Mormons in California are being torn apart by the Church’s support for Prop 8. While many, perhaps even the majority of regularly attending Mos support the discriminatory ban on gay marriage, I’m surprised at how many are openly against it. And they’re not all liberal Sunstone-types either. Many are card-carrying Republicans, but have gay friends, children, nieces and nephews, coworkers, neighbors who they love and respect.
I imagine that they experience the First Presidency’s attempt to impose Mormonism’s values on and in the process to crush the happiness of those outside of the Church as an affront to the fundamental Mormon principles of free agency and Christlike compassion as well as to their sense of basic human decency and dignity. How can they reconcile these teachings with their desire to honor and obey their general and local Church leaders?
From what my friends in Orange County wards tell me, this campaign is being reinforced every week in leadership councils as well as in Sacrament, Sunday School and Priesthood and Relief Society meetings. It sounds like similar pressure is being applied to members of Catholic and many evangelical communities as well (I’m mostly familiar with the LDS situation–if you have any information on other denominations, please let me know).
I’d like to find some way to validate those who are struggling in conservative California congregations, and I think that I will make this one of my chief goals on this blog and in my local community between now and Election Day. It fits well with Mind on Fire’s mission to reach out to the marginalized within religious institutions, to promote a progressive agenda around issues concerning gender and sexual orientation, and to smack religious institutions down whenever official representatives start acting like patriarchal assholes.
Right now I’m trying to brainstorm effective actions. The one idea that keeps spinning around in my mind is to stand in front of churches on Sundays holding signs. These would have affirming and thought-inducing slogans that would reinforce the misgivings of members who silently question their leaders’ anti-gay admonitions. The goal would be to reinforce any pro-gay leanings among individuals rather than to attack the church in general–this is, after all, an outreach effort to the marginalized as much as it is an attempt to minimize the impact of the LDS political machine on the freedom and happiness of our gay friends and neighbors. Of course, some members and leaders will be offended no matter what, but they’re already too far gone to save.
Please email me or comment below if you’re interested in helping in any way–even if you live outside of California and can only contribute ideas and emotional support.
23 responses so far ↓
1 Elaine // Aug 12, 2008 at 8:10 am
I think that if you want to stand in front of churches with signs, perhaps you should think about having those signs carry scriptures that support inclusiveness and compassion. A positive statement that supports these ideas with words that members of the churches already believe are the word of God will go a long way, I think, to making them consider the contrast between those scriptures and the positions taken by their church leaders.
Just an idea.
2 John // Aug 12, 2008 at 9:04 am
I had the idea of actually doing the same thing, inside the building, but with “vote *for* Prop 8″ signs. That is, don’t protest *against* it. Make it excessively political *for* Prop 8. I’d even like to post a “Keep California Straight, Vote Prop 8″ sign right on the podium. Of course, everyone would feel really uncomfortable. But why? Why should they feel uncomfortable if that’s the church’s position? Is it, maybe, that turning church services into a political venue makes people feel uncomfortable? Well, then….
See what I mean? Carry signs that excessively *support* the church’s position. Shame them into realizing that they’re turning church into an official venue for political discussion. It’s the ol’ Elder Colbert technique.
3 Chino Blanco // Aug 12, 2008 at 9:57 am
I noticed your “spam” at some random site, and so I’d like to drop a little spam here of my own that I think might interest you:
ANNOUNCEMENT!!!
Coalition meeting of all organizations and groups in Orange County working towards the Freedom to Marry and ultimately true Marriage Equality!
Who: As many representatives from different organizations/groups as possible working for Marriage Equality in Orange County
What: Marriage Equality Coalition (1st Meeting)
When: Thursday, August 21st, 2008, 2:30pm
Where: Irvine United Congregational Church
4915 Alton Parkway
Irvine, CA 92604
(949) 733-0220
How: By all coming together in one place at one time
Why: To network, figure out how we can help each other, see what each of us is doing in the fight for marriage equality right now, strategize together, inform each other, meet each other…
If you have any questions please contact Erin Weller, OC Chapter Coordinator for Progressive Christians Uniting, at eweller@pcu-la.org or (714) 721-6554.
Note: This meeting is not being orchestrated by Progressive Christians Uniting, and PCU is in no way attempting to necessarily bring more people to work specifically with PCU. The idea stemmed from PCU’s OC Marriage Equality Strategy Team. The group felt that there was a lot going on in Orange County around marriage equality, but that not everyone knew everyone involved, and felt that that needed to change. PCU is hoping to help bring people together, secular or faith driven, Christian or of another faith, to sit around one table and get to know one another. We must come together and work together if we are to win this very important fight for the freedom to marry.
And please PASS THIS MESSAGE ON!
We want to get as many representatives around the table as possible!!!
Erin Weller
OC Chapter Coordinator
Progressive Christians Uniting
see.pray.act.
http://www.progressivechristiansuniting.org
4 Chino Blanco // Aug 12, 2008 at 10:05 am
As long as I’m spamming, here’s another event - more like an action - that I’ve been trying to promote, but I’m lacking local (Irvine) support:
The Irvine PR company that runs the “Yes on 8” media campaign is holding an Open House on:
Thursday, August 14th, 2008
5:30 p.m - 8:30 p.m.
2020 Main Street
Irvine, CA 92614
All those opposed to Prop 8 are invited to attend and/or rally at 2020 Main on August 14th.
Details here:
http://www.calitics.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=6587
I am still looking for someone local to help coordinate. If you or anyone you know would be agreeable to helping by providing a local telephone contact number, that’d be great.
I’m not local, so won’t be able to attend, but I’m keen to continue with helping promote turnout and would also like to pay for “No on 8″ swag for the event. I’ve got a budget of $500 that I’d like to see spent on banners, yard signs, etc. All I’d ask is that the signs and banners be in place for the duration of the 3-hour Open House. After the event, the swag would be yours to keep.
If you or your group would be interested in taking me up on this offer, please drop a comment at my blog.
http://chinoblanco.blogspot.com
Cheers,
Chino
5 wren // Aug 12, 2008 at 10:07 am
I don’t think most people would be bothered by excessive politics inside. They’d probably applaud it. That’s the problem with sheep. Most follow the perceived shepherd.
I second Elaine’s idea about scripture quoting.
I posted a note on my facebook page last week because I was dismayed at the number of my friends joining “traditional family” and “protect marriage” groups. I mused that were the internet around 150 years ago who would be joining the “traditional plantation” groups. At least plantation owners had something to lose. No one’s marriage is in jeopardy from someone else getting married. I pleaded with my friends to think about why this position is defensible. I also pointed out if the defense was scripture then people better be prepared to follow *all* scripture and how different their lives would be.
The only response I got was a passive aggressive one - a friend made a point to post a “yes on prop 8″ group she joined last week to her profile. This whole thing is blatantly offensive. Would Jim Crow laws be defended the same way? Meh, probably.
I am so glad that it is becoming less and less popular to discriminate against adults who are not hurting anyone.
Maybe signs that acknowledge those who are in a minority would help because it would rattle the rest of them and at the same time buoy those who feel alone? Something like “Thanks to those to swim against the tide. You’re not alone.” along with other ones that indicate why you’re there (anti-discrimination, etc).
Other options - “Protect the family. Vote No on Prop 8″ If you want to do this at lds chapels you can spin off their ads… “Family, isn’t it about time? Vote NO on Prop 8!”
6 Elaine // Aug 12, 2008 at 11:32 am
I really like that last one, Wren: “Family…isn’t it about time? Vote NO on Prop 8!”, if only for the fact that it is likely to make people stop and think a minute, because they will be expecting it to say “Vote YES” after the family-friendly sentiment at the beginning. And if you get people to stop and think even for a second, you’re ahead of the game. After all, thinking really is a subversive activity…in the best way possible.
7 Chandelle // Aug 12, 2008 at 12:57 pm
“It fits well with Mind on Fire’s mission to reach out to the marginalized within religious institutions, to promote a progressive agenda around issues concerning gender and sexual orientation, and to smack religious institutions down whenever official representatives start acting like patriarchal assholes.”
John…you are hereby worshiped. Best. Line. Ever.
8 wren // Aug 12, 2008 at 3:40 pm
John, how’s this for motivation? I made these just for you.
I’m putting in 2 separate comments because it seems like i get caught in the spam filter if I post more than one link per comment.
Isn’t it about time? example 1
9 wren // Aug 12, 2008 at 3:41 pm
And Isn’t it about time? example 2
10 cchrissyy // Aug 12, 2008 at 5:10 pm
I don’t like any “yes on 8″ or “no on 8″ signs, because even as a Californian with strong opinions on the issue, I can’t quite remember which way the amendment language is written… the example in comment 9 sure gets it across though. Be sure to include an image so people don’t skim your message and assume by holding a pro-family sign near a church you must be on the anti-marriage-rights side of things.
11 mimosa // Aug 12, 2008 at 5:48 pm
This site was started by several mormons as a way to educate other mormons about why the amendment is a bad idea. The videos which are being added over the next few weeks will be particularly powerful. Some are up now, and others are still being filmed.
http://www.mormonsformarriage.com
12 John // Aug 12, 2008 at 6:05 pm
Thanks, everyone for the advice and info and offers of support.
Chino, your spam is welcome in this thread!
I’m not sure if I can make it to either event you mentioned,, but I am going to try to get involved with the PCU group. I’m a big fan of the IUCC pastor.
John (not me John), I love your idea, though it won’t work for me. I’m not even sure if you could pull it off. You’d need to reinvent your persona, or have someone with seemingly impeccable conservative credentials give it a go.
Now if you could surreptitiously stick a bunch of leaflets in the hymnals or something, that would be awesome!
13 John // Aug 12, 2008 at 6:09 pm
Chandelle, that’s the power of the Word! Justice Now! (I’m just the messenger)
Wren and Elaine, I really found your suggestions helpful. I’m going to start thinking along those lines. I’m also going to try to start networking with my Quaker and IUCC contacts, and emailing some Mo friends.
14 amelia // Aug 12, 2008 at 10:34 pm
i’ve been looking for a way to get more involved–beyond the rainbow ribbon i wear to church and the buzzed hair, both rather silent statements and therefore easily overlooked. i’ll give this a bit of thought. don’t know if i’ll come up with anything new, but keep me posted.
15 mimosa // Aug 13, 2008 at 1:21 pm
One other site, a bit more militant:
signforsomething.com
16 mimosa // Aug 13, 2008 at 1:22 pm
Oops, signforsomething.org
17 Chino Blanco // Aug 13, 2008 at 5:46 pm
Thank you for permission to spam! I look forward to following this blog and hearing about any new actions in the months ahead. On my side, we’re live at TheLiberalOC with our alert:
http://www.theliberaloc.com/2008/08/13/action-alert-tell-the-right-wing-consultants-no-to-prop-8/
Here’s to Prop 8 going down in flames. Rock on.
18 xJane // Aug 14, 2008 at 4:59 pm
I ditto Elaine’s positive spin: using scripture that supports compassion certainly can’t get anyone’s goat, and keeping the debate positive is always a good thing.
wren said “No one’s marriage is in jeopardy from someone else getting married.” hear, hear. Also? I love your flickr signs. I’d put that on my website, can I steal it and upload them to Facebook? (where I also just changed my “available” message, because you’re right! we have to make this a subject people are talking about.
Also, there’s an ad out right now paid for by Equality California with the tag line “What if you couldn’t marry who you loved?”, which are very clever. I can’t link to them because they’re not available online. Here, however, is a very funny vid that I’m not sure where it came from, but it’s funny. And summarizes my feelings on the subject quite nicely. Prolly NSFW, but worth it (no nudity or swearing).
19 wren // Aug 14, 2008 at 7:15 pm
Yes, please. Save the images and pass them on! The credit for the original image is on the photo and they gave them creative commons licenses so use, use, use.
I finally got a response on my Facebook note about this issue of marriage and it really saddens me that I have friends who think this way. Among other things, this Californian’s response included the ever popular “It was Adam and Even not Adam and Steve” response and “since they can’t reproduce it’s not right.” Never mind that fertility testing is not required for straight people to get married. The majority of their response was based on “God’s word” . Never mind as well that I pointed out in my original note that if scripture is used as justification people better be prepared to apply all scriptures to their own life. And wow, how lousy would that be, especially as a woman?
This is the ignorance you’re up against.
When I was a Christian if I couldn’t back up a commandment with some logic/science/common sense, I usually tossed it as an opinion, not God’s word. (I had to do this a lot with Paul’s writings. ) Try as I might, I can’t come up with a legitimate reason to discriminate against adults who love each other.
I am trying to reach out in love to my friends who aren’t on the same page regarding this issue. I know there is culture and habits that have to be cut through and it may be a long process. Maybe some of them never will be and they’ll be like some members of the older generations who still harbor race discrimination. I’m reminding myself that the me of a few years ago believed different things than I do today and that people can change.
20 LRC // Aug 14, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Some of our friends have created support groups within their wards where they can meet in person to vent and plan and discuss as necessary. [And possibly find things to otherwise occupy their time during the precinct walking/calling projects.]
Other friends are sending copies of Carol Lynn Pearson’s “No More Goodbyes” to their local leaders (Stake Presidents, Bishops, etc.)
If you go to zazzle.com and search for the term (in quotes) “prop 8″, there’s an array of buttons, shirts, etc., including “Family: It’s about time” stuff.
I’ve also heard of tie tacks that say “straight but not narrow” and of bumper stickers that say, “Protect Marriage, Vote No on 8″ (I think that one’s at cafepress).
The Log Cabin Republicans recently came out against prop 8 and are developing their website, if that helps anyone.
And, as mimosa said, mormonsformarriage has quite a bit of information and stories that can be used to make LDS homosexuality more personal - it’s harder to lump people together in a group as “other” when you have personal examples and experience that help them seem more like you.
Good luck with all your efforts!
21 Love Makes a Family « Uncommon Vistas // Aug 15, 2008 at 8:10 am
[…] in politics again. It’s about time I make up for my earlier pacifism and add my voice to the many which are in favor of marriage equality for all citizens. If marriage is good for heterosexuals, […]
22 Zach Alexander // Aug 16, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Whatever you do, it’ll be awesome, I know it.
If you do anything in “real life,” I’d encourage you to take lots of photos so other people will be more inspired to do something similar.
23 xJane // Aug 19, 2008 at 6:40 am
“Straight but not narrow”, I like that. Here’s the commercial I was talking about, it’s now up on YouTube.
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