A BLOG BY ALAN CHAMBERS

International Day Against Homophobia

Today is the International Day Against Homophobia.  And, you might be surprised to learn that I support this effort.  Homophobia does exist.  Irrational fear of those who are gay or lesbian is a real problem in our culture.  While I believe we have come a long way, I still see true homophobia at work each and every day.

People often call me homophobic, which is ridiculous.  I am not afraid of gay people nor do I hate them.  I don't even dislike anyone based upon their sexual identity.  For that matter, I can't think of anyone that I even dislike.  Forgive me as I digress, I ran out of Ritalin last week.

One of the primary focuses of Exodus International and one of my missions in life is to help the Church come to see those who are gay -identified or who struggle with homosexuality  as people whom Christ died for and loves equally.  The Church should be more welcoming to these folks than the local gay bar.  Gay and lesbian identified people should be able to find more help within the Church than they can outside of it.  It has long been my goal to so impact the Church with the message of truth and grace that Exodus would be able to go out of business.

So, when it comes to the evils of  homophobia, bullying, name calling, hatred and violence where those affected by homosexuality are concerned, I stand with all decent human beings who are fighting and praying for an end to the ignorance and ungodliness that cause them.

Join me, won't you?

PHILLY 4

Justice Department Must Intervene on Behalf of Philadelphia Christians, CWA Says Washington, D.C. – Concerned Women for America (CWA) urged the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to intervene on behalf of four Philadelphia Christian men who were arraigned today on “hate crime” felony charges stemming from a peaceful protest at a homosexual street event on October 10, 2004. “The District Attorney’s office went berserk, saddling them with criminal charges including trying to incite a riot, even though the protesters were peaceful,” said Robert Knight, director of CWA’s Culture & Family Institute. “Their crime was to cite Bible verses, which a prosecutor called ‘hateful,’ and to urge homosexuals, like other sinners, to repent. It’s frightening to see religious persecution on American soil, especially in the birthplace of the Declaration of Independence. The Justice Department needs to step in and investigate this civil rights violation by the city of Philadelphia.” The case originated when 11 Christians associated with Repent America began preaching and singing at Outfest, a homosexual street event. The Christians, led by Repent America founder Michael Marcavage, were surrounded by the Pink Angels, a group of homosexuals who held up Styrofoam signs, blocking the group. Police arrested only the Christians. After viewing a videotape of the incident at the December 14 hearing, Municipal Court Judge William Austin Meehan dropped charges against six other defendants, including a 72-year-old grandmother. A juvenile defendant awaits separate court action. The four adult defendants, who face a total of 47 years in prison if convicted of the three felonies and five misdemeanors, pled not guilty. “The felony charges in particular are outrageous. We’re talking about expressing an opinion in a public area,” Knight said. “This shows why ‘hate crime’ laws are a threat to the freedoms of speech and assembly, and are a tool for crushing Christian evangelism.”

Pennsylvania Judge: Gospel is Hate Speech

On October 10, 2004 during Outfest a Philidelphia gay pride event, 8 Christians decided to peacefully demonstrate via praying, singing and reading scripture.  Of course many Christians opt for this kind of evangelism during such events.  Some Christians that decide to demostrate at gay rallies and parades are vocally hostile and misrepresent Christ.  However, from the video showing the OCtober 10 event, it is clear that these Christians simply wanted to share their faith peacefully. The Christians were surrounded by Outfest event  goers and police were called in.  The end result was the arrest of the peaceful Christians.  The possible penalty: 47 Years in Prison because an anarchist municipal court judge believes that the Gospel is hate speech. Hmmm, the oppressed will become the oppressors it seems.  Check out the full story by Agape Press. It is time to get active!