Index - Posting 06 & 13 February 08 Vol.1.4
…planted in the house of the Lord…
Psalm 92:13 NIV
Despite the mildness of the month, I would still prefer to be in Jamaica, recharging my solar batteries and enjoying the activities of Black History Month. As compensation I decided to check out some of the black related events celebrating this February as the fourth LGBT History Month for the U.K. January has already been a thought provoking month with increased media coverage on crime and violence, particularly stabbings, among the youth of our community. Many social, political and religious commentators have suggested numerous strategies to combat what is seen as an escalation in the violence. These have included the need for more visible black role models that run counter to those that glorify anti-social behaviours and gang related sub cultures. Opinions are divided on how relevant this approach would be in an environment of institutional inequalities riddled with racism and deprivation. Coupled with the fact that people of mixed race are the fastest growing ethnic group in the U.K, the associated debates on issues of belonging and identity, are relevant matters for us to discuss within our church communities.
As a black theologian in the British context, I have a particular lens through which I read and interpret Scripture. I can draw strength through this affirmation of who I am and how I am in Christ. It counters the constant partiality and exclusion found in some biblical understandings of the more fundamentalist churches. I am therefore, encouraged in my scriptural readings when I encounter stories that touch on the realities and issues that affect my daily life. This resonance is an asset in the creation and maintenance of self esteem as a Christian. However, my relationship with God is not dependent on meaningful interpretations of Scripture or the ability to identify with situations or persons within it. Rather it is based on a spiritual knowing and a strong heart felt assurance of God being with us and therefore being with me.
The book of Exodus tells us that Moses was drawn out of the water by Pharaoh's daughter. He was bicultural and bilingual – Jewish and Egyptian, and educated in both cultures. His towering presence in the Old Testament is formidable and yet he was a murderer and therefore a fugitive in his earlier years. There is a strong Egyptian presence in the lives and upbringing of many in the OT, particularly among the leaders and those we see as biblical role models. I have always been fascinated with Egypt and bemused that some museums have difficulties locating the country in Africa. So I was rather excited to discover that in one of the London universities, there was a museum of Egyptian Archaeology. As part of LGBT month, it was hosting a public lecture exploring gender and sexuality under the caption - Beyond Isis and Osiris. Alternate Sexualities in Ancient Egypt. So with huge, albeit unrealistic expectations I attended the lecture, hoping to learn something new. The speaker trawled through the usual; highlighted characters and pharaohs who could either be homosexual, lesbian, cross dressers or at the very least sexual ambivalent. His tentative stances of maybe, or possibly, or perhaps, were irritating, as was his lack of a discernable viewpoint on the meaning of gender and sexual orientation in this ancient era. I came away thinking that the issue was not one of alternate sexualities, but the inability to recognise that sexual diversity is at the heart of humanity, regardless of whether it is BC or AD. So why the incredulity on finding examples that do not fit modern stereotypes? At the end of the lecture, the customary evaluation form was given out which was equally closed minded. I declined to tick male or female and added other; at this type of event there should at least have been I for intersex, T for transgender, or space to self identify. I added another letter of the alphabet to the LGBT sandwich and then went completely awry on the ethnic origins question. Instead of ticking one box, I ticked all the relevant ones - African, Caribbean, British, black, and added Irish and gypsy, giving complete visibility to my diverse ancestry. Perhaps it is to my detriment that I fend of the many labels that others seek to pin on me. I know some are reassuring and necessary for our self esteem but generally I would prefer to select my own. Regardless of labelling, whether self selected or imposed by others, we journey a similar route, within the impartial love of our Creator God. Ultimately that is all that counts.
In that day there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will go to Egypt and the Egyptians to Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. In that day Israel will be the third, along with Egypt and Assyria, a blessing on the earth. The Lord Almighty will bless them, saying, “Blessed be Egypt my people, Assyria my handiwork, and Israel my inheritance.” Isaiah 19:23-25 NIV
May the Holy Spirit of God, continue to reflect who we are, through examples that encourage and affirm.
Rev Caroline Redfearn ©blackpeoplesministries.com 2008