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New in June: LGBTQ Christian books "This is My Body,""Queer Virtue,""Mr. Grumpy Christian," Uganda's bishop Senyonjo, Mother Juana de la Cruz

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LGBTQ theology, the memoir of a Ugandan bishop who advocates LGBTQ rights, the sermons of a genderbending 16th-century Spanish mystic and a children's book for LGBTQ families are presented in new books this month.

The theology books are “This Is My Body: Hearing the Theology of Transgender Christians” by Christina Beardsley and Michelle O'Brien (editors) and “Queer Virtue: What LGBTQ People Know About Life and Love and How It Can Revitalize Christianity” by Elizabeth M. Edman.

The other books are “In Defense of All God's Children: The Life and Ministry of Bishop Christopher Senyonjo” by Christopher Senyonjo,” “Mr. Grumpy Christian” by Megan Rohrer and “Mother Juana de la Cruz, 1481-1534: Visionary Sermons” by Jessica A. Boon and Ronald E. Surtz (editors).


BESTSELLER AT JESUS IN LOVE
This Is My Body: Hearing the Theology of Transgender Christians” by Christina Beardsley and Michelle O'Brien (editors).

Transgender Christians speak for themselves in this collection. They give voice to faith and theology grounded in specific yet diverse experiences beyond the usual gender identity imposed by church tradition. The book brings hope, anger and grace, plus a review of the latest theological, cultural and scientific literature. Many contributors come from the Sibyls, a confidential spirituality group for transgender people and allies in the United Kingdom. Foreword by Susannah Cornwall. Beardsley is a Church of England priest, hospital chaplain and activist for trans inclusion in the church. Raised Anglican, O’Brien does advocacy, research, lecturing and writing on intersex and trans issues. Published by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd.


Queer Virtue: What LGBTQ People Know About Life and Love and How It Can Revitalize Christianity” by Elizabeth M. Edman.

“Authentic Christianity is and must be queer,” asserts lesbian Episcopal priest Elizabeth Edman in a major new book that brings together queer ethics, Christian theology and her own spiritual journey. In one of the most highly anticipated books of the year, Christian faith calls believers to rupture or “queer” the false binaries of simplistic thinking. LGBTQ experience is celebrated as valuable, virtuous and sacred. The author invites Christians to learn from “queer virtue” -- a path that involves identity, risk, touch, scandal, adoption (forming families), pride, coming out, authenticity and hospitality. “Queer Virtue” sparkles with a graceful writing style, provocative ideas, honest self-revelation, and up-to-date LGBTQ pop-culture references such as “Orange is the New Black” and “Fun Home.” The author has served as a hospital and university chaplain and marriage-equality strategist. Foreword by Michael Bronski. Published by Beacon Press.





In Defense of All God's Children: The Life and Ministry of Bishop Christopher Senyonjo” by Christopher Senyonjo.

Uganda’s bishop who advocated for LGBTQ rights tells his life story in this readable autobiography. He is featured in the film “God Loves Uganda.” After his retirement as an Anglican bishop in 1998, Senyonjo started a counseling practice. His compassion and understanding of human sexuality soon attracted LGBTQ clients. His faith compelled him to speak out against Uganda’s proposed death penalty and other harsh policies for LGBTQ people, risking his life for justice. Now at age 83, he has written a memoir revealing the unlikely and inspiring path that led him to international activism for LGBTQ rights in Uganda, in the Anglican communion, and around the world. Foreword by Serene Jones, president of Union Theological Seminary. Published by Morehouse, the official press of the Episcopal Church.






BESTSELLER AT JESUS IN LOVE
Mr. Grumpy Christian” by Megan Rohrer.

“Mr. Grumpy Christian” is a kids’ book for LGBTQ families, but adults love it too. The rhyming book affirms:
When a grumpy Christian ruins your day,
“Remember God’s love is here to stay.”
It was written for LGBTQ families to read if they hear Christians telling them that God cannot love them. In the true spirit of Christ, the book goes on to add, “But remember that God’s love extends to grumpy Christians too.” Rohrer wrote the book after meeting a 7-year old-boy who tried to kill himself because a pastor threatened him with hell. It is written for children ages 5 to 10. The author is pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in San Francisco and the first openly transgender pastor ordained in the Lutheran Church. Published by Wilgefortis Press. For more info, see First-ever LGBT religious children's books published.




Mother Juana de la Cruz, 1481-1534: Visionary Sermons” by Jessica A. Boon and Ronald E. Surtz (editors).

Sermons by genderbending Spanish mystic Madre Juana de la Cruz are available in English for the first time in this book. She emphasizes gender equality in God’s creation and envisions Christ sharing marriage beds with both male and female saints. Madre Juana insisted that God changed her gender in the womb, transforming her from male to female. She disguised herself as a man when she ran away to escape heterosexual marriage and had visionary experiences in which she spoke in a deep voice that identified itself as Christ. This volume is edited by Jessica A. Boon, religion professor at the University of North Carolina, and Ronald E. Surtz, Spanish language and culture professor at Princeton. Boon writes an insightful introduction to Madre Juana’s life, thought and context. Published by Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies (ACMRS).

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Related links:

New in May: LGBTQ Christian books"Stand By Me,""Speak Its Name" and "Joan of Arc"

New in April 2016: LGBTQ Christian books"Justice Calls" and "Signs and Wonders"

New in March 2016: LGBTQ Christian books"The Firebrand and the First Lady" and "Space at the Table"

New in Feb 2016: LGBTQ Christian books“Brother-Making in Late Antiquity" and “Two Pews from Crazy”

Top 25 LGBTQ Christian books of 2015 named (Jesus in Love)

Top 25 LGBTQ Christian books of 2014 named (Jesus in Love)

Top 20 Gay Jesus books (from Jesus in Love)

Queer Theology book list (from Patrick Cheng)

Jesus in Love Bookstore (includes LGBT Christian classics)

15 LGBTQ Christian Valentine’s Day books, movies and gifts (Jesus in Love)


Copyright © Kittredge Cherry. All rights reserved.

http://www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com/
Jesus in Love Blog on LGBT spirituality and the arts


Uganda Martyrs raise questions on homosexuality, religion and LGBT rights

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Uganda Martyrs (with Saint Charles Lwanga in the center) by Albert Wider (Wikimedia Commons)

Tough questions about homosexuality, religion and LGBT rights are raised by the Uganda Martyrs whose feast day is June 3.

Forty-five Ugandan male pages refused to have sex with their king after they converted to Christianity -- so he executed them. Many were burned to death on June 3, 1886. These boys and young men were canonized by the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches, leaving some truths hidden by their halos.

Does the experience of the Ugandan martyrs illustrate a gay king being oppressed and demonized by conservative Christians? Or does it exemplify Christians heroically trying to rescue boys from sexual abuse by a pedophile king? Did Christians teach young African men shame about their own same-gender-loving desires? Or did Christians give the pages a way to refuse rape by a ruler with absolute authority? Maybe the truth lies somewhere in between? How can the story be interpreted so that LGBT Ugandans have equal access to justice... and to God?

The Uganda Martyrs are little known in the West, but they are famous in much of Africa. Martyrs Day on June 3 is a national holiday in Uganda. The story is called “African Christianity’s most celebrated martyr-passion narrative” by religion scholar Kenneth Hamilton. They were canonized in 1964 by Pope Paul VI.

The 45 martyrs were executed in 1886, but they are still important now with Uganda at the center of worldwide debate on homosexuality and the recent release of the film “God Loves Uganda.” The award-winning documentary exposes the role of today’s American evangelical missionaries in persecuting LGBT Africans and promoting a harsher law against homosexuality.

Once again LGBT Christians are caught in the middle as conservative Christians and LGBT advocates offer dueling interpretations use the story of the Ugandan martyrs for their own purposes. Perhaps this uncomfortable position gives a perspective that can shed fresh light on the event. The history doesn’t fit neatly into the usual debates about the church versus homosexuality.

The Uganda Martyrs have been used to instill homophobia and, as Pope Pope John Paul II put it, “to draw Uganda and all of Africa to Christ.” The story weaves together homo-hatred, racism, and imperialism that are still affecting the world today. Conservatives play up the sexual angle in salacious detail to win converts, discredit the LGBT-rights movement and promote “chastity.” At the other extreme, LGBT-rights advocates use the story to prove that homosexuality was indigenous to Africa, not a “western import” as the anti-gay faction claims. They tend to ignore the difference between sex and rape, while both sides blur the line between homosexuality and pedophilia.

Ultimately the story leads back to the same questions that people of faith are grappling with all over the world now: How can the church condemn sexual abuse while still affirming the goodness of sexuality, including same-sex relationships? The search for a new LGBT-positive sexual ethics is expressed in books such as “Sex as God Intended” by gay priest and psychotherapist John McNeill and “Sexuality and the Sacred,” edited by James B. Nelson and Sandra P. Longfellow.

Today’s understanding of human psychology shows that rape is violence, not sex, and that pedophilia is not homosexuality, regardless of the gender of the child targeted. Christianity has been used to oppress queer people and colonize native peoples, but sometimes it has also provided an escape from abuse and an alternative to heterosexual marriage.

I watched “God Loves Uganda” for the first time in 2014 when it was broadcast on PBS (and released on DVD). Many others have praised the film, so I will focus here on questions that it raised in my mind.

I agree that American evangelicals are whipping up anti-LGBT sentiments in Uganda now to fuel their own power and egos. I also agree that American LGBT activists should be involved to some extent in Uganda to counteract the hate that is being imported. Thanks in part to the film, Uganda’s new Anti-Homosexuality Act law was eased so that homosexuality is punished by imprisonment, not the death penalty.

But what do Ugandans really want, apart from all this outside influence? Before Europeans brought Christianity and colonialism, what did the people of Uganda think about homosexuality?

It’s hard to say. I did a lot of research, but reliable answers are not easy to find. Sara Weschler offers the insights of a foreigner working in Uganda in her article, “How the West Was Wrong: Misunderstanding Uganda’s Gay Rights Crisis Makes It Worse” at Ttruthdig.com:

“One problem with Western LGBT activism vis-à-vis Uganda is that it is largely carried out by people who know little about the country beyond its stance on sexual orientation.... Gay rights will come to Uganda, but they will come slowly, and they will come only as part of a wider movement toward social justice in the country.”

Like many progressive reports on Uganda and homosexuality, the movie “God Loves Uganda” doesn’t even mention the Uganda Martyrs. It’s easier to omit the inconvenient truth of male-male sexual exploitation in the past. But no history of homosexuality in Uganda is complete without discussing the Ugandan martyrs killed in1886.

Here is a closer look at what happened. The Uganda Martyrs died at a time of tremendous change and culture clash in Uganda. The first Christian missionaries had arrived there only about a decade earlier in 1877. Arabs introduced Islam to Uganda at about the same time. It was still a few years before the British annexed the country in 1884.

King Mwanga II of Bugunda, now part of Uganda, was having sex on demand with the young men (and maybe boys) who served as his pages. He has been called “Africa’s most famous homosexual.” But maybe his sexuality was more complex. He had wives and children, so he might have been bisexual. He has been labeled a pedophile, but he was still a teenager himself. He began to reign at age 16 and was about 18 at the time of the executions. No matter how old the king’s sex partners were, requiring sexual service on pain of death is more like rape than gay sex between consenting adults. The youngest martyr, Saint Kizito, was about fourteen year old.

Saint Kizito, Uganda Martyr (Wikimedia Commons)

The crisis started when the king’s favorite pageboy, Mwafu, joined others in resisting his sexual demands. The royal pages were members of the elite, the noble sons of chiefs, but they ranked low in the king’s court. Some of them converted to Christianity and started denying King Mwanga the usual “pleasure,” so he rounded up the pages and ordered them to choose between him and Christianity. Only three chose the king. The rest of the pages got the death sentence. A large group ended up being marched eight miles and burned to death on Namugongo hill, where a shrine has been built. When all the killing was done, the victims were 23 Anglicans and 22 Catholics, including chief pages Joseph Mukasa (first black Catholic martyr on the African continent) and Charles Lwanga.

“St. Charles Lwanga” by Julile Lonneman (TrinityStores.com)

The earliest accounts report that the king had sex with his male pages, but over the years there has been increasing emphasis on the “sinful demands” and “perversion” of the “debauched” king. Toxic colonial hagiography mixed homophobia with racist fears about the “dark.” uncivilized, heathens of Africa. The dead were quickly nominated as saints, and were canonized as official martyrs in the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran churches.

A helpful queer analysis of the martyrdom is provided by Kenneth Lewis Hamilton, who wrote about the Uganda Martyrs in several scholarly articles and in his Ph.D. dissertation at Union Institute and University. Hamilton identifies himself as “an Afri-guided, postcolonial, queer, ordained, Catholic missioner.” He writes in an article titled “The Flames of Namugongo: Postcoloniality Meets Queer on African Soil?”:

And so, the establishment of Christianity—particularly Roman Catholic and Anglican Christianity—in Uganda directly coincides with a narrative about transgressive same sex desire. This makes for a provocative beginning for Christian discourse in Eastern Africa; and the subsequent canonization of the martyrs inscribes dark, dangerous desire into the very skin of Christian Uganda. The canonization, indeed, is a preached message; the narrative of the “martyrdom” now becomes part of a canon of new narratives: the ones about sodomy, race, desire and conquest.

The same article concludes:

I want to get more pictures of the martyrs into African chapels and online….I want more pictures of the martyr-boys on our black Catholic walls. These are the bodies and clans that now inhabit the heavens. But they do so like the slaves did: as a subversive presence, smiling in your face, but always ready to revolt and set each other free.

Inspired by these words by Hamilton, I searched the Internet for images of the Ugandan martyrs to accompany this reflection. First I found various icons.  Then I was stunned to discover an actual group photograph of the martyrs themselves, taken about a year before they were killed. I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the photo for a long time. And their faces still haunt me.

Some of the future Uganda Martyrs were photographed in 1885, less than a year before they were killed, at Bukumbi Mission in Mwanza (northern Tanganyika). They went there to welcome the new Catholic bishop, Leon Livinhac.

I was doubly surprised that the queer analysis of the Ugandan martyrs in “The Flames of Namugongo” included a prayer from one of my own books, “Equal Rites.”

I wanted to end this reflection with a prayer too. First I looked at the official church prayers dedicated to the Uganda Martyrs, but they focused heavily on Christian faith and even “chastity, purity, and sexual morality.” They didn’t seem suitable for a reflection that seeks to develop a new ethics and spirituality that affirms loving same-sex relationships between consenting adults.

So I bring this to a close with the same prayer that Hamilton quoted from “Equal Rites.” These words were written by Elias (Ibrahim) Farajaje-Jones in his “Invocation of Remembrance, Healing, and Empowerment in a Time of AIDS”:

Yes, we honor you, our sisters and brothers.
Yes, we remember and recognize you have gone before us.
Without you, we would not exist here today.
Through us, you live on from generation to generation, from everlasting to everlasting.
And so we commit ourselves to a spirit of resistance and life.
We raise our light, our lives, our hope, our love, and we say boldly
and without fear, "Never again!" [Equal Rites, page 27]

I give the last word to one of the Uganda Martyrs. These lines are attributed to Bruno Serunkuma, spoken shortly before he was killed:

"A well that has many sources never runs dry. When we are gone, others will come after us."

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To read this post in Spanish / en español, go to Santos Queer:
Mártires de Uganda plantean preguntas sobre la homosexualidad, la religión y los derechos LGBTI

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Related links, queer interpretations and news:

Report: Anti-LGBT persecution increased under Uganda law (Washington Blade 2016)

Colonial Legacies, Decolonized Spirits: Balboa, Ugandan Martyrs and AIDS Solidarity Today” by Kenneth Hamilton (Journal of Bisexuality)

When Sodomy Leads to Martyrdom: Sex, Religion, and Politics in Historical and Contemporary Contexts in Uganda and East Africa” by John Blevins (Journal of Bisexuality)

Uganda Martyrs: Charles Lwanga and Companions (Queering the Church)

The Martyrs of Uganda witness against sexual violence (Daily Episcopalian)


Books:

Heterosexual Africa?: The History of an Idea from the Age of Exploration to the Age of AIDS” (book) by Marc Epprecht

Freedom To Love For ALL: Homosexuality is not Un-African” (book) by Yemisi Ilesanmi

American Culture Warriors in Africa: A Guide to the Exporters of Homophobia and Sexism” by Rev. Dr. Kapya Kaoma

Boy-Wives and Female Husbands: Studies of African Homosexualities” (book) by Will Roscoe


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Related links, Catholic and standard Christian interpretations:

Uganda Martyrs’ Shrine (official website)

St. Charles Lwanga and Companions (Catholic.org)

The Story of the Ugandan Martyrs (America magazine)

The Uganda Martyrs: Their Countercultural Witness Still Speaks Today (The Word Among Us)

African Holocaust: The Story of the Uganda Martyrs” (book) by John F. Faupel (Author)


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Related links at Jesus in Love:

David Kato: Ugandan LGBT rights activist (1964-2011)

A saint for kidnapped girls of Nigeria: Josephine Bakhita



Icons of Charles Lwanga and many others are available on cards, plaques, T-shirts, mugs, candles, mugs, and more at TrinityStores.com



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This post is part of the LGBT Saints series by Kittredge Cherry at the Jesus in Love Blog. Saints, martyrs, mystics, prophets, witnesses, heroes, holy people, humanitarians, deities and religious figures of special interest to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and queer people and our allies are covered on appropriate dates throughout the year.

Copyright © Kittredge Cherry. All rights reserved.
http://www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com/
Jesus in Love Blog on LGBT spirituality and the arts

Rainbow Christ Prayer translated into 10 languages: LGBT flag reveals the queer Christ

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Translated for the first time into 10 languages, the Rainbow Christ Prayer matches the colors of the LGBT Pride Flag with the many faces of the queer Christ.

Today the prayer is posted for the first time in Spanish, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Malay, Polish, Portuguese and Russian.

Lesbian author Kittredge Cherry and gay theologian Patrick S. Cheng wrote the prayer based on the seven models of the queer Christ from Cheng’s book “From Sin to Amazing Grace: Discovering the Queer Christ.”

Rainbow flags are flying around the world in June for LGBT Pride Month. Rainbows are also an important symbol in many religious traditions. The Rainbow Christ Prayer honors the spiritual values of the LGBTQ movement.

Progressive Christians believe that homosexuality is not a sin. Scholars say that the Bible does not condemn loving same-sex relationships. Therefore LGBTQ people should be accepted and affirmed by churches. The Rainbow Christ Prayer expresses the belief that LGBTQ people are a natural part of God’s creation.

The Rainbow Christ Prayer has been used by many progressive Christians for individual devotions and group worship. Conservatives denounced it as blasphemy.

The translation process inspired grassroots theological reflection on a global scale. Each translator raised questions about a different aspect of the queer Christ:

Does Rainbow Christ mean that Christ emits a rainbow or that Christ IS a rainbow? Is the Self-Loving Christ in love with himself? Do LGBT really feel shame about their sexuality? Is the Erotic Christ more about the power of life or about hot sexual practices? What does the Out Christ mean in cultures where there is no expression for “coming out of the closet”?

In the Judeo-Christian tradition, the rainbow stands for God’s promise to support all life on earth. The prayer also incorporates the chakra system of seven energy centers of the human body.

The LGBTQ prayer takes on new meaning when read in a rainbow spectrum of languages from around the world.

Today’s post combines all the languages, but individual articles with the Rainbow Christ Prayer in each language will be posted here throughout June to celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month.  Click the title to go to each language.

English: Rainbow Christ Prayer

Spanish: Oración al Cristo del Arco Iris

Chinese: 彩虹基督禱文

French: Prière au Christ Arc-en-Ciel

German: Gebet zum Christus des Regenbogens

Italian: La Preghiera del Cristo Arcobaleno

Japanese: 虹色のキリストへの祈り

Malay: Doa Kristus Sang Pelangi

Polish: Modlitwa do Tęczowego Chrystusa

Portuguese: Oração ao Cristo Arco-Íris

Russian: Молитва Радужному Христу

Please contact Jesus in Love if you want to translate the prayer into another language.








Rainbow Christ, you embody all the colors of the world. Rainbows serve as bridges between different realms: heaven and earth, east and west, queer and non-queer. Inspire us to remember the values expressed in the rainbow flag of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community.

Spanish: Cristo del Arco Iris, tú encarnas todos los colores del mundo. Los arco iris sirven como puentes entre los diferentes dominios: el cielo y la tierra, el este y el oeste, lo queer y lo no-queer. Inspíramos para recordar los valores expresados en la bandera del arco iris de la comunidad de lesbianas, gays, bisexuales, transgénero, intersexuales y queer.

Chinese: 彩虹基督,你將這世上所有的色彩呈於一身。彩虹搭橋跨越天與地、東與西、酷兒與非酷兒的藩籬。激勵我們銘記彩虹旗上代表女同性戀、男同性戀、雙性戀、跨性別和酷兒群體色彩的意義。

French: Christ Arc-en-Ciel, tu incarnes toutes les couleurs du monde. Les arcs-en-ciel servent de ponts entre les différentes sphères : le ciel et la terre, l'est et l'ouest, queer et non queer. Donne-nous de nous rappeler les valeurs exprimées par le drapeau arc-en-ciel de la communauté lesbienne, gay, bisexuelle, transgenre et queer.

German: Regenbogen-Christus, du verkörperst alle Farben dieser Welt. Regenbögen sind Brücken zwischen den verschiedenen Welten: Himmel und Erde, Ost und West, Queer und Nicht-queer. Begeistere uns, damit wir uns an die Werte zu erinnern, die in der Regenbogenfahne der lesbisch, schwulen, bisexuellen, transgender und queeren Gemeinschaft zum Ausdruck kommen.

Italian: Cristo arcobaleno, tu incarni tutti i colori del mondo. L’arcobaleno crea ponti tra realtà diverse: cielo e terra, est e ovest, queer e non-queer. Ispiraci a ricordare i valori espressi nella bandiera arcobaleno della comunità lesbica, gay, bisessuale, transgender e queer.

Japanese: 虹色の主キリストよ,あなたは世のすべての色を表しています.虹は架け橋,天と地,東と西,差別される者とする者との架け橋です.わたしたち LGBTQ コミュニティの旗の虹色が何を意味しているかを,想い起こさせてください.

Malay: Kristus Sang Pelangi, engkau menggenapi seluruh warna-warni dunia. Pelangi adalah jambatan menghubungkan alam yang berbeza: langit dan bumi, timur dan barat, quir dan bukan-quir. Berikanlah kami ilham untuk mengingati nilai-nilai murni yang terpancar melalui bendera pelangi dari komuniti lesbian, gay, biseksual dan quir:

Polish: Tęczowy Chryste, ucieleśniasz wszystkie barwy świata. Tęcze łączą różne wymiary rzeczywistości: niebo i ziemię, wschód i zachód, to, co queer, i to, co nie queer. Przypominaj nam o wartościach wyrażanych przez tęczową flagę społeczności lesbijek, gejów, biseksualistów i osób transpłciowych.

Portuguese: Cristo Arco-Íris, tu encarnas todas as cores do mundo. Arco-íris servem como pontes entre diferentes mundos: o céu e a terra, leste e oeste, gay e hétero, cis e trans. Dê-nos inspiração para que lembremos os valores expressados na bandeira colorida da comunidade de lésbicas, gays, bissexuais, travestis, transexuais e transgêneros.

Russian: Радужный Христос, Ты объединяешь все краски мира. Радуги служат мостами между различными сферами: небом и землей, востоком и западом, квиром и не-квиром. Вдохновляй нас помнить ценности, выраженные в радужном флаге лесбиянок, геев, бисексуалов, трансгендеров и квир сообщества.


Red is for life, the root of spirit. Living and Self-Loving Christ, you are our Root. Free us from shame and grant us the grace of healthy pride so we can follow our own inner light. With the red stripe in the rainbow, we give thanks that God created us just the way we are.

Spanish: El color rojo simboliza la vida, la raíz del espíritu. Cristo Vivo y Amoroso, tú eres nuestra raíz. Líbranos de la vergüenza y concédenos la gracia de un orgullo sano a fin de que podamos seguir nuestra propia luz interior. Con la franja roja del arco iris, te damos gracias porque Dios que nos ha creado de la manera tal cual somos.

Chinese: 紅色代表生命,靈性之根。永生與自愛的基督,你是我們的依靠,將我們從羞恥中釋放,賜我們驕傲的恩典,讓我們可以追隨內心之光。籍彩虹旗紅色的條紋,我們感謝上主創造創造我們成我們所是的樣子。

French: Le rouge est pour la vie, l’origine de l'esprit. Christ de la vie et de l’amour de soi, tu es notre Origine. Libère-nous de la honte et accorde-nous la grâce d’une fierté saine afin que nous puissions suivre notre lumière intérieure. Avec la bande rouge dans l'arc en ciel, nous rendons grâce que Dieu nous ait créés tels que nous sommes.

German: Rot steht für Liebe, die Wurzel des Geistes. Lebender Christus, der du sagst, dass wir uns selber lieben dürfen, du bist unsere Wurzel. Befreie uns von Scham und schenke uns die Gnade eines gesunden Stolzes, so dass wir unserem eigenen, inneren Licht folgen können. Mit dem roten Streifen im Regenbogen danken wir, dass uns Gott genauso erschaffen hat, wie wir sind.

Italian: Il rosso è per la vita. Cristo vivente e amante, tu sei la Radice. Liberaci dalla vergogna e concedici la grazia di un sano orgoglio così da poter seguire la nostra luce interiore. Con la striscia rossa dell’arcobaleno, diamo grazie che Dio ci ha creati così come siamo.

Japanese: 赤は命,精気の源.永遠の命に生きておられ,御自身を愛しておられる主キリストよ,あなたはわたしたちの源です.自己否定感からわたしたちを解放し,わたしたちが自身の内なる光に導かれることができるよう,健全な誇りを持つ恵みをお与えください.虹の赤のもとに,わたしたちを今あるように創造してくださったことを神に感謝します.

Malay: Merah menggambarkan kehidupan, iaitu akar bagi roh. Sang Kristus yang hidup dan penuh cintakasih, engkaulah akar rohani kami. Bebaskanlah kami dari rasa malu dan berikanlah kami rahmat harga diri yang sihat supaya kami dapat mengikuti terang di dalam diri kami. Demi jalur merah pada pelangi, kami mengucap syukur kerana Tuhan Yang Maha Esa menciptakan kami seadanya.

Polish: Czerwień to życie, korzeń ducha. Żywy i kochający siebie samego Chryste, jesteś naszym Korzeniem. Uwolnij nas od wstydu i obdarz nas łaską zdrowej dumy, byśmy mogli podążać śladem swego wewnętrznego światła. Przez czerwony kolor tęczy dziękujemy Bogu, że stworzył nas takimi, jakimi jesteśmy.

Portuguese: Vermelho é a vida, a raiz do espírito. Cristo Vivo e Cheio de Amor, tu és nossa Raiz. Liberte-nos da vergonha e nos conceda a graça do orgulho saudável, a fim de que possamos seguir nossa luz interior. Com a faixa vermelha do arco-íris, damos graças a Deus por nos ter criado exatamente assim como somos.

Russian: Красный цвет символизирует жизнь, источник духа. Живущий и любящий себя Христос, Ты есть наш Источник. Освободи нас от стыда и даруй нам благодать разумной гордости, чтоб мы могли следовать нашему собственному внутреннему свету. Красной полоской радуги мы благодарим Бога за то, что он сотворил нас такими, какие мы есть.



Orange is for sexuality, the fire of spirit. Erotic Christ, you are our Fire, the Word made flesh. Free us from exploitation and grant us the grace of mutual relationships. With the orange stripe in the rainbow, kindle a fire of passion in us.

Spanish: El color naranja simboliza la sexualidad, el fuego del espíritu. Cristo Erótico, tú eres nuestro fuego, la Palabra echa carne. Líbranos de la explotación y concédenos la gracia de vivir relaciones mutuas. Con la franja naranja del arco iris, enciende el fuego de la pasión en nosotros.

Chinese: 橙色代表性慾,靈性之火。情慾的基督,你是我們的火光,道成了肉身,將我們從剝削中釋放,賜我們互惠的關係。藉彩虹旗橙色的條紋,上主點燃我們內心的激情。

French: L'orange est pour la sexualité, le feu de l'esprit. Érotique Christ, tu es notre feu, le Verbe fait chair. Libère-nous de l'exploitation et accorde-nous la grâce de relations réciproques. Avec la bande orange dans l’arc-en-ciel, allume en nous le feu de la passion.

German: Orange steht für Sexualität, das Feuer des Geistes. Erotischer Christus, du bist unser Feuer, das Wort das Fleisch geworden ist. Befreie uns von Ausbeutung und gib uns die Gnade gleichberechtigter Beziehungen. Mit dem orangen Streifen des Regenbogens entzünde ein Feuer der Leidenschaft in uns.

Italian: L’arancio è per la sessualità, il fuoco dello spirito. Cristo erotico, tu sei il nostro Fuoco, la Parola fatta carne. Liberaci dallo sfruttamento e concedici la grazia di mutue relazioni. Con la striscia arancio dell’arcobaleno accendiamo in noi il fuoco della passione.

Japanese: オレンジはセクシュアリティ,精気の炎.エロスの主キリスト,受肉なさった御ことばよ,あなたはわたしたちの炎です.相手を利用するだけの利己心からわたしたちを解放し,互いを思い合える恵みをお与えください.虹のオレンジのもとに,わたしたちのなかに情熱の炎をともしてください.

Malay: Jingga menggambarkan karunia seksualiti, iaitu api bagi roh. Eros Kristus, engkaulah Sang Api, Firman yang menjadi Manusia. Bebaskanlah kami dari segala eksploitasi dan berikanlah kami rahmat untuk hubungan romantik yang penuh hormat dan saling memahami. Demi jalur jingga pada pelangi, semarakkan api cintakasih kami.

Polish: Pomarańcz to seksualność, ogień ducha. Erotyczny Chryste, jesteś naszym Ogniem, Słowem, które stało się ciałem. Uwolnij nas od wyzysku i obdarz łaską wzajemnych relacji. Przez pomarańczowy kolor tęczy roznieć w nas ogień namiętności.

Portuguese: Laranja é a sexualidade, o fogo do espírito. Cristo Erótico, tu és nosso Fogo, a Palavra feita Carne. Liberte-nos da exploração e nos conceda a graça do relacionamento mútuo. Com a faixa laranja do arco-íris, inflame-nos com o fogo da paixão.

Russian: Оранжевый цвет символизирует сексуальность, огонь духа. Эротический Христос, Ты есть наш Огонь, Слово, ставшее плотью. Освободи нас от эксплуатации и даруй нам благодать взаимных отношений. Оранжевой полоской радуги разожги в нас огонь страсти.



Yellow is for self-esteem, the core of spirit. Out Christ, you are our Core. Free us from closets of secrecy and give us the guts and grace to come out. With the yellow stripe in the rainbow, build our confidence.

Spanish: El color amarillo simboliza la autoestima, el núcleo del espíritu. Cristo Asumido, tú eres nuestra esencia. Líbranos de los armarios de la clandestinidad y danos el coraje y la gracia para salir de ellos. Con la franja amarilla del arco iris, construye nuestra confianza.

Chinese: 黃色代表自尊,靈性之核。出櫃的基督,你是我們的核心,將我們從隱秘的櫃中釋放,賜我們走出來的勇氣。藉彩虹旗黃色的條紋,上主堅立了我們的信心。

French: Le jaune est pour l'estime de soi, le fondement de l'esprit. Christ qui te révèles, tu es notre fondement. Libère-nous de l’enfermement dans nos secrets et donne-nous le courage et la grâce de nous révéler. Avec la bande jaune dans l'arc en ciel, renforce notre confiance.

German: Gelb steht für Selbstachtung, das Zentrum des Geistes. Offen lebender Christus, du bist unser Zentrum, Befreie uns aus den Gefängnissen der Heimlichkeit, und schenke uns den Mut und die Gnade, unser Coming out zu haben. Mit dem gelben Streifen des Regenbogens baue unser Selbstvertrauen auf.

Italian: Il giallo è per l’autostima, il nocciolo dello spirito. Liberaci dalle angustie della segretezza e dacci il coraggio e la grazia di svelarci. Con la striscia gialla dell’arcobaleno, costruisci la nostra fiducia in noi stessi.

Japanese: 黄色は自尊心,精気の核.何も隠さない主キリストよ,あなたはわたしたちの核です.こころを閉ざすことからわたしたちを解放してください.クロゼットから出る勇気と恵みをお与えください.虹の黄色のもとに,わたしたちに自信を持たせてください.

Malay: Kuning menggambarkan harga diri, iaitu teras bagi roh. Kristus Sang Pewarta, engkaulah teras kami. Bebaskanlah kami dari persembunyian diri yang membinasakan dan berikanlah kami keberanian serta rahmat untuk meyakini keberadaan kami. Demi jalur kuning pada pelangi, kuatkanlah keyakinan kami.

Polish: Żółty to szacunek do samego siebie, centrum ducha. Chryste, który nie wstydzisz się siebie samego, jesteś naszym Centrum. Uwolnij nas od ukrywania się i obdarz nas odwagą i łaską przyznania się do siebie. Przez żółty kolor tęczy buduj w nas pewność siebie.

Portuguese: Amarelo é a autoestima, o cerne do espírito. Cristo Assumido, tu és nosso Cerne. Liberte-nos dos armários e nos conceda a coragem e a graça de nos assumir. Com a faixa amarela do arco-íris, construa essa nossa confiança.

Russian: Желтый цвет символизирует самоуважение, стержень духа. Открывшийся Христос, Ты есть наш Стержень. Освободи нас от наших чуланов тайн и дай нам мужество и благодать открыться. Желтой полоской радуги укрепи нашу веру.



Green is for love, the heart of spirit. Transgressive Outlaw Christ, you are our Heart, breaking rules out of love. In a world obsessed with purity, you touch the sick and eat with outcasts. Free us from conformity and grant us the grace of deviance. With the green stripe in the rainbow, fill our hearts with untamed compassion for all beings.

Spanish: El color verde simboliza el amor, el corazón del espíritu. Cristo Transgresor, tú eres nuestro corazón, rompiendo las reglas en nombre del amor. En un mundo obsesionado por la pureza, tú tocas los enfermos y comes con los marginados. Líbranos de la conformidad y concédenos la gracia de la transgresión. Con la franja verde del arco iris, llena nuestros corazones de compasión hacia todos los seres vivos.

Chinese: 綠色代表愛,靈性之心。出格不守矩的基督,你是我們的內心,用愛打破陳規。在一個沉迷於聖潔之妄的世界中,你觸摸患病者、與流浪者同席。將我們從流俗的迎合中釋放,賜我們越軌的恩典。藉彩虹旗綠色的條紋,上主將我們的心充滿對萬物的悲憫。

French: Le vert est pour l'amour, le cœur de l'esprit. Christ hors la loi et transgressif, tu es notre coeur, brisant les règles par amour. Dans un monde obsédé par la pureté, tu touches les malades et tu manges avec les exclus. Libère-nous du conformisme et accorde-nous la grâce de sortir des sentiers battus. Avec la bande verte dans l'arc en ciel, remplis nos cœurs d’une compassion sauvage pour tous les êtres.

German: Grün steht für die Liebe, das Herz des Geistes. Gesetze übertretender Christus, du bist unser Herz, das die Regeln der Liebe sprengt. In einer Welt die besessen ist mit Reinheit, berührst du die Kranken und isst mit den Ausgestoßen. Befreie uns von der Eintönigkeit und schenke uns die Gnade des Widerstandes. Mit dem grünen Streifen des Regenbogens erfülle unsere Herzen mit ungezähmten Mitgefühl für alles Sein.

Italian: Il verde è per l’amore, il cuore, lo spirito. Cristo trasgressivo e fuori da ogni regola, tu sei il nostro Cuore, infrangi le regole per amore. In un mondo ossessionato dalla purezza tu tocchi i malati e mangi con gli emarginati. Liberaci dal conformismo e dacci la grazia della devianza. Con la striscia verde dell’arcobaleno, riempi i nostri cuori di compassione infinita per tutti gli esseri.

Japanese: 緑は愛,精気の心.律法を超越した主キリストよ,愛によって律法を打ち壊すあなたは,わたしたちの心です.浄さに執着するこの世において,あなたは,不浄と見なされた病人たちに触れ,差別された者たちと食事をともになさいます.因襲からわたしたちを解放し,律法に縛られずにいる恵みをお与えください.虹の緑のもとに,わたしたちの心を,律法にとらわれずにあらゆる存在を思いやる気持ちで満たしてください.

Malay: Hijau menggambarkan cintakasih, iaitu hati bagi roh. Kristus Sang Pencabar segala hukum yang sia-sia, engkau menolak hukum tegar atas nama cintakasih, engkaulah Hati kami. Pada saat duniamu begitu taksub dengan hukum kekudusan, engkau menyentuh orang yang dianggap terkutuk dan makan bersama orang yang tertindas. Bebaskanlah kami dari sikap akur yang membuta tuli dan berikanlah kami rahmat untuk menolak kekerasan hukum. Demi jalur hijau pada pelangi, penuhi hati kami dengan belas kasihan yang luar biasa untuk segenap makhluk ciptaan Tuhan.

Polish: Niebieski to wyrażanie samych siebie, głos ducha. Chryste Wyzwolicielu, jesteś naszym Głosem, przemawiającym przeciwko wszelkim postaciom opresji. Uwolnij nas od apatii i obdarz łaską aktywności. Przez niebieski kolor tęczy motywuj nas, byśmy żądali sprawiedliwości.

Portuguese: Verde é o amor, o coração do espírito. Cristo Transviado, Marginal, tu és nosso coração, violando as regras por amor. Em um mundo obcecado com a pureza, você toca os doentes e come com os párias da sociedade. Liberte-nos da conformidade e nos conceda a graça da divergência. Com a faixa verde do arco-íris, preencha nossos corações com indomada compaixão por todos os seres.

Russian: Зеленый цвет символизирует любовь, сердце духа. Преодолевший невозможные запреты Христос, Ты есть наше Сердце, нарушающее правила из любви. Преследуемый в мире в непорочности, Ты прикасаешься к больным и ешь вместе с отверженными. Освободи нас от подчинения и даруй нам благодать несоответствия нормам. Зеленой полоской радуги наполни наши сердца неукротимым состраданием ко всем живым существам.



Blue is for self-expression, the voice of spirit. Liberator Christ, you are our Voice, speaking out against all forms of oppression. Free us from apathy and grant us the grace of activism. With the blue stripe in the rainbow, motivate us to call for justice.

Spanish: El color celeste simboliza la auto-expresión, la voz del espíritu. Cristo Liberador, tú eres nuestra voz, denunciando toda forma de opresión. Líbranos de la apatía y concédenos la gracia del activismo. Con la franja azul del arco iris, motívanos a proclamar la justicia.

Chinese: 藍色代表自我表達,靈性之聲。解放者基督,你是我們的聲音,說出對一切壓迫形式的反對。將我們從冷漠中釋放,賜我們運動的恩典。藉彩虹旗藍色的條紋,上主激勵我們呼求正義。

French: Le bleu est pour l’expression de soi, la voix de l'esprit. Christ Libérateur, tu es notre voix, toi qui t’élèves contre toutes les formes d'oppression. Libère-nous de l'apathie et de accorde-nous la grâce de l'activisme. Avec la bande bleue dans l'arc en ciel, encourage-nous à nous battre pour la justice.

German: Blau steht für Selbst-darstellung, die Stimme des Geistes. Befreiender Christus, du bist unsere Stimme, die gegen alle Formen der Unterdrückung spricht. Befreie uns von Müdigkeit und schenke uns die Gnade des aktiv seins. Mit dem blauen Streifen des Regenbogens motiviere uns, nach Gerechtigkeit zu rufen.

Italian: Il blu è l’espressione di sé, la voce dello spirito. Cristo Liberatore, tu sei la nostra Voce, parla fortemente contro ogni forma di repressione. Liberaci dall’apatia e dacci la grazia dell’attivismo. Con la striscia blu dell’arcobaleno, motivaci a cercare la giustizia.

Japanese: 青は自己表現,精気の声.解放者である主キリストよ,あなたはわたしたちの声,あらゆる形の抑圧に対して抗議してくださいます.無力感からわたしたちを解放し,社会で行動できる恵みをお与えください.虹の青のもとに,正義を求めることができるよう,わたしたちを勇気づけてください.

Malay: Biru menggambarkan ekspresi diri, iaitu suara bagi roh. Kristus Sang Pembebas, engkaulah Suara kami dalam menentang segala bentuk penindasan. Bebaskanlah kami dari sikap acuh tak acuh dan berikanlah kami rahmat aktivisme. Demi jalur biru pada pelangi, berikanlah kami motivasi untuk menegakkan keadilan.

Polish: Zieleń to miłość, serce ducha. Niepokorny, wyjęty spod prawa Chryste, jesteś naszym Sercem, łamiącym zasady z miłości. W świecie poddanym obsesji czystości, dotykasz chorych i jesz z wyrzutkami. Uwolnij nas od konformizmu i obdarz łaską zbaczania. Przez zielony kolor tęczy napełnij nasze serca nieposkromionym współczuciem dla wszystkich istot.

Portuguese: Azul é a auto-expressão, a voz do espírito. Cristo Liberador, tu és nossa Voz, manifestando-se contra todas as formas de opressão. Liberte-nos da apatia e nos conceda a graça do ativismo. Com a faixa azul do arco-íris, motive-nos a clamar por Justiça.

Russian: Синий цвет символизирует самовыражение, голос духа. Освободитель Христос, Ты есть наш Голос, выступающий против всех форм угнетения. Освободи нас от апатии и даруй благодать активизма. Синий полоской радуги побуждай нас призывать к справедливости.



Violet is for vision, the wisdom of spirit. Interconnected Christ, you are our Wisdom, creating and sustaining the universe. Free us from isolation and grant us the grace of interdependence. With the violet stripe in the rainbow, connect us with others and with the whole creation.

Spanish: El color lila simboliza la visión, la sabiduría del espíritu. Cristo Rizomático, tú eres nuestra sabiduría, creando y sosteniendo el universo. Líbranos del aislamiento y concédenos la gracia de la interdependencia. Con la franja lila en el arco iris, conéctanos con los demás seres vivos y con la creación entera.

Chinese: 紫色代表異象,靈性之智。相互關聯的基督,你是我們的智慧,創造、供養整個宇宙。將我們從隔絕中釋放,賜我們彼此依賴的恩典。藉彩虹旗紫色的條紋,上主將我們與他者與全部受造連接。

French: Le violet est pour la vision, la sagesse de l'esprit. Christ interconnecté, tu es notre sagesse, tu crées et maintiens l'univers. Libère-nous de l'isolement et accorde-nous la grâce de l'interdépendance. Avec la bande violette dans l'arc en ciel, relie-nous aux autres et à la création tout entière.

German: Violett steht für die Vision, die Weisheit des Geistes. Christus, der du mit allem verbunden bist, du bist unsere Weisheit, du schaffst und erhältst das Universum. Befreie uns von Isolation und schenke uns die Gnade der Abhängigkeit von einander. Mit dem violetten Streifen des Regenbogens verbinde uns mit anderen und mit der der ganzen Schöpfung.

Italian: Il viola è per la visione. Cristo, profondamente connesso con tutte le cose, tu sei la nostra Sapienza e crei e mantieni l’universo. Liberaci dall’isolamento e dacci la grazia dell’interdipendenza. Con la striscia viola dell’arcobaleno, uniscici agli altri e all’intera creazione.

Japanese: 紫は真理を見る力,精気の知恵.つながり合ってくださる主キリストよ,万物を創造し,維持するあなたは,わたしたちの知恵です.わたしたちを孤立から解放してください.互いに支え合う恵みをお与えください.虹の紫のもとに,わたしたちと他の人々とをつなげてください.わたしたちを全被造界とつなげてください.

Malay: Ungu menggambarkan visi, iaitu hikmah bagi roh. Kristus Sang Penyatu, engkaulah Hikmah kami di dalam membina dan memulihara alam semesta. Bebaskanlah kami dari pengasingan dan berikanlah kami rahmat untuk saling memelihara antara satu dengan yang lain. Demi jalur ungu pada pelangi, satukanlah hati kami dengan yang lain dan segenap ciptaan Yang Maha Esa.

Polish: Fiolet to wizja, mądrość ducha. Chryste wzajemnych powiązań, jesteś naszą Mądrością, tworząca i podtrzymującą wszechświat. Uwolnij nas od izolacji i obdarz łaską współzależności. Przez fioletowy kolor tęczy połącz nas z innymi i z całym stworzeniem.

Portuguese: Violeta é a visão, a sabedoria do espírito. Cristo Interconectado, você é nossa Sabedoria, criando e sustentando o universo. Liberte-nos do isolamento e nos conceda a graça da interdependência. Com a faixa violeta do arco-íris, conecte-nos uns com os outros e com toda a criação.

Russian: Фиолетовый цвет символизирует проницательность, мудрость духа. Объединяющий Христос, Ты есть наша Мудрость, создавшая и поддерживающая вселенную. Освободи нас от изоляции и даруй нам благодать взаимозависимости. Фиолетовой полоской радуги объедини нас с другими и всем творением.



Rainbow colors come together to make one light, the crown of universal consciousness. Hybrid and All-Encompassing Christ, you are our Crown, both human and divine. Free us from rigid categories and grant us the grace of interwoven identities. With the rainbow, lead us beyond black-and-white thinking to experience the whole spectrum of life.

Spanish: Los colores del arco iris de unen para crear una sola luz, la corona de la conciencia universal. Cristo Híbrido y Omnipresente, tú eres nuestra corona, tanto humana como divina. Líbranos de las categorías rígidas y concédenos la gracia de vivir identidades entrelazadas. Con el arco iris, llévanos más allá del pensamiento binario en blanco y negro a fin de experimentar el espectro completo de la vida.

Chinese: 彩虹各色匯聚一束光,冠于宇宙意識之巔。混雜和包羅萬象的基督,你是人性和神聖的冠冕。將我們從僵死的分類中釋放,賜我們身份交織的恩典。藉著彩虹,上主帶領我們超越非黑即白的思維模式,體驗生命璀璨的光譜。

French: Les couleurs de l'arc-en-ciel composent ensemble la lumière, telle le chakra couronne de la conscience universelle. Christ métissé qui englobe tout, tu es notre Couronne, à la fois humaine et divine. Libère-nous des catégories rigides et accorde-nous la grâce des identités entrelacées. Avec l'arc en ciel, conduis-nous au-delà de la pensée en noir et blanc pour découvrir l'ensemble du spectre de la vie.

German: Regenbogenfarben kommen zusammen und ergeben ein Licht, die Krone des universellen Bewusstseins. Vermischter und alles umfassender Christus, du bist unsere Krone, menschlich und göttlich. Befreie uns von starren Kategorien und schenke und die Gnade von Identitäten, die miteinander verwoben sind. Mit dem Regenbogen führe uns über das Schwarz-weiß Denken hinaus und lass uns das ganze Spektrum des Lebens erfahren.

Italian: I colori dell’arcobaleno si uniscono per formare una sola luce, la corona della coscienza universale. Cristo ibrido e compassionevole, tu sei la nostra Corona, al tempo stesso umana e divina. Liberaci dalle categorie rigide e dacci la grazia di intrecciare insieme le nostre diverse identità. Con l’arcobaleno, portaci dal pensiero in bianco e nero all’esperienza dell’intero spettro della vita.

Japanese: 虹の六色は合わさり,ひとつの光を成し,万物の創造主の王冠となります.すべてを混ぜ合わせ,すべてを包み込む主キリストよ,人間にして神であるあなたは,わたしたちの王冠です.凝り固まったカテゴリーからわたしたちを解放し,ひとりひとりが多様である恵みをお与えください.虹のもとに,黒か白かを決めつける思考を超えて,多彩な命のすべての色を経験できるよう,導いてください.

Malay: Warna-warni pelangi berarak bersama membentuk satu cahaya, dan menjadi mahkota kesedaran sejagat. Kristus Sang Hibrid dan Hadirat Hakiki, engkaulah Mahkota kami, penuh keilahian dan kemanusiaan. Bebaskanlah kami dari pengkategorian yang tegar dan berikanlah kami rahmat identiti-identiti yang terjalin. Demi pelangi, pimpinlah kami keluar dari pemikiran hitam-putih dan menuju kepada pengalaman spektrum kehidupan yang menyeluruh.

Polish: Barwy tęczy jednoczą się, by stworzyć jedno światło, koronę uniwersalnej świadomości. Hybrydowy i Wszechogarniający Chryste, jesteś naszą Koroną, ludzką i boską. Uwolnij nas od ścisłych kategorii i obdarz łaską przeplatających się tożsamości. Prowadź nas przez tęczę poza myślenie czarno-białe ku pełnemu spektrum życia.

Portuguese: As cores do arco-íris se unem para formar uma só luz, a coroa da consciência universal. Cristo Híbrido e Abrangente, tu és nossa Coroa, ao mesmo tempo humano e divino. Liberte-nos de categorias rígidas e nos conceda a graça das identidades fluidas. Com o arco-íris, guie-nos para além do pensamento em preto e branco a fim de que experimentemos todo o espectro da vida.

Russian: Радуга объединяет спектр цветов творить свет, венец универсального сознания. Разнородный и всеохватывающий Христос, Ты есть наш Венец, человеческий и божественный. Освободи нас от жестких категорий и даруй благодать переплетающихся идентичностей. Радугой веди нас за пределы черно-белого мышления к опыту всего спектра жизни.









Rainbow Christ, you light up the world. You make rainbows as a promise to support all life on earth. In the rainbow space, we can see all the hidden connections between sexualities, genders and races. Like the rainbow, may we embody all the colors of the world! Amen.

Spanish: Cristo del Arco Iris, tú iluminas al mundo. Tú creas los arco iris como una promesa de sustentar toda la vida sobre la tierra. En el espacio del arco iris, podemos ver todas las conexiones ocultas entre sexualidades, géneros y razas. Como en el arco iris, concédenos que podamos encarnar todos los colores del mundo. Amen.

Chinese: 彩虹基督,你點亮世界。你讓彩虹成為支援地上所有生命的應許。在彩虹空間中,我們看到性/別、種族間隱蔽的關聯。願我們像彩虹一樣,擁抱世上所有的色彩!阿門。

French: Christ Arc-en-Ciel, tu illumines le monde. Des arcs-en-ciel, tu fais comme une promesse de soutenir toute vie sur terre. Dans l'espace arc-en-ciel, nous pouvons voir tous les liens cachés entre les sexualités, les genres et les races. Comme l'arc-en-ciel, donne-nous d’incarner toutes les couleurs du monde! Amen.

German: Regenbogen-Christus, du erhellst die Welt. Du machst Regenbögen als Versprechen, alles Leben auf Erden zu unterstützen. Im Regenbogen-Raum können wir all die verborgenen Beziehungen von Sexualitäten, Geschlechter und Rassen sehen. Wie der Regenbogen mögen auch wir alle Farben in der der Welt verkörpern. Amen.

Italian: Cristo arcobaleno, tu illumini il mondo. Tu crei gli arcobaleni come promessa di aiutare la vita sulla terra. Nello spazio dell’arcobaleno possiamo vedere tutte le connessioni nascoste tra sessualità, generi e razze. Come l’arcobaleno, fa’ che possiamo incarnare tutti i colori del mondo! Amen.

Japanese: 虹色の主キリストよ,あなたは,万物を照らし,虹を,地球の全生命を支える約束の徴になさいます.虹色の空間のなかで,さまざまなセクシュアリティ,ジェンダー,人種の間の隠されたつながりが見えてきます.虹のように,わたしたちが世のすべての色を表すことができますように! アーメン.

Malay: Kristus Sang Pelangi, engkau menerangi dunia. Engkau menjadikan pelangi sebagai janji untuk memelihara seluruh kehidupan di atas bumi. Di balik warna-warni pelangi, kami dapat melihat segala jalinan misteri di antara seksualiti, jantina, dan bangsa. Seperti pelangi, biarlah kami menghidupi seluruh warna-warni dunia, iaitu anugerah dari Yang Maha Esa! Amin.

Polish: Tęczowy Chryste, Ty oświecasz świat i tworzysz tęcze jako obietnice wsparcia wszelkiego życia na ziemi. W tęczowej przestrzeni możemy dojrzeć wszystkie te ukryte połączenia między seksualnościami, płciami i rasami. Obyśmy, niczym tęcza, ucieleśniali wszystkie barwy świata! Amen.

Portuguese: Cristo Arco-íris, você ilumina todo o mundo. Você faz arco-íris como uma promessa de apoiar toda a vida na Terra. Nele, podemos enxergar todas as conexões ocultas entre sexualidades, gêneros e raças. Como o arco-íris, que encarnemos todas as cores do mundo! Amém.

Russian: Радужный Христос, Ты освещаешь мир. Ты создаешь радугу как обещание поддержки всей жизни на земле. В радужном пространстве мы можем видеть все скрытые связи между сексуальностями, гендерами и расами. Подобно радуге, сделай возможным, чтоб мы объединили все цвета мира. Аминь.


Detail from “Christ and the Two Marys” by William Holman Hunt (Wikimedia Commons)

Many thanks to all the volunteer translators!

Spanish: Translated by Hugo Córdova Quero. Traducido por Hugo Córdova Quero.

Chinese: Translated by Iris Xie, Queer Theology Academy. 此文由性神學社成員,謝彩虹翻譯.
(The Chinese prayer was used at the opening worship of Queer Theology Academy Summer Workshop in Hong Kong in 2014.)

French: Translated by Zabulon in collaboration with Meneldid Palantir Talmayar. Traduit par Zabulon Zabulon avec la collaboration de Meneldid Palantir Talmayar.

German: Translated by Axel Schwaigert, Metropolitan Community Church of Stuttgart. Übersetzt von Axel Schwaigert, MCC Gemeinde Stuttgart.

Italian: Freely translated by Silvia Lanzi, Progetto Gionata. Liberamente tradotto da Silvia Lanzi, Progetto Gionata.

Japanese: Translated by LGBT Catholic Japan. LGBT カトリック・ジャパンが翻訳しました。

Malay: Translated by Anak Borneo. Diterjemahkan oleh Anak Borneo.

Polish: Translated by Łukasz Liniewicz and Jarek Kubacki. Przetłumaczone przez Łukasz Liniewicz i Jarek Kubacki.

Portuguese: Translated by Deco Ribeiro. Traduzido por Deco Ribeiro.

Russian: Translated by Elena Preobrazhenskaya of Moscow, Russia and Orthodox Catholic Monastery of Our Lady Joy of All Who Sorrow. Перевод Елены Преображенской (Москва, Россия) и православного католического монастыря Божией Матери всех скорбящих радость.

Image credit: “Stained-glass Rainbow Flag with Cross (Baner enfys gwydr lliw gyda Chroes)” by Andrew Craig Williams


 Patrick Cheng and Kittredge Cherry
wrote the Rainbow Christ Prayer


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Related links:

Rainbow Christ Prayer: LGBT flag reveals the queer Christ (original prayer in English)

Rainbow Christ Prayer goes nationwide at churches, schools and events

Rainbow Christ Prayer at Huffington Post

Rainbow Christ Prayer short version

Rethinking Sin and Grace for LGBT People by Patrick Cheng

Welcome the New Year with Bridge of Light by Kittredge Cherry

Rainbow flag (Wikipedia)

Patrick Cheng's website and Twitter feed

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Bible and homosexuality:

The Bible and Gays: Is it a sin to be gay? Did Jesus condemn homosexuality? by Rev. Durrrell Watkins

Metropolitan Community Churches theological resources

The Gay Debate: The Bible and Homosexuality by Matthew Vines (with translations in 10 langauges)

Homosexuality and the Bible at GayChurch.org


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This post is part of the
Queer Christ series series by Kittredge Cherry at the Jesus in Love Blog. The series gathers together visions of the queer Christ as presented by artists, writers, theologians and others.

Copyright © Kittredge Cherry. All rights reserved.
http://www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com/
Jesus in Love Blog on LGBT spirituality and the arts

Homosexuality of Jesus explored by 18th-century philosopher Jeremy Bentham

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Biblical arguments for LGBT rights and a queer Jesus may seem like new ideas, but they were pioneered about 200 years ago by an influential British philosopher -- in writings that were never published until recently.

Philosopher Jeremy Bentham (1748 - 1832) presented Biblical evidence for Jesus’ homosexuality as part of his theological defense for same-sex love in “Not Paul, but Jesus Vol. III.” It was published for the first time in 2013 and is freely available to download or view online. He died on this date (June 6) in 1832.

Bentham didn’t dare publish it during his lifetime because he feared being labeled a “sodomite” himself. At the time “buggery” was punished with death by hanging in England.

This champion of sexual freedom was far, far ahead of his time. “Not Paul, but Jesus” lays out many of the same arguments that are still used today by LGBT Christians and our allies: debunking the scriptures typically used to condemn LGBT people and pointing out that Jesus never said anything about homosexuality. Bentham goes on to present an idea that many still consider blasphemous. He suggests that Jesus had male-male sexual relationships.

Bentham wrote the book so long ago that the word “homosexuality” had not been invented yet. Instead he has a chapter titled “The eccentric pleasures of the bed, whether partaken of by Jesus?” His language may sound quaint, but his ideas are right on target for today. Bentham himself struggled with words for what we call homosexuality, deliberately creating new vocabulary so he could avoid the negative connotations associated with the terminology of his day (sodomy, buggery, perversion, etc.).

Bentham is best known as the founder of Utilitarianism, a philosophy that advocates “the greatest happiness of the greatest number of people” A respected thinker during his lifetime, Bentham was also far advanced on a wide range of other legal, economic and political issues. He coined the word “international.” He was one of the first proponents of animal rights. He supported women’s equality and opposed slavery and capital punishment. He corresponded with various world leaders, including US presidents Jefferson and Madison. Several South and Central American nations sought his advice in creating their constitutions and legal codes. Born and raised in a devout Anglican family in London, he became an agnostic who believed that religion was an instrument of oppression. His solution was separation of church and state.

In the third volume of “Not Paul, but Jesus Vol. III,” Bentham corrects false interpretations of what would later come to be called the “clobber passages.” He identifies the sin of Sodom as gang-rape. He puts the sexual prohibitions of the Hebrew scriptures into historical context, pointing out that many of the other taboos are no longer enforced.

He dismisses Paul’s condemnations of homosexuality as an asceticism not shared by Jesus himself. He sees romantic love between Old Testament heroes Jonathan and David -- and possibly between Jesus and his beloved disciple John, noting that the Bible reports their loving touch without condemnation.

Bentham goes on to analyze the account in Mark’s gospel of “the stripling in the loose attire” (now usually known as “the naked young man”) at the arrest of Jesus -- a passage that continues to fuel 21st-century speculations in the LGBT community. He urges readers to consider the most “probable interpretation” for the nakedness. (In a different manuscript he made it clear that the youth was probably a male prostitute loyal to Jesus.) Bentham even hints that Jesus was killed for homosexuality, asking readers to consider what interaction with a naked man could be “so awful” that it leads to cruel execution.

Pro-LGBT Christians today often note that Jesus never said anything against homosexuality. Bentham makes the same point in his own elaborate way, with sentences such as: “In the acts or discourses of Jesus, had any such marks of reprobation towards the mode of sexuality in question been to be found as may be seen in such abundance in the epistles of Paul—in a word, had any one decided mark of reprobation been so to be found as pronounced upon it by Jesus, in the eyes [of] no believer in Jesus could any such body of evidence as hath here been seen [to] present itself be considered as worth regarding.”

Indeed Bentham's main purpose in all three volumes of “Not Paul, but Jesus” is to show the error in following the ascetic Paul instead of the true Christianity of the more tolerant Jesus, who accepted the human pursuit of pleasure. This concept is introduced in the first volume of “Not Paul, but Jesus” was published in 1823. Fearing hostile reactions, Bentham used the pseudonym Gamaliel Smith. The second volume, which deals with the early church, and the third volume, which focuses on sexual morality, remained unpublished.

Bentham wrote more than 500 pages explaining his liberal views on homosexuality during the last 50 years of his life.  Some of these documents may have circulated among his followers, but none of it was published during his lifetime.

The first Bentham writings on homosexuality to be published were primarily secular. His 1785 essay “Offences Against One's Self: Paederasty” is considered the first document arguing for decriminalization of homosexuality in England. He reasoned that consensual sex between same-sex partners should not be punished because it does not harm anyone. The essay was not published until 1931, when a fragment first appeared in print. The full essay was finally published in 1978.

Only now are Bentham’s writings on Jesus and homosexuality coming to light. The third volume of “Not Paul, but Jesus” was not published in any form until 2013. It was released last year by the Bentham Project at University College London, which counts him as its spiritual father.

In January 2014 Bentham’s own overview of the “Not Paul, but Jesus, Volume 3” appeared as a chapter in a book published by Oxford University Press: “Of Sexual Irregularities, and Other Writings on Sexual Morality” by Jeremy Bentham. (More info at: http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/product/9780199685189.do)

A section on “Jesus’s Sexuality” is also included in the 2012 article “Jeremy Bentham: Prophet of Secularism” by Philip Schofield, director of the Bentham Project. He draws on the “Not Paul” book and another set of manuscripts to draw powerful conclusions such as this:

Bentham claimed that, unlike Paul, Jesus did not, according to any account that appeared in the four Gospels, condemn either the pleasures of the table or the pleasures of the bed. On the contrary, Jesus’s opposition to asceticism was shown in his condemnation of the Mosaic law in Matthew 9: 9–17…. Bentham pointed out that Paul’s most forceful condemnation was directed towards homosexuality. Bentham responded that not only had Jesus never condemned homosexuality, but that he had probably engaged in it. There were, moreover, many females in Jesus’s immediate circle, and again Bentham saw no reason why Jesus might not have engaged in heterosexual activity as well.

Although Bentham doggedly defended consensual sexual activity between same-sex couples for half a century, his own love life remains a mystery. The son of a wealthy lawyer, he was a child prodigy who grew up to be a brilliant and eccentric recluse, living alone in London in what he called “a state of perpetual and unruffled gaiety.” He referred to his home as his “hermitage.” He lived there with a “sacred teapot” called Dicky, a favorite walking stick named Dapple, and a beloved tom cat addressed as the Reverend Doctor John Langborn. He declared, “I love everything that has four legs,” and allowed a colony of mice to share his office. One study concludes he had Asperger Syndrome, a high-functioning form of autism. Check this link for an 1827 description of Bentham’s eccentricities.

The philosopher’s influence continued to grow after his death as his supporters spread his ideas. Most of what is now known as liberalism is rooted in Bentham’s philosophy. His diverse followers included economist John Stuart Mill and feminist firebrand Frances “Fanny” Wright, who once exclaimed in a poem, “Oh had I but the Lesbyan's lyre, / Blue-eyed Sappho's fervid strain, / Then might I hope thy blood to fire…”.

During his 84 years Bentham wrote manuscripts totaling more than 5 million words, and many remain unstudied and unpublished. The Bentham Project is busy recruiting volunteers worldwide to transcribe them. More words of wisdom are likely to emerge from this prophet of LGBT rights who once summed up his approach to life by saying: “Create all the happiness you are able to create: remove all the misery you are able to remove.”

Not Paul, but Jesus Vol. III by Jeremy Bentham, edited by Philip Schofield, Michael Quinn and Catherine Pease-Watkin, is now freely available to download or view online at:
http://blogs.ucl.ac.uk/bentham-project/2013/04/30/not-paul-but-jesus-vol-iii/

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Image credit: Jeremy Bentham engraving by J. Thomson, from a painting by W. Derby (courtesy of the Bentham Project)

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Special thanks for tips and background info from Mitch Gould, Walt Whitman scholar and curator of LeavesOfGrass.org, -- with a link.

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This post is part of the Queer Christ series by Kittredge Cherry at the Jesus in Love Blog. The series gathers together visions of the queer Christ as presented by artists, writers, theologians and others.

Copyright © Kittredge Cherry. All rights reserved.
http://www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com/
Jesus in Love Blog on LGBT spirituality and the arts

RIP Pulse Orlando shooting: 50 killed at gay nightclub

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In memory of
50 who died at the Pulse
gay nightclub Orlando, Florida



Mass shooting June 12, 2016


white candle Pictures, Images and Photos



I light a candle for the 50 people killed and 53 injured in a mass shooting at the Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida today on June 12. It is being called an act of terrorism and the worst mass shooting in U.S. history.

According to news reports, the gunman pledged allegiance to Islamic State around the time he stormed the packed nightclub. He was killed by police after taking hostages.

It is not yet confirmed whether the killer targeted the club because it served the LGBTQ community. But the massacre is a grim reminder of the ongoing violence faced by LGBTQ people.

Memorial image trending on social media
Until now the deadliest U.S. attack on LGBT people was the UpStairs Lounge fire, which killed 32 people in New Orleans in 1973.

Sadly the mass murder in Orlando comes just as the LGBTQ community is celebrating Pride Month, which marks the 1969 rebellion at another gay bar: the Stonewall Inn in New York City.

As the news continues to unfold about the Orlando shooting, let us remain rooted in love. May God comfort those who mourn, heal the injured, guide the search for answers and touch those with violence in their hearts. May we come together to affirm that love is stronger than hate.

Martyrs are those killed for a cause. May the souls of those killed in Orlando be welcomed to heaven by history's many queer martyrs who were killed for their sexual orientation or gender expression.

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Related links:

Mass Shooting at Pulse Florida Nightclub: Live Updates (New York Times)

Image credit: Adapted from “Gay Mourning Flag” (Wikimedia Commons)




Artist seeks suggestions for LGBT history series

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Suggestions for an art series on the LGBT civil rights movement are requested by New York artist Stephen Mead.

He wants to present pre-Stonewall figures, especially the obscure and unsung, with his new LGBT series.

In addition, Mead responded to the recent mass shooting at the Pulse gay nightclub in Orlando by issuing a special invitation. Victims and their loved ones are invited to share their stories and photos for the new LGBT art series. “The only legacy I can think of at the moment, against terrorism, is love,” he said.

Mead is a gay mixed-media artist and poet. His work has appeared internationally in books, galleries and cyberspace, including here at the Jesus in Love Blog. He often addresses spiritual themes or reveals the spiritual dimension within secular subjects.

Images, ideas and stories may be submitted to Mead via email.

“I am working on montages for this series tentatively titled ‘From Nostalgia Though Now and Beyond’ as a way of paying homage to the international LGBT Civil Rights movement, especially prior to Stonewall, where so many lived ‘in the life’ but unsung,” Mead said. “I see this as an ongoing series as I learn of new stories and imagine either gathering them on a website such as Weebly or published through CreateSpace, but I am open to ideas as to what presentation platform might works best.”

He has already created several photo-montage images for the series, including a tribute to Willem Arondeus, a gay Dutch artist who participated in the Nazi resistance movement and died in the Holocaust. His last message before his execution was, “Let it be known that homosexuals are not cowards.”

“Sergius and Bacchus Eternal Love in Thee” by Stephen Mead

The new series also includes religious figures such as Sergius and Bacchus, a pair of third-century Christian martyrs who are often considered gay saints.

“The swords side by side at the bottom-most layer represent the layers of history burying the lovers who are still symbolized by the power within their proximity. The Jesus and Sacred Heart message of course represents both the theory that Jesus loved all, but that it was not anathema to be gay, soldiers, a couple, and religiously devout,” Mead explained.


“We Beg Your Pardon, Sir Alan Turing” by Stephen Mead

In a related series, Mead has created hundreds of images of Alan Turing, the British computer scientist and codebreaker who was driven to suicide in the face of “chemical castration” after his conviction for homosexual acts. The images are featured on a short-collage film at Vimeo.




Mead’s most recent book is “According to the Order of Nature (We too are Cosmos Made): Art and Text for Gay Spiritual Sensuality.” published in 2016. This mixed-media series of paintings aims to reverse persecution, exploring LGBT sensuality for its spiritual roots and profound bonding. The cover image is “No Doubts, Thomas,” a reference to the apostle Thomas, who doubted Christ's resurrection until he could see and feel the wounds that Jesus received on the cross.

“No Doubts, Thomas” by Stephen Mead

His previous work on the Jesus in Love Blog includes “The Last of Laramie” (inspired by Matthew Shephard) and “Kuan Yin is Coming.” Other books by Mead include “Our Book of Common Faith,” which features his lyrical Laramie painting dedicated to Matthew Shepard. For more about Mead and his art, see the previous post “Gay Artist Links Body and Spirit.”

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This post is part of the Artists series by Kittredge Cherry at the Jesus in Love Blog. The series profiles artists who use lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and queer spiritual and religious imagery. It also highlights great queer artists from history, with an emphasis on their spiritual lives.

Copyright © Kittredge Cherry. All rights reserved.
http://www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com/
Jesus in Love Blog on LGBT spirituality and the arts


Oração ao Cristo Arco-íris: A bandeira LGBT revela um Cristo diferente (Rainbow Christ Prayer in Portuguese)

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As cores da bandeira do arco-íris revelam as muitas faces de um Cristo queer nesta Oração ao Cristo Arco-íris, escrita pela autora lésbica cristã Kittredge Cherry e o teólogo gay Patrick S. Cheng.

Bandeiras arco-íris tremulam ao redor do mundo neste mês de junho, Mês do Orgulho LGBT. Arco-íris também são um importante símbolo em diversas religiões. A Oração ao Cristo Arco-íris homenageia os valores espirituais do movimento LGBT.

A oração combina as cores da bandeira com os sete modelos do Cristo queer presente no livro de Patrick Cheng “From Sin to Amazing Grace: Discovering the Queer Christ.” (Do Pecado à Maravilhosa Graça: descobrindo o Cristo Queer)

Cristãos progressistas não acreditam que a homossexualidade seja pecado. Estudiosos garantem que a Bíblia não condena relações românticas entre pessoas do mesmo sexo. Portanto, as igrejas deviam aceitar as pessoas LGBT. A Oração ao Cristo Arco-íris surge do entendimento de que as pessoas LGBT são parte natural da criação de Deus.










Oremos...

Cristo Arco-Íris, tu encarnas todas as cores do mundo. Arco-íris servem como pontes entre diferentes mundos: o céu e a terra, leste e oeste, gay e hétero, cis e trans. Dê-nos inspiração para que lembremos os valores expressados na bandeira colorida da comunidade de lésbicas, gays, bissexuais, travestis, transexuais e transgêneros.



Vermelho é a vida, a raiz do espírito. Cristo Vivo e Cheio de Amor, tu és nossa Raiz. Liberte-nos da vergonha e nos conceda a graça do orgulho saudável, a fim de que possamos seguir nossa luz interior. Com a faixa vermelha do arco-íris, damos graças a Deus por nos ter criado exatamente assim como somos.



Laranja é a sexualidade, o fogo do espírito. Cristo Erótico, tu és nosso Fogo, a Palavra feita Carne. Liberte-nos da exploração e nos conceda a graça do relacionamento mútuo. Com a faixa laranja do arco-íris, inflame-nos com o fogo da paixão.




Amarelo é a autoestima, o cerne do espírito. Cristo Assumido, tu és nosso Cerne. Liberte-nos dos armários e nos conceda a coragem e a graça de nos assumir. Com a faixa amarela do arco-íris, construa essa nossa confiança.



Verde é o amor, o coração do espírito. Cristo Transviado, Marginal, tu és nosso coração, violando as regras por amor. Em um mundo obcecado com a pureza, você toca os doentes e come com os párias da sociedade. Liberte-nos da conformidade e nos conceda a graça da divergência. Com a faixa verde do arco-íris, preencha nossos corações com indomada compaixão por todos os seres.



Azul é a auto-expressão, a voz do espírito. Cristo Liberador, tu és nossa Voz, manifestando-se contra todas as formas de opressão. Liberte-nos da apatia e nos conceda a graça do ativismo. Com a faixa azul do arco-íris, motive-nos a clamar por Justiça.



Violeta é a visão, a sabedoria do espírito. Cristo Interconectado, você é nossa Sabedoria, criando e sustentando o universo. Liberte-nos do isolamento e nos conceda a graça da interdependência. Com a faixa violeta do arco-íris, conecte-nos uns com os outros e com toda a criação.



As cores do arco-íris se unem para formar uma só luz, a coroa da consciência universal. Cristo Híbrido e Abrangente, tu és nossa Coroa, ao mesmo tempo humano e divino. Liberte-nos de categorias rígidas e nos conceda a graça das identidades fluidas. Com o arco-íris, guie-nos para além do pensamento em preto e branco a fim de que experimentemos todo o espectro da vida.

Cristo Arco-íris, você ilumina todo o mundo. Você faz arco-íris como uma promessa de apoiar toda a vida na Terra. Nele, podemos enxergar todas as conexões ocultas entre sexualidades, gêneros e raças. Como o arco-íris, que encarnemos todas as cores do mundo! Amém.








Rainbow Christ Prayertraduzido por Deco Ribeiro.

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O Debate Gay: a Bíblia e a Homossexualidade  (Matthew Vines)



Copyright © Kittredge Cherry. All rights reserved.
http://www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com/
Jesus in Love Blog on LGBT spirituality and the arts

Prière au Christ Arc-en-Ciel: le drapeau LGBT révèle le Christ queer (Rainbow Christ Prayer in French)

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Les couleurs du drapeau arc-en-ciel révèlent les multiples facettes d’un Christ queer dans la Prière au Christ Arc-en-Ciel, qui suit, écrite par l’auteur lesbienne Kittredge Cherry et le théologien gay Patrick S. Cheng.

Les drapeaux Arc-en-Ciel flottent dans le monde entier, en juin, mois de la fierté LGBT. L’arc-en-ciel est également un symbole important dans de nombreuses traditions religieuses. La prière au Christ Arc-en-Ciel honore les valeurs spirituelles du mouvement LGBT.

La prière correspond aux couleurs du drapeau arc-en-ciel avec les sept représentations du Christ homosexuel, présentées dans le livre de Patrick “From Sin to Amazing Grace: Discovering the Queer Christ.”

Prions…








French: Christ Arc-en-Ciel, tu incarnes toutes les couleurs du monde. Les arcs-en-ciel servent de ponts entre les différentes sphères : le ciel et la terre, l'est et l'ouest, queer et non queer. Donne-nous de nous rappeler les valeurs exprimées par le drapeau arc-en-ciel de la communauté lesbienne, gay, bisexuelle, transgenre et queer.


 Le rouge est pour la vie, l’origine de l'esprit. Christ de la vie et de l’amour de soi, tu es notre Origine. Libère-nous de la honte et accorde-nous la grâce d’une fierté saine afin que nous puissions suivre notre lumière intérieure. Avec la bande rouge dans l'arc en ciel, nous rendons grâce que Dieu nous ait créés tels que nous sommes.

L'orange est pour la sexualité, le feu de l'esprit. Christ Érotique, tu es notre feu, le Verbe fait chair. Libère-nous de l'exploitation et accorde-nous la grâce de relations réciproques. Avec la bande orange dans l’arc-en-ciel, allume en nous le feu de la passion.

 Le jaune est pour l'estime de soi, le fondement de l'esprit. Christ qui te révèles, tu es notre fondement. Libère-nous de l’enfermement dans nos secrets et donne-nous le courage et la grâce de nous révéler. Avec la bande jaune dans l'arc en ciel, renforce notre confiance.


Le vert est pour l'amour, le cœur de l'esprit. Christ hors la loi et transgressif, tu es notre coeur, brisant les règles par amour. Dans un monde obsédé par la pureté, tu touches les malades et tu manges avec les exclus. Libère-nous du conformisme et accorde-nous la grâce de sortir des sentiers battus. Avec la bande verte dans l'arc en ciel, remplis nos cœurs d’une compassion sauvage pour tous les êtres.


Le bleu est pour l’expression de soi, la voix de l'esprit. Christ Libérateur, tu es notre voix, toi qui t’élèves contre toutes les formes d'oppression. Libère-nous de l'apathie et de accorde-nous la grâce de l'activisme. Avec la bande bleue dans l'arc en ciel, encourage-nous à nous battre pour la justice.


Le violet est pour la vision, la sagesse de l'esprit. Christ interconnecté, tu es notre sagesse, tu crées et maintiens l'univers. Libère-nous de l'isolement et accorde-nous la grâce de l'interdépendance. Avec la bande violette dans l'arc en ciel, relie-nous aux autres et à la création tout entière.

Les couleurs de l'arc-en-ciel composent ensemble la lumière, telle le chakra couronne de la conscience universelle. Christ métissé qui englobe tout, tu es notre Couronne, à la fois humaine et divine. Libère-nous des catégories rigides et accorde-nous la grâce des identités entrelacées. Avec l'arc en ciel, conduis-nous au-delà de la pensée en noir et blanc pour découvrir l'ensemble du spectre de la vie.









Christ Arc-en-Ciel, tu illumines le monde. Des arcs-en-ciel, tu fais comme une promesse de soutenir toute vie sur terre. Dans l'espace arc-en-ciel, nous pouvons voir tous les liens cachés entre les sexualités, les genres et les races. Comme l'arc-en-ciel, donne-nous d’incarner toutes les couleurs du monde! Amen.













Rainbow Christ Prayer traduit par Zabulon Zabulon avec la collaboration de Meneldid Palantir Talmayar.

___

Débat : la Bible et l’homosexualité (Matthew Vines)

Jesus Christ était-il gay ? Ou l'apprentissage de la tolerance (Actualitte.com)


Copyright © Kittredge Cherry. All rights reserved.
http://www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com/
Jesus in Love Blog on LGBT spirituality and the arts


虹色のキリストへの祈り : LGBT の旗はクィア・キリストを啓かす (Rainbow Christ Prayer in Japanese)

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レズビアンのキリスト教著作家キトリッジ・チェリーとゲイの神学者パトリック S. チェンが,以下に紹介する「虹色のキリストへの祈り」を作りました.クィア・キリストの多様な面が,LGBT の虹の旗の色により啓かされます.

LGBT プライド月間の6月,世界中で虹の旗が舞います.虹は,多くの宗教的伝統のなかで重要な象徴でもあります.「虹色のキリストへの祈り」は,LGBT の社会運動の精神的な価値をたたえます.

パトリック・チェンは,著書『罪から驚くべき恵みへ:クィア・キリストを見出す』のなかで,クィア・キリストの七つのモデルを提唱しています.「虹色のキリストへの祈り」は,虹の旗の色を,それら七つのモデルと対応させます.

「同性愛は罪ではない」と進歩的なキリスト教徒たちは信じています.聖書が断罪しているのは互いに愛し合う同性どうしの関係ではない,と学者たちは説いています.ですから,教会は,LGBT の人々を受け容れ,肯定すべきです.「虹色のキリストへの祈り」は,「LGBT の人々は神による創造の自然な一部である」ことの理解から生じます.

ともに祈りましょう...








虹色の主キリストよ,あなたは世のすべての色を表しています.虹は架け橋,天と地,東と西,差別される者とする者との架け橋です.わたしたち LGBTQ コミュニティの旗の虹色が何を意味しているかを,想い起こさせてください.



赤は命,精気の源.永遠の命に生きておられ,御自身を愛しておられる主キリストよ,あなたはわたしたちの源です.自己否定感からわたしたちを解放し,わたしたちが自身の内なる光に導かれることができるよう,健全な誇りを持つ恵みをお与えください.虹の赤のもとに,わたしたちを今あるように創造してくださったことを神に感謝します.



オレンジはセクシュアリティ,精気の炎.エロスの主キリスト,受肉なさった御ことばよ,あなたはわたしたちの炎です.相手を利用するだけの利己心からわたしたちを解放し,互いを思い合える恵みをお与えください.虹のオレンジのもとに,わたしたちのなかに情熱の炎をともしてください.


黄色は自尊心,精気の核.何も隠さない主キリストよ,あなたはわたしたちの核です.こころを閉ざすことからわたしたちを解放してください.クロゼットから出る勇気と恵みをお与えください.虹の黄色のもとに,わたしたちに自信を持たせてください.

緑は愛,精気の心.律法を超越した主キリストよ,愛によって律法を打ち壊すあなたは,わたしたちの心です.浄さに執着するこの世において,あなたは,不浄と見なされた病人たちに触れ,差別された者たちと食事をともになさいます.因襲からわたしたちを解放し,律法に縛られずにいる恵みをお与えください.虹の緑のもとに,わたしたちの心を,律法にとらわれずにあらゆる存在を思いやる気持ちで満たしてください.


青は自己表現,精気の声.解放者である主キリストよ,あなたはわたしたちの声,あらゆる形の抑圧に対して抗議してくださいます.無力感からわたしたちを解放し,社会で行動できる恵みをお与えください.虹の青のもとに,正義を求めることができるよう,わたしたちを勇気づけてください.


紫は真理を見る力,精気の知恵.つながり合ってくださる主キリストよ,万物を創造し,維持するあなたは,わたしたちの知恵です.わたしたちを孤立から解放してください.互いに支え合う恵みをお与えください.虹の紫のもとに,わたしたちと他の人々とをつなげてください.わたしたちを全被造界とつなげてください.


虹の六色は合わさり,ひとつの光を成し,万物の創造主の王冠となります.すべてを混ぜ合わせ,すべてを包み込む主キリストよ,人間にして神であるあなたは,わたしたちの王冠です.凝り固まったカテゴリーからわたしたちを解放し,ひとりひとりが多様である恵みをお与えください.虹のもとに,黒か白かを決めつける思考を超えて,多彩な命のすべての色を経験できるよう,導いてください.








虹色の主キリストよ,あなたは,万物を照らし,虹を,地球の全生命を支える約束の徴になさいます.虹色の空間のなかで,さまざまなセクシュアリティ,ジェンダー,人種の間の隠されたつながりが見えてきます.虹のように,わたしたちが世のすべての色を表すことができますように! アーメン.









Rainbow Christ Prayer: LGBT カトリック・ジャパンが翻訳しました。

___

ゲイディベート:聖書と同性愛 (Matthew Vines)


Copyright © Kittredge Cherry. All rights reserved.
http://www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com/
Jesus in Love Blog on LGBT spirituality and the arts

Virgin Mary's lesbian kiss on Spanish poster causes controversy

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A lesbian kiss between two images of the Virgin Mary is causing controversy in Spain this month.

Spanish church officials denounced it as blasphemy when the LGBT group Endavant launched a Pride-month poster with a pair of Madonnas kissing as an interracial couple.

“Against the holy oppression, love as you want,” says the slogan above them in Valencian. The poster promotes LGBT Pride events in the Spanish cities of Valencia, Palma and Barcelona.

The same-sex kiss occurs between the region's two most popular devotional images of Mary: Our Lady of the Forsaken (patroness of Valencia) and the dark-skinned Virgin of Monserrat (patroness of Catalonia and one of Europe’s black Madonnas). Both wear elaborate crowns.

Endavant responded to the blasphemy charges by denouncing the role of the ecclesiastical hierarchy in propagating hatred against homosexuality. “The poster is a hymn to life, liberty and fraternity as we want to love above moral norms invented by humankind,” the statement said.

“Mary Magdalene and Virgen de Guadalupe” (from “My Cathedral”) by Alex Donis

The Endavant poster is reminiscent of another controversial artwork that used LGBT Christian imagery. Queer Latino artist Alex Donis painted the Virgin of Guadalupe kissing Mary Magdalene as part of “My Cathedral,” a series that showed people of opposite viewpoints kissing in same-sex pairs.

The “My Cathedral” exhibit was vandalized when it opened in San Francisco in 1997. The image and the controversy it caused are included in the book “Art That Dares: Gay Jesus, Woman Christ, and More” by Kittredge Cherry.

Artistic images of the Virgin Mary’s lesbian kiss are a beautiful way to express the sacredness of LGBT lives and the union of sexuality and spirituality.

___
Related link:
Valencia’s Escalating Inflammatory Rhetoric Should Not Have Gotten This Far (New Ways Ministry)

This post is part of the Artists series by Kittredge Cherry at the Jesus in Love Blog. The series profiles artists who use lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) and queer spiritual and religious imagery. It also highlights great queer artists from history, with an emphasis on their spiritual lives.

Copyright © Kittredge Cherry. All rights reserved.
http://www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com/
Jesus in Love Blog on LGBT spirituality and the arts

彩虹基督禱文 (Rainbow Christ Prayer in Chinese)

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彩虹基督,你將這世上所有的色彩呈於一身。彩虹搭橋跨越天與地、東與西、酷兒與非酷兒的藩籬。激勵我們銘記彩虹旗上代表女同性戀、男同性戀、雙性戀、跨性別和酷兒群體色彩的意義。



紅色代表生命,靈性之根。永生與自愛的基督,你是我們的依靠,將我們從羞恥中釋放,賜我們驕傲的恩典,讓我們可以追隨內心之光。籍彩虹旗紅色的條紋,我們感謝上主創造創造我們成我們所是的樣子。




橙色代表性慾,靈性之火。情慾的基督,你是我們的火光,道成了肉身,將我們從剝削中釋放,賜我們互惠的關係。藉彩虹旗橙色的條紋,上主點燃我們內心的激情。




黃色代表自尊,靈性之核。出櫃的基督,你是我們的核心,將我們從隱秘的櫃中釋放,賜我們走出來的勇氣。藉彩虹旗黃色的條紋,上主堅立了我們的信心。




綠色代表愛,靈性之心。出格不守矩的基督,你是我們的內心,用愛打破陳規。在一個沉迷於聖潔之妄的世界中,你觸摸患病者、與流浪者同席。將我們從流俗的迎合中釋放,賜我們越軌的恩典。藉彩虹旗綠色的條紋,上主將我們的心充滿對萬物的悲憫。




藍色代表自我表達,靈性之聲。解放者基督,你是我們的聲音,說出對一切壓迫形式的反對。將我們從冷漠中釋放,賜我們運動的恩典。藉彩虹旗藍色的條紋,上主激勵我們呼求正義。




紫色代表異象,靈性之智。相互關聯的基督,你是我們的智慧,創造、供養整個宇宙。將我們從隔絕中釋放,賜我們彼此依賴的恩典。藉彩虹旗紫色的條紋,上主將我們與他者與全部受造連接。




彩虹各色匯聚一束光,冠于宇宙意識之巔。混雜和包羅萬象的基督,你是人性和神聖的冠冕。將我們從僵死的分類中釋放,賜我們身份交織的恩典。藉著彩虹,上主帶領我們超越非黑即白的思維模式,體驗生命璀璨的光譜。










彩虹基督,你點亮世界。你讓彩虹成為支援地上所有生命的應許。在彩虹空間中,我們看到性/別、種族間隱蔽的關聯。願我們像彩虹一樣,擁抱世上所有的色彩!阿門。









Rainbow Christ Prayer: 此文由性神學社成員,謝彩虹翻譯.

___

同志思辨:圣经与同性恋 (Matthew Vines)


http://www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com/Jesus in Love Blog on LGBT spirituality and the arts

Modlitwa do Tęczowego Chrystusa (Rainbow Christ Prayer in Polish)

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Tęczowy Chryste, ucieleśniasz wszystkie barwy świata. Tęcze łączą różne wymiary rzeczywistości: niebo i ziemię, wschód i zachód, to, co queer, i to, co nie queer. Przypominaj nam o wartościach wyrażanych przez tęczową flagę społeczności lesbijek, gejów, biseksualistów i osób transpłciowych.



Czerwień to życie, korzeń ducha. Żywy i kochający siebie samego Chryste, jesteś naszym Korzeniem. Uwolnij nas od wstydu i obdarz nas łaską zdrowej dumy, byśmy mogli podążać śladem swego wewnętrznego światła. Przez czerwony kolor tęczy dziękujemy Bogu, że stworzył nas takimi, jakimi jesteśmy.




Pomarańcz to seksualność, ogień ducha. Erotyczny Chryste, jesteś naszym Ogniem, Słowem, które stało się ciałem. Uwolnij nas od wyzysku i obdarz łaską wzajemnych relacji. Przez pomarańczowy kolor tęczy roznieć w nas ogień namiętności.




Żółty to szacunek do samego siebie, centrum ducha. Chryste, który nie wstydzisz się siebie samego, jesteś naszym Centrum. Uwolnij nas od ukrywania się i obdarz nas odwagą i łaską przyznania się do siebie. Przez żółty kolor tęczy buduj w nas pewność siebie.




Niebieski to wyrażanie samych siebie, głos ducha. Chryste Wyzwolicielu, jesteś naszym Głosem, przemawiającym przeciwko wszelkim postaciom opresji. Uwolnij nas od apatii i obdarz łaską aktywności. Przez niebieski kolor tęczy motywuj nas, byśmy żądali sprawiedliwości.




Zieleń to miłość, serce ducha. Niepokorny, wyjęty spod prawa Chryste, jesteś naszym Sercem, łamiącym zasady z miłości. W świecie poddanym obsesji czystości, dotykasz chorych i jesz z wyrzutkami. Uwolnij nas od konformizmu i obdarz łaską zbaczania. Przez zielony kolor tęczy napełnij nasze serca nieposkromionym współczuciem dla wszystkich istot.




Fiolet to wizja, mądrość ducha. Chryste wzajemnych powiązań, jesteś naszą Mądrością, tworząca i podtrzymującą wszechświat. Uwolnij nas od izolacji i obdarz łaską współzależności. Przez fioletowy kolor tęczy połącz nas z innymi i z całym stworzeniem.



Barwy tęczy jednoczą się, by stworzyć jedno światło, koronę uniwersalnej świadomości. Hybrydowy i Wszechogarniający Chryste, jesteś naszą Koroną, ludzką i boską. Uwolnij nas od ścisłych kategorii i obdarz łaską przeplatających się tożsamości. Prowadź nas przez tęczę poza myślenie czarno-białe ku pełnemu spektrum życia.








Tęczowy Chryste, Ty oświecasz świat i tworzysz tęcze jako obietnice wsparcia wszelkiego życia na ziemi. W tęczowej przestrzeni możemy dojrzeć wszystkie te ukryte połączenia między seksualnościami, płciami i rasami. Obyśmy, niczym tęcza, ucieleśniali wszystkie barwy świata! Amen.









Rainbow Christ Prayer: Przetłumaczone przez Łukasz Liniewicz i Jarek Kubacki.


http://www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com/Jesus in Love Blog on LGBT spirituality and the arts

La preghiera del Cristo arcobaleno (Rainbow Christ Prayer in Italian)

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I colori della bandiera arcobaleno rivelano molte facce del Cristo queer nella preghiera del Cristo arcobaleno della scrittrice lesbica Kittredge Cherry e del teologo gay Patrick S. Cheng.

La preghiera combina i colori della bandiera arcobaleno con i sette modelli del Cristo queer del libro di Patrick From Sin to Amazing Grace: Discovering the Queer Christ (Dal peccato all’immensa grazia: alla scoperta del Cristo queer).

Le bandiere arcobaleno sventoleranno in tutto il mondo in giugno per il mese dell’orgoglio LGBT. L’arcobaleno, inoltre, è un simbolo importante in molte tradizioni religiose. La preghiera del Cristo arcobaleno onora i valori spirituali del movimento LGBT.









Cristo arcobaleno, tu incarni tutti i colori del mondo. L’arcobaleno crea ponti tra realtà diverse: cielo e terra, est e ovest, queer e non-queer. Ispiraci a ricordare i valori espressi nella bandiera arcobaleno della comunità lesbica, gay, bisessuale, transgender e queer.



Il rosso è per la vita. Cristo vivente e amante, tu sei la Radice. Liberaci dalla vergogna e concedici la grazia di un sano orgoglio così da poter seguire la nostra luce interiore. Con la striscia rossa dell’arcobaleno, diamo grazie che Dio ci ha creati così come siamo.




L’arancio è per la sessualità, il fuoco dello spirito. Cristo erotico, tu sei il nostro Fuoco, la Parola fatta carne. Liberaci dallo sfruttamento e concedici la grazia di mutue relazioni. Con la striscia arancio dell’arcobaleno accendiamo in noi il fuoco della passione.




Il giallo è per l’autostima, il nocciolo dello spirito. Liberaci dalle angustie della segretezza e dacci il coraggio e la grazia di svelarci. Con la striscia gialla dell’arcobaleno, costruisci la nostra fiducia in noi stessi.




Il verde è per l’amore, il cuore, lo spirito. Cristo trasgressivo e fuori da ogni regola, tu sei il nostro Cuore, infrangi le regole per amore. In un mondo ossessionato dalla purezza tu tocchi i malati e mangi con gli emarginati. Liberaci dal conformismo e dacci la grazia della devianza. Con la striscia verde dell’arcobaleno, riempi i nostri cuori di compassione infinita per tutti gli esseri.




Il blu è l’espressione di sé, la voce dello spirito. Cristo Liberatore, tu sei la nostra Voce, parla fortemente contro ogni forma di repressione. Liberaci dall’apatia e dacci la grazia dell’attivismo. Con la striscia blu dell’arcobaleno, motivaci a cercare la giustizia.




Il viola è per la visione. Cristo, profondamente connesso con tutte le cose, tu sei la nostra Sapienza e crei e mantieni l’universo. Liberaci dall’isolamento e dacci la grazia dell’interdipendenza. Con la striscia viola dell’arcobaleno, uniscici agli altri e all’intera creazione.



I colori dell’arcobaleno si uniscono per formare una sola luce, la corona della coscienza universale. Cristo ibrido e compassionevole, tu sei la nostra Corona, al tempo stesso umana e divina. Liberaci dalle categorie rigide e dacci la grazia di intrecciare insieme le nostre diverse identità. Con l’arcobaleno, portaci dal pensiero in bianco e nero all’esperienza dell’intero spettro della vita.








Cristo arcobaleno, tu illumini il mondo. Tu crei gli arcobaleni come promessa di aiutare la vita sulla terra. Nello spazio dell’arcobaleno possiamo vedere tutte le connessioni nascoste tra sessualità, generi e razze. Come l’arcobaleno, fa’ che possiamo incarnare tutti i colori del mondo! Amen.









Rainbow Christ Prayer: Liberamente tradotto da Silvia Lanzi, Progetto Gionata.

___

Il dibattuto sui gay: la Bibbia e l’omosessualità (Matthew Vines)

La Passione di Cristo in chiave gay (Solosapere.it)


http://www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com/Jesus in Love Blog on LGBT spirituality and the arts

Doa Kristus Sang Pelangi: Bendera LGBT menyingkap misteri ke-quir-an Kristus (Rainbow Christ Prayer in Malay)

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Warna-warni di dalam bendera pelangi menunjukkan kepelbagaian prinsip quir Kristus berdasarkan Doa Kristus Sang Pelangi berikut, hasil nukilan seorang pengarang Kristian lesbian, Kittredge Cherry dan ahli teologi gay, Patrick S. Cheng.

Bersempena dengan Bulan Kebanggaan LGBT pada bulan June, bendera-bendera pelangi akan dikibarkan di seluruh dunia. Pelangi juga adalah salah satu simbol yang penting di dalam tradisi-tradisi keagamaan dunia. Doa Kristus Sang Pelangi menghormati nilai-nilai kerohanian di dalam pergerakan LGBT.

Doa ini seiringan dengan warna-warni di dalam bendera pelangi berdasarkan buku karangan Patrick Cheng, “From Sin to Amazing Grace: Discovering the Queer Christ” yang menbentangkan mengenai keunikan Kristus berdasarkan tujuh model quir.

Kristian Progresif mempercayai bahawa homoseksualiti tidak harus sewenang-wenangnya ditanggapi sebagai suatu dosa. Pakar sarjanawan/i mengatakan bahawa Alkitab tidak pernah menyebut bahawa percintaan sama-jantina adalah sesuatu yang terlarang. Oleh itu, gereja-gereja harus menanggapi dan menerima saudara/i LGBT mereka. Doa Kristus Sang Pelangi lahir dari ilham bahawa saudara/i LGBT adalah sebahagian daripada karya ciptaan Tuhan Yang Maha Esa.

Let us pray...
Marilah kita berdoa…








Kristus Sang Pelangi, engkau menggenapi seluruh warna-warni dunia. Pelangi adalah jambatan menghubungkan alam yang berbeza: langit dan bumi, timur dan barat, quir dan bukan-quir. Berikanlah kami ilham untuk mengingati nilai-nilai murni yang terpancar melalui bendera pelangi dari komuniti lesbian, gay, biseksual dan quir:



Merah menggambarkan kehidupan, iaitu akar bagi roh. Sang Kristus yang hidup dan penuh cintakasih, engkaulah akar rohani kami. Bebaskanlah kami dari rasa malu dan berikanlah kami rahmat harga diri yang sihat supaya kami dapat mengikuti terang di dalam diri kami. Demi jalur merah pada pelangi, kami mengucap syukur kerana Tuhan Yang Maha Esa menciptakan kami seadanya.




Jingga menggambarkan karunia seksualiti, iaitu api bagi roh. Eros Kristus, engkaulah Sang Api, Firman yang menjadi Manusia. Bebaskanlah kami dari segala eksploitasi dan berikanlah kami rahmat untuk hubungan romantik yang penuh hormat dan saling memahami. Demi jalur jingga pada pelangi, semarakkan api cintakasih kami.




Kuning menggambarkan harga diri, iaitu teras bagi roh. Kristus Sang Pewarta, engkaulah teras kami. Bebaskanlah kami dari persembunyian diri yang membinasakan dan berikanlah kami keberanian serta rahmat untuk meyakini keberadaan kami. Demi jalur kuning pada pelangi, kuatkanlah keyakinan kami.




Hijau menggambarkan cintakasih, iaitu hati bagi roh. Kristus Sang Pencabar segala hukum yang sia-sia, engkau menolak hukum tegar atas nama cintakasih, engkaulah Hati kami. Pada saat duniamu begitu taksub dengan hukum kekudusan, engkau menyentuh orang yang dianggap terkutuk dan makan bersama orang yang tertindas. Bebaskanlah kami dari sikap akur yang membuta tuli dan berikanlah kami rahmat untuk menolak kekerasan hukum. Demi jalur hijau pada pelangi, penuhi hati kami dengan belas kasihan yang luar biasa untuk segenap makhluk ciptaan Tuhan.




Biru menggambarkan ekspresi diri, iaitu suara bagi roh. Kristus Sang Pembebas, engkaulah Suara kami dalam menentang segala bentuk penindasan. Bebaskanlah kami dari sikap acuh tak acuh dan berikanlah kami rahmat aktivisme. Demi jalur biru pada pelangi, berikanlah kami motivasi untuk menegakkan keadilan.




Ungu menggambarkan visi, iaitu hikmah bagi roh. Kristus Sang Penyatu, engkaulah Hikmah kami di dalam membina dan memulihara alam semesta. Bebaskanlah kami dari pengasingan dan berikanlah kami rahmat untuk saling memelihara antara satu dengan yang lain. Demi jalur ungu pada pelangi, satukanlah hati kami dengan yang lain dan segenap ciptaan Yang Maha Esa.



Warna-warni pelangi berarak bersama membentuk satu cahaya, dan menjadi mahkota kesedaran sejagat. Kristus Sang Hibrid dan Hadirat Hakiki, engkaulah Mahkota kami, penuh keilahian dan kemanusiaan. Bebaskanlah kami dari pengkategorian yang tegar dan berikanlah kami rahmat identiti-identiti yang terjalin. Demi pelangi, pimpinlah kami keluar dari pemikiran hitam-putih dan menuju kepada pengalaman spektrum kehidupan yang menyeluruh.








Kristus Sang Pelangi, engkau menerangi dunia. Engkau menjadikan pelangi sebagai janji untuk memelihara seluruh kehidupan di atas bumi. Di balik warna-warni pelangi, kami dapat melihat segala jalinan misteri di antara seksualiti, jantina, dan bangsa. Seperti pelangi, biarlah kami menghidupi seluruh warna-warni dunia, iaitu anugerah dari Yang Maha Esa! Amin.









Rainbow Christ Prayer: Diterjemahkan oleh Anak Borneo.


http://www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com/Jesus in Love Blog on LGBT spirituality and the arts

“I first saw the rainbow flag in a church” posted by Believe Out Loud

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I first saw the rainbow flag of LGBTQ Pride in a church.

It was 1985, back when same-sex marriage was so taboo that pollsters didn’t even ask about it.

At last I was free to be fully myself, both lesbian and Christian, on my first day at Metropolitan Community Church of San Francisco.

Click here to read the whole story in a new reflection that I wrote for Believe Out Loud, a group promoting LGBTQ equality in the church.



Gebet zum Christus des Regenbogens (Rainbow Christ Prayer in German)

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Regenbogen-Christus, du verkörperst alle Farben dieser Welt. Regenbögen sind Brücken zwischen den verschiedenen Welten: Himmel und Erde, Ost und West, Queer und Nicht-queer. Begeistere uns, damit wir uns an die Werte zu erinnern, die in der Regenbogenfahne der lesbisch, schwulen, bisexuellen, transgender und queeren Gemeinschaft zum Ausdruck kommen.



Rot steht für Liebe, die Wurzel des Geistes. Lebender Christus, der du sagst, dass wir uns selber lieben dürfen, du bist unsere Wurzel. Befreie uns von Scham und schenke uns die Gnade eines gesunden Stolzes, so dass wir unserem eigenen, inneren Licht folgen können. Mit dem roten Streifen im Regenbogen danken wir, dass uns Gott genauso erschaffen hat, wie wir sind.




Orange steht für Sexualität, das Feuer des Geistes. Erotischer Christus, du bist unser Feuer, das Wort das Fleisch geworden ist. Befreie uns von Ausbeutung und gib uns die Gnade gleichberechtigter Beziehungen. Mit dem orangen Streifen des Regenbogens entzünde ein Feuer der Leidenschaft in uns.




Gelb steht für Selbstachtung, das Zentrum des Geistes. Offen lebender Christus, du bist unser Zentrum, Befreie uns aus den Gefängnissen der Heimlichkeit, und schenke uns den Mut und die Gnade, unser Coming out zu haben. Mit dem gelben Streifen des Regenbogens baue unser Selbstvertrauen auf.




Grün steht für die Liebe, das Herz des Geistes. Gesetze übertretender Christus, du bist unser Herz, das die Regeln der Liebe sprengt. In einer Welt die besessen ist mit Reinheit, berührst du die Kranken und isst mit den Ausgestoßen. Befreie uns von der Eintönigkeit und schenke uns die Gnade des Widerstandes. Mit dem grünen Streifen des Regenbogens erfülle unsere Herzen mit ungezähmten Mitgefühl für alles Sein.




Blau steht für Selbst-darstellung, die Stimme des Geistes. Befreiender Christus, du bist unsere Stimme, die gegen alle Formen der Unterdrückung spricht. Befreie uns von Müdigkeit und schenke uns die Gnade des aktiv seins. Mit dem blauen Streifen des Regenbogens motiviere uns, nach Gerechtigkeit zu rufen.




Violett steht für die Vision, die Weisheit des Geistes. Christus, der du mit allem verbunden bist, du bist unsere Weisheit, du schaffst und erhältst das Universum. Befreie uns von Isolation und schenke uns die Gnade der Abhängigkeit von einander. Mit dem violetten Streifen des Regenbogens verbinde uns mit anderen und mit der der ganzen Schöpfung.



Regenbogenfarben kommen zusammen und ergeben ein Licht, die Krone des universellen Bewusstseins. Vermischter und alles umfassender Christus, du bist unsere Krone, menschlich und göttlich. Befreie uns von starren Kategorien und schenke und die Gnade von Identitäten, die miteinander verwoben sind. Mit dem Regenbogen führe uns über das Schwarz-weiß Denken hinaus und lass uns das ganze Spektrum des Lebens erfahren.








Regenbogen-Christus, du erhellst die Welt. Du machst Regenbögen als Versprechen, alles Leben auf Erden zu unterstützen. Im Regenbogen-Raum können wir all die verborgenen Beziehungen von Sexualitäten, Geschlechter und Rassen sehen. Wie der Regenbogen mögen auch wir alle Farben in der der Welt verkörpern. Amen.









Rainbow Christ Prayer: Übersetzt von Axel Schwaigert, MCC Gemeinde Stuttgart.

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Die Homo-Debatte: Die Bibel und Homosexualität (Matthew Vines)

Der schwule Jesus (Queer.de)


http://www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com/Jesus in Love Blog on LGBT spirituality and the arts

Молитва Радужному Христу (Rainbow Christ Prayer in Russian)

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Радужный Христос, Ты объединяешь все краски мира. Радуги служат мостами между различными сферами: небом и землей, востоком и западом, квиром и не-квиром. Вдохновляй нас помнить ценности, выраженные в радужном флаге лесбиянок, геев, бисексуалов, трансгендеров и квир сообщества.



Красный цвет символизирует жизнь, источник духа. Живущий и любящий себя Христос, Ты есть наш Источник. Освободи нас от стыда и даруй нам благодать разумной гордости, чтоб мы могли следовать нашему собственному внутреннему свету. Красной полоской радуги мы благодарим Бога за то, что он сотворил нас такими, какие мы есть.




Оранжевый цвет символизирует сексуальность, огонь духа. Эротический Христос, Ты есть наш Огонь, Слово, ставшее плотью. Освободи нас от эксплуатации и даруй нам благодать взаимных отношений. Оранжевой полоской радуги разожги в нас огонь страсти.




Желтый цвет символизирует самоуважение, стержень духа. Открывшийся Христос, Ты есть наш Стержень. Освободи нас от наших чуланов тайн и дай нам мужество и благодать открыться. Желтой полоской радуги укрепи нашу веру.




Зеленый цвет символизирует любовь, сердце духа. Преодолевший невозможные запреты Христос, Ты есть наше Сердце, нарушающее правила из любви. Преследуемый в мире в непорочности, Ты прикасаешься к больным и ешь вместе с отверженными. Освободи нас от подчинения и даруй нам благодать несоответствия нормам. Зеленой полоской радуги наполни наши сердца неукротимым состраданием ко всем живым существам.



Синий цвет символизирует самовыражение, голос духа. Освободитель Христос, Ты есть наш Голос, выступающий против всех форм угнетения. Освободи нас от апатии и даруй благодать активизма. Синий полоской радуги побуждай нас призывать к справедливости.




Фиолетовый цвет символизирует проницательность, мудрость духа. Объединяющий Христос, Ты есть наша Мудрость, создавшая и поддерживающая вселенную. Освободи нас от изоляции и даруй нам благодать взаимозависимости. Фиолетовой полоской радуги объедини нас с другими и всем творением.



Радуга объединяет спектр цветов творить свет, венец универсального сознания. Разнородный и всеохватывающий Христос, Ты есть наш Венец, человеческий и божественный. Освободи нас от жестких категорий и даруй благодать переплетающихся идентичностей. Радугой веди нас за пределы черно-белого мышления к опыту всего спектра жизни.








Радужный Христос, Ты освещаешь мир. Ты создаешь радугу как обещание поддержки всей жизни на земле. В радужном пространстве мы можем видеть все скрытые связи между сексуальностями, гендерами и расами. Подобно радуге, сделай возможным, чтоб мы объединили все цвета мира. Аминь.









Rainbow Christ Prayer: Перевод Елены Преображенской (Москва, Россия) и братства Cкорбященской Пустыни (Оксфорд, Мичиган).

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Библия и гомосексуальность, Мэтью Вайнс (Matthew Vines)

В Великобритании вышел художественный альбом, где Иисус изображен геем (Gay.ru)


http://www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com/Jesus in Love Blog on LGBT spirituality and the arts

UpStairs Lounge fire: 32 killed in deadliest attack on LGBT people (until Orlando)

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“See You at the UpStairs Lounge” by Skylar Fein

Before the Orlando massacre this month, the deadliest attack on LGBT people in U.S. history was an arson fire at the UpStairs Lounge, a gay bar in New Orleans. The fire killed 32 people on June 24, 1973, exactly 43 years ago today.

It is enlightening the re-examine the UpStairs Lounge fire in the wake of the Orlando shooting that killed 49 people at the Pulse gay bar in Florida on June 12.

Few people cared about the UpStairs Lounge fire at the time. The crime was never solved, churches refused to do funerals for the dead, and four bodies went unclaimed. Now there is a resurgence of interest in the martyrs of New Orleans.

The fire is being remembered in powerful new ways, including the 2016 book “Stand by Me: The Forgotten History of Gay Liberation” by Harvard history professor Jim Downs. The fire is covered in the first chapter, titled “The Largest Massacre of Gay People in American History.”

Upstairs Inferno,” a documentary directed by Robert Camina and narrated by Christopher Rice, is currently playing at film festivals around the United States before its release on DVD. The film brings humanity to the headlines by interviewing more than 20 people, including several survivors who have kept silent for decades.

Other recent works about the fire include an award-winning online exhibit at the LGBT Religious Archives Network; the 2014 book “The Up Stairs Lounge Arson: Thirty-two Dead in a New Orleans Gay Bar, June 24, 1973” by Clayton Delery-Edwards; and the musical drama “Upstairs” by Louisiana playwright Wayne Self. In 2013 the New Orleans Museum of Art acquired Louisiana artist Skylar Fein’s major installation “Remember the UpStairs Lounge.” The tragedy is also recounted in a short documentary by award-winning film maker Royd Anderson released on June 24, 2013, and in the 2011 book “Let the Faggots Burn: The UpStairs Lounge Fire” by Johnny Townsend.

For queer people, the UpStairs Lounge served as a sanctuary in every sense of the world. It was a seemingly safe place where LGBT people met behind boarded-up windows that hid them from a hostile world. Worship services were held there by the LGBT-affirming Metropolitan Community Church of New Orleans. The pastor, Rev. William R. Larson, died along with a third of congregation. Half the victims were MCC members. Those who died included people from all walks of life: preachers, hustlers, soldiers, musicians, parents, professionals and a mother with her two sons.

The horror of the fire was compounded by the homophobic reactions. Churches refused to hold funerals for the victims. Finally MCC founder Rev. Troy Perry flew to New Orleans to conduct a group memorial service. Families of four victims were apparently so ashamed of their gay relatives that they would not identify or claim their remains. The City refused to release their bodies to MCC for burial, and instead laid them to rest in a mass grave at a potter’s field.


UPSTAIRS INFERNO - Teaser Trailer [HD] from Camina Entertainment on Vimeo.

The full-length feature documentary “Upstairs Inferno” was produced and directed by Camina, whose previous film was the widely praised “Raid of the Rainbow Lounge” about a police raid at a Texas gay bar. Now he has created the most comprehensive and authoritative film on America's biggest gay mass murder. Survivors interviewed in the film include Ricky Everett and Francis Dufrene and a survivor who lost her lover Reggie Adams in the blaze.

Narrator Chrisopher Rice is an openly gay New York Times bestselling author whose hometown is New Orleans. His debut novel "A Density of Souls" got a landslide of media attention, mostly because he is the son of famed vampire author Anne Rice.

Two videos trailers for the film have been released. The first trailer provides an overview while the second trailer present additional interviews about the personal impact of the fire.


UPSTAIRS INFERNO - Trailer 2 [HD] from Camina Entertainment on Vimeo.

Meanwhile a different film crew working on “Tracking Fire” discovered vandalism on the memorial plaque while filming an interview there in May 2015. Someone through a paint bomb at the plaque, leaving it discolored even after the paint was cleaned off.

A sidewalk memorial plaque outside the UpStairs Lounge building in New Orleans was dedicated in 2003 and vandalized in 2015 (photo courtesy of "Tracking Fire")

Another documentary still in production is “Tracking Fire” with director Sheri Wright. A video trailer is posted. “My focus is to tell the story of what happened, honor the victims, including the mother who died with her two sons, the survivors, their friends and family. It is also my intention to present a way for healing to replace the pain of tragedy and to offer a healthy resolution for personal and social conflict,” the film’s website explains.



Announcing the full-length trailer for Tracking Fire, a documentary which chronicles an unsolved case of arson that claimed 32 lives - one of the worst tragedies in LGBT history in America.
Posted by Tracking Fire on Monday, March 24, 2014


LGBT Religious Archives created an online exhibit about the UpStairs Lounge Fire with more than 120 artifacts that weave together stories about the fire and its aftermath, early gay activism, and the beginnings of Metropolitan Community Church in New Orleans. Original artifacts include newspaper and journal articles, photographs, correspondence, government reports and recordings from the time. The exhibit went online in September 2013 and received the 2014 Allan Bérubé Prize for “outstanding work in public or community-based LGBT and/or queer history.”

The crime received little attention from police, elected officials and news media.  The only national TV news coverage at the time was these video clips from CBS and NBC:



Louisiana playwright and composer Wayne Self spent five years weaving together the stories of the UpStairs Lounge fire victims and survivors. The result was the dramatic musical "Upstairs," which has been performed in various cities in Louisiana, New York and California after opening in New Orleans and Los Angeles in June 2013. He says his work takes the form “of tribute, of memorial, even of hagiography.”

The musical "Upstairs" brings back to life people such as MCC assistant pastor George “Mitch” Mitchell, who managed to escape the fire, but ran back into the burning building to save his boyfriend, Louis Broussard. Both men died in the fire. Their bodies were found clinging to one another in the ashes. In the musical, Mitchell sings a song called “I’ll Always Return”:
…Modern age,
Life to wage.
To get ahead, must turn the page.
I can't promise I'll never leave,
But I'll always,
I'll always return….

“I’ll Always Return” is one of five songs from the musical that are available online as workshop selection at http://upstairsmusical.bandcamp.com/.

Self raised funds so that Mitchell’s son and the son’s wife and could travel from Alabama to attend the play. Many victims of the UpStairs Lounge fire were survived by children who are still alive today.

The musical also explores the unsettled and unsettling question of who set the fire. Rodger Dale Nunez, a hustler and UpStairs Lounge customer, was arrested for the crime, but escaped and was never sentenced. He was thrown out of the UpStairs Lounge shortly before the fire for starting a fight with a fellow hustler. He committed suicide a year later. Self says that other theories arose to blame the KKK and the police, but he implicates Nunez -- with room for doubt -- in the musical.

A gay man may have lit the fire, but the real culprit is still society’s homophobia that set the fuse inside him. Hatred for LGBT people was also responsible for the high death toll in another way. The fire was especially deadly because the windows were covered with iron bars and boards so nobody could see who was inside. But they also prevented many people from getting outside in an emergency.

The UpStairs Lounge is recreated with haunting detail in Skylar Fein’s 90-piece art installation. He builds an environment with artifacts, photos, video, and a reproduction of the bar’s swinging-door entrance, evoking memories of how the place looked before and after the fire. “Remember the UpStairs Lounge” debuted in New Orleans in 2008 and was shown in New York in 2010. In January 2013 the New Orleans Museum of Art announced that it had acquired the installation. Fein donated it to the museum, saying that he did not want to dismantle the work or profit from its sale. He discusses the fire and shows objects from his installation in this video.

The victims of the UpStairs Lounge fire are part of LGBT history now, along with the queer martyrs who were burned at the stake for sodomy in medieval times. Their history is told in my previous post Ash Wednesday: Queer martyrs rise from the ashes.

The UpStairs Lounge fire gives new meaning to the Upper Room where Jesus and his disciples shared a Last Supper. It was also the place where they hid after his crucifixion, but the locked doors did not prevent the risen Christ from joining them and empowering them with the Holy Spirit.

The shared journey of LGBT people includes much loss -- from hate crimes, suicide, AIDS, and government persecution. But the LGBT community has also found ways to keep going. Reginald, one of the survivors of the UpStairs Lounge fire, expresses this strength in the song "Carry On" from the "Upstairs" musical:
I can speak.
I can teach.
I can give of the compassion I've received.
I can build.
I can sing!
I can honor all the loves,
That have passed away from me,
By sharing all the good that they have ever shown to me.
I can live my life.
I can carry on.
Carry on.
Carry on!


New Orleans film maker Royd Anderson's “The UpStairs Lounge Fire” documentary lasts 27 minutes (longer than the fire itself) and includes interviews with an eyewitness, a son who lost his father, a rookie firefighter called to the scene, author Johnny Townsend, and artist Skylar Fein, whose art exhibit about the tragedy gained national prominence. Here is a video trailer for the documentary.



The value of remembering the UpStairs Lounge fire was summed up by Lynn Jordan in the LGBT Religious Archives online exhibit that he co-curated. Jordan, founding member of MCC San Francisco, visited New Orleans shortly before and after the fire. In his introduction to the UpStairs exhibit, he explains:


“I left New Orleans with the promise to each of the 32 who would become immortal, that I would remember their sacrifice and carry them with me in all that would unfold in my life. The research and documentation that is an integral part of this Upstairs exhibit is “my” living into completion the promise to these “32 martyrs of the flames” that they “would not” be forgotten.

For those who would say that this event was so yesterday, i.e., we have achieved so many advances in our civil rights and in our acceptance for this to happen again, I would remind them that hate and intolerance are not constrained to finding shelter in any one moment, any one location in our “queer” history. To focus only on how far our LGBTQI communities may have progressed in 40 years; to fail to remember the sacrifice of all the lives lost or shattered in this journey; to lapse into complacency about our personal security: places us at risk of reviving the tragedy of our past in the present.”
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Related links:

UpStairs Lounge online exhibit (LGBT Religious Archives)

The Horror Upstairs (Time.com -June 21, 2013)

UpStairs Lounge arson attack (Wikipedia)

The Tragedy of the UpStairs Lounge (Jimani.com - website of the bar now at the same location)

32 Died, and I Wrote a Musical About It: Why I Did It and Would Do It Again by Wayne Self (HuffingtonPost)

NOMA acquires evocative major artwork by Skylar Fein: 'Remember the Upstairs Lounge'(nola.com)

‘Upstairs Inferno’ Recounts The Gay Mass Murder You Didn’t Know About (2015 interview with Robert Camina)

Poem: “Faggots We May Be” by S. Alan Fann


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This post is part of the GLBT Saints series by Kittredge Cherry at the Jesus in Love Blog. Saints, martyrs, mystics, prophets, witnesses, heroes, holy people, humanitarians, deities and religious figures of special interest to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and queer people and our allies are covered on appropriate dates throughout the year.

Copyright © Kittredge Cherry. All rights reserved.
http://www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com/
Jesus in Love Blog on LGBT spirituality and the arts

Saints of Stonewall inspire LGBT justice -- and artists, authors and film makers

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“It was Beautiful” by Douglas Blanchard shows the Stonewall Rebellion
Oil on canvas, 24" x 36," 1999.

Queer people fought back against police harassment at New York City’s Stonewall Inn launching the modern LGBT liberation movement on June 28, 1969.

Their bold rebellion against government persecution of homosexuality is commemorated around the world during June as LGBT Pride Month. The Stonewall Uprising continues to inspire a variety of art that is featured here today.

This year the site of the Stonewall Uprising was designated a national monument by President Obama. “I’m designating the Stonewall National Monument as the newest addition to America’s National Park System. Stonewall will be our first national monument to tell the story of the struggle for LGBT rights,” he said.

The White House also released a video about the Stonewall Uprising and how it sparked a movement for LGBT equality. The monument includes the Stonewall Inn and nearly eight acres around it in New York's Greenwich Village.



The LGBT people who resisted police at the Stonewall Rebellion (also known as the Stonewall Riots) are not saints in the traditional sense. But they are honored here as “saints of Stonewall” because they dared to battle an unjust system. They do not represent religious faith -- they stand for faith in ourselves as LGBT people. They performed the miracle of transforming self-hatred into pride. These “saints” began a process in which self-hating individuals were galvanized into a cohesive community. Their saintly courage inspired a justice movement that is still growing stronger after four decades.

Before Stonewall, homosexuality was illegal and police regularly raided gay bars, where customers submitted willingly to arrest. A couple of dozen acts of resistance pre-dated and paved the way for Stonewall, such as the 1967 demonstration at the Black Cat Tavern in Los Angeles.

A new but controversial effort to tell the story of the uprising is the 2015 film “Stonewall.” It is directed by Roland Emmerich, better known for directing the action movie “Independence Day.” The film is a drama, not a documentary, told through the eyes of a fictional young white man from Indiana. Many in the LGBT community objected that the film downplayed the importance of drag performers, trans and bi women, butch lesbians and people of color in the Stonewall rebellion. Boycotts were organized to protest the way the erasure of these real-life activists in favor of a fictional white man.

The Stonewall Inn catered to the poorest and most marginalized queer people: drag queens, transgender folk, hustlers and homeless youth. Witnesses disagree about who was the first to defy the police raid in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969. It was either a drag queen or a butch lesbian. Soon the crowd was pelting the officers with coins, bottles, bricks and the like. The police, caught by surprise, used nightsticks to beat some people before taking refuge in the bar itself. News of the uprising spread quickly. Hundreds gathered on the street and a riot-control police unit arrived. Violence continued as some chanted, “Gay power!”

Drag queens started spontaneous kick lines facing the police with clubs and helmets. That dramatic moment is captured in the painting “It was Beautiful” by Douglas Blanchard. The drag queens met violence with defiant humor by singing,

We are the Stonewall girls
We wear our hair in curls
We wear no underwear
We show our pubic hair
We wear our dungarees
Above our nelly knees!

That night 13 people were arrested and some hospitalized. The streets were mostly cleared by 4 a.m., but a major confrontation with police happened again the next night, and protests continued on a smaller scale for a week.

A month later the Gay Liberation Front was formed, one of many LGBT rights organizations sparked by the saints of Stonewall. LGBT religious groups are indebted to the saints of Stonewall for our very existence.

“Gay Liberation” by George Segal commemorates the Stonewall rebellion (Photo by Wally Gobetz)

One of the most significant Stonewall artworks is also the world’s first piece of public art honoring the struggle for LGBTQ equality. “Gay Liberation” was created in 1979 by famed pop sculptor George Segal. It consists of four statues, a gay couple and a lesbian couple, cast in bronze and painted white in Segal’s typical style. The figures are arranged realistically in casual poses, evoking the power of love with their ghostly presence.

The idea for a public sculpture honoring the 10th anniversary of Stonewall came from LGBT activist Bruce Voeller. His vision inspired the Mildred Andrews Fund of Cleveland to commission Segal to create the sculpture. After much controversy, vandalism and alternate locations, the sculpture was installed permanently across the street from the Stonewall Inn at Christopher Park, which also holds two monuments to Civil War heroes.

Artists usually choose between two approaches when addressing the Stonewall Uprising. Some focus on the action in the past while others highlight the present-day Stonewall Inn, which is still in operation as a bar for the LGBT community.

Artists who recreate the past include Doug Blanchard, a gay New York artist who teaches art at City University of New York and is active in the Episcopal Church. “It was Beautiful” and other Stonewall paintings by Blanchard were shown at the Lesbian and Gay Community Services Center of New York in 1999. His series “The Passion of Christ: A Gay Vision” has been featured here at the Jesus in Love Blog and in a 2014 book with text by Kittredge Cherry.

“The Battle of Stonewall - 1969” by Sandow Birk

California artist Sandow Birk put Stonewall history into heroic context in a big way. The oil paintings in his Stonewall series measure up to 10 feet wide. The crown jewel of the series is “The Battle of Stonewall - 1969.” It updates the classic painting “The Battle of Mons-en-Pévèle - 1304” by 19th-century French artist Charles Philippe Lariviere. In both cases, the physically superior side attacked those who were considered weaker, but the underdogs won and gained their freedom. Birk replaces swords with police batons and turns national flags into “Gay Power” banners. The knight in shining armor is replaced by a drag queen in mascara and high heels. For more about Birk’s Stonewall series, see my previous post: Sandow Birk: Stonewall's LGBT history painted.

The actual Stonewall riots weren’t as white as Birk's paintings make it appear: “On the first night of the Stonewall riots, African Americans and Latinos likely were the largest percentage of the protestors, because we heavily frequented the bar,” scholar-activist Irene Monroe writes in  Dis-membering Stonewall, her chapter in the book Love, Christopher Street. “For homeless black and Latino LGBTQ youth and young adults who slept in nearby Christopher Park, the Stonewall Inn was their stable domicile.”

“Stonewall Inn” by Trudie Barreras (Collection of Kittredge Cherry)

The location where history happened is emphasized in the colorful painting of the Stonewall Inn by Trudie Barreras, a long-time member of Metropolitan Community Churches. Her art and writing on queer religious themes have appeared frequently here at the Jesus in Love Blog. She also does personalized pet portraits as “donation incentives” for Jesus in Love.

“Prostrations at the Holy Places and Veneration to Our Martyrs (Stonewall Pilgrimage)” by Tony O’Connell

British artist Tony O’Connell paid homage to the power of Stonewall by photographing his own personal pilgrimage to the historic bar in New York City in 2013. He prayed with incense at the Stonewall Inn as part of his series on LGBT pilgrimages, which he does as performances recorded in photos. He travels to places of importance in LGBT history, treating the trip as a pilgrimage to the shrine of a saint. For more about O’Connell’s pilgrimages and other art, see my previous post Tony O’Connell reclaims sainthood: Gay artist finds holiness in LGBT people and places.

Jesus meets the women of Jerusalem and the Stonewall Riots happen in Station 8 from “Stations of the Cross: The Struggle For LGBT Equality” by Mary Button

Tennessee artist Mary Button weaves together the LGBT uprising at Stonewall with Christ’s journey to Calvary in Station 8 of her LGBT Stations of the Cross. She shows that a chain of oppression that stretches from the crucifixion of Christ to police harassment of LGBT people today, offering hope for resurrection. For more about Button’s Stations, see my previous post LGBT Stations of the Cross shows struggle for equality.

Despite the progress made, police raids of gay bars have continued in recent years, such as the notorious 2009 Rainbow Lounge raid in Forth Worth, Texas. June 28 is also the anniversary of the 2009 raid on the Rainbow Lounge, a newly opened gay bar in Fort Worth, Texas. Five customers were zip-tied and taken to jail, multiple others were arrested or detained, and one got a severe brain injury while in custody. The raid sparked an unprecedented public outcry that led to reforms.

The history of the Rainbow Lounge raid and reaction is told in the 2012 film “Raid of the Rainbow Lounge,” directed by Robert Camina. He says it has “haunting parallels” to Stonewall. Emmy-nominated actress Meredith Baxter narrates the documentary. A video trailer is posted online.



May the saints of Stonewall continue to inspire all who seek justice and equality!

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Related links:

2015 book for teens: “Stonewall: Breaking Out in the Fight for Gay Rights” by Ann Bausum

Book: “Stonewall: The Riots That Sparked the Gay Revolution” by David Carter

Book: “Stonewall” by Martin Bauml Duberman

Video: “American Experience: Stonewall Uprising


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This post is part of the GLBT Saints series by Kittredge Cherry at the Jesus in Love Blog. Saints, martyrs, mystics, heroes and holy people of special interest to gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) people and our allies are covered on appropriate dates throughout the year.

Copyright © Kittredge Cherry. All rights reserved.
http://www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com/
Jesus in Love Blog on LGBT spirituality and the arts





Pauli Murray: Queer saint who stood for racial and gender equality

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Pauli Murray by Laurel Green

Human rights champion and queer saint Pauli Murray is a renowned civil rights pioneer, feminist, author, lawyer and the first black woman ordained as an Episcopal priest. Her feast day is today (July 1).

Murray was arrested and jailed for refusing to sit in the back of a segregated bus in Virginia in 1938 -- 15 years before Rosa Parks became a national symbol for resisting bus segregation. In 1941 she organized restaurant sit-downs in the nation’s capital -- 20 years before the famous Greensboro sit-ins.

She was attracted to women and her longest relationships were with women, so she is justifiably considered a lesbian. But she also described herself as a man trapped in a woman’s body and took hormone treatments in her 20s and 30s, so she might even be called transgender man today.

Murray was approved for trial inclusion in the Episcopal Church’s book of saints, “Holy Women, Holy Men” in a 2012 vote. Usually the Episcopalians wait until 50 years after a person has died before making granting sainthood, but for Murray the church set aside the rule and approved “trial use” of materials commemorating her now.

Others have written extensively about her many accomplishments, but material on Murray’s sexuality is hard to find. She did not speak publicly about her sexual orientation or gender identity issues, but she left ample evidence of these struggles in her letters and personal writings.

Pauli Murray (Wikipedia)

Anna Pauline (Pauli) Murray (November 20, 1910 – July 1, 1985) was born in Baltimore, Maryland and raised in Durham, North Carolina. She became aware of her queer sexuality early in life. In Pauli Murray and Caroline Ware: Forty Years of Letters in Black and White, historian Anne Firor Scott explains:

“In adolescence Murray began to worry about her sexual nature. She later said that she was probably meant to be a man, but had by accident turned up in a woman’s body. She began to keep clippings about various experiments with hormones as a way of changing sexual identity…. In 1937, at the initiative of a friend, she had been admitted to Bellevue Hospital in New York, and during her stay there she examined her worries about her sexual nature in writing, and said that she hoped to move toward her masculine side... . She continued for years to discuss the developing medical literature about hormones, thinking they might help her. She discussed the possibility of homosexuality with doctors; she knew that she was attracted to very feminine, often white, women, and she knew as well that… she was not physically attracted to men. This conflict would continue for the rest of her life.”

Murray’s queer side is discussed in many books, including American Eugenics: Race, Queer Anatomy, and the Science of Nationalism by Nancy Ordover and To Believe in Women: What Lesbians Have Done For America by Lillian Faderman, and in the play “To Buy the Sun: The Challenge of Pauli Murray” by Lynden Harris.

A graduate of New York’s Hunter College, Murray was rejected from the University of North Carolina UNC Chapel Hill’s graduate school in 1938 because of her race. She became a civil rights activist. In the late 1930s Murray was also seeking psychological help and testosterone implants from doctors in an effort to “treat” her homosexuality by becoming more male.

Eager to become a civil rights lawyer, Murray was the only woman in her law school class at Howard University in Washington, DC. She graduated first in her class in 1944, but was rejected by Harvard because of her gender -- even though President Franklin Roosevelt wrote a letter of support for her after Murray contacted First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Instead Murray studied law at the University of California in Berkeley. She wrote numerous influential publications, and NAACP used her arguments in the landmark 1954 Brown v. Board of Education case that ended racial segregation in U.S. public schools.

Her ongoing frienship with Roosevelt is described in the 2016 book, “The Firebrand and the First Lady: Portrait of a Friendship: Pauli Murray, Eleanor Roosevelt, and the Struggle for Social Justice” by women's studies professor Patricia Bell-Scott.

In the early 1960s President John Kennedy appointed Murray to the Commission on the Status of Women Committee. She worked with Martin Luther King Jr. and Bayard Rustin on civil rights -- and criticized the 1963 March on Washington at the time for excluding women from leadership. In 1965 she became the first African American to receive a law doctorate from Yale. A year later she co-founded the National Organization for Women.

Instead of retiring, Murray launched a new career at age 62. She entered New York’s General Theological Seminary in 1973, before the Episcopal Church allowed women priests. She was ordained in 1977. She celebrated her first Holy Eucharist at the Chapel of the Cross in Chapel Hill, NC -- the same church where her grandmother, a slave, was baptized.

After a lifetime as a human rights activist, she drew on her own experience to preach a powerful vision of God’s justice. It can be difficult to locate Murray’s sermons in books. Eight of Murray’s sermons can be found in the readily available book “Daughters of Thunder: Black Women Preachers and Their Sermons, 1850-1979,” edited by Bettye Collier-Thomas. Sermons by Murray in the book are Male and Female He Created Them (1978), Women Seeking Admission to Holy Orders as Crucifers Carrying the Cross (1974), Mary Has Chosen the Best Part (1977), The Holy Spirit (1977), The Gift of the Holy Spirit (1977), The Dilemma of the Minority Christian (1974), Salvation and Liberation (1979), and Can These Bones Live Again (1978).

In a 1977 sermon recorded in the hard-to-find Pauli Murray: Selected Sermons and Writings, she said:

It was my destiny to be the descendant of slave owners as well as slaves, to be of mixed ancestry, to be biologically and psychologically integrated in a world where the separation of the races was upheld by the Supreme Court of the United States as the fundamental law of our Southland. My entire life’s quest has been for spiritual integration, and this quest has led me ultimately to Christ, in whom there is no East or West, no North or South, no Black or White, no Red or Yellow, no Jew or Gentile, no Islam or Buddhist, no Baptist, Methodist, Episcopalian, or Roman Catholic, no Male or Female. There is no Black Christ, no White Christ, no Red Christ – although these images may have transitory cultural value. There is only Christ, the Spirit of Love.

Murray died of cancer on July 1, 1985 at age 74. Her best known book is Proud Shoes: The Story of an American Family (1956), her memoir of growing up as a mixed-race person in the segregated South.

The image of Pauli Murray at the top of this post is part of the “In the Spirit of Those Who Led the Way” series by North Carolina artist Laurel Green. She creates digital artworks in conversation with more traditional media.

“Pauli Murray” by Angela Yarber

A new icon of Pauli Murray was painted for the "Holy Women Icons" series by Angela Yarber, an artist, scholar, dancer, minister and LGBT-rights activist based in North Carolina. It is one of nearly 50 color images of her folk feminist icons included in her 2014 book "Holy Women Icons." Her colorful icon shows Murray with a closed eyes and large heart inscribed with the words:

“When her throat grew weary,
Her heart pulsed a song of hope,
Of justice, of equality,
Unconstrained by the binaries
That bind.
Authentically free.”

For more info on Yarber, see my previous post "Artist paints holy lesbians and other women."

The trial use commemorations of the Episcopal Church include this new prayer:

Liberating God, we thank you most heartily for the steadfast courage of your servant Pauli Murray, who fought long and well: Unshackle us from bonds of prejudice and fear so that we show forth your reconciling love and true freedom, which you revealed through your Son and Our Savior Jesus Christ.

Pauli Murray image from Holy Women, Holy Men on Facebook celebrating saints in the Episcopal Church, produced by the Paradoxy Center at St. Nicholas Church.

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Related links:

Pauli Murray profile at LGBTHistoryMonth.com

www.paulimurrayproject.org

Pauli Murray Named to Episcopal Sainthood (duke.edu)

Paul Murray bio (Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina)

Queering Iconography, Painting Pauli Murray” by Angela Yarber (Feminism and Religion Blog)

Convention OKs continued trial use of ‘Holy Women, Holy Men’ (Episcopal News Service)

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This post is part of the GLBT Saints series by Kittredge Cherry at the Jesus in Love Blog. Saints, martyrs, mystics, prophets, witnesses, heroes, holy people, deities and religious figures of special interest to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) and queer people and our allies are covered on appropriate dates throughout the year.

Copyright © Kittredge Cherry. All rights reserved.
http://www.jesusinlove.blogspot.com/
Jesus in Love Blog on LGBT spirituality and the arts

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