Reply #91: The problem is, there are so many people of faith who denounce these kinds of acts

[justiceischeap]

But where are they when CNN posts "Homosexuality is a sin" headline? These types of things that happen in the media, the "non-violent" stories that get published or reported, lead to the hatred towards gays by your looney few. I find it amazing that a group so accepting and so large actually ALLOW these few in the minority such a large, vocal stage. One has to surmise that the reason they are allowed to continue their hateful diatribe and continued gay bashing campaigns is because the leaders of the church agree with their stance but allow these few to speak for them so they don't outrage their parishioners. Inaction and apathy is just as bad as what these people who are stealing YOUR religion are doing.

You say if you were in the man's town, you would help them rebuild his house. What do you do in your community to help the gay community, other than exclaim that these crazy extremists don't represent you? When someone speaks badly of gays, do you denounce them? When someone makes a joke about gays, do you denounce that? Or do you sit quietly and allow these little, seemingly innocent jabs go by, thinking there's no harm?

If straight, Christians who believe that gays deserve equality really want to help the gay community, it helps to tell people that as a straight, Christian, you won't tolerate the hatred, the apathy, the jokes, the subtle speech that says we are somehow less whenever those opportunities are presented to you.

There are too many in YOUR religious community that claim they love their fellow man and then do nothing to prove it other than claiming your support.

I'm not slamming you directly polmaven, just pointing out what my experience with "accepting" Christians has been (and I've used "you" in general, not necessarily in particular).

edit > polmaven pointed out an error... thanks polmaven.