elderly couple, Clarence and Ellen Daniels. They were as much a part of our daily life as breakfast was and they were like second parents to me. If I disappeared and mom couldn't find me, I'd usually be found at the Daniel's house. That meant I had to wander across the highway to get here. I was about four years old back then.

What is remarkable about all of that is that Clarence and Ellen were black -- no, they were Negros; black was a derogatory term then. When the home they rented became available for purchase, they asked to buy the house but were told that "no uppity [Negros] were going to own property in this town." I didn't understand; I was too young. In fact, I still don't understand it. All I knew was that two people I loved were moving from my daily life. Mom said that I "moaped (?) around for a week."

Ellen tried to explain it to me, but finally, all she could say was "Jimmy, some things are just wrong and that's just the way they are. But maybe when you're all grown up, things will be different."

But the most remarkable part of the story is the legacy they left me -- a gift I cherish. Clarence and Ellen were both the children of slaves.

I was held, hugged and loved by the children of slaves. One person separates me from the horrible reality of slavery. I remember Ellen telling me about the scars around her father's ankles from the iron fetters rubbing the skin off his body. (Clarence had scars on his back from a bull whipping Klan members gave him when he was nine years old because they thought Clarence was getting too "uppity.")

For me, slavery is not a remote event in the history books. The viciousness of hatred is not a remote concept. I have a physical personal, emotional and spiritual connection to that era. Arms that caressed me were caressed by former slaves. I wore the shirt that Ellen's father wore the day the Union Army freed him from slavery.

Like Simeon and Anna, this white boy never thought he would live to see this day. But here I am, and there he is, and there they are! A black president of the United States. An openly gay and partnered bishop praying at an official inauguration event. Young, old, male, female, black, white, yellow, brown, red skinned, gay, straight, bisexual, transgendered Americans standing shoulder to shoulder to witness the dawn of a new day of possibilities.

I'm not so arrogant to think I truly understand what today means to Americans of colour or what it means to those who lived though the evils of segregation. But I do know what it means to a middle aged white boy; and it feels good - dang good. But I know this is not the end of the journey. This is just a place to pause and celebrate how far we've come.

In his last public appearance, LBJ, speaking of the Civil Rights struggle made a remarkable prophecy:

Let's watch what's been done, and see that it is preserved, but let's say we have just begun, and let's go on. Until every boy and girl born in this land can stand on the same level ground, our job will not be done.

We've proved that great progress is possible, we know how much remains to be done. And if our efforts continue, and if our will is strong, and if our hearts are right, and if courage remains our constant companion -- then I am confident we shall overcome.

As I watched the roll call of the Civil Rights movment arrive for the inauguration, I could not hep but remember the three men who made today possible; I'm positive I saw them standing there next to The President as he took the Oath of Office: Jack, Martin and Bobby as they passed the torch of hope to a new man.

When it's all over today, I'm going to drive to a town five miles north of me and go to the city park. And I'm going to drink from the same fountain from which Clarence and Ellen could not drink. And I'm going to say, "Free at last, free at last; Thank God Almighty, Free at Last!"

I rarely drink alcohol for many reasons, but I purchased a bottle of very good champagne for this day. I have opened it and filled three champagne glasses. One glass is for me. The other two are for Clarence and Ellen. And I know that they are right here with me.

So, here's to you, Clarence and Ellen.

PS - If I were the new President, I'd gather my wife and kids tonight and we'd all seep in the Lincoln bed!

Rosanne Rosannadanna's father and the Schismatics

We are probably all old enough to remember the original cast of Saturday Night Life. Hands down, my favourite cast member was Guilda Radner. What a tragedy that she died so young of ovarian cancer. One of her characters was a wonderful Italian American reporter, Rosanne Rodannadana. (There really is a connection here, folks!)

A communication was issued today by the Communion Partners. The release begins

On behalf of the Advisory Committee of the Communion Partner Rectors, and on behalf of our Bishops and Primatial colleagues, we wish to acknowledge the remarks recently published from Bishop Iker and Bishop Duncan at the Charleston conference hosted by ‘Mere Anglicanism.’ They speak of wanting the Communion Partners and Common Cause to support one another.

The Communion partners wasted no time in making their views known as the conference was this past weekend (as in, last Friday - Sunday). The information about the conference is here.

Leading participants were Mr. Mark Lawrence, Mr. Robert Duncan, The Rt. Rev'd Michael Nazir Ali, Mr. Jack Iker, The Most Rev'd Valentino Mokiwa, and The Most Rev'd Benjamin Kwashi. That's a pretty impressive cohort of schismatics.

Also, of note, was Dr. R. Albert Mohler, Jr, President of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His talk was entitled: Global Anglicanism: Ecclesiological Renewal. That certainly gives the schismatics away - they really want to be Southern Baptists playing high church. (See Cany's post on Mohler, here.)

At this point the press release gets interesting:

For our part we will continue to pray for solid progress at the level of Covenant Design Committee work and for the Instruments of Communion, especially the Primates Meeting shortly to commence. We cannot know how the efforts associated with Common Cause will turn out, including the idea of building a ‘new province,’ but we note with interest that recent news indicates the Archbishop of Canterbury has suggested ways for this endeavor to move forward in relationship to the Instruments of Communion. Together with ACI, we have been concerned that failure to attend to the integrity of Dioceses which see women’s ordination a matter still in reception, is creating unnecessary stress and strain. We ask that the wider Anglican Communion offer guidance here, as a variegated polity elsewhere appears to be both possible and charitably negotiated.

They seem to read a tacit (at least) approval of their schism by The Most Rev'd and Right Hounourable Rowan Williams, Primate of All England and Archbishop of Canterbury by his remarks that there is a procedure to become a province of the Anglican Communion. Certainly the Archbishop did not overtly encourage the schismatics.

But notice that emphasized bit. Apparently, the whole schismatic organization has a major crack in its veneer. Women's ordination s going to be the first leak in the ship of Calvinists. Could this really be an iceberg?

But, that crack just keeps getting larger:

We do not know how the proposal for a new province will be received nor are we entirely clear what its proponents are proposing; that is probably unavoidable given the hardships all around. We understand that many see the situation as demanding this option. For our part, we accept the promise of those associated with this movement that they will honor our own commitments. Communion Partners will pray for the Common Cause proponents and will assume that promise of cooperation entails a charitable acceptance that another way forward is to be honored and that we can move forward on parallel tracks and not ‘recruit’ from each others’ daily purpose, honoring the jurisdictional integrities of respective bishops. God will be in charge of the next season, as He has always been.

This points out one of the major problems of the schismatic movement: Secrecy. The leaders of this new organization wish the support of everyone (and even go so far as to fabricate the amount of support they have), but they wish to keep the underlings in ignorance as to what is really going on. Why?

Well, there are two obvious reasons:

First, ++Williams has pledged the group complete support but asked them to keep it quite until all the ducks are in a row. That's possible but not bloody likely.

The second reason is that the leaders know their situation is virtually hopeless and that if the hopefulness is known, the schismatics will flee Duncanland in droves. That would seem to me to be the most logical conclusion. We know what happened when the Titanic went down and Duncan cannot abide that - his ego is too great and narcissistic people must preserve the appearance of total control.

The secrecy is also one hallmark of a cult; and as Fred pointed out, this group has most of the overt symptoms of a classic cult.

If I were asked to be a member of such a group, before I singed on the dotted line, I would like to know what the plans are. Look at poor Mary Surratt who rented a room to John Wilkes Booth without knowing all the details.

The statement concludes:

When the Primates meet in February we anticipate that our separate ways of moving forward will be acknowledged and honored. We pledge our prayers for all involved and ask God’s blessing on all of us in a very difficult time. With gratitude for his grace and mercy, again this 2009 Epiphany we remain, yours in Christ, on behalf of Communion Partners.

I find it astounding that, in light of all the issues they have raised, this group is still following the schismatics like lemmings. They expect their concerns to be "honored." That's blind trust, if you ask me.

The press statement is signed by The Rt. Rev'd Bruce MacPherson, Russell Levenson and Christopher Seitz.

It is interesting that this bears both the nihil obstat and imprimatur of +MacPherson, a TEC bishop who has stated he will not lead Louisiana out of TEC.

When we examine the emerging organization: there is no organization. There is no unanimity. All there is is blind trust. Unfortunately, it will be the small players and innocent laity who crash and burn in this. The leaders are in excellent shape and believe me, they have contingency plans.

So what do Rosanne Rosannadanna and her father have to do with all of this? At the end of her news reports each week, she would conclude with these words:

It's just like my daddy would always say. Every night when he would tuck me into bed, he would say, "Rosanne Rosannadanna, if it's not one thing, it's another."

"And that's the truth," quoth Edith Ann, when one deals with the schismatics. The fissures will just get larger and new ones will appear.

My thanks to John Delmore for alerting me to this small, yet revealing press release.

UPDATE:

In a related matter, the General Synod of the Church of England will meet in early February. In the press release concerning a variety of issues to be debated, we find this very interesting statement.

The Churches of the Anglican Communion were asked in March 2008 if they were able, in principle, to commit to the Covenant process and to say if there were any elements which in their view would need extensive change in order to make viable the process of adoption by their Synods. The General Synod will consider a take note motion, moved by the Bishop of Rochester on behalf of the House of Bishops, on a report from the House, to which is attached a draft Church of England response to these questions. The draft response welcomes the direction of travel of the Covenant while flagging up a number of points which still require attention.

This is interesting to me in light of Duncan's statement in December that there is no need for a covenant. He said the time for a covenant was past.

Epiphany II

The Second Sunday of Epiphany
Omnis terra


1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20); Psalm 139:1-5, 12-17; 1 Corinthians 6:12-20; John 1:43-51

Today’s gospel reading is a delicious story. We encounter enthusiasm, prejudice, and extraordinary insight all in one short story. It is sometimes good for us to remember that we get above ourselves when we regard the people of our Lord’s day as being so inferior to ourselves as not to be taken too seriously. Obviously we know a good deal more than they did about all sorts of things. Yet we share not only a common humanity but those very same traits that enliven and sometimes sully our day-to-day lives. Philip and Nathanael are not unlike you and me, prone to bursts of enthusiasm and almost unconscious prejudice.

Philip’s encounter with Jesus was obviously dramatic and life changing. Jesus was direct. He met Philip and told him to join Jesus’ small band of followers. There may have been more to the encounter that added to the extraordinary excitement that sent Philip off to find Nathanael, but however long or short the encounter, Philip was hooked. So off he ran to find his friend.

Nathanael thinks Philip is crazy. To a pure Jew, the inhabitants of Nazareth were not only country folk with a country accent, they were a racially mixed community. The same sort of prejudice that we encounter, and perhaps exhibit in unguarded moments, caused Nathanael to blurt out, “Can any good come out of Nazareth?”

It is interesting that the writer of the fourth gospel includes this detail. There’s no attempt to whitewash the resumes of the disciples. Despite our stained-glass windows and their depictions of the first Christians, we encounter them as real people, warts and all. How could Jesus choose people who demonstrate the same failings we meet in human beings in our daily lives? How could Jesus choose us?

Philip risked rejection when he tackled Nathanael. He risked being embarrassed. Today, in our setting, he would risk being accused of trying to force his religion on others, of being “evangelical” or even a crank. Yet Philip seemed to be sure that if he could get Nathanael to meet Jesus, he would be convinced that even if this Jesus was the son of Joseph from Nazareth he was also the person Jews had hoped for since Moses.

Jesus saw in Nathanael a character that was totally honest and probably blunt, “an Israelite in whom is no guile.” That description is about all we shall know about Nathanael, except that he was probably also called Bartholomew – and that he had a low view of people from Nazareth.

We usually associate St. Peter as the follower of Jesus who blurted out that Jesus was the Messiah, the one yearned for, the one sent from God to establish the Kingdom. Yet in this story, a new convert, amazed that Jesus knew where he came from – under the fig tree where Philip found him – blurts out, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

Jesus answers Nathanael by recalling the story of Jacob and Bethel, who placed his head on a stone, dreamed that he wrestled with an angel and saw angels ascending and descending on what seemed to be a ladder. This all seems pretty obscure to us, but to a faithful Jew, the story of Jacob is one of redemption and calling, of God reaching into a human life in a transforming way. Bethel means “the place of God.”

In our baptisms, we too encountered the living God. A “Philip” cared enough about us to bring us to the place where God is, the thin place which was there was a font or basin filled with water made holy by priestly blessing, our Bethel. Perhaps our Bethel is the church where we worship today. In our baptism, Jesus or “God with us” looked into our souls and judged us to be the person he was calling. Like the disciples, like Nathanael, we had the potential to be, or were if we were baptized as adults, the sort of person Jesus calls to be his intimate followers.

A great Anglican theologian of the 16th century, Richard Hooker, described all worship as our encounter with angels ascending and descending. Or to put it simply, it is the action in which we participate in the worship of heaven and experience the sort of fellowship we hope one day to experience after death.

But the thrust of our lessons today is that we are now “in eternal life” as the priestly absolution puts it in the Eucharist. We are forgiven our sins in order that we may be kept in Eternal Life. In forgiveness, in being looked into by Jesus just as Nathanael was looked into, we encounter the power to be changed. Jesus looks at us and says, “I saw you in your garage” or “I saw you at the supermarket.”

We are challenged to blurt out our faith that even though Jesus was from northern Israel centuries ago, he is the Son of God and he is our King. With that challenge comes the bounden duty and service of representing Jesus to others. He calls us because he knows us. To him, “all hearts are open, all desires are known and from him no secrets are hid.” He sees our potential and our prejudices, our talents, and our sins; and chooses us.

That is amazing. If the Messiah can be born in the backwaters of Nazareth in a mixed community, anyone can live in Jesus as he lives in us.

Jesus calls us to be Nathanaels, whose prejudice about people in the past, whom we look down on in our 21st century hubris, can be changed by an encounter with the Lord. Today we encounter Jesus at the font in baptism and Sunday by Sunday in bread and wine, those simple elements, like a stone, in which we may encounter the living God.

Such an encounter calls us to engage people in the totality of their being, whatever their race, background, class, wealth, or poverty, and to bring them to Jesus. Bringing people to Jesus is evangelism, but a whole evangelism for Jesus cares about poverty, disease, hurt, grief and sin, and calls us to be agents who cooperate with him as his Kingdom comes “on earth as it is in heaven.”

We do this by becoming the presence of Jesus and as we touch life where we find it and become healers, feeders, lovers, and redeemers.

-- Fr. Tony Clavier is rector of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, La Porte, Indiana, in the Diocese of Northern Indiana. He is also dean of the Michigan City deanery. His email address is anthony.clavier@gmail.com