Dear Ohio Legislature:
As clergy representing a broad spectrum of religious traditions from across Ohio, we unite our voices to urge you to pass HB176, the Equal Housing and Employment Act (EHEA), and ensure everyone in Ohio has equal access to employment, housing and public accommodations. Your support of EHEA is the just and right thing to do and it would align Ohio’s laws with Ohio’s values.
We provide for identification purposes only our denominational backgrounds because, as religious leaders, we can speak only for ourselves and not entire congregations or communities. But each of us clearly embraces the call to love and respect one another.
To fire someone from their job, or to deny a person housing or other public
accommodations simply because they are gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender--or even straight, for that matter--does not pass the litmus test of the Golden Rule, nor does it treat our neighbors and fellow citizens with the dignity, kindness, justice and respect to which our faith traditions aspire.
Ohio law already bans such injustice based upon race, gender, age, disability, ethnicity, national origin and religion. We believe all people should be given equal protection under the law.
We acknowledge that people of faith often hold very divergent views regarding the theological, biblical, and ethical issues of sexual orientation and gender identity.
However, we submit that it is imperative to maintain and assert our cherished and unique American value of religious liberty for all of our citizens, including gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people as well as those individuals and religious institutions whose convictions are not supportive of or comfortable with GLBT inclusion. Religious liberty in America demands that one particular religious conviction not be allowed to deny equal rights and protections to those of differing beliefs.
In a time of profound crisis Dietrich Bonhoeffer wrote, "The ultimate question for the responsible person is not how he might heroically extricate himself from the affair; the ultimate question is how the coming generation is to live." His question applies to many challenging situations, including your action to do what’s already been done by twenty-one other states, 433 of America's Fortune 500 companies, and sixteen Ohio cities.
Please support HB176. Act now to help create an Ohio where everyone feels at home; where core values of equality, diversity and inclusiveness are universally honored; and where government stands for fairness to all people.
In Faith,
Rt. Rev. Isaac L. Kramer
Bishop of the Interfaith Diocese of Ohio
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Marriage Equality by 2010
No minority group should have to defend its right to equality. Yet in 2008, anti-gay groups organized to pass Prop 8, which took away the right of gays and lesbians to marry in California.
Prop 8 proponents won by a small margin, 52-48%, by spending over $40 million on deceptive ad campaigns. They won votes with claims that allowing gay people to marry would change school curriculums and put churches at risk. These were lies.
This isn't about gay vs. straight. It's not about religion. This is about love and equality. If you value human rights and feel that protecting minorities is one of the things that makes our country great, please join us and vote "YES" for marriage equality in 2010.
http://equality2010.org/
Prop 8 proponents won by a small margin, 52-48%, by spending over $40 million on deceptive ad campaigns. They won votes with claims that allowing gay people to marry would change school curriculums and put churches at risk. These were lies.
This isn't about gay vs. straight. It's not about religion. This is about love and equality. If you value human rights and feel that protecting minorities is one of the things that makes our country great, please join us and vote "YES" for marriage equality in 2010.
http://equality2010.org/
Sunday, June 28, 2009
De-sanctifying God's House
I read the most appalling thing today. I have heard about it for over a week now, but I really just hoped that it was more talk with no action. I had hoped that divine wisdom would move them to realize the error of their thoughts, but it didn't happen that way.
As ministers our primary responsibility is to the safety and well-being of our congregation. We are to supply for them ways of growth on all levels, however more spiritual then anything else. We are to avoid political actions that can be construed as propaganda. We are to move about in a manner that should be viewed as leadership. Showing the way forward with our own responsible actions and deeds that are to be looked upon as moral, wise, just, and glorious. Somewhere along the line, several ministers seem to lose this concept.
This is more than true for Pastor Ken Pagano. He has intentionally, recklessly, and immorally De-sanctified the House of God today. God's house is a home to everyone where they can live without fear, prejudice, and find unconditional love and support. It is suppose to be the center of promoting peace and harmony with compassion for all. God's house is a strong-hold that should never be penetrated by outside influence and corruption. Today, this man who calls himself pastor violated all that by allowing guns in church.
They were not allowed to be loaded, but I wonder if the only reason for that was because insurance required it. His board and congregation paid $700.00 to insurance today alone to have this moment of blasphemy. This was his attempt to send a message about the second amendment of the constitution, the right to bear arms. I have a very loud and clear message to "Pastor" Ken Pagano and all others concerned with the constitution.
As ministers our job is to uphold the commandments of God, not the United States Constitution. Our vows, our duties, our loyalty is given to God first and the United States President and government second.
By wanting to send a message to government, you have instilled a belief of violence in God's House to others. You have gone against God's commandment of Love thy neighbor by show boating the use of military weaponry. You want to send a clear message, try a message of peace, love, and honor.
In Faith,
+Isaac
As ministers our primary responsibility is to the safety and well-being of our congregation. We are to supply for them ways of growth on all levels, however more spiritual then anything else. We are to avoid political actions that can be construed as propaganda. We are to move about in a manner that should be viewed as leadership. Showing the way forward with our own responsible actions and deeds that are to be looked upon as moral, wise, just, and glorious. Somewhere along the line, several ministers seem to lose this concept.
This is more than true for Pastor Ken Pagano. He has intentionally, recklessly, and immorally De-sanctified the House of God today. God's house is a home to everyone where they can live without fear, prejudice, and find unconditional love and support. It is suppose to be the center of promoting peace and harmony with compassion for all. God's house is a strong-hold that should never be penetrated by outside influence and corruption. Today, this man who calls himself pastor violated all that by allowing guns in church.
They were not allowed to be loaded, but I wonder if the only reason for that was because insurance required it. His board and congregation paid $700.00 to insurance today alone to have this moment of blasphemy. This was his attempt to send a message about the second amendment of the constitution, the right to bear arms. I have a very loud and clear message to "Pastor" Ken Pagano and all others concerned with the constitution.
As ministers our job is to uphold the commandments of God, not the United States Constitution. Our vows, our duties, our loyalty is given to God first and the United States President and government second.
By wanting to send a message to government, you have instilled a belief of violence in God's House to others. You have gone against God's commandment of Love thy neighbor by show boating the use of military weaponry. You want to send a clear message, try a message of peace, love, and honor.
In Faith,
+Isaac
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Ohio H.B. 176
Allow me to get on my soapbox for just a few moments. I want to talk about something that has been pent-up for a while now, Ohio House Bill 176. I have spoken with different people at Equality Ohio for a few months now, even before HB 176 was introduced.
I want to say that I agree with one and only one thing about HB 176. It places an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation. I like that, but here is my issue. Instead of wasting tax payer's dollars on a bill like this why don't we go for Marriage Equality (same-sex marriage). By passing a bill about marriage equality we would be encompassing discrimination issues at the same time. Several other states throughout the U.S. have issues in their state house and senates about marriage equality and we are talking about discrimination instead. Where is the logic and common sense in that?
If there is momentium running through the U.S. for a issue and it is getting results, then why not add to that momentium.
At the same time though, we should all come together and pass HB 176. I don't like taking small steps, but at least we are getting something.
This is just my quick little soap box issue. Thanks for reading.
In Faith,
+Isaac
I want to say that I agree with one and only one thing about HB 176. It places an end to discrimination based on sexual orientation. I like that, but here is my issue. Instead of wasting tax payer's dollars on a bill like this why don't we go for Marriage Equality (same-sex marriage). By passing a bill about marriage equality we would be encompassing discrimination issues at the same time. Several other states throughout the U.S. have issues in their state house and senates about marriage equality and we are talking about discrimination instead. Where is the logic and common sense in that?
If there is momentium running through the U.S. for a issue and it is getting results, then why not add to that momentium.
At the same time though, we should all come together and pass HB 176. I don't like taking small steps, but at least we are getting something.
This is just my quick little soap box issue. Thanks for reading.
In Faith,
+Isaac
Thursday, May 28, 2009
What is Interfaith?
by Archbishop Robert J. Guffey
Interfaith is a bridge...
that allows members of all religions and spiritual teachings
to reach out across the waters of life,
in understanding and communication with each other.
Interfaith affirms and supports the underlying
goodness of each person, the healing of our planet
Interfaith does not seek to homogenize religious differences...
Rather, it honors the sacredness and uniqueness of each faith,
and then creates ways by which the many paths can meet
on common ground or unite in a new and sacred creative form..
Differences between various religions and philosophies
need not divide and separate
but can instead enrich our lives
and deepen our capacity to love
Interfaith provides a structure
whereby individuals of different faiths
can dialogue and share their experiences,
making a safe place to accept and learn about each other.
As fluid, mobile societies
and instantaneous communication
change the cultural landscape of our world
this structure becomes vital
Interfaith also speaks to those who feel alienated from mainstream religions.
By providing a spirit of openness and resources for change,
interfaith encourages these individuals and groups
to discover new ways to worship and to participate in
the meaningful ceremonies of life.
The pace of social and personal transformation quickens
as our world approaches the Millennium.
We all have a part to play in the unfolding story.
Through interfaith, each person contributes to the whole
while fulfilling their own unique role.
Interfaith is a bridge...
that allows members of all religions and spiritual teachings
to reach out across the waters of life,
in understanding and communication with each other.
Interfaith affirms and supports the underlying
goodness of each person, the healing of our planet
Interfaith does not seek to homogenize religious differences...
Rather, it honors the sacredness and uniqueness of each faith,
and then creates ways by which the many paths can meet
on common ground or unite in a new and sacred creative form..
Differences between various religions and philosophies
need not divide and separate
but can instead enrich our lives
and deepen our capacity to love
Interfaith provides a structure
whereby individuals of different faiths
can dialogue and share their experiences,
making a safe place to accept and learn about each other.
As fluid, mobile societies
and instantaneous communication
change the cultural landscape of our world
this structure becomes vital
Interfaith also speaks to those who feel alienated from mainstream religions.
By providing a spirit of openness and resources for change,
interfaith encourages these individuals and groups
to discover new ways to worship and to participate in
the meaningful ceremonies of life.
The pace of social and personal transformation quickens
as our world approaches the Millennium.
We all have a part to play in the unfolding story.
Through interfaith, each person contributes to the whole
while fulfilling their own unique role.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
More than just prayer
A few days ago I read an article on the AP (Associated Press) that really had my jaw dropped. There was a woman in Wisconsin who's 11 year old daughter was suffering with diabetes. Diabetes is horrible in itself but in a child it is dangerous. She prayed for her daughter, which is great. What disturbed me though is she prayed for her "sin" to be removed. This "sin" was her symptoms of the diabetic attack, but she didn't seek medical treatment for the child.
Her daughter died of diabetes related issues, because the mother only prayed instead seeking medical help. I for one could never stand there and watch someone sick just dying and think that all they need was prayer and no medical attention. I support her for her faith, but I am saddened by her lack of medical efforts.
My point is this, medical issues do not just go aways with prayer. It is a beautiful thought and a beautiful mythology. Some call it a miracle. The true definition of miracle is a wonderful event occurring in the physical world attributed to supernatural powers. How often do you think this will really happen? If this happens for everyone than it is no longer just an event but every day life. Don't assume that your life will have a miracle in regards to your health. Seek medical attention and if God gives a miracle it can be attributed at His choice and you still have your life to live.
I am all about the power of prayer, but the reasonable side says medicine is needed too. We are not living in a time of cave people and barbarians. Fire is no longer a great mystery that can't be discovered. We are examining life deep in the oceans of earth. We are visiting planets outside of our own. We are learning more wisdom than we have ever before. We should be at a point to know that prayer great, but medical attention is required.
In Faith & Spirit,
+Isaac
Her daughter died of diabetes related issues, because the mother only prayed instead seeking medical help. I for one could never stand there and watch someone sick just dying and think that all they need was prayer and no medical attention. I support her for her faith, but I am saddened by her lack of medical efforts.
My point is this, medical issues do not just go aways with prayer. It is a beautiful thought and a beautiful mythology. Some call it a miracle. The true definition of miracle is a wonderful event occurring in the physical world attributed to supernatural powers. How often do you think this will really happen? If this happens for everyone than it is no longer just an event but every day life. Don't assume that your life will have a miracle in regards to your health. Seek medical attention and if God gives a miracle it can be attributed at His choice and you still have your life to live.
I am all about the power of prayer, but the reasonable side says medicine is needed too. We are not living in a time of cave people and barbarians. Fire is no longer a great mystery that can't be discovered. We are examining life deep in the oceans of earth. We are visiting planets outside of our own. We are learning more wisdom than we have ever before. We should be at a point to know that prayer great, but medical attention is required.
In Faith & Spirit,
+Isaac
Thursday, May 7, 2009
National Day of Prayer
Today is National Day of Prayer. It is a day where all are asked to pray, as if we should need a day to remind us though. I want to challenge everyone to take a moment today and just give a simple prayer from the heart. Allow it to resonate and move you in a way that you haven't done before or just haven't done in a while.
Great God, lord of love and all creation, I pray to you as your humble servant. Bless those in need today. Allow peace on earth for just one day. Protect not only our troops but everyone fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Let their hearts be heavy with their burdens just this one day so that goodness and peace may possible come from it. In your powerful ways and your name I pray. Amen.
Great God, lord of love and all creation, I pray to you as your humble servant. Bless those in need today. Allow peace on earth for just one day. Protect not only our troops but everyone fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. Let their hearts be heavy with their burdens just this one day so that goodness and peace may possible come from it. In your powerful ways and your name I pray. Amen.
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