Union Theological Seminary Responds to LGBTQ Youth Suicides

To comment on this video go to:
http://unionindialogue.org/theq/2010/10/13/union-responds-to-lgbtq-youth-suic...

When we heard about the death of Tyler Clementi, the most recent in a string of queer youth suicides (a list which gets much longer if we take into account all of the queer suicides that we don't hear about) we asked ourselves whether there might have been something--some act, some word--that could stop other queer youth headed down the same road to complete self-destruction. In this video, a whole community has mustered just that. Seminary students, post-docs, faculty members, and the President of Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York speak to LGBTQ youth at risk and to those who find themselves being bullied and ostracized just for being who the Divine created them to be.

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[DDMontemayor]

I have to say that I have been disgusted with religion and all of the "Bible" based hate that I have seen. It is nice to see a group of Christians that actually have it right. It is about time we hear from the Christians that believe in acceptance. I know this message is timely for all LGBT youth right now, but this particular Christian message is for anyone going through a tough time. I no longer consider myself a Christian, but if I knew more Christians like this maybe I would.

[SeminariansRespond]

@DDMontemayor

Thank you for your comment. It is our hope to provide a positive message of hope and love. At Union we believe in unity. We learn, seek, and affirm inclusion with all persons, as well as creating dialogue with other religions traditions. We are grateful to you for viewing and hope that you share it with others. You are right, it is time for Christians who believe in acceptance to get loud and share a message of inclusion. God bless.

[threestoogesfan2]

I am a Roman Catholic and a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ community. My best friend is a gay Christian man.

God is more merciful than most people make Him out to be. We as human beings have an obligation to be caring and loving toward one another if the human race is going to carry on. Jesus had a special love for people who were rejected and looked down upon by society; think how much He offers His love to such people today.

[railroadtraveler]

These words of love and truth, reflecting God's, will always prevail.

[avalonmists1]

Peace be to all of you at Union - especially those who initiated the idea of creating this video. YOur love, your deep faith, your articulation of your theology and beliefs is beautiful. I for one believe that this video is saving lives, right now. ANd isn't that the vocation to which we are all called?

[avalonmists1]

@potmanky am frustrated that it takes such a set of horrible tragedies to motivate us to make our witness so loud and profound. But it is also true that places like Union Seminary, Pacific School of Religion, United Seminaries of the Twin Cities, and the United Church of Christ and the UCC Coalition for LGBT Concerns and others are constantly doing and being this witness. Usually, we just don't have the public platform to be heard.

[avalonmists1]

@potmanky As Christian pastor - an out lesbian, I believe this is a message to our 'own house' as much as it is a message to LGBT young people. This is a witness that there are many Christians who know that the church's role in homophobia of society must be countered loudly by a Christian witness which affirms God's love of people of all sexual and gender identities.

[potmanky]

Thanks for this message of hope to young people. I do appreciate your effort and this is nice but does not address the real problem. I am a gay man and former Christian who will never go near a Christian Church ever again because of the verbal and emotional abuse heaped upon me and my children by Christians. You must speak to the hate-mongers in your own house.

[potmanky]

Thanks for this message of hope to young gay kids. Your heart is in the right place, but know that, as a gay man, I will never again be in a Christian Church or have anything more than necessary to do with Christians because the verbal and emotional abuse heaped upon me and my children, and for their partnership with a political party that works to disenfranchise me. You must speak to the hate-mongers in your own house. My ears are closed now and forever.

[4christwitness]

@SeminariansRespond

I appreciate Union Seminary for their great love and passion for a message of inclusion. But this causes me to ask an important question, what if the intentions are completely accurate but simply wrong? I guess I just don't understand why Jesus Christ would spend his life fighting against false teachings and doctrines, if all messages were accurate or inclusive. What if we got it all wrong?

[ZayJahDaV]

Thank you :)

[Vitte4]

As a Presbyterian pastor, it's great to see this! Especially encouraging, considering the way a theologically gifted transgender elder in my last congregation was treated by adminssions about three years ago when she applied to Union. She ended up at Louisville Presby Seminary -- at that time, a much friendlier place for a transgender person.