First Lady of Tabernacle Baptist Church
The progress of the African American community has been built on our tenacity to hold on to TRUTH. We did not believe we were inferior, so we joined arms with Dr. King to dispel the lies of our oppressors. In the words of the great Dr. King, “truth crushed to earth will rise again … and no lie will live forever.” My prayer upon hearing of the tragedy of these young African American boys has been that God’s hand is pulling back a dark veil that has caused so many to become victims of “self-hate” and the destruction that follows. Are we more concerned about knowing the truth or upholding a lie? Are we content to prove a lie so that the status quo of hate and oppression remains the norm in church and society? The response of the church has not been investigation and outrage over the lives of more than 30 boys and others who have suffered as the result of sexual misconduct -- Misconduct that found its life because our church and society refused to accept a GAY/BISEXUAL man or woman of God. Secrecy and self-hate breeds misconduct and self-destruction. My appeal to the church is to return to the truth. The Truth: God’s love is inclusive: inclusive to “heal the hurt and emotional scars of the boys and their families” that have been victimized; and inclusive to “forgive and make whole a leader” whose secret and shame has lead to this horrible crime. The truth will liberate our church and society from hate and bigotry against those who are different: colored, gay, poor, disabled … no matter what the difference … the church must begin to wake up to truth and walk in truth. As we are silent, and will not disclose the truth, we are as guilty as the molester, the murderer … and we perpetuate a society that will continue to commit inhumane crimes … instead of creating a church and society of peace.
"Your silence will not protect you". Audre Lourde
ReplyDeleteIn the end, what is true will come to be known. The truth always appears eventually, despite all efforts to hide it. It is impossible to keep something secret forever. All truth goes through three steps: First, it is ridiculed; second, it is violently opposed; third it is accepted as self-evident. Watch how closely this methodology accurately mirrors Bishop Long's statements of the accounts of this situation.
ReplyDeleteIn the end, what is true will come to be known. The truth always appears eventually, despite all efforts to hide it. It is impossible to keep something secret forever. All truth goes through three steps: First, it is ridiculed; second, it is violently opposed; third it is accepted as self-evident. Watch how closely this methodology accurately mirrors Bishop Long's statements of the accounts of this situation.
ReplyDeleteReading your words have brought me to tears, thank you for writing this!!! It is time to remove those walls of self hate and secrecy.
ReplyDeleteSister Meredith...thank you...thank you for standing up for those of us that so many try to oppress. It wasn't until I came to TABERNACLE BAPTIST CHURCH under the leadership of Pastor Meredith and the Love and Acceptance Ministry that I began to love myself totally and freely with out guilt. It was there that I learned that God loves EVERYBODY just as you are and that there are people like you who do the same. I love you for that. Your comments mean more than you know. I hope that GOD continues to bless your life and allow the world to hear your voice. You are an upstanding woman of God and His spirit lives in you daily.
ReplyDeleteCeeJay
God bless you sister Meredith... We will keep moving forward to bring down these walls Of hatred and bigotry. So, we lift up the blood stain banner and move forward towards justice for all mankind.
ReplyDelete