Anti-Gay Organizations and an Uncomfortable Pattern
I can only speak for myself when I say that I try to always speak openly and honestly when discussing myself, events I am involved with, facts and information which I posses, and possible interpretations I’ve gleaned. I know in my work with Soulforce, “speak your truth” was a mantra we heard often. I remember the Equality Ride organizers saying something along the lines of, “If we really believe that the truth is on our side, there is no argument, there is no fight, all we need to do is share the truth.” They echoed a mindset I have always had.
It is thus with great sadness that I read of yet another distortion of truth at the hands of anti-organizations. Ex-Gay Watch reports (and also does a thorough follow-up with organizers, witnesses, and police) that PFOX has misrepresented an encounter at a Virginia fair, but not only that, Christian organizations are passing it along as fact. And now PFOX is not returning calls to the police department (who were doing their own follow-up after XGW inquired).
I remember not too long ago reading on Good As You that the American Family Assocation’s One News Now site was editing AP articles, yet passing them off as if they came directly from the Associated Press.
I’m saddened because as I try to see Christ, I can’t imagine him fiddling with facts and figures, shouting out half-truths, or refusing to return phone calls. When he said, “I am the way, the truth, and the light,” I think he meant it.
So what is there to do besides sit and be content with myself for not misrepresenting facts? I’m not sure but I’d like some suggestions on how we can move forward, together, towards reconcillation and a greater understanding, as one human family.
I don’t want to win, I want to seek the truth. In the meantime, I’ll be stewing over ideas.
About the Author: Brian
2 Responses to “Anti-Gay Organizations and an Uncomfortable Pattern”
Brian… I commend you for your spirit… really I do. You’ve got far more non-violence packed into your soul than do I. See, in this situation, my political side would get the best of me: It would say, “Hey Matt… find the facts, expose the lies and discredit their little phony organizations.”
I’m glad I have you here to keep me balanced, lol.
By Matt on Sep 5, 2007
Well I am thankful for Ex-Gay Watch and the vigilence they maintain. Keeping anti-gay, ex-gay organizations (which, as we’ve seen, are all too prone for misrepresenting the facts) accountable is extremely important–and time consuming.
That being said, I think it’s perfectly acceptable for you, I, and all concerned Christians and LGBT people to call in or write not just to PFOX but also the organizations carrying their stories.
Non-violence doesn’t mean doing nothing in the face of injustice. Let’s ask these Christians how they can better reflect Christ in their work and hold them accountable to the Gospels!
By Brian on Sep 5, 2007