A message from Jonathan Ealy, OUTMemphis Executive Director:
John 13:34 states “[Christ] gave a new commandment to you: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so must you love one another.”
We are very disheartened and disappointed by the recent video footage taken at the 111th Holy Convocation of the Church of God In Christ in which one of their principal officers is shown using derogatory slurs to describe members of the LGBTQ+ community. Terms such as those used at the Convocation have no place in our society and places of worship where people of all walks of life go to receive guidance and hope. It is our hope members of the COGIC leadership will consider meeting with local LGBTQ+ religious leaders to discuss solutions to keep harmful rhetoric as displayed at the Convocation from becoming part of their public messaging.
In the end, the second part of greatest commandment is to love your neighbor as thyself. Language like that used at the Convocation only widens the divide, which goes against all of the teachings of Christ. It is our sincere hope the COGIC fellowship will remember these words as they prepare to return to Memphis is 2021.
