« Action Alert: Tell the NBA to Address Homophobia |
Main
| ITLA Mourns the Loss of Yolanda Denise King »
PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release
Contact: ITLA Communications
346 Auburn Ave, NE Suite 126
Atlanta, GA 30312
678-799-8526 | 404-506-9730 FAX
www.inthelifeatl.com
World’s largest black gay pride organization applauds Atlanta metro churches acceptance of black gay men and women
(April 3rd, 2007 – Atlanta, GA) –In response to the article run by the New York Times, For Some Black Pastors, Accepting Gay Members Means Losing Other, In the Life Atlanta Inc. (ITLA), organizer of the world’s largest black gay pride organization, is applauding the courage of Atlanta metro churches to extend their welcome to include black gay men and women and the New York Times for covering the story.
The New York Times article, which ran on March 27th, discussed how some black churches in Atlanta are preaching acceptance of gays and lesbians, despite the risk of losing membership and financial security. Two churches in particular, Victory Church in Stone Mountain, led by Reverend Kenneth L. Samuel and Tabernacle Baptist Church led by Reverend Dennis Meredith have faced adverse reactions from loyal members to open their hearts and doors to the gay community.
“We commend these churches for standing up and opening their arms to the gay black community,” says Kenneth Jones, ITLA Board President, “We are part of the Black Churches’ leadership and the congregants’ brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. As an organization, we applaud these churches, their leadership, and congregants who realize that all members of the human family are rightful recipients of God’s love and worthy of love and acceptance.”
Too often, many black churches do not include or preach acceptance of gay men and women. This lack of acceptance is experienced daily by members of the LGBT communities. “It is no surprise that we are faced with some very unique health issues that include HIV/AIDS, heart disease, obesity, certain cancers, and mental illnesses all exacerbated by merely being both Black and Gay or Lesbian,” comments Jones.
In the Life Atlanta, Inc. plans to continues its outreach and collaboration with several black ministers in Atlanta that support, accept, and welcome the gay community. Additionally, the organization is in discussions with community allies and organizations to push for dialogue with non-supportive churches, especially those in the metro Atlanta area.
###
In the Life Atlanta, Inc. serves to promote unity, pride, self-empowerment, and positive visibility within Atlanta's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender community of African descent through education, advocacy, and coalition building programs.
April 4, 2007 9:37 AM | Permalink
