BRINGING LEROY BUTLER TO ST. DUNSTAN’S
http://www.stdunstans.com/wp/members/bringing-leroy-butler-to-st-dunstans/
I’m writing to share some exciting news with you. Some of you may have heard that Jason Collins recently became the first NBA player to come out as gay. LeRoy Butler, a former Green Bay Packers star, sent a message of congratulations to Collins by way of Twitter. Butler had been scheduled to do an anti-bullying presentation at an unnamed church. That church pressured Butler to withdraw his support for Collins, and when he refused, they cancelled his appearance.
Like many Christian leaders, I saw that story go by and thought, “Oh, no – another story that will reinforce the widely-held public view that Christians are intolerant and exclusionary. I wish we could invite Butler to come speak here!” Then one of our vestry members, Robert Chappell, came to me with a question: why not do more than wish? Why not invite him? LeRoy’s speaking fee is substantial but Robert is confident, given the broad public interest in this story, that we can attract donations from supporters far and wide. People are already asking how to send us checks, and we will soon have a Kickstarter campaign up on the internet, which will allow folks to pledge their financial support for this event.
As it became clear that our invitation to LeRoy might get some attention, I spent a little time gathering my own thoughts about this matter and why I believe it’s an appropriate opportunity for Christian witness. Let me share that here, in case it helps you answer your own questions, or those of others. I look at the life and teachings of Jesus and see a consistent theme of reaching out in love and acceptance to those who were on the margins of society, for all kinds of reasons. Jesus spent a lot of time with people who were excluded and stigmatized, telling them about God’s love. That’s why the Episcopal Church has been moving in the direction of fully affirming the gifts and the relationships of our gay and lesbian members. Further, I believe, with many other Christians, that following Christ means standing with those who are being marginalized or treated unjustly for whatever reason. And continuing to stand with them even when it’s hard, even when it upsets somebody. That’s what LeRoy did, and that’s why we want to welcome him and support him.
Details of LeRoy’s visit are still being worked out but we’re looking at June 16 as the date. His talk with have an anti-bullying theme, & we’re hoping to reach out and involve other church youth groups in the area. We expect this event to be largely or fully funded by donations from outside of our parish.
TV Coverage, WMTV Madison -
http://www.nbc15.com/video?videoid=2594483
If you can help financially, please click
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