Posted on 10/29/2005 11:46:24 PM PDT by scripter
The installation of a new leader of the predominantly homosexual Metropolitan Community Church, held at the Washington Cathedral yesterday, was to be accompanied by the announcement of a new program called "Focus on the Human Family," but attorney's for Dr. James Dobson's "Focus on the Family" intervened to protect the Christian ministry's trademarked name.
The Reverend Nancy Wilson was installed as the Presiding Bishop as scheduled, but not before MCC committed to removing the "Focus on the Human Family" name from its website. The service's program followed the original theme of "Unfinished World, Unfinished Calling," but references to the disputed name were not to be found.
Wilson, who in 1976 became the youngest person ever elected to the MCC Board of Elders and has served as an Elder since that time, takes over the denomination from Troy Perry, who founded it in 1968. Wilson lives with her partner of 27 years, Dr. Paula Schoenwether.
"It's a bit puzzling," said Wilson. "The ministry of Metropolitan Community Churches is so different from that of James Dobson. His group tends to focus on one kind of family, what they often mistakenly call the "traditional family." In Metropolitan Community Churches, we believe that God's people find many ways to create family, and that includes gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender families."
"Even though many of our views are diametrically opposed, apparently Dobson's organization feels the name of Metropolitan Community Church's new campaign could create confusion for people," she added.
However, it seems MCC had intentionally chosen the name as an ironic play on Dobson's organization. Ekklesia, a newssite focusing on religion and church issues, reported the unveiling of MCC's new program as 'an initiative to combat spiritual violence against gays and lesbians. ... especially ... to challenge the hostile stance of groups like Dr James Dobson's Focus on the Family.
The similarities of the two names was not lost on one blogger who noted the announcement of "Focus on the Human Family" in July: "One cannot help but catch the significance, when it is realized that James Dobson, founder of the "Focus on the Family" staff is rabidly anti-gay, anti-Christian, and anti-family, in spite of what he claims. As long as Dobson is a homophobic bigot, he's of no use to any thinking person. F--- him. Hurrah for Troy Perry and all those who work alongside him."
Wilson, in her sermon at the installation service referenced Dobson's organization by reading a message from a MCC pastor in Boston, Michael Cooper. "While our denomination is gathered in Washington, D.C., today, several of us from MCC Boston are joining with others to hold a prayer vigil outside Focus on the Family's program "Love Won Out" – an ex-gay conference here in Boston. ... Please remember us today as we continue the struggle here in Boston against religious homophobia and discrimination."
"How many here tried becoming an "ex-gay?" Wilson asked the attendees. "Welcome home!"
"Love Won Out" is an educational outreach program that promotes the message "homosexuality is preventable and treatable," according to it's website.
"Dobson's group is certainly within their rights to defend their trademark as they see fit," conceded Wilson. "They may be able to stop the name of our program, but they can't stop our ministry or our commitment to all members of the human family, especially those that have experienced rejection by other faith communities."
It's reasonable to ask what you think, too, since you brought it up.
What do you think about current homosexuals being scout leaders and teachers?
I don't care what people do in their private lives, but I think private organizations should be allowed to set whatever standards they wish for their leaders, within the law. Now what about the "ex-gays." If you're against practicing homosexuals in those roles, would you allow people who say they're no longer homosexual? The question is directed to both you and the original poster.
A scout leader, sure, why not? The Boy Scouts should be able to determine who should be a leader.
A teacher, sure, why not? Government and private schools should be able to hire whoever they think is qualified.
For the most part, I agree. Yet if somebody is engaging in self destructive behavior then my compassion says I should try to help them.
"The thief comes only to steal and destroy;" John 10:10
Trying to steal the name of the FOTF. It's a mockery, just like the devil.
This woman is so fake on so many levels. Her coy-fake "it's a bit puzzling" (as to why Dobson would be upset with the name grab), and her deliberate-fake use of the word "mistakenly" ("Dobson's group tends to focus on one kind of family, what they often mistakenly call the 'traditional family'").
The traditional family is called that for a reason - because it is. It's the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender families that are not traditional.
"Even though many of our views are diametrically opposed, apparently Dobson's organization feels the name of Metropolitan Community Church's new campaign could create confusion for people," she added.
Which she intended.
However, it seems MCC had intentionally chosen the name as an ironic play on Dobson's organization.
Oops, looks like she's been outed.
"While our denomination is gathered in Washington, D.C., today, several of us from MCC Boston are joining with others to hold a prayer vigil outside Focus on the Family's program "Love Won Out" – an ex-gay conference here in Boston. ..."
Looks like she's just trying to get some publicity for herself and her group.
"Please remember us today as we continue the struggle here in Boston against religious homophobia and discrimination."
Oh, please. Religious homophobia? Does she even know that homosexuality is not spoken of kindly in the Bible? I guess religious homophobia and discrimination don't apply to her, since she was just installed as the new "Bishop" of the MCC. What a fake.
Accurate comments.
Pretty much agree with Scripter; in the case of the BSA, since they are a private org they can use their judgement to devine who is qualified. As far as public schools are concerned, IMO they're a lost cause anyway so it hardly matters.
That's how I see it. Government schools are indeed a lost cause so they can hire anybody they want - it doesn't change a thing for us.
bump
Sorry I didn't add your name in the "to" box since you were mentioned. Come to think of it, I replied to myself alone.
Kms, forgot to add your name when I replied to your query!
I'm sorry that public schools are pits of depravity and lies, but they're so bad that a little bandaid here and there is not going to help. IMO they need to be entire defunded federally, only local money, total local control. Then maybe they'll become decent places where children can actually receive a decent education. Until that day comes, my only advice is: RUN RUN RUN!
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