Monday, 19 November 2012

Inspiring LGBT Religious Leaders

My last blog got me questioning are there any gay religious leaders? Surprisingly; yes! I came across a web-page containing a slideshow of 42 ‘Inspiring LGBT Religious Leaders'. I’m going to look at two who stood out to me.

Rabbi Greenberg (left) with husband
Steve and adopted daughter, Amalia.
The first inspirational LGBT religious leader is Steven Greenberg who is “the first openly gay Orthodox rabbi”. I believe Greenberg is inspiring because the very ideas of Orthodoxy and homosexuality should contradict but not only has he found peace in the match of these opposing elements but has gone as far as to “suggest that coming out can be a religious experience. "It's about saying, 'I know that my truth isn't an ugly one', and that's a very religious sensibility.” This is a FASCINATING idea and undoubtedly highly comforting for gay Jews.


Manji speaking at the Clinton
School of Public Service.
The next inspirational leader is Irshad Manji.  Manji instead of allowing her sexuality as reason to turn away from her Islamic faith has instead claimed that “she is a reformist” which you can watch in the following clip from the Guardian, openly leading the way in Islamic homosexual issues. 

As well as her speeches and writings, Manji has also reached her supporters through social media.

      If you’re interested in the last two please also take a look at this article on Reverand Ouyang Wen Feng, Malaysia’s “only openly gay pastor”.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hzqGwJpxVvSSspwnyKk0AUeBwV3A?docId=CNG.acce424d93fc8a31839fc35f83f0dae3.481
  
      I completely agree that these religious leaders are ‘inspirational’. They have faced constant adversity and yet in doing so have helped thousands of people find peace in the match of their religion and sexuality. As Reverend Ouyang Wen Feng states in this last article they are simply “promoting honesty, love and justice”, something that is encouraging to the masses.

What do you think of all of this? Do you think these leaders are ‘inspirational’? Does this also suggest that religion is more accepting of homosexuality than it once was? Or do you think it is impossible to couple homosexuality with religion?
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2 comments:

  1. Unknown2 December 2012 at 03:42

    While it is 'inspirational' that these religious leaders are open about their homosexuality do you think this is enough? Is there any evidence that they are using their position within society to try and change people's view points. Or is simply their coming out enough of a statement?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Unknown5 December 2012 at 16:07

    Hi there Joanne. Thanks for your question. It's a really good one that, in all honesty, I've had to have a good think about.

    I definitely think that at least to a small extent this is enough. I believe it is a highly motivating thing when ANYONE is comfortable with who they are, let alone someone who is in such a religious predicament. Obviously, we have to remember that these people's religion condemn them for they are so the fact that they can openly say they have found peace in the matching of their religion and sexuality is (I think at least) a really inspiring thing because by it inspires people to do the same.

    Of course, as your point suggests if they're doing such a courageous thing they should really further it. If we look at Reverand Ouyang Wen Feng (as mentioned above) the amount he has done for gay religious rights is incredible! Perhaps the most inspiring thing he has done is opening the Malaysia's first gay friendly church. Check out this article of him defending its opening; http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2010/09/04/118431.html
    The bit of the article which links most to your question is the statement he made in 2006 saying "We are working on encouraging more people to join the church, for Christians to come out and live authentic lives". This shows that he is taking responsibility for who he is and is trying to make a real difference.

    Additionally, as I mention above the other two have done speeches and talks etc, as well as published books on the subject.
    Here is a review of Rabbi Greenberg's book 'Wrestling with God and Men:
    Homosexuality in the Jewish Tradition
    Updated'
    - http://uwpress.wisc.edu/books/2576.htm
    and here is a link to Irshad Manji's description of her most recent book 'The Trouble With Islam Today'
    - https://www.irshadmanji.com/The-Trouble-with-Islam-Today

    I hope that evidence has helped, if you look at Manji's Facebook or Twitter pages (I have linked above) you will see lots more examples of her trying to change people's viewpoints.

    Thanks again for your question.

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