The Same As The Rest

So, this week I've been struck by the story of Tyler Clementi, if you don't know his story, shame on you. I've read the posts. I know many people died that day in unjust ways, heroic ways, and natural ways. Every life mattered. This one is special, not because of Tyler's sexuality per se, but that we still live in a world where people find it hard to keep on living. As a Christian minister, I can't help but be struck by the role that the church has played in creating an environment that someone's sexuality can be considered odd enough to prank. I'm angry for the lack of space that the body of Christ has offered to kids who are trying to discover who they are. This past year, a colleague and I attended a convention of christian youth workers. One afternoon we attended a panel of ministry to gay teenagers. I assumed the group would be discussing how to care for them, help them self-identify, protect them, etc. Instead, the questions surrounded the idea of what to do when one of "them" enters the youth group. What do you do? How to you treat them? I watched in amazement as the discussions focused on the sexuality of the kid - someone going so far as to say "love the sinner, hate the sin". It was only my partner who began to bring sanity back when she said "You treat a gay teenager the same way you treat a straight teenager - you love them".  I wish I could tell you that everyone sighed and said "oh, yeah...thanks". But arguments ensued. I was dumfounded.

I have no desire here to be eloquent. I want it to be made very clear where I stand and what I believe our call to kids is supposed to be. Our call is to love every single teenager who wants us to love them - not in spite of who they are but BECAUSE of who they are. We tell them about Jesus and invite them on the adventure of faith with us. We protect them, celebrate them, and be the first one in anyones face who dares to say a word against them.

As Jesus went with Tyler into the river His heart broke. Not because this kid was gay, but because there was room in His house at his table and no one ever told him so.

God forgive us.