Challenging the Religious Right on the Air

On Sunday at 5:30 pm EST, I will be the featured commentator on Air America's "State of Belief." This new show is sponsored by The Interfaith Alliance to bring progressive religious voices into the public square. I'm honored to have been asked to talk about the work of the Religious Institute. You can listen live on the radio or online, or on Monday, you can download the show or my commentary as a podcast. Goodness, my first blogs and first podcast all in the same month! Here's an excerpt.

Organized religion has contributed to the cultural confusion about sexuality. Many of us grew up in faith communities that taught that our sexual feelings were wrong. We may have learned that homosexuality, masturbation, premarital sex, or even pleasure is wrong. Or our religion may have simply been silent about sexuality, ignoring the intimate connection between sexuality and spirituality.

But that’s changing. There is a growing movement in the United States to reclaim the authentic religious voice that affirms our sexuality as one of God’s most life fulfilling and life sustaining gifts. It is a movement that is firmly based in Scripture and religious tradition.

Almost 2500 clergy and theologians from more than 40 religious denominations have endorsed the Religious Declaration on Sexual Morality, Justice, and Healing. These faith leaders advocate for full inclusion of women and sexual minorities, sexuality education, and sexual and reproductive rights.

We are challenging the so-called morality of the Religious Right, asking is it moral to coerce women into carrying a pregnancy to term? Is it moral to deny young people life saving information? Is it moral to tell committed couples that they cannot marry or gays and lesbians that they are not welcome in our pulpits? The answer is a resounding "NO."

TUNE IN. And don't forget to change your clocks.