"Cashman denounces new President of the United Nations' 'unacceptable' views on homosexuality"
Taking his post at the opening of the 64th General Assembly of the United Nations, on 15 September 2009, Libyan Ali Abdussalam Treki suggested that homosexuality was unacceptable.
The newly-elected President was asked during his press conference about the UN Resolution calling for the universal decriminalisation of homosexuality. "That matter is very sensitive, very touchy. As a Muslim, I am not in favour of it...it is not accepted by the majority of the countries. My opinion is not in favour of this matter at all, I think it is not really acceptable by our religion, our tradition", he said.
Reacting to his words, Michael Cashman, President of the European Parliament's Intergroup on LGBT rights called on the President to "think again" and reminded him that "he is there to defend the principles of the United Nations and that includes the Universal Declaration Human Rights Act 1948 and all following amendments and covenants of rights, including LGBT Human Rights".
"Such statements are totally inappropriate and unacceptable. He must now speak on behalf of those who do not have a voice and forget his religious beliefs which must remain private. He must realise that the implications of his words could legitimise violence towards LGBT people", said the Member of the European Parliament.
The Resolution in favour of the decriminalisation of homosexuality was signed by 66 countries and passed last December. It was met with strong resistance from a group of Leaders who challenged it, but failed, with a counter-statement condemning homosexuality.
ENDS
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
UPR Comoros at UN Geneva Sept 2009
UPR Comoros at UN Geneva September 2009
S.E.M. Mohammed Jaffar Abbas – Comores Secretaire General du Ministere de la Fonction Publique, des Reformes administrative et institutionnelles et des droits de l’homme.
Statement addressed very briefly the working group recommendation. Minister Abbas took time to respond to the NGO statement below by saying; I have said before that there are no prosecution of consenting adult of homosexuals yet. However Penal Code 318 to be reformed, we have to realise that there is a need to make changes. Its difficult to make provision on behalf of the people of Comoros towards Lesbians and gays. The State of Comoros welcome what has been said, we have enjoyed 30 years of independence and we wish to make Human rights for all a reality.
United Nations Human Right Council 12th Session
Geneva, September 2009.
UPR Comoros
International Lesbian and Gay Association (European Region)
Delivered by Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay – House Of Rainbow Nigeria
Thank you Mr. President.
I have the honour to present a statement on behalf of ILGA and Pan Africa ILGA.
We wish to address recommendation 4 in paragraph 66 of the Working Group report on Comoros.
This recommendation urges Comoros to “review provisions of the criminal law penalizing consensual same-sex-activity between adults and organise awareness-raising campaigns promoting tolerance in this regard”.
Same-sex activity between consenting adults is criminalised by article 318 of the Penal Code of Comoros. The UN Human Rights Committee has repeatedly confirmed that such laws violate the rights to both privacy and non-discrimination, contrary to articles 17(1) and 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Committee further considered that these laws “run counter to the implementation of effective education programmes in respect of HIV/AIDS prevention” by driving marginalised communities underground.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Pillay, has recently called on States to decriminalise sexual relations between consenting adults of the same sex, in accordance with international human rights law.
During the Working Group discussion, the delegation of Comoros responded that homosexuality is not prosecuted and the law not enforced. If this is the case, then we trust that the government should be willing to accept the recommendation and repealing the offending law. Even when not enforced, such laws undermine the human dignity of those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
We therefore urge Comoros to bring its Penal Code into conformity with its international human rights obligations by repealing those provisions which criminalise same-sex activity between consenting adults and to accept the recommendation to organize awareness-raising campaigns promoting tolerance in this regard.
Thank you Mr President.
S.E.M. Mohammed Jaffar Abbas – Comores Secretaire General du Ministere de la Fonction Publique, des Reformes administrative et institutionnelles et des droits de l’homme.
Statement addressed very briefly the working group recommendation. Minister Abbas took time to respond to the NGO statement below by saying; I have said before that there are no prosecution of consenting adult of homosexuals yet. However Penal Code 318 to be reformed, we have to realise that there is a need to make changes. Its difficult to make provision on behalf of the people of Comoros towards Lesbians and gays. The State of Comoros welcome what has been said, we have enjoyed 30 years of independence and we wish to make Human rights for all a reality.
United Nations Human Right Council 12th Session
Geneva, September 2009.
UPR Comoros
International Lesbian and Gay Association (European Region)
Delivered by Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay – House Of Rainbow Nigeria
Thank you Mr. President.
I have the honour to present a statement on behalf of ILGA and Pan Africa ILGA.
We wish to address recommendation 4 in paragraph 66 of the Working Group report on Comoros.
This recommendation urges Comoros to “review provisions of the criminal law penalizing consensual same-sex-activity between adults and organise awareness-raising campaigns promoting tolerance in this regard”.
Same-sex activity between consenting adults is criminalised by article 318 of the Penal Code of Comoros. The UN Human Rights Committee has repeatedly confirmed that such laws violate the rights to both privacy and non-discrimination, contrary to articles 17(1) and 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The Committee further considered that these laws “run counter to the implementation of effective education programmes in respect of HIV/AIDS prevention” by driving marginalised communities underground.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Pillay, has recently called on States to decriminalise sexual relations between consenting adults of the same sex, in accordance with international human rights law.
During the Working Group discussion, the delegation of Comoros responded that homosexuality is not prosecuted and the law not enforced. If this is the case, then we trust that the government should be willing to accept the recommendation and repealing the offending law. Even when not enforced, such laws undermine the human dignity of those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.
We therefore urge Comoros to bring its Penal Code into conformity with its international human rights obligations by repealing those provisions which criminalise same-sex activity between consenting adults and to accept the recommendation to organize awareness-raising campaigns promoting tolerance in this regard.
Thank you Mr President.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
UPR Congo Republic at UN Geneva Sept 2009
UPR Congo Republic at UN Geneva September 2009.
Madame Rosaline Kama Niamayoua, Ministre L’enseignement Primaire et Secondaire, charge de I’Alphabetisation de la Republique du Congo. In her address responding to the universal review, that Congo plan to ratify many international convention including laws to protect migrant workers, children, protection of persons against disappearances, alienating sexual exploitation, arbitrary detention (following the regular inspection of prison and transparency in this effort), also implement laws for the punishment of genocide and human trafficking offenders. Congo also plans to include education on Human Rights in schools and teaching institute.
On the issues that we have presented the Minister failed initially to address concern with regards to LGBT people on matters of sexual orientation and gender identity. See our response below.
Madame Niamayaoua responded to our statement by saying “It would not be right for the government to make decision against the culture and custom (these are matters of public concerns and opinion).
We take into account your concerns, it is not easy to implement such an action at this present time. Congo will do her best to review and see how these issues can and/or be addressed and discussed, we hope it can be discussed in the future. (This is the first positive voice from a government official from the Congo on Sexual Orientation and gender identity)
United Nations Human Right Council 12th Session
Geneva, September 2009.
On the issues that we have presented the Minister failed initially to address concern with regards to LGBT people on matters of sexual orientation and gender identity. See our response below.
Madame Niamayaoua responded to our statement by saying “It would not be right for the government to make decision against the culture and custom (these are matters of public concerns and opinion).
We take into account your concerns, it is not easy to implement such an action at this present time. Congo will do her best to review and see how these issues can and/or be addressed and discussed, we hope it can be discussed in the future. (This is the first positive voice from a government official from the Congo on Sexual Orientation and gender identity)
United Nations Human Right Council 12th Session
Geneva, September 2009.
UPR Congo
International Lesbian and Gay Association (European Region)
Delivered by Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay – House Of Rainbow.
International Lesbian and Gay Association (European Region)
Delivered by Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay – House Of Rainbow.
Mr President
I have the honour to present a statement on behalf of ILGA and Pan Africa ILGA.
We wish to address the recommendations contained in paragraphs 23, 27 and 59 in the Working Group report on Congo, which urge the government to repeal article 331 of the Penal Code to decriminalize same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults, with a view to more effective HIV/AIDS education, prevention and treatment.
While we appreciate the government’s position on the difficulties regarding cultural problems and sociological implications and that no-one is currently in detention because of their homosexuality, the current penal code of Congo continues to threaten the existence of sexual minorities, and this law also violates the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Congo is a party.
According to the United Nations Human Rights Committee's 1994 ruling in the case Toonen v. Australia, laws criminalizing homosexual conduct violate the international rights to privacy and non-discrimination, and impede measures to address HIV and AIDS by driving marginalised communities underground, a position also affirmed by UNAIDS and the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
In Congo all men who have sex with men, do not necessarily identify as homosexuals. The lack of legislation to protect Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual and Transgender people continues to have a negative impact on important HIV prevention work for the gay and lesbian community, and this we believe is a threat to public health.
We therefore urge the government to implement the recommendations of member states and take further action:
· To repeal the penal code provision which criminalizes homosexual activity between consenting adults, and review other national legislation which results in the discrimination, prosecution and punishment of people solely for their sexual orientation or gender identity and bring this into line with the provisions of the ICCPR, particularly articles 2 and 26.
· We also ask the government to adopt measures to promote tolerance in this regard, which would also facilitate more effective educational programmes for prevention of HIV/AIDS; and
· to provide law enforcement and judicial officials with specific training regarding the protection of human rights of sexual minorities.
Thank you very much Mr President.
I have the honour to present a statement on behalf of ILGA and Pan Africa ILGA.
We wish to address the recommendations contained in paragraphs 23, 27 and 59 in the Working Group report on Congo, which urge the government to repeal article 331 of the Penal Code to decriminalize same-sex sexual activity between consenting adults, with a view to more effective HIV/AIDS education, prevention and treatment.
While we appreciate the government’s position on the difficulties regarding cultural problems and sociological implications and that no-one is currently in detention because of their homosexuality, the current penal code of Congo continues to threaten the existence of sexual minorities, and this law also violates the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Congo is a party.
According to the United Nations Human Rights Committee's 1994 ruling in the case Toonen v. Australia, laws criminalizing homosexual conduct violate the international rights to privacy and non-discrimination, and impede measures to address HIV and AIDS by driving marginalised communities underground, a position also affirmed by UNAIDS and the High Commissioner for Human Rights.
In Congo all men who have sex with men, do not necessarily identify as homosexuals. The lack of legislation to protect Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual and Transgender people continues to have a negative impact on important HIV prevention work for the gay and lesbian community, and this we believe is a threat to public health.
We therefore urge the government to implement the recommendations of member states and take further action:
· To repeal the penal code provision which criminalizes homosexual activity between consenting adults, and review other national legislation which results in the discrimination, prosecution and punishment of people solely for their sexual orientation or gender identity and bring this into line with the provisions of the ICCPR, particularly articles 2 and 26.
· We also ask the government to adopt measures to promote tolerance in this regard, which would also facilitate more effective educational programmes for prevention of HIV/AIDS; and
· to provide law enforcement and judicial officials with specific training regarding the protection of human rights of sexual minorities.
Thank you very much Mr President.
UPR Central Africa Republic at UN Geneva Sept 2009
His Excellency Mr Leopold Ismael Samba – Ambassador Permanent Representative of the Central Africa Republic to the UN at Geneva, addressed the assembly on the outstanding matters for review including death penalty legislations, ethnic minority, summary execution laws, gender base discrimination. He expressed that sex discrimination against women is a difficult problem alluded to cultural difficulties, problem with traditional practices, the abolition of polygamy is extremely difficult as it is seen as part of the culture, and the country is careful and reluctant to introduce and sign laws that prohibit these practices, however he welcomed the recommendations of prison wardens and the justice system, increase of awareness program has been launch by the President.
There is however no mention of the issues affecting LGBT people on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.
United Nations Human Right Council 12th Session Geneva, September 2009.UPR Central African RepublicInternational Lesbian and Gay Association (European Region)
Delivered by Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay - House Of Rainbow
Mr President,
I have the honour to present a statement on behalf of ILGA and Pan Africa ILGA.
We commend Central African Republic for its leadership, noted in the Working Group report, in supporting the joint statement on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity delivered at the UN General Assembly last December, on behalf of 67 States from all 5 UN regions.
Amongst other things, this statement urges States to take all the necessary measures “to ensure that sexual orientation or gender identity may under no circumstances be the basis for criminal penalties”.
In furtherance of this commitment, we are keen to find out what is the government’s response to recommendation 16 in paragraph 75, which recommends a full review of all national legislation relating to the principles of non-discrimination, particularly as it applies to women and sexual minorities.
In this regard, we respectfully urge the Central African Republic to:
a) To review its criminal legislation, particularly art. 195 of the Penal Code, to ensure that it does not discriminate on the ground of sexual orientation; b) To review all legislation to ensure no discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity;c) To take measures to recognise the sexual health and protect the rights of sexual minorities in accordance with international instruments.
We also welcome the support of the Central African Republic for recommendation 16 of para. 74 to ensure comprehensive training and education for all security forces and prison staff in human rights and international humanitarian law, and would encourage the government to include education about sexual orientation and gender identity issues within such training.
Finally, we appreciate the delegation’s constructive engagement in the UPR process, and thank you again for your leadership on these important human rights issues.
Thank you very much Mr President.
There is however no mention of the issues affecting LGBT people on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity.
United Nations Human Right Council 12th Session Geneva, September 2009.UPR Central African RepublicInternational Lesbian and Gay Association (European Region)
Delivered by Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay - House Of Rainbow
Mr President,
I have the honour to present a statement on behalf of ILGA and Pan Africa ILGA.
We commend Central African Republic for its leadership, noted in the Working Group report, in supporting the joint statement on human rights, sexual orientation and gender identity delivered at the UN General Assembly last December, on behalf of 67 States from all 5 UN regions.
Amongst other things, this statement urges States to take all the necessary measures “to ensure that sexual orientation or gender identity may under no circumstances be the basis for criminal penalties”.
In furtherance of this commitment, we are keen to find out what is the government’s response to recommendation 16 in paragraph 75, which recommends a full review of all national legislation relating to the principles of non-discrimination, particularly as it applies to women and sexual minorities.
In this regard, we respectfully urge the Central African Republic to:
a) To review its criminal legislation, particularly art. 195 of the Penal Code, to ensure that it does not discriminate on the ground of sexual orientation; b) To review all legislation to ensure no discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity;c) To take measures to recognise the sexual health and protect the rights of sexual minorities in accordance with international instruments.
We also welcome the support of the Central African Republic for recommendation 16 of para. 74 to ensure comprehensive training and education for all security forces and prison staff in human rights and international humanitarian law, and would encourage the government to include education about sexual orientation and gender identity issues within such training.
Finally, we appreciate the delegation’s constructive engagement in the UPR process, and thank you again for your leadership on these important human rights issues.
Thank you very much Mr President.
Rev Jide Macaulay Spoke at the UN Geneva
Rev Jide Macaulay Spoke at the UN Geneva
At the NGO event organised by the International Commission of Jurist, co sponsored by Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and the International Service for Human Rights; Subject - The Role of the International Human rights law protecting people of diverse sexual orientation and gender identities.
Speakers Include;
Lawrence Mute, Signatory to the Yogyakarta Principles, Commissioner with the Kenya National Commission on Human RightsArvind Narrain, co founder Alterrnative Law Forum IndiaVitit Muntarbhorn, co chair of the Yogyakarta experts' meeting ICJ commissioner, former chair of the coordination committee of the Special ProceduresModerator: Aliison Jernow, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Project, ICJ
Lawrence Mute, Signatory to the Yogyakarta Principles, Commissioner with the Kenya National Commission on Human RightsArvind Narrain, co founder Alterrnative Law Forum IndiaVitit Muntarbhorn, co chair of the Yogyakarta experts' meeting ICJ commissioner, former chair of the coordination committee of the Special ProceduresModerator: Aliison Jernow, Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Project, ICJ
Separation of State and Religion
Delivered by Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay @ the UN Geneva, 22nd September 2009.
Delivered by Revd Rowland Jide Macaulay @ the UN Geneva, 22nd September 2009.
Good afternoon, my name is Rowland Jide Macaulay, I am the founder and Director of a registered NGO in Nigeria called House Of Rainbow working for the inclusion of LGBT people of all faith founded in September 2006.
State sponsored homophobia or hate crimes disguised under the banner of religious exclusion and cultural alienation is affecting the lives of many LGBT people. UPR is a good process to highlight these issues
Yogyakarta Principles on the Application of International Human Rights Law in relation to Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Principle 21, THE RIGHT TO FREEDOM OF THOUGHT, CONSCIENCE AND RELIGION Says; Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. These rights may not be invoked by the State to justify laws, policies or practices which deny equal protection of the law, or discriminate, on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Nigerian government have twice between 2006 and 2009 proposed bills seeking to criminalise same sex relationship and restrict the assembly and freedom of the same, in addition to extremely harsh penalties including death under Sharia law.
[Many religious communities and leaders chose not just to alienate us from their mosques and churches, but many have incited and supported our government in the implementation and introduction of discriminatory laws.
Religious and State Homophobia is on the rampage, there is an increase in “Hate” Campaign against LGBT people. ]
Religious and State Homophobia is on the rampage, there is an increase in “Hate” Campaign against LGBT people. ]
It will be useful to merge the understanding of these tools with existing human rights tools at all level, including the African Charter on human and peoples rights
Since August 2007, 18 gay men have been waiting to be tried in the Northern Islamic State of Bauchi for offences under the vagrancy Act with a link to sexual orientation and gender identity.
Our project which provides services and other support for LGBT people was forced to close its operations 12 months ago due to excessive media intrusion, religious and state sponsored homophobia. We seek the effort of the commissioners and state members for the separation of State and Religion.
Our project which provides services and other support for LGBT people was forced to close its operations 12 months ago due to excessive media intrusion, religious and state sponsored homophobia. We seek the effort of the commissioners and state members for the separation of State and Religion.
Thank You.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Another Extremist Voice of Hatred
Another Extremist Voice of Hatred
In our continuous effort to build and continue our work at House Of Rainbow, we set up a youtube video blog where messages are posted, this is a public forum and anyone anywhere can view the videos, whilst we have not restricted who post comments, I have received so many condemming messages of outright ignorance, threats and abuses. I am sending the below message to give you an example of the kind of abuse from extremist. Whilst I am aware of the openness to criticism facilitated by my open messages, I feel that these abuse should not be tolerated. It is difficult to know who posted this message, but I have indicated to Youtube that this is a spam and wait to see what happens. Your thoughts will be appreciated.
More grace more power
Rev Rowland Jide Macaulay;Director/Founder, House Of Rainbow
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Subject: Comment posted on "Nigerian Homosexual Pastor Introduced"From: service@youtube.comTo: ramacaulay@hotmail.comDate: Mon, 21 Sep 2009 14:55:45 -0700
help center e-mail options report spam chykxx has made a comment on Nigerian Homosexual Pastor Introduced:
"My Dear... Personaly i am coming after you and I will KILL You.... You will die and not live.. ANTICHRIST in Nigeria, God forbid.. I will seek you and Kill you Satan"
You can reply to this comment by visiting the comments page.
You can reply to this comment by visiting the comments page.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Rev. Robert Griffin On HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean: A deadly cycle of stigma and secrecy
Rev. Robert Griffin On HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean: A deadly cycle of stigma and secrecy
16 September 2009 -
Early this summer, Rev. Robert Griffin was invited by Micah Fink of PBS to take part in a taping of HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean specifically focusing on homophobia and religion in Jamaica through the outreach of Sunshine Cathedral in Jamaica.
The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting in association with the M·A·C AIDS Fund and the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism made this project possible as they focused on stigma and discrimination that prevents people around the world from accessing HIV prevention, care and treatment services they need. This is particularly true in areas of the Caribbean, such as Jamaica, where anti-sodomy laws and concerns about violence put vulnerable populations at extreme risk.
The first of the five part series will begin airing on the PBS series World Focus on Tuesday, September 22, please check local listing for timing. Also, web videos of all five pieces are also going to go live on the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting website early next week as well. The videos will, we believe, be available internationally at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102711461950&s=2375&e=001ryLqr7CjVV1sO6-H_lsM9JFr_Oabx9U2KHwvGMJQli4Cl4Z2Z2rYSg3JU9fpYvFemtnnVmhloySAsryi0yqGhAdvMwWBCp1lJqt7T0oWUfkEOC45cr3WfAbJB4hWOs5xBg0ruJTC2f7Xm1MB0sMjPw==.
For our associates in the New York area the series will kick off on Tuesday with two events, a viewing of the series at the Columbia University's School of Journalism at 4:00 PM followed by a reception/panel discussion at the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism. Seating is limited so if you plan to attend please RSVP to RSVP@pulitzercenter.org
We are uncertain as to how much of Sunshine Cathedral will be presented in this special; however we invite you to watch the series..
The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting in association with the M·A·C AIDS Fund and the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism made this project possible as they focused on stigma and discrimination that prevents people around the world from accessing HIV prevention, care and treatment services they need. This is particularly true in areas of the Caribbean, such as Jamaica, where anti-sodomy laws and concerns about violence put vulnerable populations at extreme risk.
The first of the five part series will begin airing on the PBS series World Focus on Tuesday, September 22, please check local listing for timing. Also, web videos of all five pieces are also going to go live on the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting website early next week as well. The videos will, we believe, be available internationally at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102711461950&s=2375&e=001ryLqr7CjVV1sO6-H_lsM9JFr_Oabx9U2KHwvGMJQli4Cl4Z2Z2rYSg3JU9fpYvFemtnnVmhloySAsryi0yqGhAdvMwWBCp1lJqt7T0oWUfkEOC45cr3WfAbJB4hWOs5xBg0ruJTC2f7Xm1MB0sMjPw==.
For our associates in the New York area the series will kick off on Tuesday with two events, a viewing of the series at the Columbia University's School of Journalism at 4:00 PM followed by a reception/panel discussion at the City University of New York Graduate School of Journalism. Seating is limited so if you plan to attend please RSVP to RSVP@pulitzercenter.org
We are uncertain as to how much of Sunshine Cathedral will be presented in this special; however we invite you to watch the series..
About Rev. Robert Griffin
Director of Religious Education & Christian Social Action: As Director of Religious Education & Christian Social Action, the Reverend Robert Griffin serves as the Academic Dean of Light University (the Sunshine Cathedral's adult Religious Education program). Robert has also been a special assistant to the Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches and a program specialist for the MCC Office of Clergy Development. After spending a decade in the U.S. Navy as a Religious Program Specialist (Chaplain's Assistant), Robert founded a Metropolitan Community Church in Hagerstown, MD, and served as its pastor for eight years. During much of that time he was also a Conference Coordinator for MCC's Mid-Atlantic District. Robert was a licentiate minister in the Baptist tradition before being ordained in Metropolitan Community Churches. Robert joined the Sunshine Cathedral staff in 2006 and he holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA, where he is a member of the Alumni Executive Committee. Rev. Griffin is currently a Doctor of Ministry candidate at Florida Center for Theological Studies...
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102711461950&s=2375&e=001ryLqr7CjVV0BTvLETReOG2mmRX2tDchiichfAPZXnIqyk8PUd-mNg6071RIq9aLtcZw2KTZBWE_TlGH_vdm3cNWN7vBIV0EaQbbe6htHj5kWPEoZNV_JIg==http://www.mccpad.org/
Director of Religious Education & Christian Social Action: As Director of Religious Education & Christian Social Action, the Reverend Robert Griffin serves as the Academic Dean of Light University (the Sunshine Cathedral's adult Religious Education program). Robert has also been a special assistant to the Moderator of Metropolitan Community Churches and a program specialist for the MCC Office of Clergy Development. After spending a decade in the U.S. Navy as a Religious Program Specialist (Chaplain's Assistant), Robert founded a Metropolitan Community Church in Hagerstown, MD, and served as its pastor for eight years. During much of that time he was also a Conference Coordinator for MCC's Mid-Atlantic District. Robert was a licentiate minister in the Baptist tradition before being ordained in Metropolitan Community Churches. Robert joined the Sunshine Cathedral staff in 2006 and he holds a Master of Divinity degree from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA, where he is a member of the Alumni Executive Committee. Rev. Griffin is currently a Doctor of Ministry candidate at Florida Center for Theological Studies...
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?et=1102711461950&s=2375&e=001ryLqr7CjVV0BTvLETReOG2mmRX2tDchiichfAPZXnIqyk8PUd-mNg6071RIq9aLtcZw2KTZBWE_TlGH_vdm3cNWN7vBIV0EaQbbe6htHj5kWPEoZNV_JIg==http://www.mccpad.org/
About Micah Fink
Micah Fink, Micah is an Emmy-nominated producer specializing in international affairs, public health, national security and environmental issues. Micah's work has appeared on Wide Angle, Frontline, National Geographic Television and ABC News. He has written for print, magazines and the web. His recent work, Glass Closet, explores the intersections among homophobia, violence, stigma, religion and the disease in Jamaica. A collaboration between the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting and WNET's WorldFocus program, the five-part series begins airing the week of September 22nd. The Pulitzer Center's complementary website launches simultaneously and features the video documentaries, related print material, and an interactive space for the public to share their own stories about stigma and HIV in their communities.
Micah Fink, Micah is an Emmy-nominated producer specializing in international affairs, public health, national security and environmental issues. Micah's work has appeared on Wide Angle, Frontline, National Geographic Television and ABC News. He has written for print, magazines and the web. His recent work, Glass Closet, explores the intersections among homophobia, violence, stigma, religion and the disease in Jamaica. A collaboration between the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting and WNET's WorldFocus program, the five-part series begins airing the week of September 22nd. The Pulitzer Center's complementary website launches simultaneously and features the video documentaries, related print material, and an interactive space for the public to share their own stories about stigma and HIV in their communities.
Monday, September 14, 2009
A Church For All People - House Of Rainbow
DEVELOPING A CHURCH FOR ALL PEOPLE
· Are You Black of African or Caribbean Descent?
· Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Intersex?
· Conscious Of Your Spiritual Life?
· Suffered Religious Homophobia?
· Seeking To Reconcile Sexuality And Spirituality?
· Looking For A Welcoming And Affirming Church?
· Interested In Nurturing All These Facet Of Your Identity?
We can help, House of Rainbow MCC is the place for you. You are welcomed to send your prayer request to us at Houseofrainbow@hotmail.com or join our online forum at http://spiritualityandsexuality.ning.com/ Wherever we assemble, you can attend our FREE monthly “Prayer and Praise” sessions, refreshments will be served. For more info and details, please contact Revd Macaulay - United Kingdom: 447903767972, Nigeria: +2348052567170, USA: +13472550726
· Are You Black of African or Caribbean Descent?
· Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Intersex?
· Conscious Of Your Spiritual Life?
· Suffered Religious Homophobia?
· Seeking To Reconcile Sexuality And Spirituality?
· Looking For A Welcoming And Affirming Church?
· Interested In Nurturing All These Facet Of Your Identity?
We can help, House of Rainbow MCC is the place for you. You are welcomed to send your prayer request to us at Houseofrainbow@hotmail.com or join our online forum at http://spiritualityandsexuality.ning.com/ Wherever we assemble, you can attend our FREE monthly “Prayer and Praise” sessions, refreshments will be served. For more info and details, please contact Revd Macaulay - United Kingdom: 447903767972, Nigeria: +2348052567170, USA: +13472550726
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