Re-orienting religion

Though faith and sexuality may seem an unlikely pair, they clashed last night in a panel composed largely of religious leaders who discussed how members of the LGBT community are slowly finding acceptance in the religions that once scorned them.

About 60 students and community members gathered to hear five panelists from different faiths talk about homosexuality in the context of their personal lives, congregation and religion.  Representatives from within Judaism and the Baptist, Episcopal and Universal Unitarian churches spoke on the panel.

Sponsored by Hamsa, the university’s Jewish lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender student group, the panel aimed for respectful dialogue, opting to refrain from outlandish commentary, sometimes stifling conversation.

“I thought it was very informational and respectful,” senior communications major Monique Robinson said. “It was a good atmosphere to share views without confrontation. There is a difference between being honest and being rude, but for the sake of people’s feelings it was necessary.”

The discussion comes as Washington considers legislation to legalize gay marriage and as this state considers recognizing gay couples married out-of-state. Panelist Rabbi Art Blecher of the Beth Chai Congregation in Washington said he supported the measure. In a religion that has traditionally rejected homosexual relations, Blecher said he has struggled as a gay man within the Jewish faith. Although orthodox Judaism prohibits homosexual relations, other Jewish sects have been more welcoming to the LGBT community, Blecher said.

“We are taking steps to undo the damage we’ve done,” Blecher said. “For me, it’s not a question about accepting my congregation. I care about who accepts me.”

The night turned tense on the topic of homosexuals that reject their orienation, usually because of values or religious beliefs. Christopher Doyle, a sexual reorientation therapist with the International Healing Foundation, who was not associated with a church, had formerly lived a gay lifestyle. Because of personal family values, Doyle said he surpressed his homosexuality and now leads the life of a straight man. He is married to a woman and has children.

“The claim that no one can change is false,” Doyle said. “I don’t judge people, and we don’t believe homosexuality is bad, but I chose a lifestyle that’s congruent with my values. It was a personal decision.”

While Doyle’s comments weren’t met with backlash and outspoken disagreement, audience members did raise their eyebrows at his stance on the origination of homosexuality — as he asserted homosexuality is the result of genetics and one’s relationship to parents and siblings.

Others had a different perspective, saying homosexuality is not a matter of what’s right and wrong or an issue specifically confined to the church.

“Jesus doesn’t say anything about orientation in the Gospels,” Reverend Peter Antoci of the Episcopal-Anglican Campus Ministry said. “Instead he teaches love and compassion. If anything, the only thing he speaks out against is divorce, and you don’t see them trying to outlaw divorce. What we’re dealing with are anthropological issues about human dignity and human worth.”

hampton@umdbk.com