This past Sunday, First Baptist Dallas, Senior Pastor, Dr. Robert Jeffress preached a sermon that gathered large crowds, protesters and media attention. The marquee outside the church said "Why Gay is not OK". It was this sign that first drew reactions and motivated the protest. The sermon was part of a series entitled "Politically Incorrect" described as "The seven most "outrageous" beliefs that Christians can articulate in today's world and why we should embrace them!" Last Sunday, Dr. Jeffress addressed what he believes are 7 myths concerning homosexuality including a claim that Jesus did condemn homosexuality by lifting up heterosexuality. This Sunday he promises to teach his congregation "What to say to a gay person."

While I understand that people were/are disturbed by the marquee and sermon titles, it lets me know that we need to raise our voices in order for another understanding of God's word to be heard. The media coverage while it noted that people were upset by the message the sign presented did not also include messages of an inclusive, loving, God. Rather the First Baptist message got wider coverage. Outrage and disagreement were also heard however a different theological perspective did not get airtime. All this week, I have found myself deep in prayer and reflection about our effective response.

We live in a country that values both freedom of speech and freedom of religion. In our work for justice, we must remember these principles AND as people of faith we must also remember to not return hatred with hatred. I disagree with the sign and understand the inflammatory nature of this statement as well as the potential for some to consider this as God-given permission to discriminate. At the same time, I recognize that Dr. Jeffress and his church have the freedom to advertise and preach what they believe. I can disagree with his interpretations of the texts while supporting his right to believe them and to speak them. Just imagine for a moment, that First Baptist members and others could be picketing our church because they disagree with our message!

So the distinction here is not our beliefs as much as what we do with those beliefs. Is this a message of hate? Does it incite people to hateful actions rather than "Christian" actions - acts of love? If you listened to the members of First Baptist who were interviewed or read the comments by their members on their MySpace page, you can see that they believe they are coming from a place of love. They want to "save" gay people from the "lie". They do not see the hate that signs like this can foster.

Perhaps we need to raise awareness of the conundrum of faith-based prejudice. Perhaps we need to remind people how some deeply religious people thought it was OK to murder abortion doctors or target their homes and office, in the name of Jesus, because they believed abortion is a sin. We need to tell our stories of hate-filled physical and emotional attacks by churches and Christians. As we tell our stories, to First Baptist or anyone, I believe we need to continue to speak with love. We need to demonstrate God's love and our love of neighbor - even a neighbor who may not realize the harm they are causing to me or my people.

What do we do with our beliefs? Can we get our message out as effectively? From those protestors who were worried that young gay people would see this sign or hear this message and not know that God loves them, I hear that we have a LOT more work to do to get out our understanding of God's love and inclusive welcome. Too many people simply give up on God and church because they have not heard another perspective.

In the midst of events like First Baptist's sermons or Proposition 8, we must remember to respond from a place of love. It is God's will that we love God with all of our heart, soul and mind and that we love our neighbor as ourselves. I must remember to love God first and foremost. I must fulfill the Great Commission as well as the Great Command and Go, Teach and Baptize in the name of God who gives us life, love and grace.

Maybe we need to hold a public forum "Why Gay is OK with God" including the 7 myths that homosexuality is a sin! Perhaps we could follow up with "What to say to someone who disagrees!" Humor aside, perhaps we could dialogue about the negative impact of religious beliefs on people outside of that belief system. Whatever our feelings, let us remember to respect other's rights while working for equal rights and let us remember to continue to raise our voices for justice and faith from hearts of love. I believe that is God's will.