Scripture tells us in Galatians 3:28:
There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male or female. For all are one in God’s eyes
Very often, members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community are the victims of hate, violence and rejection by government and our churches. Hundreds of thousands have committed suicide because they believe those in power who tell them they are deviants, worthless or pariahs. There is no one there to remind them of the Creator’s love unless we do.
Governments and society reduce the LGBT community to a second-class status, not recognizing their right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness through vindictive legislation. This give segments of our society the sense that it is acceptable to wage a war of discrimination and violence against those not like themselves. The gay community is not free to live their own lives as productive members of society.
Quoting Martin Luther King, Jr.:
“all are not truly free if one is oppressed”.
Let us pray:
God of all people, all shapes and all sizes, all races and all nationalities, all orientations and identities, and all abilities, we pray for all those who will struggle as victims of bullying and violence. We pray for those who will be teased relentlessly verbally and online. We pray for those who will be physically assaulted because they are different.
Help us to recognise the divine image in each one of us, however different we may be as individuals. Help us to resist the pressures of others who want us to join them in making someone a victim of their cruelty. Help us to know that in hurting others we are harming our better selves and hurting you. Hold in your loving arms those who are victims of the prejudice and violence because of gender identity.
Let us be the ones who extend the arms of love and work diligently so that all people may live without fear and be truly free.
Amen
The Rev deniray mueller, We Believe Ohio Call For Prayer For Justice And Peace, Ohio Statehouse, 4 April 2012
