Gay clergy discuss religion and homosexuality

The auditorium of the Christian Association resounded with the voices of over 150 people singing the black spiritual "Wade in the Water." With a message of hope, this song introduced "Coming Out to God," a panel discussion of Christian perspectives on being gay, lesbian, and bisexual. Reverend Beverly Dale, executive director of the Christian Association, said the purpose of Sunday's discussion was not to discuss homosexuality as a choice or as sin, but rather to "acknowledge and celebrate God's love and acceptance of us just as we are." The three panelists responded to questions posed by the moderator, Susan Minasian. All agreed that the question of how to be a gay, lesbian, or bisexual Christian was flawed because they could not exist any other way. "I really have very little choice. God called me to the priesthood," said Reverend Andrew Barasda, an Episcopal priest. "I am indeed a priest who happens to be gay." Reverend Cheryl Harrell, the first ordained, openly lesbian priest in the Boston metropolitan area described her experience in a similar way. "I believe the spirit of Christ has claimed me," she said. Elias Farajaje-Jones, who describes himself as a "two-spirit queer identified bisexual man, anarchist guerrilla theologian, AIDS terrorist, writer, and tenured associate professor at the Howard University School of Divinity" said,"we all live along a fluid, constantly moving, spiral continuum of sexual identity." The speakers also described what they hoped their legacies will one day be. Barasda said he hopes others will feel comfortable with who they are. Laughter erupted when Farajaje-Jones said he expects a "collective sigh of relief" after he dies. In a more serious vein, he added that he hopes the day will come when historically black denominations will ordain gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered or questioning clergy. Following the responses to the moderator's questions, all participants observed a moment of silence. The panel then took questions from the audience. Questions dealt with the biblical view of homosexuality, Farajaje-Jones' experiences as the only outwardly gay professor at Howard and the place of transgendered people in Christianity. After the question and answer period, the participants formed a circle around the perimeter of the room. Holding hands, they sang "Wade in the Water" again and listened to a reading from the prophet Amos. They continued discussion in small groups. The audience consisted almost entirely of adults from the local community. "We saw a need for role models," Dale said. "It is possible to be Christian and also gay, lesbian, or bisexual." The event was co-sponsored by the Asbury Campus Ministry at Drexel University, Program for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Community at University of Pennsylvania, Interfaith Working Group for the Fight the Right Network, and Parents, Family, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays.