WHAT TO BELIEVE?

My daughter forwarded an article from the Ft. Wayne Journal Gazette from March 27 in which the columnist praises the virtues and faith of Barack Obama's former preacher, Jeremiah Wright. The writer extols the virtues and beliefs of Rev. Wright decrying his vilification in the press "no less than corporate crucifixion". Hard to believe, you say? Not so difficult when you figure various powers fiddle with everything including one's faith. There's danger ahead when columnists and the press in general look at the clerical community as aliens.

Last evening at an information meeting for prospective new members at the local church Kay and I are planning to join, the discussion and Q & A were going smoothly and everyone was enjoying each other's comments and input when I interjected my pleasure about the church being Open & Affirming. This means Gays and Lesbians are welcome and affirmed to have Civil Unions in the church sanctuary, be called as pastors, teach church school, etc. It goes without saying that same-sex couples are very welcome and is the reason we selected this particular church.

The man next to me suddenly began reneging on his thoughts about joining and hinted that morality was a big issue with him. I think I killed any thoughts he had of becoming a member of the church. The church advertises its extravagant welcome to people in domestic partnerships - so how did he allow himself to get so far into the new member process and isn't it fortunate he discovered where he was about to misplace his religious future?

At first I felt terrible for having raised the issue of Open & Affirming and did it because I am so proud of any church that reaches out to people in alternative lifestyles but the more I thought about it the more I realized if he'd joined and brought his negative attitude with him, I'd have never been at peace being a member.

My feelings can't begin to come close to what Rev. Wright must feel about his rejection by Mr. Obama, but at least I can empathize at being looked down upon by those who describe themselves as being morally straight.