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I love my city! (Houston Clergy Council... read on)
14 years ago
Commissions are currently OPEN! See below for more information.
Don't wait for the queue to shrink—the commission docket is rarely empty.Thank goodness I live in a city where I am reminded daily that we still have folks who can have their faith and still speak out about issues which they feel not only ostracize others outside of the faith, but which they feel do not help their cause. These are behaviors which are unconstitutional, and the HCC is standing up for the values they share with those of religions other than their own and those who have no religion at all. As an atheist, I am very proud of all of these people and am glad to live in Houston. This is seriously one of the most life-affirming things I've read in a really long time. Go HCC!
http://houstonclergycouncil.org/
June 13, 2011
As Houston clergy, we write to express our deep concern over Governor Rick Perry’s proclamation of a day of prayer and fasting at Houston’s Reliant Stadium on August 6th. In our role as faith leaders, we encourage and support prayer, meditation, and spiritual practice. Yet our governor’s religious event gives us pause for a number of reasons:
We believe in a healthy boundary between church and state. Out of respect for the state, we believe that it should represent all citizens equally and without preference for religious or philosophical tradition. Out of respect for religious communities, we believe that they should foster faithful ways of living without favoring one political party over another. Keeping the church and state separate allows each to thrive and upholds our proud national tradition of empowering citizens to worship freely and vote conscientiously. We are concerned that our governor has crossed the line by organizing and leading a religious event rather than focusing on the people’s business in Austin.
We also express concern that the day of prayer and fasting at Reliant Stadium is not an inclusive event. As clergy leaders in the nation’s fourth largest city, we take pride in Houston’s vibrant and diverse religious landscape. Our religious communities include Bahais, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Unitarian Universalists, and many other faith traditions. Our city is also home to committed agnostics and atheists, with whom we share common cause as fellow Houstonians. Houston has long been known as a “live and let live” city, where all are respected and welcomed. It troubles us that the governor’s prayer event is not open to everyone. In the publicized materials, the governor has made it clear that only Christians of a particular kind are welcome to pray in a certain way. We feel that such an exclusive event does not reflect the rich tapestry of our city.
Our deepest concern, however, lies in the fact that funding for this event appears to come from the American Family Association, an organization labeled a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The American Family Association and its leadership have a long track record of anti-gay speech and have actively worked to discriminate against the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. The American Family Association and its leadership have also been stridently anti-Muslim, going so far as to question the rights of Muslim Americans to freely organize and practice their faith. We believe it is inappropriate for our governor to organize a religious event funded by a group known for its discriminatory stances.
As religious leaders, we commit to join with all Houstonians in working to make our city a better place. We will lead our communities in prayer, meditation, and spiritual practice. We ask that Rick Perry leave the ministry to us and refocus his energy on the work of governing our state.
Signed,
Rev. Dr. Jeremy Rutledge, Minister, Covenant Church, Alliance of Baptists/American Baptist Churches
Rev. Douglas Anders, Conference Minister, South Central Conference of the United Church of Christ
Rev. Paul Beedle, Unitarian Universalist
Rev. Dr. Ginny Brown Daniel, Minister, Plymouth United Church, UCC
Rev. Beth Ellen Cooper-Davis, Minister, Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church
Rev. Michael Diaz, Director of Connections, Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church
Rev. Dr. Millard Eiland, Alliance of Baptists
Rev. Pat Farnan, Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church
Rev. Lura Groen, Pastor, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
Rev. Teddy Hardy, Minister, St. John United Church of Christ
Rev. Lori Keaton, United Church of Christ
Rev. Harry Knox, Senior Pastor, Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church
Rev. Janice Ladd, Executive Pastor, Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church
Rev. Dr. Becky Edmiston-Lange, Co-Minister, Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church
Rev. Mark Edmiston-Lange, Co-Minister, Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church
Rev. Dr. Margie Latham, Minister of Administration, Covenant Church, Alliance of Baptists/American Baptist Churches
Rev. Mona Lopez, Volunteer Staff Clergy, Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church
Rev. Laura Mayo, Minister, Covenant Church, Alliance of Baptists/American Baptist Churches
Rev. Dr. Daniel O’Connell, Senior Minister, First Unitarian Universalist Church
Rev. David Pantermuehl, Grace United Church of Christ
Rev. Adam Robinson, Assistant Minister, First Unitarian Universalist Church
Rev. Ken Richter, Senior Minister, First Congregational Church, UCC
Rev. Bill Royster, United Church of Christ
Rev. Sam Schaal, Transition Minister, Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church
Rev. Robert Tucker, Executive Director, Foundation for Contemporary Theology
Rev. Ernie Turney, Pastor, Bering United Methodist Church
Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, Unitarian Universalist
More than anything, this letter has reminded me that the issue of the separation of church and state is NOT simply a secular or atheist buzz-phrase; it reminded me that it is an important issue even for my Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Wiccan, UU, and every other friend I know.
The separation of church and state doesn't just protect me from being forced to observe my beliefs in a way I don't wish; it protects them, as well, and seeing from their perspective once again how important it is made me see the statement "separation of church and state" the way I should have always seen it -- it's a universal issue, and it's important to all of us who care about the needs of others who may not think the same way we do.
http://houstonclergycouncil.org/
June 13, 2011
As Houston clergy, we write to express our deep concern over Governor Rick Perry’s proclamation of a day of prayer and fasting at Houston’s Reliant Stadium on August 6th. In our role as faith leaders, we encourage and support prayer, meditation, and spiritual practice. Yet our governor’s religious event gives us pause for a number of reasons:
We believe in a healthy boundary between church and state. Out of respect for the state, we believe that it should represent all citizens equally and without preference for religious or philosophical tradition. Out of respect for religious communities, we believe that they should foster faithful ways of living without favoring one political party over another. Keeping the church and state separate allows each to thrive and upholds our proud national tradition of empowering citizens to worship freely and vote conscientiously. We are concerned that our governor has crossed the line by organizing and leading a religious event rather than focusing on the people’s business in Austin.
We also express concern that the day of prayer and fasting at Reliant Stadium is not an inclusive event. As clergy leaders in the nation’s fourth largest city, we take pride in Houston’s vibrant and diverse religious landscape. Our religious communities include Bahais, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Unitarian Universalists, and many other faith traditions. Our city is also home to committed agnostics and atheists, with whom we share common cause as fellow Houstonians. Houston has long been known as a “live and let live” city, where all are respected and welcomed. It troubles us that the governor’s prayer event is not open to everyone. In the publicized materials, the governor has made it clear that only Christians of a particular kind are welcome to pray in a certain way. We feel that such an exclusive event does not reflect the rich tapestry of our city.
Our deepest concern, however, lies in the fact that funding for this event appears to come from the American Family Association, an organization labeled a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center. The American Family Association and its leadership have a long track record of anti-gay speech and have actively worked to discriminate against the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. The American Family Association and its leadership have also been stridently anti-Muslim, going so far as to question the rights of Muslim Americans to freely organize and practice their faith. We believe it is inappropriate for our governor to organize a religious event funded by a group known for its discriminatory stances.
As religious leaders, we commit to join with all Houstonians in working to make our city a better place. We will lead our communities in prayer, meditation, and spiritual practice. We ask that Rick Perry leave the ministry to us and refocus his energy on the work of governing our state.
Signed,
Rev. Dr. Jeremy Rutledge, Minister, Covenant Church, Alliance of Baptists/American Baptist Churches
Rev. Douglas Anders, Conference Minister, South Central Conference of the United Church of Christ
Rev. Paul Beedle, Unitarian Universalist
Rev. Dr. Ginny Brown Daniel, Minister, Plymouth United Church, UCC
Rev. Beth Ellen Cooper-Davis, Minister, Northwoods Unitarian Universalist Church
Rev. Michael Diaz, Director of Connections, Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church
Rev. Dr. Millard Eiland, Alliance of Baptists
Rev. Pat Farnan, Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church
Rev. Lura Groen, Pastor, Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church
Rev. Teddy Hardy, Minister, St. John United Church of Christ
Rev. Lori Keaton, United Church of Christ
Rev. Harry Knox, Senior Pastor, Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church
Rev. Janice Ladd, Executive Pastor, Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church
Rev. Dr. Becky Edmiston-Lange, Co-Minister, Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church
Rev. Mark Edmiston-Lange, Co-Minister, Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church
Rev. Dr. Margie Latham, Minister of Administration, Covenant Church, Alliance of Baptists/American Baptist Churches
Rev. Mona Lopez, Volunteer Staff Clergy, Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church
Rev. Laura Mayo, Minister, Covenant Church, Alliance of Baptists/American Baptist Churches
Rev. Dr. Daniel O’Connell, Senior Minister, First Unitarian Universalist Church
Rev. David Pantermuehl, Grace United Church of Christ
Rev. Adam Robinson, Assistant Minister, First Unitarian Universalist Church
Rev. Ken Richter, Senior Minister, First Congregational Church, UCC
Rev. Bill Royster, United Church of Christ
Rev. Sam Schaal, Transition Minister, Bay Area Unitarian Universalist Church
Rev. Robert Tucker, Executive Director, Foundation for Contemporary Theology
Rev. Ernie Turney, Pastor, Bering United Methodist Church
Rev. Bonnie Vegiard, Unitarian Universalist
More than anything, this letter has reminded me that the issue of the separation of church and state is NOT simply a secular or atheist buzz-phrase; it reminded me that it is an important issue even for my Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Wiccan, UU, and every other friend I know.
The separation of church and state doesn't just protect me from being forced to observe my beliefs in a way I don't wish; it protects them, as well, and seeing from their perspective once again how important it is made me see the statement "separation of church and state" the way I should have always seen it -- it's a universal issue, and it's important to all of us who care about the needs of others who may not think the same way we do.
So going to share this
That was my favorite part. In other words, "Quit mucking around in religion and go govern our state, you dick."
That's nice, though. Wish I'd had a group to go to when I was still witchy.
UUism is close enough to Christianity that it's formally recognized as a religion in most places despite embracing people of all religious backgrounds; further evidence of Christian privilege in this country.
I enjoy learning about different religions, so I can see the similarities and the differences of each one. :3 Helps me keep an open mind.
...I'm mostly, mostly kidding, but it amused me X3 You guys get all the love.
I am so, so comforted by the HCC. They don't need to exclude people of other faiths to be comforted in their own. The world needs more people like this.
Furry isn't mandatory at the meets, nor is it the only/main topic of conversation. Mostly we get together and chat about... pretty much anything.
Yes, it makes me a snob. But it's mostly that I wouldn't want to ruin the atmosphere. If that works for everyone else, my walking in and making demands is not a very polite thing to do.
I'm seriously considering putting on pub meets for the more gentrified folks around here though - something that doesn't involve the young and hyperactive among us. XD
Because I had no idea.
I don’t actually live IN Houston. I’m about 45 minutes outside of it. So I guess I’m not as in the loop. Though I plan on moving back into the city for school in a couple of years
Well poo. Im actually on the southern side. :[
People are lazy.
Thank goodness the HCC is around. I am so in full support of them now, and the next time I have money to spend I am going to donate to them if they accept donations. This atheist thinks we need this group to stick around!
Generally speaking UUs believe that marriage is a fundamental right and that anyone (regardless of gender) should be able to marry someone they love. Yet among those, there are some who would not vote for allowing gay marriage on the basis that marriage itself should not be a legal institution. Others, though few, might be in support of allowing incestuous marriages as well, provided the couple cannot procreate. Many would not, but every issue has many facets.
Issues that seem transparent on the surface can run deep and evoke complicated emotions.
no, I do not agree with everything he says (not that I have heard all that much yet) but if he wants ti invoke it, let him. you and I can choose not to participate if we dun wanna.
as far as the church and state thing goes, the STATE cannot impose religion on the people, but religion can suggest to the state. they cannot make it mandatory.
once they try to make it mandatory, I have a vote and a rifle that says it won't be for long.
A) he needs to worry less about religion and worry more about GOVERNING OUR STATE.
B) the event does not "such an exclusive event does not reflect the rich tapestry of our city", and since we are playing host to this little shindig, we have a right to protest it. Telling me "just don't go if you don't like it" misses the entire point.
C) the event is subsidized by a group known for hate speech.
If we do not protest this, we essentially express support for the above three things.
No one is saying he can't profess his religion. In fact, THE WHOLE DAMN LETTER expresses disdain for this event because it is not inclusive. I am more than happy that Perry is a Christian and that he is happy being so. My problem is that it is not worth my taxes for him to waste time organizing events for prayer. He needs to be governing my damn state and leaving religion to the clergy.
I withdraw my previous idiocy and agree with you, he needs to be doing the job the people of Texas hired him for, and not biblethumping on the taxpayers dime.
I think I missed the hate speech thing, and will reread the letter.
my only excuse is I'm from Wisconsin, and kinda tied up in local events when I'm not wandering aimlessly around the lower 48 as a truck driver.
freeze frame, such an 80's song
YES! I have accomplished some evil today....
I feel better now
Oh, lemme ask you a question... are you into MLP at all?
of so I recently posted something I think you might go at
http://www.furaffinity.net/view/5968626
You may or may not know I'm not actually furry, but I WAS sure as shit an MLP fan and I love Lauren Faust's stuff, so this has been great.
my furriness is debatable as well.. I DO have the chesthair of a certain 70's porn star, but I don't think that counts.
I like furry art. my fursona's are me (rita LeMew is a rule 63 of my main, straycat... who is really just me in cat form)
mostly here I argue politics, because I'm an opinionated S.O.B. and that's NOT swell old boy (well, at least the OLD part is close)
I'm 37 and haven't even been on a DATE in over 7 years >.< which means I'm old enough to remember the first go around of mlp, and I was not a fan.
this new stuff, mlp-fim... if I can find a copy of it, i might watch it just to see what all the hubub is all about.
(yes, I'm a natural born follower... comes from being a beta-male) I do the loner thing only because I'm always alone.
anyhoo. crappy connection is crappy, and I'm still waiting on a couple other pages to load, or else this wouldn't be half the TMI that it's turned into.
It's a shame that there are no Catholic, Jewish, or Muslim religious leaders are on the list, but hey, what's on there is at least a start.
I don't often have much to say one way or another about my religion on the internet, but this, this is epic. Separation of church from state is one of the fundamental beliefs pounded into my American head as a child, and while the law is reason freed from passion, it is also the final word on an official level in this country. Such is not always the practice of the law, but the theory is sound. There are verses of the Bible I would love to quote here, but this is not the place to evangelize. I have a feeling I'd get flamed for daring to post scripture on FA, even if it was in defense of and in agreement with the author of the journal in question.
The thing about quoting scripture for me is that it means about as much to me as if you quoted from War and Peace or Wuthering Heights... :) You wouldn't deserve to be flamed for it, of course, but you'd need to remember that it's just like any other piece of literature, in my eyes. One may quote from literature because it has a poignant relevance to the topic at hand. Just remember it isn't actually gospel to me, so the level to which it is meaningful will be significantly diminished.
I have been flamed for quoting articles in support of evolution or proposing reasons why I have felt that religion can be harmful, so please don't think you are the only one who risks being called out for speaking up about their beliefs. :) That said, again, I'm glad that you agree that this is our constitution at work, and that it is important that we all do what we can to support it, because it gives us all the freedom to think and choose for ourselves.
After all, Jesus hung out with prostitutes, tax collectors and outsiders. Who am I to shirk from these things?
There is no evidence in all of Charles Darwin's published correspondence and writings that he ever embraced biblical Christianity. As we have seen, virtually all the formative influences on his thinking were contrary to Christian faith. He always concealed his rejection of Christianity, but in his 1876 Autobiography he stated his unbelief in very blunt, even crude words.
From a Christian article: http://www.parentcompany.com/csrc/cdagenda.htm
That said (sorry, I'm just a sucker for the facts), that people can understand that the idea of evolution and belief in the Christian God can indeed go hand-in-hand is comforting. When I argue for evolution, I am not at all arguing that the two ideas can't coexist. In fact, as an atheist in a biology classroom full of religious folk, I proposed intelligent design myself to hopefully help people understand that acceptance of evolution needn't negate the concept of God.
:)
This discussion also reminded me of something my dad said. "Humans have changed over the years. So have animals. Look at wisdom teeth and pinkies. Look at the fact that men have nipples. Who is to say that evolution isn't God's way of keeping amused? After all, if God wanted only blind adoration with no choice in it, God wouldn't have made humans in the first place. Call it Intelligent Design, call it Divine Design. It's just like some people look at a spider and see 'ew, death, arachnid' and some see 'Beautiful example of an arthropod'. Whatever you call it, Truth is Truth. The spider will, at the end of the day, still spin a web and eat what it catches." I replied with a Wendy Pini quote.
"The Way is a small truth inside of a bigger one. For me, day to day, the smaller is enough."
Whatever a person calls their truth, their meme, their way of thought, so long as it pretty much jives with the one I hold dear, I have no kick with it. There are a lot of my friends who can't understand how I can, but the fact of the matter remains that I am stubborn and want to see the good in people no matter what they believe. That's part of loving them. *shrug* I try not to blind myself to perceived faults, but rather see the good part of them. So a person doesn't wish to believe in something they cannot prove. This makes good scientists and great thinkers. They will never tire of seeking what is true, and so will always have a purpose in their pursuits. They may, indeed, never know complacency and so will never be superior assholes. Hope springs eternal, right?
I have to say, if nothing else, this has been a fun discussion!