"Did Nebraska Lesbian's Faked 'Anti-Gay' Attack Have Anti-Christian Overtones?" By Rev. Barbara Sexton Dear Ones Healing Ministry

 image courtesy http://www.theblaze.com/stories/police-woman-faked-gruesome-anti-gay-attack-to-spark-change-may-have-even-carved-gay-slurs-into-own-skin/
Dear Ones:
     Oh, the drama of it all.
     Charlie Rogers, outspoken Nebraskan 'hoops star'was taunted, abused, assaulted, carved and then burned up all for SIMPLY BEING A LESBIAN!
     Or so we all thought.
     Unfortunately (for her....and for all of us, in fact), the current contentious political climate literally begs for immediate and intensive investigation any time certain crimes occur and the sooner the better.
     We just now 'recovering' from an act of violence against the Family Research Council in Washington D.C. at the hands of shooter Floyd Lee Corkins II.
     We are, at this time, in an emotional election period where gay rights, marriage and all sorts of liberal vs. conservative cross-fire is an all-steam-ahead venture peppered with large doses of anti-Christian sentiment, which the mainstream media habitually ignores.
     Thankfully, the Nebraska case here got prompt attention, and that's a good thing at a time when passions are flaring:
"(Police Chief) Peschong said investigators also discovered that Rogers deleted numerous text messages she had sent the evening of the alleged attack, and that she bought cotton gloves, a box cutter and zip ties from an Ace Hardware Store in Lincoln on July 17. All of the items were later found in her house, he said.
She also sent a photo of a cross-shaped cut on her chest to a friend a few days before the reported attack, Peschong said."
LINK: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/police-woman-faked-gruesome-anti-gay-attack-to-spark-change-may-have-even-carved-gay-slurs-into-own-skin/
     This Nebraska lesbian named Charlie Rogers appeared to be, at first, the victim of a horrendous anti-gay attack.
     No wonder the LGBT community rallied 'round Ms. Rogers!
"The community’s gay community responded swiftly, and hundreds turned out for a rally that weekend outside the state Capitol."
LINK: http://www.theblaze.com/stories/police-woman-faked-gruesome-anti-gay-attack-to-spark-change-may-have-even-carved-gay-slurs-into-own-skin/
     Of course, even-handed and level-headed law enforcement investigators soon suspected and finally 'realized' that this attack on Charlie Rogers very likely was inflicted upon her by herself with or without the help of a 'confederate'.
     For the moment neglecting the obvious concerns we should rightly have about crimes such as this, I would like to examine a 'specific aspect' of Ms. Roger's allegedly 'self-inflicted' wounds.
     Interestingly and terrifyingly, these wounds 'include' a CROSS carved onto this poor woman's chest.

     Indeed, she'd even "...sent a photo of a cross-shaped cut on her chest to a friend a few days before the reported attack, Peschong said."

LINK:  http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/womensbasketball/story/2012-08-21/Nebraska-fake-anti-gay-attack-Charlie-Rogers/57196846/1

     Clearly, this former female basketball star gave this 'cross issue' considerable consideration.

     My obvious question is, 'why choose a cross, of all things?'.  Did Ms. Rogers think and think and think again, very hard to come up with the MOST EVIL symbol she could think of in her zeal to be a victim?

     One wonders if  this victim/possible perpetrator had a history of disliking, or even 'hating' the Christian church to the point that she wished to....carve it in a most enduring way?

     Odds are, we are not likely to know, for the transcripts of any and all things mental health will be held as confidential (as well they should be) and that will be that.

     We will be left to contemplate just how misguided lesbian Charlie Roger came to settle upon her duplicitous 'self-victimization scheme', especially since she recently tweeted:

"So maybe I am too idealistic, but I believe way deep inside me that we can make things better for everyone. I will be a catalyst. I will do what it takes. I will. Watch me," read the July 18 posting, according to police."

LINK: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/womensbasketball/story/2012-08-21/Nebraska-fake-anti-gay-attack-Charlie-Rogers/57196846/1

     Yeah.  That's what she said.  "Make things better for everyone...".

"Investigators say they found no apparent sign of a struggle in the living room where Rogers said she was attacked, and no blood on the sheets where the cutting allegedly took place. An FBI forensic pathologist concluded that Rogers either cut herself, or allowed someone else to do it."

LINK: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/womensbasketball/story/2012-08-21/Nebraska-fake-anti-gay-attack-Charlie-Rogers/57196846/1 

     I'd say that Ms. Roger's efforts are a truly epic FAIL.

     The only 'good' to come out of it -- along with other recent 'violent event's targeting Christians -- is that it is, yet another, 'heads-up' for those who profess Christ as Lord in these days.

     There are those who do not like or even hate us, simply because we are Christians.

     For now, Charlie Rogers is a 'marked woman', marked, presumably, by her own hands or by those of someone she allowed to mutilate her.

     She carries Christ's 'mark', which, to us Christians,  means she carries the 'mark' of the Father and the Holy Spirit as well.

     We do not know how it will bode long-term for Ms. Rogers, but I would urge those who read this to pray earnestly for her.

     Please pray for her to be unequivocally healed of whatever ails her and to forgive her unreservedly.

May God have mercy and compassion for Charlie Rogers and see that she gets the help she needs....

And May God Bless You and God Bless America

Rev. Barbara Sexton

"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com     

"Please Join Me In Prayer For FCC Stamford Right Now" By Reverend Barbara Sexton 'Dear Ones Healing Ministry'

 Rev. Dr. Cari Jackson preaching on gay rights in Cuba.

Dear Ones:
     I hardly ever ask you for a very personal prayer, but I must now.
     Please pray for my church FCC Stamford (The First Congregational Church of Stamford CT).
     This is the 'church that founded Stamford'.
     This is the church that celebrated 'the first Thanksgiving', right here in New England with the Native Americans...both of whom I love so much.
     FCC Stamford was 'gathered' in 1635 and that has to count for something.
     But now it is literally at risk of total collapse.
     This is the church that was 'right and ready' at old 'Fort Stamford' to meet the needs of the people, so many years ago.
     Yet here, today, we are 'at each others' throats' over base things like politics, gay rights, power and money.
     Truly, we are in trouble and I am putting a call out for all 'prayer warriors' everywhere in the world to petition God on behalf of our church so that we do not fail due to human shortcomings.
     Yesterday, our pastor The Rev. Dr. Cari Jackson RESIGNED suddenly and abruptly, without any notice and she left the church in a state of crisis.

LINK: http://www.facebook.com/fccstamford?sk=wall

     Lord God, I humbly ask that you will make things right and help us see our way,
     Myself, I also ask dear Mother Mary to please intervene on my behalf and on the behalf of those who have lost their way at FCC Stamford.  I pray that you will open the minds and the hearts of those who no longer believe in the sanctity of YOU...especially the gay people amongst us who feel so unwanted and unloved.
     Help us all remember that you are the mother of our Risen Lord.
     Help us all remember to cast aside Christian denominational differences, 
     And help us to always remember to  pray FIRST to GOD THE FATHER and to our Brother, your Precious Son JESUS, to the Holy Spirit and also to YOU, dear Lady.
     I thank you Holy Trinity and dear Blessed Mother as your daughter for listening to all this.
In the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit-
AMEN
Reverend Barbara Sexton
God Bless You All
Reverend Barbara Sexton
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets The Cross"
www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

FCC Stamford 'Goddess Prayers' A Commentary By Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

courtesy Jim Sutton http://www.gospelgifs.com/

Dear Ones:
     I am not going to pretend that alterations to 'The Lord's Prayer' and to Christian prayers in general don't get my attention.  They have for a time at The First Congregational Church of Stamford and I say this as a 'relatively liberated Christian female pastor' who is still a member of FCC Stamford....on paper at least.
     But recently, some major happenings  (I'm not one for the use of the terms 'abominations') have come to my attention.  There's been a lot of prayin' to the MOTHER GODDESS!  Apparently Reverend Cari Jackson and her minions like this kind of thing.
     The only reason I bring this to your attention is because this praying has been done in "The Pilgrim Church, The Church That Founded Stamford" and they use kids to further their theology!      

Open and Affirming=Gay Marriage, no matter what they tell ya!

     This church is now 'run' by  The Reverend Doctor Cari Jackson, about whom I've written before.  The FCC Stamford is a UCC (United Church of Christ) church and is also known as 'the Obama/Wright' church, for those of you who are interested.  CHECK THIS OUT:
SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
May 9, 2010
10:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary
*All who are able, please stand.
CALL TO WORSHIP Sam Jelliffe (child)
Leader: The God whose name is Mother invites us home. Therefore, we gather for this holy time of worship.     I'm not asking that The First Congregational Church of Stamford stop praying a certain way, or that they start or stop 'doing things'...but I am saying that it would be a lot more genuine to call yourselves what(ever) you are at this point!...that's all.  Just be honest with the people.
All: We gather in this place of prayer to celebrate the love of God, our Mother, and to feel the warm embrace of God. We gather as one human family.
Leader: We gather seeking the guidance of the Holy Spirit to become more fully the people and the community our Mother God created us to be.
All: As we worship, let us be filled by the love and life and be renewed by the hope and home that fills this place of prayer made holy by God’s presence.
    Change is good!  And as long as I am on your member list and tithe and donate my dollars, I expect, at the very least, your honesty.
     Thanks!   Truth is good for the soul.  You are providing the good people of Stamford and of the world with a good education.  You are the Church of Thyatira, as mentioned in the last Book of the New Testament in Revelation:
To the Church in Thyatira

18"To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. 20Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. 23I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. 24Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets (I will not impose any other burden on you): 25Only hold on to what you have until I come. 26To him who overcomes and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations—
27'He will rule them with an iron scepter;
he will dash them to pieces like pottery'[b]— just as I have received authority from my Father. 28I will also give him the morning star. 29He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Revelation 2:18-29    (NIV)

    God  Bless you.  I hope all my 'talk' here isn't 'too religious for you'.  But you are helping to usher in the Day that our Lord returns and for that I am eternally grateful.  From your 'church sister', I speak to you--
 
With Love in Christ,
Reverend Barbara Sexton
http://www.dearoneshealingministry.blogspot.com/
"The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"
  

Carrietta Jackson: UCC Neo-Pentecostal Pastor, Cult in Cuba Cracks Me Up By Reverend Barbara Sexton "The Biblical Biochemist-Where Science Meets the Cross"

www.greenwichtime.com/news/slideshow/The-Year...

FROM: http://www.conexioncubana.net/opinion/cuba-%C2%BFun-nuevo-dios-es-posible-%C2%BFuna-nueva-iglesia-es-posible/
TRANSLATION:
http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://www.redescristianas.net/2010/05/23/cuba-%25C2%25BFun-nuevo-dios-es-posible-%25C2%25BFuna-nueva-iglesia-es-posible/&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dreverend%2Bcarrietta%2Bjackson%26hl%3Den&rurl=translate.google.com&twu=1
 "And as Peter Bishop (Brazilian) Pedro de Casaldaliga, to change the world we also need to change God."
Ativity em Cuba 2

Cuba: Religious Voices for the acceptance of sexual diversity
Written by Sara More
Havana. May 15 (SEMlac) .- Representatives of various religious communities advocated in the country, from their point of view, the acceptance of sexual diversity in Cuban society and its spaces of faith, and against fundamentalist arguments within some churches, condemn non-heterosexual identities.
"The issue of sexuality is still very troubled and absent in everyday spaces, such as worship, Mass, meditation or training curricula of the community, and catechesis," said Gonzalez Yoimel, layman of the Presbyterian Church for a panel on sexual diversity and perspectives of religion, held on 14 May at the headquarters of the National Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba (UNEAC).
The young man added that most of the time, those who speak for the communities are not themselves, but hierarchies of church groups, and generally the issue of diversity ends demonized or absent.
"There are few opportunities to hear the voices of the community itself," he told the meeting that was attended by Ricardo Alarcon, president of the Cuban Parliament, Mariela Castro, director of the National Sex Education Centre (CENESEX) pastors Sergio Arce, Presbyterian, and Raul Suarez, a Baptist, among others.
According to Gonzalez, the mission and program of the churches, in many cases, the real needs of communities and generally is imposed from the authorities in power, "over this issue, which is a taboo and very conflictual" said.
He acknowledged, however, that sexual diversity before the position is never monolithic, "although the most publicized are the letters of protest from some of the directives of several churches in Cuba, who oppose the inclusion of sexual diversity."
In this scenario, described several positions, including those not question the sexual diversity as a sin, but feel it as a stumbling block in the functioning of the churches.
"From that position is still homophobic exclusive and allows for the presence of homosexual and other variations in communities, but are denied the opportunity to hold positions in the different levels at which the church is organized," he added.
Also weighing on silence, and with it the inability to develop an open dialogue and rich on the subject, at the same time there are mature communities spiritually, ethically, respecting diversity and promote inclusion with a vision of liberation.
"As believers, we must support these public spaces for discussion and action from the work of training, academic and community, respect for diversity and God's creation," he said.
Another of the speakers at the table was the African-American Pentecostal pastor Carrietta Jackson of the United Church of Christ, who gave a moving account, ment very optimistic, of course she herself had to go to face the incomprehension of society and church to their homosexual orientation.
For his part, Pastor Ofelia Ortega, president for Latin America of the World Council of Churches, called for the need to promote dialogue among Christian churches and other religions that include these items.
Meanwhile, Brazilian Lutheran theologian and gay Musskopf Andre told about the theology of sexual diversity in Latin America and the still small group work of people who are developing, with many difficulties against, by force of homophobia.
Coderh According to Gabriel, a Catholic layman and coordinator of the Group of Reflection and Solidarity Oscar Arnulfo Romero, the subject, seen from the universal Catholic Church has a historical base from a hegemonic culture, Christian patriarchal and sexist.
"The Church, in this case, sees sexuality as sin, condemned the pleasure and only supports reproductive character," he said. "You have to deconstruct the hegemonic culture and go to the sources of the Bible to reflect from there and understand what has been the manipulation of texts by some exegetes."
In several areas open for discussion during the day, other voices argued for a new church, including from the pastoral vision of emancipated women and acceptance of sexual diversity.
During the afternoon of Saturday was held at the Pabellon Cuba, a central cultural facility in the Cuban capital, an ecumenical celebration organized by the Centro Memorial Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Student Christian Movement, the Group of Reflection and Solidarity Oscar Arnulfo Romero, the Evangelical Seminary of Matanzas and the Gender Institute.
At the ceremony, people took part in the most diverse backgrounds and religions, including the public who attended the celebrations and activities of the day, leaders and representatives of the Presbyterian, Baptist, Pentecostal, Lutheran and secular, among others.
Posted by André S. Musskopf
Ativity em Cuba

Cuba. A new god is possible? A new church is possible?
By María Ileana Faguaga Iglesias and Enrique Lopez Oliva
Cuban Day Against Homophobia, had an unusual point this Saturday, May 15, with a surprise, makeshift ecumenical worship, developed under a small tent, where a moment ago urged the use of condoms to prevent the VH-AIDS. During the service a small group of pastors and pastors from various Christian denominations and countries, including the United States prayed for a new church, inclusive, that does not discriminate against anyone for their sexual orientation.
Surprised Pavilion attendees Cuba, located in the central Vedado Ramp to participate in the Day by Day Against Homophobia, religious men and women heard singing the song of the Argentinean Fito Paez, "I come to offer my heart." Mostly these were lesbian couples --- much more visible this year than in the two previous events ---, gays, transsexuals, but not missing unprejudiced heterosexual or curious tourists.
"Who said that everything is lost / I come to offer my heart was so much blood that the river / I come to offer my heart ..." There was a large choir to which were added voices.
"In the beginning God created the world, created a house for us to live each and all, and the house was inhabited by plants, was inhabited by animals, humans. And the plants were of different sizes, shapes, scents and colors, water and land, were also different, and human being who lived in the house, the house that is all and all had different ways and means to feel different , ways to rejoice, to laugh to enjoy a whole science of colors, shapes, appearances, a science of diversity, celebration of the colorful ... "theological meditation begin the Cuban Quaker Kirenia Criado, Reflection Team Theological Center Memorial "Martin Luther King Jr.".
"This room of the house inhabited, encourages us to meet this afternoon. Meeting is seeing eye to eye, is touching, hugging, meeting. Because I recognize you and acknowledge you in me .... "
The Reformed Presbyterian pastor Dorita Arce recalled the insistence in the Bible of the admonition to love, which "rejoices with the truth." This is the love we want, when we want at this time to summon all those present. "
Some drank rum, others ate pizza, Some laughed while others looked meditative or simply expectation. Even more than a few rattled, making it difficult to hear. Most of them wore sportswear shirts with images of popular artists, there were many necklaces and earrings, many wore sandals. They took photos together. Many did not understand what was happening there.
It was the first time there was made a culto.religioso groups were improvised, greeted friends and acquaintances, "What is happening here?" Was common question. Interested and curious made a compact group of pastors around and sang along to the strains of an electric organ ... a choir is not always in tune, but sense and spontaneous. Eyes were watery.
"Today God calls us to a new moment / To walk together with his people / It's time to transform that is no more / And none alone and isolated is capable ..."
Suárez Raquel Pastor, Church Ebenezer Baptist Fellowship of Cuba, said: "Today God is pleased. How many say amen (so be it)? God is happy because we are here for women and men varied and diverse, each of us is with its many features, which makes up the unique identity and blessed everyone. Each of us is a human privilege. Privileged existence that God has given us, as she, that ... "
The Baptist Amos Lee insisted on "faith and hope that the world can be otherwise." On several occasions, called for silence in order to advance the cult. "Spirit of life, god and goddesses of all and all, I call on this place," said another officiant.
"Each of us, we, also carries prejudice, discrimination and fear," said the Chilean-Cuban psychologist Mario Flores, who served as conductor. Colorful masks were given paper to show that they not only cover but also discovered, and these were invited to a brainstorming exercise, meeting. "The mask, said the psychologist, is like a mirror, which brings us closer to our inner world, to that area of discrimination, and as any area of discrimination is an area of fear: fear of difference, to meet , fear of ourselves. "
"Look at us, to realize that we are also people who discriminate", urged other officiant. "Lift up the masks and entreguémoslas to God, asking him away from our lives that which separates us."
Brazilian Lutheran theologian Andre gay Musskopf asked to "God and the Goddess of life, which is always with us and us, and with that we go. Also today and all went through difficult moments, where we discriminate, we do not prevail where the life, to be with each one of us and to help us and make us human beings better. Us what was the intention to create humanity and all that is on earth. And I assure you that God or the Goddess of life, forgives us, accepts us and is with us and we always and in every moment throughout our lives. "
With quotations from the Old and New Testaments, including texts from the prophet Isaiah, the Gospel of John (chapter 13. 31 1l 35) and a letter from the apostle Paul to the Galatians, that part was structured liturgy.
"Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and the homeless poor into your house when you see the naked, cover him, and not hide yourself from your brother?" (Isaiah 58.6)
"" A new commandment I give today, that ye love one another as I have loved you, that ye also love one another "(John, 13. 34)
"There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Paul, Galatians, 3.28)
The Rev. Raúl Suárez Ramos, one of the founders of the Fellowship Baptist Cuba, and the Memorial Center "Martin Luther
King Jr", deputy to the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba, said in his homily:
"Here in this evening, this place is no longer the Pavilion Cuba, for a moment, to turn itself into the house of God, which is home to men and women who wish to have an identity or have an identity, which are made present in our society, without fear or masks, but also that whatever identity and their presence in society, ie our people, requires a compromise, and the result together with an undertaking to place identity, presence and commitment, in what is said and done .... "
The Baptist pastor and theologian Luis Carlos Marrero, theological Coordinator of the Group of Reflection and Solidarity Oscar Arnulfo Romero ", invited all those present (pastors --- among them, the African-American neo-Pentecostal pastor ---Carrietta Jackson, pastors, deacons and diaconizas,) "to break bread and honey, fruits of the earth", and emphatically said: "Today we decided to leave our temples, our pigeonholed. Today we decided to also shed our skins like you. And as Peter Bishop (Brazilian) Pedro de Casaldaliga, to change the world we also need to change God. Sean welcome everyone to the table. Come "invited.
Raquel Suarez, pastor of Ebenezer Church, in the Havana municipality of Marianao popular, offered the blessing to all. "For everyone here is the blessing of God," said
It was a very special and meaningful, when many came to take communion in pairs, sometimes we just saw, it was just the person beside him or someone who approached him, and with whom he exchanged the bread with honey , placing each in the other's mouth, but not all did.
It was a Mass that broke traditional liturgical patterns, which upset some traditional believers (theologically conservative) did not participate in any activity Catholic clergy, nor was invited to co-officiate any representative of the Cuban religions of African origin, although they were present there , observing the scene, practitioners of these religions, whom some approached to ask for "Ache" (life force, similar to the grace of God).
The final blessing of God offered the veteran pastor and theologian renovated Sergio Arce Martínez: "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be upon you all brothers" and that "the love of God our Father, Creator of all the diversity that we see in nature and defend in society, together with the Holy Spirit who sanctifies us in diversity, is in all of you present here, and all human beings, which are known significant part of the diversity of the Father has created, "he said. + (PE)
Posted by André S. Musskopf

"IT IS DONE" --An Advocate Story- REV CARI JACKSON : FCC Stamford Performs First GAY MARRIAGE At FCC STAMFORD By REV BARBARA SEXTON "THE BIBLICAL BIOCHEMIST-WHERE SCIENCE MEETS THE CROSS" www.DearOnesHealingMinistry.blogspot.com

courtesy http://www.gospelgifs.com/

Dear Ones:

     "It is done."  This is the first thing that came to my mind this afternoon after a newspaper article was brought to my attention.  A little background, first:

     It is our custom here in this household to read and 'keep' the newspapers on a corner of the kitchen table.  My husband retrieves and reads the daily paper with his breakfast and then leaves it there for others.  On 'slow days' I will generally give it a peek or even a good read before the end of the work day. 

     The last few days, however, as sometimes happens, I got behind in my newspaper reading.  The fact is, I depend on 'in person', word-of-email and word-of-internet (and the phone) to get my breaking news.  Eventually, of course, I have a chance to catch up.  But today, I had a unique experience.

     My day started early.  Having done a good deal of writing, I had a late lunch and decided to check out today's paper.  I scanned the front page and noted the City reps attendance headline.  I noted couples celebrating Valentine's Day in the mid-piece and then my eye latched onto a photo at the bottom of the page.  There I saw Carl and Grace LeVander and Carmine and Josephine Pikero renewing their vows at St. Leo Parish church in Stamford.

     "Ahhhhh...that is the way it's supposed to be", I sighed to myself.  'Supposed to be' in the sense that these couples so embrace and respect their original marriage vows that they wanted to repeat them!  And also, if I am to be as honest with others as I am with myself, I also reflected that my 'supposed to be' also referred to men and women being joined in Holy Matrimony in a Sanctuary setting.  More specifically, in my Sanctuary setting.  

     Up until a few months ago, I might have been inclined to tolerate gay marriage, just not in my sanctuary.  But now that I know how 'in your face' the GLBT contingency of the UCC is, I now have  a very different opinion.  And before the 'church progressives' think that my 'tolerance' is not something they need to consider, consider this: I am yet a member.  I have yet a vote.  I may resign or maybe you'll stone me or put me in stocks out front (that would be cool).  Really, neither of us cares anymore, so just  know that for now, I am entitled to my own  opinion unaltered and unadulterated by you.  So just read about how you turned me off to a few things.

     Let me explain my newfound doubts about gay marriage at our  church.  For not the first time in my life, I feel I have done my job too well.  Having been an influential member of the "Open and Affirming" (O & A) Committee at The First Congregational Church primarily as Senior Deacon, back then, I have a vested interested in the gay marriage vote.  The O & A Committee agreed upon and shared with the Congregation that 'voting for us to become an O & A church DID NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THAT WE WERE VOTING FOR GAY MARRIAGE IN OUR FINE OLD CHURCH.'

     Got that?  Good.  It's a matter of record, despite what is anyone says about it.

     For the four plus years of the O & A's Committee's existence, as I tried to convince the more conservative faction of the congregation that voting to become an O & A church was a good thing, I used the qualifier above.  No way, no how did this mean that we were voting for gay marriage.  We were only going to be open and affirming and inclusive and we even expanded our O & A Statement to include everybody, but everybody as is the way of most United Church of Christ (UCC) churches. 

     My arguments must have worked, because the O & A vote 'squeeked by'.  We had made a major inroad in making Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered feel welcome at our church.  I personally was convinced that the 'nay-sayers' would be persuaded, also, that this was a good thing.  The only problem was that 'stupid me' actually believed what I'd been told by all the members of the O & A Committee.   I really fell for the 'inclusiveness and welcoming argument' (moderates and conservatives need not apply, thank you) And I believed what 'they'd' said about gay marriage, even as the congregation was morphing into an obvious 'culture of sameness' climaxing in today's big news.
http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/Gay-Valentine-s-Day-wedding-a-first-for-historic-365013.php

     Speed ahead to the new pastor at FCC Stamford, the Rev.Dr. Cari Jackson, lesbian and black rights champion.  Her choice, from what I've been told, was a close vote by the Pastoral Search Committee.  Over the years it took that dear Committee to do it's duty, many church members and attendees started withholding money and attendance flagged.  Finally, the vote for the new Pastor was whittled down to the core group left to carry the load for those who hadn't yet resigned the  UCC.  Of course, Rev Cari had a strong majority--no surprise there.  The 'house' always wins.

     From day one, Rev Cari Jackson's agenda has been to install Gay Marriage into the fabric of FCC Stamford's tapestry of official services.  This was very obvious, so it was no surprise when I heard her (at one of my rare appearances in the pews, nowadays) ring out proudly in the sanctuary on the day of the church's Gay Marriage vote state what she stated.  Now I don't know if this is Rev Cari Jackson's interpretation or if she was 'misinformed' by some members or both....But I do recall her saying before the gay marriage vote, "The O & A Committee spent a great deal of time (she had to check with a church officer on the O & A Committee for how many years that was, exactly) to get to this point.  And then, Rev Cari Jackson stated something to the effect that "of course, the work of the O & A Committee was conducted all in preparation for getting a gay marriage voted passed".  Really?  REALLY?  How did I MISS that? I have a memory like an elephant.  I recall something very different from years past, and that not at all what Rev Cari Jackson stated. 

     As this new pastor stated what she did with such enthusiasm, joy and certainty, I said to myself, "SAY WHHHHHHAT????"  Who is she kidding?  Is she for real?  That's a load of....."  OOps, time to remember where I am, in the church sanctuary.

     Tsk, tsk....Airing out the church's dirty laundry in public, well no harm done.  If this is front page news for the Advocate, I'd wager that it's front page news for all of us there, isn't it?

     We follow...or pretend to follow...."Roberts Rules Of Order" at church meetings.  It is my opinion that a preliminary pre-motion to postpone the gay marriage vote, the stage of which was set early on in the meeting by a long-term respected male member, was simply run roughshod over and the motion to vote in gay marriage immediately called and  seconded.  I felt it was a rude disregard not only for procedure, but for the spirit of truth we implicitly honor in situations such as this.  But things were rushed like crazy and no surprise there.  The house always wins.

     Looking around FCC Stamford that day, I noticed that most of our long-term and moderate and conservative members (who can vote) were not there.  What a sad note.  I thought they might at least show up for this vote, at least.  Did they stay away because they were leaving for good?  Did they stay away for fear of being considered 'politically incorrect if they vote no'?  Were they absent because of the 'socio-political in-your-face climate' so rampant now at FCC Stamford?  I just don't know.  But suffice it to say that the odds were skillfully stacked and gay marriage 'passed' with flying colors.  No surprise there.  The house always wins.

5He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." Rev 21:5 (NIV)

     Or does the house always win?  The fact is that FCC Stamford is dying financially, with no one to blame but the remnant of themselves.  Not just the gay rights issue is causing controversy, but the new pastor Rev Cari Jackson, whose mentor is Rev James A. Forbes, is a preacher along the lines of one Rev. Jeremiah Wright.  Mind you, Rev Cari Jackson is a softer, more lesbian version of the 'Rev Jeremiah Wright and Rev Otis Moss' genre, but they all share the same core beliefs and there's no getting away from it.

     Which brings me back to today as I had my last spoonful of lunch, folded up the newspaper, 'The (Stamford) Advocate' and wrote "Done" with a smiley face : ) on top in blue magic marker so that all knew this paper was ready for the recycling bin.  I went back to work and that was that...Or so I thought.

     Shortly after I began writing again, my daughter held up the Advocate and said, "Are you kidding?  You're done?  Wow, you really are blind".  I asked, "What are you talking about, Sweetheart?"  She said, "Gay Marriage at the church.  You mean you didn't see it?  Well I think it's cool."

     I couldn't believe that I'd totally not seen the front page photo.  I'm talking a four-column wide photo of Rev Cari Jackson marrying church members Joseph Belisle and David Vintinner, 'pronouncing them husbands'.  Could I have missed it?  With crystal clarity, the purity of which is astounding when it is experienced, I breathed the living words, "It is done".  That's it.  That's all that came to me of what my soul must have been reflecting so vibrantly that I saw the photo, but didn't see the photo.  And I thought that it is all kind of funny.

     It's funny that I am so resigned to things at FCC Stamford (not a surprise to anyone reading this who knows me personally) I was blinder than usual.  This was 'resignation blind' as opposed to a deliberate decision to 'skip things such as this'.  Upon further digestion (of both my lunch and of my so-called 'funny' visual lapse), I directed myself to the phrase I cannot now get out of my head: "It is done".  Funny how the subconcious mind works isn't it?

     I am not a fire-and-brimstone preacher and I certainly never was a fire-and-brimstone Senior Deacon at FCC Stamford, but I certainly am a fool for believing the words of those who have distinct socio-political agendas.  That is why, I find no pleasure in the derivation of this "It is done" Scripture verse.  It's in too heavy a context and I will let the reader deduce what she will as I quote it here:

6He said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7He who overcomes will inherit all this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—their place will be in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." Rev 21:6-8 (NIV)

     This reading stands as it is.  I am at the point where I am fond of saying, "Perhaps I did TOO GOOD a job with ONA".  By this I mean that with honorable intentions I attempted to persuade people's votes at church to become an O & A church in the first place.  I also did too good a job of 'scolding' the congregation at times over their lack of true hospitality to persons of color.  Sure enough, any and all complaints were over "Barbara's guys" and you know what?  I'm glad of it.  You're not really so very inclusive and welcoming after all, are you?  Oh well, I tried.  I really, really tried with you, FCC Stamford.

     As for "It is done", I won't comment on the morality or immorality of what's going on in a 'Christian' church by gays and lesbians.  I don't attend there often enough at all to know anymore.   But I do recognize 'revisionist history' and 'subversion of church history' being used by the 'newbies and their fans" in order to mislead others.  I will testify publicly that they are being duplicitous and unfactual with their 'take' on things that happened before they were there. 

     Everything I've stated here can be verified by church historical documents, of course.  Somewhere in a dustpile upstairs I even have 20 years as a church officer of my own copies, if for some reason  anyone cares.  But if the clerk of the church is doing her job and the archiver is doing hers and if all recordings of proceedings are honesty conducted, there's no problem, is there? 

     Of course not.  "It is done", isn't it? Have your gay marriages, not that you need anyone's permission.  That is not your way, is it?  But just don't prevaricate about history you were never a part of, don't lie if you were a part of that history and don't tell me or anyone else what our opinions were or should be.  That, you are not allowed to do and that I will point out, for the sake of the truth for the generations to come. 

     God will get you for that, of course.  'The house always wins', after all.

Reverend Barbara Sexton

February 15, 2010

http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/article/Gay-Valentine-s-Day-wedding-a-first-for-historic-365013.php

REVEREND CARI JACKSON STRIKES AGAIN AT FCC STAMFORD By Reverend Barbara Sexton

UPDATE: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/12/samuel-l-jackson-obama-vote-black_n_1271797.html
If I didn't KNOW any better, I would swear that Reverend Cari Jackson, a black lesbian who is Senior Pastor of FCC Stamford, is hell-bent on initiating her very polarizing political adenda no matter what! (Google her if you are interested!) I am referring to today's 'vote' to perform gay marriages in the church's sanctuary.....a vote taken with most of the church's long-term members absent and/or not even consulted.

The First Congregational Church of Stamford is in dire financial straits at this point, which is no surprise. I don't imagine today's vote helping any, unless some reaaaaal rich liberals who are not reaaaal Christians pony up and help bail the place out. Many members with questions and dissenting opinions have been made to feel most unwelcome, as those with opinions contrary to the UCC-Mantras will find out should they choose to get involved in this mess.

As for those of us who have been thus marginalized by this "Open and Affirming" church, I say 'Mazel Tov'. Good luck to them, and let the rest of us 'move on' and away from the church that even President Obama himself ran from...and the church that brought forth the likes of Reverend Jeremiah Wright, Father Flager, and Rev Otis Moss. I regret that I had such a strong hand in facilitating civil rights for gays/GLBT as I have for all minorities, since things ended up as bad as they have in the United Church of Christ. But I guess that was my role in this, "The Pilgrim Church", gathered in 1635, where the "first Thanksgiving" was held. I am one stupid woman to believe that it really is 'open and affirming'.

It's has turned into something I do not recognize.

I wonder what the Holy Spirit has in store for us next?

God Help Us,

Reverend Barbara Sexton Jan 31, 2010