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Failed Gay/Transgender Equal Rights Proposition Addressed on Easter SundayAt another church, opposed clergy leave topic out of sermonRelated Content
ANCHORAGE - It was Easter Sunday, which for many meant bellies full of chocolate, and churches everywhere full to capacity as people came together to celebrate this Christian holiday. But one issue that divided the faith community last week was Proposition 5. “We are in a time when it is going to take courage to follow that Jesus beyond the doors of our church, to witness a love beyond reason, a love that embraces all of God's children,” said Reverend Michael Burke during his Easter sermon at St. Mary's Episcopal Church. Christians came together today, but last week as Anchorage went to the polls there was a divide over Proposition 5, which would've added sexual orientation and transgender identity to the anti-discrimination laws. “Did you catch that? All of God's children,” continued Burke as the St. Mary’s congregation nodded their heads. There was a division, but were people of faith able to put their differences aside on Easter? “It's important that anytime we talk about a division to recognize the incredible amount we have in common; we have a tremendous amount in common,” said Burke after the service. Reverend Burke led many Christians in support of Proposition 5. "I suppose there is, the way particular churches have approached this issue certainly there is a real difference.” Burke said because of the debate over Prop 5, an influx of new, disenfranchised people have come to St. Mary's. “Families, young families moving from other churches where they were deeply disturbed by what they were hearing at the pulpit." Anchorage Baptist Temple’s Reverend Jerry Prevo, who did not support Proposition 5, said because it was a vote of the people, the divide in the community was bigger. "This is the fifth time since I've been in Alaska that we've dealt with this issue, and unfortunately every time it comes up it does divide our city, but I've noticed out city heals real quick and we'll go back to normal and that division will cease to exist,” Prevo said. Reverend Michael Burke decided to make reference to Proposition 5 in his sermon on Easter. "I think any preaching seeks to find a intersection between the biblical text and what we call the text of our lives the text that the community is living from day to day,” Burke said. Reverend Prevo said he wouldn’t talk about it in his sermon. "I will only say today thank you for going out to vote, and that will be about the extent of it, being Easter today and celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” said Prevo. |
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Mark P said on Monday, Apr 9 at 12:41 PM
There's a time an a place for everything and Prop 5 should have not been mentioned on Easter. It's the day for Christians to honor Jesus for what he did at the cross and his resurrection.
86854765Wes Craske said on Monday, Apr 9 at 12:58 PM
There are few times not to speak about equality and fairness and love of fellow humans. I'm not surprised at all by the cretin from the Anchorage Baptist Temple slipping in a comment on prop 5. Notice he mentions coming to Alaska--I am not alone in waiting for the time when prevo-ert heads home.
86856945tb said on Monday, Apr 9 at 3:00 PM
pastor prevo did not talk about it in his sermon but just said thankyou for voting.which if it comes up again we will vote again
86866876Mike H said on Monday, Apr 9 at 3:15 PM
Thanks to Prevo and his army of haters, we have legalized discrimination. I think his church, and any others that take part in politicizing and directing the votes of their parishioners should lose their tax exempt status.
86867953mikey372002 said on Monday, Apr 9 at 3:15 PM
whos going to stick up for me when i go to apply for a job if the owner is gay and only hires gays, I am normal, whos going to hire me, I guess these types of people think they are better then normal people and want better reasons to Sue when they dont get hired, have you ever talke to a gay guy, they hold their noses so high in the air you can see the rest of thier face, and then their tone of voice sounds like they are just plain gay snobs, talk normal.
86867956BGP said on Monday, Apr 9 at 3:46 PM
I am glad that heterosexuality still amayority; I really can't concive the idea that I shpould share public dress in a gym clud around a transgender. I really think that homosexuals should stay in their own environment and do not push for us regular peopleto take his ideas that is offensive we respect them they should respect us. they in their placeus in our place Please homosexuals do not invae my invade us stay away from us
86870136bob said on Monday, Apr 9 at 4:08 PM
Wow. So much hatred here. So much ignorance.
86871834lol said on Monday, Apr 9 at 8:08 PM
Good to see the ABT folks are out and posting this evening. Shame on any of your on either side that consider yourself a christian.
86887813Zoe Brain said on Thursday, Apr 12 at 6:54 PM
Do I detect a tinge of shame regarding the No vote on Prop 5? That they don't want to talk about it? A very human reaction when you know you've done something wrong, albeit from the best of motives.
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