Catholic Diocese Pulls Homeless Shelter Funding Because One Employee Supports Gays

The Catholic Diocese of Sacramento no longer will fund programs at Francis House, a nonprofit agency that serves homeless people, because of its new director’s views supporting abortion rights and gay marriage.
In a letter last month, the diocese’s director of social services said the Rev. Faith Whitmore’s public statements on the issues clash with the teachings of the Catholic Church. Therefore, said the Rev. Michael Kiernan, the social services director, it is “impossible for the diocese to continue funding Francis House” as part of its annual Catholic Appeal.

Francis House provides has been providing people with access to transportation and housing in the Sacramento area for 42 years. 25,000 people in need receive care at Francis House each year.

“We serve the poor,” he said. “We don’t have a litmus test for homeless people when they come in. We don’t ask them for their position on choice and gay marriage. We just help them. But for whatever reason, the diocese made those issues a higher priority than the mission.”

My advice call Francis House today and make your donation!

Two Boys Murdered Because You Want to Get Married

By now it’s no surprise that the anti-gay extremists at Westboro Baptist Church picket funerals. But I can’t lie when I say that I amshocked, disgusted, and saddened by WBC’s plans to protest at the funeral of two Washington boys who were murdered by their father. Their reason? Gay marriage.

Come again?

 

Apparently Washington’s Wednesday vote to legalize gay marriage was enough to cause the boys’ father Josh Powell to murder his two sons Charlie, 7, and Braden, 5, and then blow up all three of them up in a gasoline-fueled inferno last Sunday. After all, he was an anti-gay psychic, right?

Let’s just be clear in case there was any doubt: The Powell boys were not murdered as a demonstration of God’s disapproval of gay marriage in Washington State. Not at all. That doesn’t happen. That idea is dumb. It’s just really, really dumb, for real.

Joking aside and disregarding the complete stupidity that is the Westboro Baptist Church’s logic, the situation is tragic. The boys lived with their grandparents after their mother went missing in 2009. Their father was in the midst of seeking child custody. Records show Josh Powell sent goodbye emails minutes before a social worker dropped the boys off for the visit that ended their lives.

Margie Phelps, daughter of the founder of WBC and never one to be sensitive to… well, anything, tweeted that the protest will also be a demonstration for Governor Christine Gregoire who announced her support for marriage equality and is expected to sign the law next week.

“You see friends, our job is to show his nation its sins. #GettingYourAttention” Phelps tweeted this afternoon.

No, Margie. Your job is to stay the hell out of this funeral and let families grieve a tragic loss.
Good riddance. What do you think about this “demonstration?” Vent your outrage in the comments.

'The View' On Gay Marriage: Elisabeth Hasselbeck, Joy Behar Take On Pope Benedict XVI's Controversial Remarks

Pope Benedict XVI's controversial stance on same-sex marriage sparked outcry from lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights advocates worldwide. Now, the ladies of "The View" are taking the pontiff to task over his controversial claims.

"Gay marriage doesn't affect my marriage," proclaimed Elisabeth Hasselbeck. "For people to actually say that gay marriage is harming marriage, and the idea of marriage, is inhumane."

Joy Behar took the more jovial route, noting, "Somebody wasn't invited to Elton John's wedding." But Sherri Shepherd went even further, calling attention to the numerous child abuse and gay sex scandals which have rattled the Catholic Church in recent years. "You've got a lot of people who are condemning things and they haven't cleaned house themselves, and they're doing the same things that they're condemning people for," she noted.

As Reuters reported Monday, the pope told diplomats from nearly 180 countries that the education of children needed proper "settings" and that "pride of place goes to the family, based on the marriage of a man and a woman."

Bishop Demetrio Fernandez: The UN Wants To Turn Half The World Into Homosexuals

Taking advantage of the landslide election of Spain's right-wing Popular Party, the Catholic Church is ramping up its call for the repeal of same-sex marriage. Because the United Nations has a secret plan to turn half of the world gay! SERIOUSLY

 During his Boxing Day sermon, the Bishop of Córdoba, Demetrio Fernández, said there was a conspiracy by the United Nations. "The Minister for Family of the Papal Government, Cardinal Antonelli, told me a few days ago in Zaragoza that UNESCO has a program for the next 20 years to make half the world population homosexual. To do this they have distinct programs, and will continue to implant the ideology that is already present in our schools."

On Friday, Archbishop Antonio Rouco Varela held a massive open-air rally in Madrid's Plaza Colon, where he exhorted the crowd to press the new government to end gay marriage

MINNESOTA: Archbishop Tells Priests To Shut Up If They Oppose Anti-Gay Bill

"It is my expectation that all the priests and deacons in this Archdiocese will support this venture and cooperate with us in the important efforts that lie ahead. The gravity of this struggle, and the radical consequences of inaction propels me to place a solemn charge upon you all — on your ordination day, you made a promise to promote and defend all that the Church teaches. I call upon that promise in this effort to defend marriage. There ought not be open dissension on this issue. If any have personal reservations, I do not wish that they be shared publicly. If anyone believes in conscience that he cannot cooperate, I want him to contact me directly and I will plan to respond personally." - Archbishop John Nienstedt, in a message to his priests.

RELATED: In 2010 Nienstedt's archdiocese sent out 400,000 DVDs to Minnesota voters urging that they support anti-gay gubernatorial candidate Tom Emmer.

Anti-Gay AFA Loves Marriage So Much, They’ve Endorsed Gingrich for Prez

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Meet the many wives of Newt "Marriage Protector" Gingrich: Marianne Ginther Gingrich, Jackie Battley Gingrich & Callista Bisek Gingrich

If the Southern Poverty Law Center hadn’t already designated the American Family Association a hate group, we’d be afraid that the group would have something of a credibility crisis on its hands after endorsing New Gingrich for president.

Newt’s virulently anti-gay, so there’s no problem there. The thing is, he’s also virulently anti-fidelity, having twice divorced wives he cheated on to marry his then mistresses. Wife number one notoriously got the Newt boot for “not being young or pretty enough to be First Lady.” Oh, and also having cancer.

Wife number two was also divorced after falling ill. Newt must have skipped the “in sickness and in health” part of his marriage vows.

The Des Moines Register writes:

The fact is simple — marriage equals money. Groups like AFA need gay people more than they need to “protect marriage.” If AFA wanted to protect marriage, it would be supporting laws to make divorce harder, not candidates who serve as its poster child.

 

No matter how much one twists logic, it is factually (and morally) impossible to reconcile the desire to “protect marriage” with the endorsement of Newt Gingrich. This was a disastrous decision by an organization that appears to care more about profiting from gay fearmongering than strengthening marriage.

The moral of this story, therefore, is clear. If you abandon two wives for two mistresses all you need to do is oppose the happiness of two people of the same sex to have your moral creds restored. Meet the Pharisees of the 21st century; a bunch of sad sacks time is leaving behind.

Thoughts?

Gingrich Promises Presidential Commission On Ending The Separation Of Church/State

 This is some very SERIOUS news from the Gingrich campaign....if this is not enough to make you not to vote for this man than nothing is!  I strongly encourage you to please take the time and read the link through  entirely

"Newt Gingrich has published a document vowing that "on Day One" of his presidency he will create a commission to investigate any attempt to enforce the separation of church and state. He also promises that he will thwart any attempt to stop the religious bullying of LGBT students. Effectively, Gingrich is saying that he endorses the right of Christians to express "their conscience" and harass, threaten, bully, and beat LGBT kids if God says they should."

Rabbinical Council of America Reaffirms Policies regarding Same Sex Attraction & Marriage, while Clarifying its Position on Reparative Therapy

Dec 12, 2011 -- In light of the extensive media coverage concerning the attitude of Orthodox Judaism towards homosexuality, the Rabbinical Council of America, the largest Rabbinical group within Orthodox Judaism, has decided to issue the following clarifications:

1. The Torah and Jewish tradition, in the clearest of terms, prohibit the practice of homosexuality. Same-sex unions are against both the letter and the spirit of Jewish law, which sanctions only the union of a man and a woman in matrimony.

2. Attempts to ritualize or celebrate same-sex unions are antithetical to Jewish law. Any clergyman who performs or celebrates a same-sex union cannot claim the mantle of Orthodox Judaism.

3. While homosexual behavior is prohibited, individuals with homosexual inclinations should be treated with the care and concern appropriate to all human beings. As Rabbis we recognize the acute and painful challenges faced by homosexual Jews in their quest to remain connected and faithful to God and tradition. We urge those Orthodox Jews with homosexual tendencies to seek counsel from their Rabbis. Equally, we urge all Rabbis to show compassion to all those who approach them.

4. On the subject of reparative therapy, it is our view that, as Rabbis, we can neither endorse nor reject any therapy or method that is intended to assist those who are struggling with same-sex attraction. We insist, however, that therapy of any type be performed only by licensed, trained practitioners. In addition, we maintain that no individual should be coerced to participate in a therapeutic course with which he or she is acutely uncomfortable.

5. We pray that God will ease the way for all who struggle with a full heart to feel His presence in their lives.

Catholic Cardinal: If Gays Protest The Church, They're As Bad As The KKK

Homofascists. Gaystapo. Those we've heard a million times. But this is a new brand freaking new one.

Cardinal Francis George, the Archbishop of Chicago, this week told a Chicago news station that he agreed with a local Roman Catholic church's objections to the city's recently-adjusted Gay Pride Parade route passing by its doors and warned that the parade could "morph into the Klu Klux Klan." George made the comment Sunday on Fox Chicago when asked about Our Lady of Mount Carmel's complaints that the parade passing by its Belmont Avenue location would force the church to cancel its morning mass. The church recently launched a petition urging the city to force parade organizers to adjust their plans. "I go with the pastor," George told Fox. "He's telling us that he won't be able to have services on Sunday if that's the case. You don't want the gay liberation movement to morph into something like the Klu Klux Klan, demonstrating in the streets against Catholicism."

MINNESOTA: Catholic Bishop Issues Prayer Against The Civil Rights Of Gay Americans

The Star-Tribune reports:

In an effort to promote the passage of the marriage amendment to the state's Constitution, Twin Cities Archbishop John Nienstedt wants Catholics to recite a special prayer during mass. He’s also urging area Catholics “to embrace Fridays as a particular day of prayer and sacrifice for the success of this most current struggle to defend marriage with our civil constitution. Without such deliberate prayers and sacrifices, our efforts will be in vain. But with God, all things are possible.”

“Much rides on the success of our struggle to defend marriage,” according to Nienstedt, who made the comments in a letter posted on the archdiocese’s website. It’s the latest effort by Minnesota church leaders urging Catholics to support passage of the proposed amendment, which calls for a ban on gay marriage. This fall, the state’s Catholic bishops took the unusual step of directing parish priests across the state to form committees to help get the marriage amendment passed by voters in November 2012.

Islamic Cleric Bans Women from Touching Bananas & cucumbers for sexual resemblance

Cucumbers are forbidden for women, says Islamic sheikh.

CAIRO: An Islamic cleric residing in Europe said that women should not be close to bananas or cucumbers, in order to avoid any “sexual thoughts.”

The unnamed sheikh, who was featured in an article on el-Senousa news, was quoted saying that if women wish to eat these food items, a third party, preferably a male related to them such as their a father or husband, should cut the items into small pieces and serve.

He said that these fruits and vegetables “resemble the male penis” and hence could arouse women or “make them think of sex.” Bikyamasr.com cannot independently verify the accuracy of the news item at time of writing.

He also added carrots and zucchini to the list of forbidden foods for women.

The sheikh was asked how to “control” women when they are out shopping for groceries and if holding these items at the market would be bad for them. The cleric answered saying this matter is between them and God.
Answering another question about what to do if women in the family like these foods, the sheikh advised the interviewer to take the food and cut it for them in a hidden place so they cannot see it.

The opinion has stirred a storm of irony and denouncement among Muslims online, with hundreds of comments mocking the cleric.

One reader said that these religious “leaders” give Islam “a bad name” and another commented said that he is a “retarded” person and he must quite his post immediately.

Others called him a seeker of fame, but no official responses from renowned Islamic scholars have been published on the statements.

PUERTO RICO: Lawmakers Attempt To Exclude LGBT From Hate Crimes Law

Michael Lavers reports that Puerto Rico's legislature is set to exclude LGBT residents in a revision of the island's hate crimes law.

The Puerto Rico Senate late last month approved a provision that would eliminate sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, ethnicity and religious beliefs from the hate crimes statute that was included in the penal code that lawmakers approved in 2004. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on the amended penal code this week during an extraordinary legislative session that Gov. Luis Fortuño convened. Representative Héctor Ferrer and Sen. Eduardo Bhatia joined LGBT and Dominican activists at a press conference on Sunday, Dec. 4, to criticize the proposed amendments. "To eliminate these groups as protected categories is to invite the commission of hate crimes in Puerto Rico," said Ferrer, as Vocero reported on Dec. 4 "It is a setback in the country’s public policy."

This move is especially outrageous considering that Puerto Rico has seen several of America's most heinous anti-LGBT murders in the last several years.

Religious School to Employees: Swear You’re Not Gay, Or Else

A religious university in Georgia has told its staff that anyone who refuses to sign documents attesting to their heterosexuality will face termination, Canadian newspaper the Toronto Star reported on Nov. 4.

The stark choice was presented to the employees of Shorter University, a Southern Baptist school located in Rome, Georgia, in no uncertain terms: It’s either the school’s way or the highway.

"We understand that there are those who do not agree with our beliefs," the president of the university, Donald Dowless (pictured left), stated. "Anyone who chooses not to sign the documents will be choosing to end their employment with the university."

For sexual minorities in the school’s employ, the broader choice comes down to facing unemployment or pretending to be heterosexual and violating their personal integrity in order to hold on to their jobs.

There is a belief among much of the evangelical Christian community that gays "choose" to be romantically and sexually attracted to members of the same gender. Some evangelicals, swayed by mounting scientific evidence that gays are born with innate and unchangeable same-sex patterns of attraction and response, have begun to modify their message, declaring that even if same-sex attraction is indeed innate to gays, their conduct remains a matter of choice.

For some Biblical scholars, however, that argument rings hollow. Theologian and author Jonathan Dudley told EDGE earlier this year that the Bible references homosexuality only a handful of times, and many passages that seem to be anti-gay are not as clear-cut as anti-gay religious leaders claim. Dudley also noted that the Bible’s proscriptions against divorce are much more numerous and unequivocal than the scant few ambiguous passages addressing sexual contact between individuals of the same gender.

Author and religious scholar Jay Michaelson, in his newly published book "God vs. Gay," argues that passages often read as anti-gay are, in fact, describing sexual practices related to cultic worship that was denied the ancient Israelites--not same-sex relationships as they are currently understood. Michaelson also references an array of other behaviors that the Bible condemns, divorce among them, that are commonplace in today’s world, but that excite no fiery, demonizing speeches from either religious or political leaders.
But to Dowless, those ambiguous passages in Scripture were not at all vague or uncertain in meaning.

"These are biblical positions," Dowless told local news channel WSB-TV, according to a Nov. 3 NewsOne.com article. The news channel noted that Shorter University is a private school that does not receive taxpayer money. As a private institution, Shorter is allowed to disregard anti-discrimination laws and fire employees for being gay.

 

The "personal lifestyle statement" that employees of Shorter University are required to sign as a condition of being hired and remaining employed reads, "I reject as acceptable all sexual activity not in agreement with the Bible, including, but not limited to, premarital sex, adultery, and homosexuality."

The university also makes active membership in church a condition of employment. The article did not address the question of whether membership in a mosque or temple would be viewed as acceptable.
"Adultery and pre-marital sex are, in fact, choices," noted one employee, who spoke to the GA Voice. "Homosexuality is not. I know this point is up for debate in the fundamental Christian world, but to the rest of the world, we know that it isn’t a choice." That employee, who was not named, indicated that he would probably not sign the document, preferring to seek employment elsewhere.

Many Christian colleges and universities require their students, faculty, and staff to sign on to documentation setting out expectations for their beliefs and their professional and private conduct. But Shorter University’s uncompromisingly anti-gay stance is extreme even for religious institutions, said the president of another religious school, Hubert Krygsman of Canadian school Redeemer University College, which is located in Ontario.

"While most Christian universities and colleges in both Canada and the USA (many of which are members of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities) do have some form of conduct policy for employees, board members, and students, these policies are expressed in many different ways," Krygsman told the Toronto Star.

"I have never seen a case where an employee has been asked to sign a statement stating specifically that they are not homosexual," Krygsman added.

For locals with some affiliation to the university, the no-gays requirement from on high seemed a shame, if not a betrayal of the institution and its people. Actor and vlogger Jeffry Self, a native of Rome, Georgia who grew up "right around the corner" from the school, lamented the anti-gay directive in a Nov. 3 Huffington Post op-ed.
Self, who described becoming involved in the university’s theatrical productions as a teenager and meeting positive gay role models, recalled how the school once "served as a beacon of hope, a reminder that I wasn’t a freak and that I wasn’t alone in the world, and that all the things I dreamed of doing were in fact very possible.

"Perhaps today this might seem like the school’s worst nightmare, but to this happily out and proud gay man, Shorter University once served as a place of open-mindedness, intelligence, and love," Self added.
"Shorter is a Baptist college, so I understand that certain ’lifestyle choices’ might not be within their ideas and beliefs, but what I don’t understand is taking what used to be a really wonderful place full of smart, open-minded, creative, inspiring people and turning it into a place of such hostile judgment and fear," Self continued. "I cannot imagine a worse learning environment."

Controversial Gay Friendly Jesus photogrpahs

I got to thinking this morning about the horrible rift between organized christianity and gays and I got to wondering what would a supportive and or even gay christianity look like.  I of course did a Bing search and found my answer in Elisabeth Ohlson exhibit a few years ago so here are her photographs that incensed christianity and really ticked off the Pope.  One particular photograph maybe considered NSFW which contains full frontal nudity and will posted here last.  I hope that these photos get you to thinking as they did me.....

Matthew 28:9-10


Suddenly Jesus was there in their path. He gave them his greeting, and they came up and clasped his feet, fal- ling prostrate before him. Then Jesus said to them, "Do not be afraid. Go and take words to my brothers that they are to leave for Galilee. They will see me there."

Matthew 18:10

"Never despise one of these little ones; I tell you, they have their guardian angels in heaven, who look continually on the face of my heavenly Father."



Matthew 27:45-46


From midday a darkness fell over the whole land, which lasted until three in the afternoon; and about three Jesus cried aloud, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachtani?" which means, "My God, my God, why thou forsaken me?"
 

Mark 15:17-20


They dressed him in purple, and plaiting a crown of Thorns, placed it on his head. Then they began to salute him whit, "Hail, King of the Jews!" They beat him about the head with a cane and spat upon him, and then knelt and paid mock homage to him. When they had finished their mockery, they stripped him of the purple and dressed him in his own clothes.
 



Matthew 26:45-48


"The hour has come! The Son of Man is betrayed to sinful men. Up, lets us go forward; the traitor is upon us." While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, appeared; with him was a great crowd armed with swords and cudgels, sent by the chief priests and the elders of the nation. The traitor gave them this sing: "The one I kiss is your man; seize him."

Matthew 26:26-28

During supper Jesus took bread, and having said the blessing he broke it and gave it to the disciples with the words: "Take this and eat; this is my body." Then he took a cup, and having offered thanks to God he gave it to them whit the words: "Drink from it, all of you. For this is my blood of the covenant, shed for many for the forgiveness of sins."

Luke 19:37-40

And now, as he approached the descent from the Mount of Olives, the whole company of his disciples in their joy began to sing aloud the praises of God for all the great things they had seen: "Blessing on him who comes as king in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, glory in highest heaven!" Some Pharisees who were in the crowd said to him, "Master, reprimand your disciples." He answered, "I tell you, if my disciples keep silence the stones will shout aloud."

Matthew 23:13

"Alas, alas for you, lawyers and Pharisees, hypocrites that you are! You shut the door of the kingdom of Heaven in men's faces; you do not enter yourselves, and when others are entering, you stop them."

Luke 2:7

and she gave birth to a son, her first-born. She wrapped him in his swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, ...

Luke 1:30-31

Then the angel said to her; "Do not be afraid, Mary, for God has been gracious to you; you shall conceive and bear a son, and you shall give him the name Jesus."

John 19:26   "Woman, behold thy son!"

NSFW--the last photograph and other than the one above "Woman, behold they son!" this is the most powerful

Luke 3:21-22

During a general baptism of the people, when Jesus too had been baptized and was praying, heaven opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove; and there came a voice from heaven. "Thou art my Son, my Beloved, on thee my favour rests."



Margie Phelps vs. Elizabeth Taylor

The Westboro Baptist Church is once again picketing a funeral, this time late actress Elizabeth Taylor’s.  The Kansas-based organization is behind the “God Hates Fags” signs and have picketed many U.S. soldiers’ funerals including blocking their burials. Most people don’t make their version of Heaven’s guest list, and they were even at Elizabeth Edwards’ funeral last year.

Margie Phelps, the daughter of Westboro leader Fred Phelps, had some not-so-nice things to say about the acting legend after she died Wednesday of congestive heart failure.

“No RIP Elizabeth Taylor who spent her life in adultery and enabling proud fags. They cuss her in hell today. #Westboro will picket funeral!” she tweeted.

Taylor had seven husbands and was married eight times (twice to Richard Burton). She was also one of the first celebrities to help victims of AIDS, and set up the successful Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation.
A statement released by Taylor’s family says that a private funeral will be today.

Since this is my blog and my space to speak my mind I am going to.  I have been reading Paul Monette for over a month now, four books total for a report I am going to do in my GLBTQ Literature class and a long the way I forgot how angry I really am about the whole AIDS Crisis.  Paul wrote angrily nearly 20 years ago  how so very little was being done. That the same hateful Nazi spewing vile bigot Fred Phelps is and now psychopath lunatic bitch daughter is also speaking nonstop.  These people need to shut the fuck up once and for all!  Period!  No questions asked! I have had my fill of it over the last twenty years.

Picketing Matthew Shepard's trial and funeral, picketing rallies and speeches for equality, picketing AIDS funerals and soldier's funerals, protesting Elizabeth Edward's funeral and now Elizabeth Taylor's funeral is to much to bear.  These people are vile, evil, hatemongers plain and simple and you know something those of us who are the loudest, bravest, biggest faggots, drag queens, leather men, dykes on bikes, Soldier Widow's and anyone else affected by this vile group should picket and protest as loud as we can for the next 100 years till these people fade away!

Freedom of  speech, my ass--- these people aren't even christian in my opinion.  These people would picket Christ's funeral in all honesty because lets face it his best friend was a whore, he hung out with lepers, he healed people on Sunday's, he hung out with 12 guys all the time, threw out money monger's out of the temple along with I am sure a slew of other things they would disagree with.  ENOUGH ALREADY!

Lets set the example that this behavior once and for all is NOT NOW OR EVER acceptable!  That we have a voice, we will be heard, we will shut their their doors and we will no longer be silent.  Thirty years of AIDS and there is still no cure, people are still dying and the sad thing is that the majority of the public who believe that this is a manageable disease is sick of hearing about it.

Well let me tell you something, it has been my god damn life that they are talking about a life I have been very blessed to have lived the last twenty years. All of my friends in their twenties when we were diagnosed are all FUCKING dead every single one of them before they hit even 35.  I can count six people counting myself that I know who have lived twenty years or more and let me tell it is not manageable by any long shot.

$7,000 a month in medications, $5,000 blood test every ninety days, $200 per doctor visit, the $60,000 I have had in radiation treatments for AIDS Related cancer, the over 600 friends, co-workers, acquantances I have buried because of AIDS, the four hospital satys I have had in the last four years and I could go on and yet it is manageable.  Am I mad, your damn right I mad and I am tired of not saying anything about it, doing anything about it and so should you!  It beyond time to once again to take to the streets and ACT UP, Fight Back and FIGHT AIDS!