Gay Marriage

Black ministers, like Black churches, are not monolithic. While most denounce homosexuality as a sin, a growing number of us do not. We believe that homosexuality, as a sexual orientation, is not a sin, but hypocrisy is. That is why Jesus says nothing about the former, but speaks volumes about the latter. Biblical scholarship helps us understand that the few biblical passages once thought to express clear condemnation of homosexuality have been taken out of context and grossly misinterpreted. Whereas these popular passages condemned same-sex behavior that was violent, abusive, or once believed to result in ritual impurity, the scriptures do not explicitly address a monogamous sexual relationship between two loving and committed same-sex individuals.

Black churches have been so poisoned by homophobia and heterosexism that some may think it blasphemous that an African-American heterosexual male Christian pastor would support same-sex marriage. I do so not because I believe it is safe, politically correct, or popular, but because I believe it is right. It is theologically right because we are all created equal in the image of God. It is historically right because those of us who have been the victims of oppression ought to be the last ones to oppress anyone else. It is morally right because all of God’s children should be able to live the truth rather than be forced to perpetrate a lie. And it is legally right because same-sex couples are entitled to the same rights, responsibilities and protections under the law as heterosexual couples.

Why, then, have many Black ministers and churches become so hostile toward homosexuals and so vitriolic in their condemnation of same-sex unions? The reasons are varied, complex and associated with the historical intersection of racism and sexuality in America. Suffice it to say here that it is not the Bible per se, but socially conditioned and culturally infused interpretations of the Bible that account for much of the pervasive anti-gay sentiment within Black churches and among Black people.

Since my predominantly Black congregation welcomes and affirms all people, regardless of sexual orientation, I believe I offer a unique perspective on the implications of same-sex unions based not on theory but practice, and not on speculation but firsthand experience. First, I can attest that this is not a “White” issue—it is a human issue. Countless same-sex couples have expressed a deep appreciation for our policy of acceptance, and some have even testified that our inclusive ministry has literally saved their lives.