Posted on 12/02/2009 8:11:49 AM PST by SmithL
Dozens of people crowded the steps of Vallejo City Hall on Tuesday to protest a recent quoted remark by Mayor Osby Davis that gay people would not go to heaven.
The protesters waved rainbow flags, held signs demanding the separation of church and state and some called for Davis' resignation.
And then there was a roar.
From inside City Hall came the sounds of more than 100 people clapping and cheering, praising God.
"Lord, we're not against anybody. We're for our children," prayed New Hope Church Community Senior Pastor Terrence Nichols. "No matter what outside forces may stir up the pot, it is the inside residents who will work together to bring solutions to Vallejo.
"Thank you God for the peace of this city."
The city has been anything but peaceful, however, since a New York Times column on Nov. 20, quoted Davis as saying of gay people, "They're committing sin and that sin will keep them out of heaven. ... But you don't hate the person. You hate the sin that they commit."
Davis later apologized for offending anyone, said his remarks were taken out of context, but did not expand on his religious beliefs.
Shortly before the protest began, the New York Times released an audio version of the interview on its website that expanded on Davis' remarks. In the interview Davis said that as a Christian he disagrees with homosexuality, but "loves" and "prays" for gays to see the "error in their ways." He also says that he has "very close friends" who are gay, and cited Council member Michael Wilson as one of them.
The protest before Tuesday's City Council meeting, organized by former Vallejo City Council and school board candidate Lou Bordisso, brought out hundreds of the mayor's supporters and detractors.
While inside City Hall, Vallejo Faith Organization President Pastor Danny Jefferson was overcome with tears in the midst of a revival-like atmosphere of praise, protesters outside called for the mayor -- and those who believe as he does -- to stay away from what some described as "hate speech."
"I believe firmly that we all need to let God do God's job and get on with our own," said Rev. Judith Jones of First Christian Church in a speech about Christians needing to refrain from judging one another.
Jones also called for those who oppose Davis' beliefs to stop with "perfectly understandable" but harmful tactics like threats that have reportedly been levied against the mayor.
"All those tactics do is legitimize in the minds of the haters that the people they vilify deserve it," Jones said.
While former Vallejo City Council candidate Sam Kurshan called for Davis to resign, Bordisso said he does not think that is necessary.
"I'm not convinced that the mayor should resign," Bordisso said, adding that a public censure would be appropriate.
What he wants, Bordisso said, is for the mayor to show solidarity with all community groups by appointing openly gay people to the Human Relations Commission.
The mayor, as a public official, also should refrain from making religious statements that could influence people to act in hateful ways against others, Bordisso said.
Some Davis supporters said they don't understand why people are so upset since the mayor has a right to his own opinion. Others said that while Davis has a right to believe whatever he wants, as a public official he should not use that platform to spread such "divisive" beliefs.
Elizabeth Adler said many people believe the mayor's religious positions have had a subtle influence on his mayoral duties, though she could not point to any specific instances other than the remark from the New York Times column.
Interesting the number of Blacks who really are not big fans of gaydom.
BTW the media will give the Christians a fair write up in this article because it is Vallejo, not Danville or Castro Valley.
Why would anyone talk to the gay lady of 8th Avenue?
Hmph. Like that's gonna save 'em. I don't think God would consider that "impressive."
And the protestors probably failed to see the inconsistency of demanding separation of church and state while simultaneously calling for Davis to be forced to resign or be censured for his religious beliefs.
His Honor is correct. Unless the deviant homosexuals repent they will go to hell.
I grew up in Vallejo from ‘65-’72. It actually is an interesting old city — it’s too bad it’s so poorly run. The mayor might want to consider focusing on more immediate issues, like keeping “Valley-Joe” afloat.
So it's best not to hire a homo for the Human Relations Commission then, right? That would advocate homos, and would be too divisive.
The moral of this story? Don't reward the hateful protesters. Never reward homos. Stop the pro-homo divisiveness.
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 - “Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.” (NIV).
Before everybody gets all excited please note this verse covers a great many more sins than homosexual acts, which are not singled out as uniquely heinous.
In fact I would content this verse covers quite a large majority of Americans, in one category or another.
Constitution guarantees there shall be no religious test for holding any office or public trust under the United States.
Bottom line: EVERYBODY is a sinner and going to hell unless they repent (including those that point at other's "large/horrible" sins while downplaying or ignoring their "small/not-so-bad" sins.)
To their credit, they and the Hispanics provided the margin of victory for Prop 8 in CA last year. While they were drawn out to vote for 0bama, they're not keen on homosexuals "marrying."
It is a SIN.
When Gay protesters say “separation of church and state”, they mean they want no Christians holding office.
If sinners can’t get into heaven, we are all in trouble.
“Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolators, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves withmankind, Nor theives, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 9-10)
“And such were some of you: ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord
Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.” (1 Cor. 6:11).
“For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.He that believeth on Him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” (John 3:17-18)
“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murders, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolators, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimestone, which is the second death.” (Revelation 21:8).
“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” (1 John 5:12)
“But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.” (John 1:12)
I have yet to see an Adulterers' Pride Day parade. Homosexuals continue to celebrate being sexual deviants and it would appear that I have struck a nerve in your particular case.
So someone expressing an opinion is being judgmental and intolerant but making threats against that person are "perfectly understandable?"
"All those tactics do is legitimize in the minds of the haters that the people they vilify deserve it,"
IOW, expressing an opinion makes you a "hater" unlike, say, the sweet and innocent victims making the threats.
‘Bottom line: EVERYBODY is a sinner and going to hell unless they repent (including those that point at other’s “large/horrible” sins while downplaying or ignoring their “small/not-so-bad” sins.)’
Well said. Not the mayors call to make on who goes. If we don’t put our faith in Jesus Christ alone, we are doomed.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.