By Laura Rodell
Members of the University’s interfaith community are challenging the place of homosexuality within the conservative views of many religions.
Entitled “God and Gays,” a four-part series, which has convened every Thursday in April, offered students of all religions an opportunity to ponder greater inclusiveness.
This Thursday’s lecture will investigate the experiences of two lesbian women within the Methodist faith. A video will recount the rocky path that led to their marriage, including one father’s choice between remaining a Methodist pastor or presiding at his daughter’s wedding.
“They wanted their parents’ approval so much, but their parents were limited in the ways they could express their support,” said Pastor Alan Bentz-Letts, the University’s Protestant chaplain. After the film, the father featured in the video will encourage student participation.
University Rabbi Meir Mitleman called the documentary, “powerful.”
“What really came through was their struggle to reconcile orthodox Jewish law that prohibits homosexuality with the fact that they are homosexual,” he said.
An earlier event co-sponsored by Hillel examined the place of gays and lesbians within the Orthodox and Hasidic Jewish faiths, which interpret the Torah as condemning homosexuality.
“The film on Judaism really shows the pain involved in this conflict,” said Bentz-Letts. “I think its pain on both sides.”
Two other events were co-sponsored by People Responding to Issues of Sexual Minorities (PRISM) and examined this issue with regard to the Presbyterian Church.
“It’s the same struggle of those who want to be true to their faith yet also want to preserve and pursue their own identity,” said Bentz-Letts. “So far it’s been a very moving and informative series.”
Gay marriage and religion are two issues that have attracted recent and widespread news coverage due to their contentious relationship with American politics and government. Bentz-Letts and Protestant Community President Elise Meyers chose to spotlight the issue after attending the Long Island United Campus Ministries’ annual dinner last fall. The Long Island United Campus Ministries oversees the operations of Protestant organizations at the University, C.W. Post, SUNY Stony Brook, Suffolk Community College and Adelphi University.
“I’m just happy there’s an open dialogue about a subject that has long been taboo. For a long time, their place hasen’t been discussed but it’s something the Church really needs to address today,” said Kathleen Hunker, a junior political science and history major.
Pastor Bentz-Letts’s personal position is one of support for those desiring to be both openly gay and openly religious.
“I believe the Christian Church has to change its policy and accept people regardless of their sexual orientation – welcoming all people and recognizing all the gifts they have,” he said.
Meyers said she had a desire for the Church to change its current and “outdated” position on gay and lesbian parishioners and clergy.
“I would like to stress that this is an issue that deserves more attention,” she said. “Straight Christians like myself really need to stand up and offer assistance to GLBT [gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender] Christians who have been fighting this for a long time. Jesus preached acceptance and love.”