Critical Mass

June 16, 2009 by Pastor Dan.

The nation is changing, as if we haven’t noticed, and the pace of change is changing, speeding up, on overdrive. I’ve purposely been avoiding same-sex marriage stuff for a few weeks so that readers can be assured that there are other issues to talk about. But in today’s news, the pace of change on this issue is reinforced again: 

The U.S. Conference of Mayors at their 77th Annual Convention today passed a resolution calling for full marriage equality for same-gender couples. In addition to its strong language on marriage equality, the resolution passed today also endorses the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, the Military Readiness Enhancement Act, the Uniting American Families Act, and the Matthew Shepard Local Law Enforcement Hate Crimes Prevention Act.

The resolution, called “Equality and Civil Rights for Gay and Lesbian Americans,” said the following on the subject of marriage equality: “…The U.S. Conference of Mayors supports marriage equality for same-sex couples, and the recognition and extension of full equal rights to such unions, including family and medical leave, tax equity, and insurance and retirement benefits, and opposes the enshrinement of discrimination in the federal or state constitutions.”

Ross Murray, Associate Director, Lutherans Concerned/North America, said “As we continue to advocate for full inclusion of LGBT Lutherans in the life of their church, we are encouraged that leaders in the secular world are beginning to recognize what we have known for a long time: that LGBT people are and always have been part of the wondrous diversity of creation, and, as such, are entitled to equality in society, as well as in the church.”

Phil Soucy, Director Communications LC/NA: communications@lcna.org

So, maybe we are really reaching the critical mass for social change on the marriage issue, when even Dick Cheney thinks it’s okay and the U.S. Conference of Mayors wants to be in the “yes” column (see its Resolution No. 46 here). Note also that the same resolution supports ENDA legislation and the Matthew Shepherd act. Support like this is pretty cool on the occasion of the 40^th Anniversary of the Stonewall riots.

Somebody let me know when the actual “tipping point” arrives for LGBT people, so that we can hold a celebratory concert, party or church service in honor of it. Maybe we could call it the “Critical Mass” and offer prayers of thanksgiving?

The only problem is that homophobic Christians may use the term in the other sense, and hold a Mass which is critical of same-sex marriage. More than likely the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops that would back that one. It opens tomorrow in San Antonio, Texas. Hmmm.

— Pastor Dan Hooper, Los Angeles

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