Speak Up & Speak Out

Last night, my university (IPFW) was holding an event featuring Martin Luther King Jr's niece, Alveda King.

I attended because I thought it was pretty cool to have the opportunity to hear a member of the King family speak. Secondly, I attended because I know of Alveda's history of anti-gay comments. I have to say, last night, she outdid herself and I was unable to remain silent.

While answering a question from the audience concerning LGBT people, Alveda responded by sharing a story of her male gay friend. She ended the story by stating that she asked him, "What sin do you think is greater? Homosexuality or adultery? Which one do you think will send you to hell first?"

Which one do you think will send you to hell first?

Most of you are like me. We grew up listening to this message. You and I both know the pain, confusion and agony that message has caused in our lives. Many of us have since healed from that pain and some are still healing. However, I think its safe to say, all of us wish someone would have spoken up.

Last night, I couldn't remain silent.

So, I spoke up for that one person who might have been in that auditorium who is continuously beaten emotionally and spiritually with that message. "God loves gay people," I shouted. "Yes he does," Alveda responded. "God loves AND affirms gay people," I contended. To that, she had no response.

I wasn't interested in changing her mind or starting an argument. That is not how an authentic change of heart and mind occurs. I was only interested in speaking to that one person who might have needed to hear that God loves and affirms them as an LGBT person.

LGBT people too often are dehumanized, demonized and lied about by religious leaders who use their faith to justify their hate and distain. I refuse to remain silent in those moments. If there is anything I've learned from the life and work of MLK Jr it would be... listen to the oppressed and down trodden then speak up and speak out for those who can't.

The "God vs. Gay" debate is over. The religious right knows this. Now is the time to share the truth.

I hope you too will choose to speak up.

Even if its just for one person in the room.

Be love,
Azariah Southworth

Loving the Homosexual

Some call him a false prophet while others credit him for their transformation into a more open and loving person. This week we are joined by, Andrew Marin, author of Love Is An Orientation and founder of The Marin Foundation. Known for their "I'm Sorry" campaign The Marin Foundation exist as an organization which work to, "build a bridge  between the religious and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities in a non-threathening, research and biblically oriented fashion."

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Gay In Uganda

Gay In Uganda from Azariah Southworth on Vimeo.

Gay In Uganda

 This week on Faith Matters....

Imagine this, you wake up one morning with a picture of yourself on the front page of a national newspaper. Beside your picture, are the highlighted words, "Hang them!" Why? Simply because you're gay. This is a reality for gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people in Uganda.

One month after this happened to David Kato, he was found brutally murdered in his home. Who is leading this vehemently anti-gay crusade in Uganda? None other than superstar "pastor" Martin Ssempa.

Don't miss the exclusive interview with Uganda's leading gay activist, Frank Mugisha.



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Hurt By Church?

Kathy Baldock has been a straight Evangelical Christian for over 25 years. Much of that time was spent believing the common misconception that you can not be gay and a person of faith.

In this inspiring interview with Kathy, we learn of how she transformed from someone who once condemned LGBT people to hell and into an advocate for LGBT people.

Click HERE to listen. 

Give A Shit

Derek Webb made headlines in 2009 when he released his album, “Stockholm Syndrome.” In this week’s podcast, we talk with Derek about his controversial album, “Stockholm Syndrome” and why he “gives a shit” about gay and lesbian people.


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Faith Matters

Friends,

I have started a new project called, "Faith Matters."

This is a weekly 30-minute podcast you can subscribe to by clicking HERE. The first episode is with my friend Kathy Baldock who once condemned LGBT people to hell. However, after coming into genuine fellowship with a lesbian she frequently hiked with, God changed Kathy's heart. Today, Kathy runs a non-profit ministry which seeks to build a bridge between the Evangelical church and the LGBT community. Want to hear her inspiring story? Click HERE.

Next week's podcast will feature an interview with Derek Webb of Caedmon's Call.

Be love,
Azariah Southworth