Culture Flub

Then we had to listen to the protesters
as they shouted with bullhorns or sang as a church group trying to
drown out the speakers and showing the utmost disrespect for our city’s
mayor and other public officials in, what they consider, the name of
God. These people kept using the term “perverts” to describe members of
the GLBT community. The biggest “compliment” we received from one of
the protesters was to be called “bigots.” Where did that one come from? 

The worst offense by the protesters was
not to the speakers at City Hall or to the GLBT community and its
allies; it was to the children of the church protesting the event as
the parents and church leaders were teaching hatred, bigotry and
intolerance of others. This will go far beyond sexual orientation. How
long before they teach these feelings when it comes to racism or other
areas in life? I pray these children find someone who will teach them
that if Jesus had been there Saturday, I’m sure he would have been more
than happy to walk in the parade, carrying a rainbow flag, and letting
everyone know that he loves all of the people there, pro or con, about
sexual orientation.

Now to the protesters: You kept calling
us sinners; don’t you think every single one of us on this earth are
sinners? You sin, I sin, we all sin; this is what God’s love is all
about–forgiveness of all our sins! I am sure God does not want you
judging us so why don’t you look at yourselves and your lives before
you come to the 2009 Pride flag raising and judge those attending
again. The 2008 Pride celebrations was one of the best ever and we were
truly blessed with a wonderful day.

—Larry Fuller