Moderator: Shane Windmeyer, Campus Pride

Guest Presenter: Warren Blumenfeld, Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, Iowa State University & QRIHE, Campus Pride

Description:

While a number of religious denominations have and are currently defending the rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender people, and are openly welcoming them into their congregations, and some into the ranks of their clergy, a number of the more conservative denominations have released official statements, doctrines, and policies in opposition. For example: Catholic Catechism: 1997: #2357 ” …homosexual acts [are] acts of grave depravity…[and] are intrinsically disordered…Under no circumstances can they be approved”; Southern Baptist Convention: 2010, “…the messengers to the Southern Baptist Convention…affirm the Bible’s declaration that homosexual behavior is intrinsically disordered and sinful.”; Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: “Homosexual behavior violates the commandments of God, is contrary to the purposes of human sexuality, distorts loving relationships, and deprives people of the blessings that can be found in family life and in the saving ordinances of the gospel.”

Beliefs are one's rights to hold. However, the EXPRESSION of those beliefs onto an individual or group of individuals is a form of oppression, especially when intended to deny people their human and civil rights. In addition, with religious rights come responsibilities, and with actions come reactions. Whenever clergy pronounce and preach their conservative dogma on sexuality and gender expression, they must take responsibility for the bullying, harassment, violence against and suicides of LGBT people in their congregations, communities, and country.

The webinar will investigate religious denominations’ statements and policies related to LGBT people, and address possible strategies from within and outside of these institutions to work for progressive and compassionate change.

Learning Outcomes:

Participants will:

• Discuss policies and official statements of some religious denominations related to LGBT people.
• Distinguish between "religious disagreement" and "confronting oppression."
• Compare and contrast textual and historical justifications used by some religious denominations to perpetuate heterosexism, racism, sexism, and other forms of oppression.
• Address possible action strategies to initiate progressive social change within religious denominations.

Guest Presenter Biography:

Warren J. Blumenfeld, Ed.D., is Associate Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa specializing in Multicultural and International Curriculum Studies; & Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer Studies. He is Co-Editor of Investigating Christian Privilege and Religious Oppression in the United States; Co-editor of Readings for Diversity and Social Justice; Editor of Homophobia: How We All Pay the Price; Co-author of Looking at Gay and Lesbian Life; Co-editor of Butler Matters: Judith Butlers Impact on Feminist and Queer Studies; Author of AIDS and Your Religious Community; & Co-Researcher & Co-Author: 2010 State of Higher Education for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender People.