Coffee, GMA (Good Morning America), a priest, and the LGBT community. What could be more interesting? James Martin, an American Jesuit Priest, author, and recently appointed consultant to the Vatican spoke on GMA a couple of days ago.
He was promoting his book; Building A Bridge: How the Catholic Church and The LGBT Community Can Enter into A Relationship of Respect, Compassion, And Sensitivity.
One thing I learned in my faith that was so beautifully spoken by the Pope himself is this;
“Who am I to judge?”
I have family and friends who are amongst this community so of course my ears perked when I began to listen to Father Martin.
Most of us are familiar with the Orlando nightclub massacre that occurred last year. Thankfully, Father Martin was led to help and pray for the families who lost a loved one. He went further and was compelled to address the gap between faith based organizations and the LGBT community. He believes it’s the institution that has marginalized the LGBT community and not the other way around. That everyone should feel comfortable in the church, it is their church after all.
Thank God! I’m grateful for a leader in faith to stand up for humanity. There should be no gap between any genre of people and Christ. For our faith is personal! It’s between us and Christ and who in the world has the right to drive a wedge between a potential relationship or one that exists?
Another Pastor out of California said, “It is the heart of Jesus to save, heal, and deliver. Christian leaders lead people to love, grace, truth, and the healing hope of Jesus, not to insensitive judgement.
It has taken me years in my Christian walk to understand that I don’t need to save people or point out their wrongs. I need to love. I wasn’t called to judge, thankfully nobody was. We are called to Love God, love others, share, give, help, encourage, pray, and listen.
The church should be the ONE place that is safe and full of love
I’ll leave you with this-
“What if our first response to others, that shared a different interest or lifestyle, was love and friendship rather than judgement and fear?
This is great piece. I am always told that I think wrong, that I’m not a “real Christian” because I don’t point out the wrongs of LGBT community. My response is that I was taught to love everyone….that means EVERYONE. I believe we need to show more love and encourage each other rather than always tearing each other down. Thank you for this!!
Rocio! You were taught right. I was not taught that at an early age and have achingly learned it in my adult years but, I learned and in turn have changed so much.