Yes and No

Yes. My friends, M & J, are still married according to the California Supreme Court.

No. Proposition 8, which banned gay marriage in California, will NOT be repealed.

I'm trying to be grateful for a mixed blessing.

Common Cement at Tulane with Ellen

Ellen DeGeneres is a personal hero, and here in her own words is why:



Ellen gives witty, wise, and joyful advice to Tulane's Spring 2009 graduating class. I'm not sure Tulane realized what they were getting into when they invited her, but it may have been the best commencement address of the year!

Thanks to the Rev'd Elizabeth and Grandmere Mimi, and to Lisa, too. This is a keeper!

Proposition 8: The Musical

Proposition 8 in California evoked some of the most creative advertising in the history of politicking. As we await the decision on Proposition 8, let's enjoy again Jack Black's starring role:

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/c0cf508ff8/prop-8-the-musical-starring-jack-black-john-c-reilly-and-many-more-from-fod-team-jack-black-craig-robinson-john-c-reilly-and-rashida-jones

Another Season of Advent

I'm living in a season of advent right now, a time of anticipatory waiting.

Two friends of mine became a married couple last summer in California. They happen to be two men, and they were legally married in the span of time when marriage for gay couples and lesbian couples was validated by the California Supreme Court. In November California voters narrowly passed Proposition 8 making gay and lesbian marriage illegal again.

The California Supreme Court is now evaluating arguments for and against the language of Prop. 8. Even the Attorney General of California, who approved putting Prop. 8 on the ballot, asked the court to overturn the proposition. As I understand it, the CA Supremes will decide whether the language of Prop. 8 is contrary to the constitutional language guaranteeing equality for all citizens. They will also decide whether the existing married gay/lesbian couples will continue to be legally married.

The Supremes' decision will be announced this coming Tuesday, June 2. My friends are not alone. Thousands of couples were married between June and November. I'm waiting with detached academic interest. I cannot know how anxiously those many couples must feel as they await the California Supreme Court's decision.

More emotional for me is the pending national General Convention of the Episcopal Church scheduled for July this year. TEC meets only once every three years. Last time, in 2006, TEC failed to make any headway toward forming a liturgy for same sex commitment ceremonies. Worse, at the latest possible hour, then Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold persuaded the PB-elect, Katharine Jefferts Schori, to join him in getting a resolution passed to promise the Anglican Communion we would not consecrate any bishops "whose manner of life" might offend other members of the AC. Resolution B033 was so mildly worded that it failed to assuage fears of conservative provinces. It was so contrary to the slow but steady progress in GLBT acceptance in TEC that it offended me and many other affected Episcopalians.

In the intervening three years there has been a systematic, orchestrated undermining of the Episcopal Church. GLBTs and their families and friends have pulled back. Conservatives opposed to any acceptance of GLBTs have withdrawn individual congregations and even whole dioceses from TEC. There has been a continuous painful rumble of discontent over this issue from both polarized sides.

I have stood to the side, unwilling to support a church that won't support me. Some others have left altogether in disgust. Many courageous faithful GLBTs have stayed and worked within the framework of the church to bring about a change of policies. PB Jefferts Schori indicates that she does not want B033 rescinded. So will we have a resolution favoring my 'manner of life?' I cannot envision what, if any, solution will be adopted.

Meanwhile much of the life of the church has been drained by emotional and spiritual torment. We forget we are to be about our Father's business: feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, healing the sick, teaching the little ones, and preaching the Good News. This upheaval has had financial and legal impacts as well. Yes, we are paying lawyers to resolve property disputes. Is it little wonder TEC may not be able to fulfill its previous commitments to the Millenium Development Goals?

So, now is a time of waiting. I am waiting for the advent of justice and acceptance. I'd like to be like everybody else and still be myself--exactly as God created me.

Someday. Who knows? Maybe Tuesday. Maybe in July.

Thanks be to God.

Hail and Farewell, Tipper!

Tipper Parker, light and lively, waiting for his walk with Pat each evening. If I can't have my own fine canine, my neighbor's will be the delight of my heart.

For almost two years, I'd get a little exercise with my neighbor buddy, Tipper. Tipper went to the Rainbow Bridge this week. I'm going to miss him as will Tipper's real Mom, Marilyn.

Hasta la vista, when we get there, little buddy!

Republicans vs. Democrats

Republicans = fear based motivation.

Democrats = reconciliation based motivation

Which would you prefer?

I'll take solutions over fear any day.

Her Honor, The Mayor

I've been looking for a reason to post. And here she is, the mayor of Mississauga, Ontario:



May we all be as hale and hearty as she is at...88! Thanks to Karen J, who finds the most fascinating internet media!