The GLBT Faces of Interfaith

Tonight’s opening panel was for the Interfaith part of WorldPride was attended by 200 people. Many of them I recognized from NYC when I was an intern at GLBT synagogue in NY, CBST or from Philly.

Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum- the rabbi of CBST

Bishop Zachary Jones- A Unity Church bishop from NYC

Rev. Pat Bumgardner- An MCC minister in NYC

Irshad Manji- A muslim dissident, journalist

These were the speakers who spoke profoundly and charismatically about transforming the world as queer and rejecting the hatred that the people of faith, especially the vitriol that has been spewed by Jerusalem’s most conservative leaders. There was talk about the God of Love. Sharon welcomed us and remarked on the courage and the power of the moment. Zachary spoke about being pure of heart. Pat strongly invited us to take on a larger civil rights platform and gave a different and loving reading of the gospel. Irshad entertained with family stories and with the ability to engage the “detractors” in having conversations. While the wind was chilly, their words were fiery with intensity. It was an open air queer revival! Can I get an AMEN?

It was a good start. Looking at the calendar of events for tomorrow, I see that I am moderating a panel that I was not aware of only to find out that the participants also were not aware of either. Odd! It is about creative and renewing liturgy for queer folks.

Good night folks.