Join The March Forward Into Freedom

Robin Gorsline
March 31, 2010

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Read More: Bob McDonnell, Don McEachin, Ken Cuccinelli, Passover, People of Faith For Equality In Virginia, Robin Gorsline, SB66

This week, Jews observe Pesach (known as Passover among the goyim), when God and Moses led them from Egyptian slavery, and Christians go through Holy Week, marking the last days Jesus walked the earth, on their way to Easter (Resurrection Sunday). These sacred times remind faithful people that God is a god of liberation, ever present and engaged with us in the struggle for justice and wholeness.

The hope and joy of these holy days stand in stark contrast to the ill winds that seem to have been blowing against LGBT folks in Virginia lately. Governor McDonnell and Attorney General Cuccinelli, not to mention the House of Delegates, have not been very friendly.

Oh, the governor did issue a statement saying he would not tolerate discrimination in state employment and on college and university campuses, but later he said he was not sure a law was needed (he is not sure there is a problem).

The only bright spot is the State Senate, where our LGBT friend, Don McEachin, introduced SB 66—and that body passed it. The House of Delegates was so afraid of it they bottled it up in subcommittee. Shame on them, and shame on the governor for refusing to support it.

What is to be done? Simply put, we must continue the struggle. These are only setbacks, not the end of anything (dream on, Family Foundation and Victoria Cobb!).

One way is to sign a Statement of Conscience, drafted by People of Faith for Equality in Virginia (POFEV). You can find the statement, and a way to add your name, at www.faith4equalityva.org

Another way is to join a statewide rally on Wednesday, April 21, at 11 a.m. at the State Capitol, sponsored by Equality Virginia, POFEV, and many other groups.

If you are a person of faith—whether you participate in a religious community or not—I hope you’ll sign the statement, and I hope you’ll show up on April 21. And that you will encourage others to do so as well.

And if you’re not a person of faith, you’re welcome, too. Despite what some say, God is not choosy about who shares in the struggle for liberation. All are welcome; all are needed.

And God is counting on us to join the march forward into freedom!

Rev. Dr. Robin H. Gorsline is pastor at Metropolitan Community Church of Richmond. He is also President of People of Faith for Equality in Virginia, an interfaith organization of gay and straight clergy and lay people working for equality for LGBT Virginians. Read more of his thoughts on faith and spirituality on his personal blog.

Rev. Dr. Robin H. Gorsline is pastor at Metropolitan Community Church of Richmond. He is also President of People of Faith for Equality in Virginia, an interfaith organization of gay and straight clergy and lay people working for equality for LGBT Virginians. Read more of his thoughts on faith and spirituality on his personal blog.