First, two claps for Rev. Al.
Yeah, you read that right. In one of the more plain and clear ways to describe the hypocrisy that often creeps within religion, specifically within the corporation-esque entities of Black mega-churches, Rev. Al is being quoted all over the internet about a recent sermon he gave.
Appearing as the keynote speaker at the Human Rights Ecumenical Service held at Atlanta’s Tabernacle Baptist Church, via PageOneQ:
There is something immoral and sick about using all of that power to not end brutality and poverty, but to break into people’s bedrooms and claim that God sent you.
Oh no…he goes on.
It amazes me when I looked at California and saw churches that had nothing to say about police brutality, nothing to say when a young black boy was shot while he was wearing police handcuffs, nothing to say when they overturned affirmative action, nothing to say when people were being [relegated] into poverty, yet they were organizing and mobilizing to stop consenting adults from choosing their life partners.
That’s deep.
I am tired of seeing ministers who will preach homophobia by day, and then after they’re preaching, when the lights are off they go cruising for trade…We know you’re not preaching the Bible, because if you were preaching the Bible we would have heard from you. We would have heard from you when people were starving in California–when they deregulated the economy and crashed Wall Street you had nothing to say. When [accused Ponzi scammer] Madoff made off with the money, you had nothing to say. When Bush took us to war chasing weapons of mass destruction that weren’t there you had nothing to say.
Preach!!
But all of a sudden, when Proposition 8 came out, you had so much to say, but since you stepped in the rain, we’re going to step in the rain with you.
Damn.
I breathe a sigh of relief when I see things like this. Pastors are not all one voice. Black people do not all think the same. Not everyone is as ignorant as they seem (surprisingly).
So, what now, folks? Will his words fall on deaf ears? Will we see a whole bunch of Soul-Train award gospel songs denouncing Rev. Al and claiming they cured themselves of homosexuality?
I’ll be getting my popcorn out for this one…
Kimberly
There's still hope for Reverend Al…
January 16, 2009 at 7:23 pm
AM
Indeed… Sharpton's words were profound and on point. This should get interesting.
January 17, 2009 at 10:04 am
Tre B
The good Reverend may be stuck in the past with his tactics, and I used to be a critic as well (I still think he's in the government's pocket). But when I actually started listening to him speak (besides at rallies and stuff) on the radio and in interviews, he's actually a very profound and knowledgeable cat. I think the best thing he can do is serve as a mentor to a new generation of leaders and fade back. People are tired of seeing him in the limelight, but he has a lot of wisdom to offer.
January 18, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Al Sharpton Bashes Black Churches for Homophobia
[...] Rev. Al Rips Black Mega-Churches on LGBT, Prop 8 [...]
March 1, 2009 at 7:00 pm
My SXSW 2009 Roundup (First Timer) | Young Black Professional Guide
[...] The Fam If you’re read other’s recaps on South By, you’ll start seeing a theme that most of the quality from this conference is in the margin. Yes, the panels are decent and you get to see your favorite internet star, but for the first time, I got to meet the #blck fam. Not since college, really, has mobbing up to eat, drink, talk, and pontificate about life happened in mass form. Of particular power was the chemistry and love oozing from my gay brethren. I’m so proud of our generation, our open mind, our love, and really enjoyed my time with @corvida, @lynneluvah, and @jbrotherlove. I’m hopeful the b.s. homophobia attached to #blck will cease, especially if we get more push from old heads like Rev. Sharpton. [...]
March 20, 2009 at 11:14 am
d.wingo
First of all, the Church is not a platform for the discussion Community and Social issues. The pulpit is for the ministering of God's Word. God's Word covers all social issues, and how to deal with them. God is bigger then rascism. Rev. Sharpton is woefully ignorant of the true nature and mission of the Church. Now, there is a time and place for that in ministry, but its not a place of blaming the Governtment. When social issues are dicussed in the pulpit, it should be to show and tell the masses how God views the issue and His solution to it. Oh, and it is written in Levitus !8:22 “Thou shalt not lay with mankind as with womankind, it is an abomination.” God doesn't hate gays, He knows this lifestyle is harmful. So, He loves you enough to tell you that you don't have to live this way. God just wants you to have a better quality of life, and the only way of doing that, is to not have sin in your life.
April 20, 2009 at 7:52 am