Preacher: Rev. Jason Carson Wilson

Date: June 18, 2023

Scripture: Psalm 139: 13-14

Audio can be found here: via Google Drive

Psalm 139:13-14 says, “for you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because i am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, i know that full well.” these verses highlight the fact that the creator is intimately involved in the creation of every human being, and that each person is uniquely and wonderfully made by the creator.”

If the creator is, indeed, intimately involved in the forming of every human being, the fact that some of us are fabulous creations should be no surprise to our maker. Despite how the clobber passages have been twisted to perpetuate a homophobic agenda, some bible stories chronicle the lives of people who seemed to be part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

The tale of David and Jonathan’s amazing relationship highlights a strong same-sex bond. People quick to dispel that claim cling to the notion that their connection was platonic.

However, the bible tells us David loved Jonathan more than a woman. An ancient society fueled by patriarchy and the original strain of toxic masculinity required men loved and subjugated only women publicly in some circles. While homosexuality was practiced at that time, nobody was living loud and proud. That included a centurion, who invited Jesus into his home, and would invite him to heal his lover.

Each person is uniquely and wonderfully made.

Although centuries of translators asserted that the story involved a centurion and his servant, the Greek word, pais, means different things in different contexts. In the context of this story, it meant lover rather than servant. Pondering the reality that Jesus’ entered the home of a presumably gay couple and left without condemning them leaves me questioning the clobber passages. If we truly believe Jesus is god, how can it be claimed that god hates gay people or lesbian, bisexual, intersex, and transgender people? After all, based on this story, Jesus not only refused to judge them, but gathered with them.

Each person is uniquely and wonderfully made.

Maybe just maybe the creator and Jesus know that LGBTQIA+ people are fearfully and wonderfully made like everyone else. Their sexual orientation or gender identity does not change that reality, no matter what conservative theologians and translators say. God’s love is all-encompassing and does not discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Well, how do i know?

This black gay faith leader spent his childhood in a conservative non-denominational evangelical church, where the pastor declared all boys should be ministers and all girls be ministers’ wives. Faith crusaders church was founded by a Nazarene preacher, who left that denomination after it became too liberal on divorce. God called me–not the pastor–to ministry at age 6 in its sanctuary. God’s still speaking voice echoed in my ear while walking to the altar. The creator’s continued whispers in my ear drowned out homophobic messages claiming that the creator didn’t love people like me. However, they eventually taught me that that church was no place for me–especially after the church outed me. That prompted me to become a spiritual nomad, which included brief visits to liberal United Methodist and United Church of Christ congregations. There, i received a reminder.

Each person is uniquely and wonderfully made.

Distrust of church–not the creator–became my burden for years. They were years spent running from my call.

Even while running from that call, this faith leader knew parish ministry wasn’t in the cards. Becoming my childhood pastor, who inflicted church hurt on me and others as well as led a self-centered ministry, was my worst fear. That reality and intrinsic desire to change the world led me toward social justice ministry, even if language describing it or examples were elusive.

Journalism became my way of sharing the good news. Ironically, interviewing the families of seven victims, thanks to a UCC lesbian clergy couple, revealed what social justice ministry could look like. That revelation came from the creator encouraging me to find a way to humanize the murdered black women before black lives matter became a hashtag. But, distrust of the church delayed my response to this epiphany.

Each person is uniquely and wonderfully made.

Trusting the church dehumanized, demonized, and demoralized me and so many other LGBTQIA+ people seemed nearly impossible. Bastardized theology and a version of Christianity lulled some people, who recently refused to wear masks to protect themselves from COVID, to advocate wearing masks to protect themselves from aids. It inspired them to elect a president who couldn’t say aids nearly 6 years into the epidemic and where administration officials as well as alleged journalists found death and destruction funny. Let’s not forget the alleged Christians claiming aids was god’s punishment.

However, a voice in my wilderness shattered my stereotypical view. Interviewing the rev. Donnley Dutcher, retired pastor of St. John united Church of Christ, was literally the first step to my rediscovering church, beginning my ordination journey, and finding ways to create safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ people.

Each person is uniquely and wonderfully made.

That’s what Jesus would do. He did it for the centurion and his lover. Jesus healed his beloved without judged. Meanwhile, many LGBTQIA+ people lucky enough to survive the judgment of people of claiming to love Jesus never get the chance to heal. Inflicting theologically justified pain has become a spiritual practice and cottage industry. The late Rev. Pat Robertson was just one of the LGBTQIA+-phobic industrial complex’s patron saints. Descendants of the moral majority have rebranded their terrorism that’s come in the form of banning books, Bud Light, and drag shows. Meanwhile, burning crosses, wearing hoods, and murdering transgender people remains acceptable.

Each person is uniquely and wonderfully made.

Pride month–like black history month–always inspires moronic questions like, “why do they need a month?” In recent days, another ignorant questions is posed incessantly. “why do they have to shove it down our throats?” In other words, why do they have to exist? Coming out and basking in pride aren’t about fulfilling an agenda. They’re about celebrating the creator’s fabulous masterpieces. And, why must we LGBTQIA+ people emerge from our closets, cocoons, and shells? Most often, it’s to own our identities and not be forced to live a lie. Sometimes, being asked why we don’t have a girlfriend or boyfriend yet ad nauseam drives us to live our truth. Frankly, the why of coming out isn’t important. Choosing to live your truth should require no explanation. Jesus never demanded an explanation from the centurion and his lover. Why do aunt betty or pastor jack deserve one?

Each person is uniquely and wonderfully made.

Pride month is a celebration of the diversity and uniqueness of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of LGBTQIA+ people, as well as to advocate for their rights and equality. As Christians, we are called to love and accept all people, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. We should strive to create a world where LGBTQIA+ people can live their lives without fear of discrimination or harm.

Psalm 139:13-14 reminds us that every person is uniquely and wonderfully made by god, and that his love extends to all people, including LGBTQIA+ individuals. As Christians, we should strive to love and accept all people, and support their right to live their lives with dignity and respect.

Each person is uniquely and wonderfully made.

Pride be with you.