It IS Important Work

Recently I was involved in a small group discussion that, in part, involved the church--specifically, the Episcopal Church. One of the members of the group said that she felt we--the church--needed to get past the unimportant arguing and get on with the important work of feeding the hungry, etc.

This was not the first time I have heard this sentiment expressed, nor will it be the last. But this time I stopped the discussion. I said to the member who made the comment, and the whole group: Until my sisters and brothers are no longer being beaten, imprisoned, and killed, many in the same places where there are issues of hunger, health care, and poverty, the work of justice for lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and transgendered people IS IMPORTANT WORK. As important as feeding the hungry, providing health care for everyone, and eradicating poverty.

The person who made the comment apologized immediately. In no way was their comment meant to imply that those things weren't happening and should be eradicated. It was simply that they felt the issues around sexuality were a not issue for them and most of their circles. They had moved on, and the church needed to move on, too.

The church, and society, do need to move on, but until they do, justice for those who are persecuted because of their sexuality is an issue we need to work on, do education about, and much more. I will no longer let comments about "doing the important work of the church" pass. Justice for my lbgtq sisters and brothers IS important work of the church.

Peace,
Jeffri