In the wake of a rash of suicides after anti-gay bullying and violent
attacks on gay people in New York, top faith leaders signed a pledge “to be
LGBT and straight people of faith standing together for the shared values of
decency and civility, compassion and care in all interactions.”
National faith leaders signing the Clergy Against Bullying statement include
the Rev. Michael Kinnamon, General Secretary of the National Council of
Churches, the Rev. Geoffrey Black, President of the United Church of Christ,
Elder Cynthia J. Bolbach, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church (USA), the
Rev. Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the Presbyterian Church (USA),
Episcopal Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, Bishop Yvette Flunder, Presiding
Bishop of The Fellowship and the Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson, Moderator of
Metropolitan Community Churches.
The Rev. Michael Kinnamon said, "The member churches of the National Council
of Churches are moved by scripture to affirm every person as a valued child
of God and to support protection from bullying and discrimination. Just as
we spoke out on behalf of Muslims who were under threat, so we now stand as
Clergy Against Bullying of our neighbors, regardless of sexual orientation
and gender identity. Given the recent outburst of anti-gay rhetoric and
action, the Church must not be silent."
Head of The Episcopal Church, Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori said, “The
Episcopal Church abhors the persecution of any group of human beings and
seeks the just and dignified treatment of all.”
"Bullying for any reason is contradictory to authentic religion,” said Dr.
C. Welton Gaddy. “Religion inspires respect, empathy, compassion and
humility--values that prompt healing and condemn hurting."
Bishop Yvette Flunder of The Fellowship said, “When our young people hear
messages of condemnation from church leaders, they are left alone to wonder
if God loves them, if their families will reject them and if their peers
will attack them with taunts and bullying. Today, Clergy Against Bullying
are choosing to speak words of humility, love and acceptance.”
Harry Knox of the Human Rights Campaign said, “We rejoice that we are
joining our voices with Muslims for Progressive Values and the more than 300
Jewish organizational leaders coordinated by Keshet. You will be inspired
to do more when you read the powerful
For a full statement of Clergy
Against Bullying and to sign
on, go to the
web site. All clergy and people of good faith are welcome to sign.
Clergy Against Bullying will be building online resources to help
congregations create safe spaces and support for all of God’s children,
including the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender children.
