(Toledo) Church's pro-gay billboard causes controversy

[Bill McBlueState]

A new billboard is causing some controversy in some religious communities in Toledo. The billboard states "Being gay is a gift from God."

The digital billboard is on Monroe Street near Central and was paid for by Central United Methodist Church. ... The pastor says he hopes the message will move the public toward tolerance.

The message is connected to a month-long sermon by Pastor Bill Barnard. "We really believe that being gay is a gift from God, and it's not anything that anyone has to apologize for or be ashamed about," he says. "So that's how it came to be."

http://abclocal.go.com/wtvg/story?section=news/local&id=8095330

I used to go to United Methodist churches. It's nice to see one of them stand up for LGBT people. My experience with mainline Protestantism is that most of the churches are too fearful of losing membership to ever take a stance on a controversial issue.

While I don't think their god exists, progressive Christians can be a powerful force for social justice in the US.

[bluestateguy]

1. I think the United Methodists will be next to support marriage equality

They aren't quite there yet, but I sense that they are getting there.

[gratuitous]

2. I wear a button to Annual Conference

"The Body of Christ Includes Gay and Lesbian Persons." We're gearing up for another go-round on the propriety of slamming the church door in people's faces at the end of June/beginning of July. Usually mixed in with a hand-wringing session or two about how the denomination numbers are dwindling, as if the two occurrences are entirely separate and independent.

My best friend lives in Toledo. Maybe I'll ask him about it next time we talk.

[Bill McBlueState]

3. kick n/t

[ellie]

4. I drove by it yesterday

(I live in Toledo) and smiled. It is on a busy corner. Very cool!

[closeupready]

5. There are some very fair-minded, good Christians. This is evidence of that.

I just wish they were more common.

[bobbolink]

6. "They" are common... just not loud, and, as with the progressive protests, do NOT get press coverage

As we should know from our own experience, do not confuse lack of press attention with lack of numbers and passion.

[closeupready]

7. Good point.

nt

[bobbolink]

8. yup... but if I combed my hair right, it wouldn't show.

:rofl:

[closeupready]

9. rofl

:D

[bobbolink]

11. Case in point: Please watch.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x578405

And pass it along! Help make this video go viral!

Thanks!

[ehrnst]

10. Well, if they can claim that an uplanned, unwanted pregnancy is a "gift from God"

Then they can just shut up about this..

[texshelters]

12. Aren't these two different issues, and can't

you salute a positive stand on one of them? Am I supposed to hate Thomas Jefferson because he slept with his slaves? Sure, I hate him for that, but I like the Declaration of Independence. James Brown was a wife beating bastard, but I still like some of his music.

So, salute the positive, and address the negative.

Peace,
Tex Shelters

[texshelters]

13. Things are changing on the gay rights front

and more needs to be addressed.

Peace,
Tex Shelters