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TechnoratiIn contrast, gays and other groups have emerged as a formidable force in the legal arena. Courts are often extremely deferential to their cases. For these reasons, I maintain that additional protections for gays are not necessary. In addition, the threat of invasive, governmental interference with the doctrines and practice of the church is a major concern. The same groups that want to remove crosses and the commandments from every public facility would undoubtedly rejoice if their influence could also be felt within the four walls of the church as well.
Many sponsors of this bill have suggested that this legislation is sympathetic to blacks and the civil rights movement which was birthed from the black church. However, nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, our freedom to be a conscience to America is being threatened by legislation that purports to extend the hard fought battle we have waged for civil rights.
Despite this legislation’s endorsement by the NAACP and its congressional father being black, there are enormous loopholes in its premises and potential enforcement. A growing number of black church goers are aghast that their most powerful institution is being undermined by a handful of autonomous, self-appointed leaders. The black church is the most legitimate grass roots movement in our community. Unfortunately, its voice has not been heard in this debate.
This legislation has the potential to criminalize the caring attempts of black clergy to maintain the tension of preaching clear traditional doctrine while reaching out to people in need of love and direction.
Isn’t freedom of speech a major value of our nation? Do we want an America in which no one can express their true religious views?
Pro-abortion advocates say, “Keep your hands off my reproductive organs!” Some gays chant, “Stay out of our bedrooms!” Christian ministers can rightfully say “Stay out of my pulpit!”
Join in our fight. Visit www.thetruthinblackandwhite.com to see a clip of a portion of the press conference. Then, call to protest the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate hate crime bills. For Congresspersons call 202-225-8000 to protest HR 1592. For Senators call 202-224-3121 to protest SR 1105.
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Bishop Harry Jackson is the senior pastor of Hope Christian Church in College Park, Maryland (www.thehopeconnection.org). He is also chairman of High Impact Leadership Coalition (www.himpactus.com), the nonprofit organization which drafted the Black Contract with America on Moral Values.
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