Equality

How long will you waver between two opinions? 1 Kings 18:21 NIV.

Modern life can become quite complex as we negotiate differing identities and affiliations that at times may appear to be in conflict, particularly as sometimes the only valid Christian viewpoint, is seen to be the one that upholds traditional interpretations of scripture. In reality there is such a rich assortment of biblical understandings that we can never assume that we all believe the same thing. Nor can we claim superiority and exclusive ownership of a singular true belief.

On my return to the U.K ten years ago, from Jamaica, I became an individual member of the African Caribbean Evangelical Alliance (ACEA) as I am rooted in the evangelical and pentecostal traditions of the Assembly of God Church. By default I also became a member of its parent organisation, the Evangelical Alliance. Ever since the creation of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, there have been objections to the appointment of the AE’s chief executive officer, a fellow Jamaican, as a commissioner. The Commission’s website states that it will champion equality and human rights for everyone, work to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and build good relations, to ensure that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society. Some consider the Alliance’s stance on homosexual practice and transgender issues, to be incompatible with the objectives of the Commission. Earlier this week, a national lesbian and gay Christian organisation issued a press statement with copious supporting documentation, cataloguing his unsuitability for the post. I can sympathise with their feelings and understand their perspective. I also appreciate the observations of a leading religious think-tank who suggest that the inclusion of such an influential church organisation on the Commission, represents an “historic opportunity” for change within it. I also understand where the Alliance is coming from in terms of their literal biblical interpretations and their commitment to traditional beliefs.

When I joined ACEA I was already a member of MCC and beginning my journey towards ordination. Whilst living in the Islands, I had grown increasingly frustrated with the AOG church of which I was a founding member. I was weary of the patronising attitudes of foreign based clergy diluting the message of Christ through culturally insensitive European moralities and nineteen century biblical interpretations. My feelings of outrage were not fuelled by any sense of personal exclusion, for church traditions and prejudices cannot separate us from the love of God, but the overwhelming conviction of injustice over what should have been a message of empowerment through Christ being downgraded to one that invariably left Caribbean congregations being short changed.

In deciding on the theme of this week’s posting, I was mindful of my own bias and the need to be understanding of differing perspectives within the Christian family. I have been stunned by the degree to which racism is a blind spot for some LGBT Christians. I have been disappointed by the reticence to even consider the possibility that some inclusive organisations can be biased in favour of specific sexual orientations and gender identities, to the detriment of others. However it comes, prejudice is prejudice – any discrimination based on class, race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, age, status etc is to be condemned. There is no hierarchy of discriminations, where some are more acceptable than others. But sometimes, we have to prioritise which battles to fight, when energies and resources are limited. Respect for our choices is part of our Christian witness and fellowship. I will hold all EHRC’s commissioners accountable for the upholding of my rights. I hope the inclusion of EA staff will encourage a wider discussion on equal rights within my own community through ACEA.

The older view of two opinions (God or Baal) has evolved into a newer and wider understanding of prejudice within the very actions of God’s people.

My Brethren, pay no servile regard to people - show no prejudice, no partiality. Do not attempt to hold and practice the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ the Lord of glory, together with snobbery! For if a person comes into your congregation whose hands are adorned with gold rings and who is wearing splendid apparel, and also a poor man in shabby clothes comes in. And you pay special attention to the one who wears the splendid clothes and say to him, Sit here in this preferable seat! while you tell the poor man, Stand there! or, Sit there on the floor at my feet! Are you not discriminating among your own and becoming critics and judgeswith wrong motives? James 2: 1 - 6 Amplified & edited.

May the Holy Spirit of God, continue to save you from the prejudices of others.

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