What does it mean to truly accept another? We all hear words that give us the impression that we will be welcomed and accepted for who we are in this or that organization. Moreover, we tend to hear them in the context of “GOD” or “JESUS” or “CHRISTIANITY.” OH, but then the real test comes when we expose our vulnerable pieces, ya know, those pieces of who we really are. It is then that we learn whether we are truly being accepted.
Let’s look at a recent article in our own Daily Republic. An organization states that their “core values” are to “love unconditionally as God loves us,” respect for the worth of every person, serving all as ‘Guests of Honor,” “live and serve in a manner that is above reproach” passionate for those in need,” and on and on statements of that at face value seem good, tolerant, inclusive, but then the organization is put to the test….allowing another organization that serves the GLBT community to be part of a community event sponsored by the first organization.
It comes as no surprise that the sponsoring “love unconditionally” organization denied the truly inclusive organization and I’m sure they did it on Biblical grounds or the grounds that it’s too ‘political” or “will we cause an uproar” or “whose financial support will we lose if we allow that group to come,” or…the reasons could be slanted just about any way, but the reality is their “core values” are a bunch of hogwash.
Core values are meaningless if they are not lived out within the life of an individual or organization. How can someone stand and say “they love unconditionally” and then exclude someone else based on conditions? I know, I know Jesus said, “Go and sin no more.” Well, maybe he was to talking to all those people and organizations with great “core values.”
Here’s the entire story, and underlying information, as available to the public from the internet. Makes you wonder what Convoy of Hope really holds as its core values…
From the Mitchell Daily Republic [http://www.mitchellrepublic.com/event/article/id/55905/group/homepage/]:
RAPID CITY (AP) – A South Dakota gay rights group has been told it’s no longer welcome at an event sponsored by a national faith-based ministry. According to media reports, the Black Hills Center for Equality was initially told by a local National Convoy of Hope volunteer it could have an HIV prevention and education booth Saturday at a community event for low-income residents. It would have included the distribution of free condoms.
Convoy of Hope officials say the local organizer made a mistake in accepting the application and cited “divergent core values” between the two organizations.
Center of Equality spokeswoman Patti Martinson calls the decision unfortunate and disappointing. She says she doesn’t know what Convoy of Hope’s core values are, but says her group is about helping people.
From the Black Hills Center for Equality website [http://bhcfe.org/?page_id=6]:
The Black Hills Center for Equality Inc. is a community-based organization that envisions equality for all individuals regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. Our membership is increasing and our volunteer staff strives to bring you events that are unique and welcoming. We offer friendly familiarity, a genuine haven of support, and advocacy for our rights as individuals and as a community.
Mission Statement: The goal of Black Hills Center for Equality is to provide the resources, education and networking necessary to enhance the lives of diverse groups of people, with special outreach services to the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning community, and their friends and families. The Black Hills Center for Equality advocates for equal access by providing a safe and inclusive environment for all.
Outreach: The Black Hills Center for Equality prides itself upon our no-cost HIV testing and counseling services for GLBTQ and heterosexual individuals. Our support group, Living Positive in the Black Hills, meets bi-monthly and offers information and services for those with HIV and their loved ones, family, and friends. Also, the organization works with youth, adults, and families seeking support, reassurance, and encouragement in their lives.
From the Convoy of Hope website [particularly their “Mission Statement & Core Values” page http://www.convoyofhope.org/go/who/mission_statement_core_values with emphasis added by me:
CORE VALUES
We love others unconditionally as God loves us.
We recognize and respect the worth of every person, serving all as “Guests of Honor.”
We honor God by serving others and expecting nothing in return.
We strive for quality in all we do to bring glory to God.
We live and serve in a manner that is above reproach.
We are a passionate voice for those in need, encouraging others to respond to the biblical mandate to remember the poor.
We build bridges across denomination, ethnic and socioeconomic lines, believing unity is essential to having God’s blessing.
We assist local congregations and groups, believing they are often best positioned to serve the needs of their communities.
We build collaborative relations, believing we can do more together than we can do apart.
We give people confidence that God sees their need and wants to provide direction and purpose for their lives.
Apparently Convoy of Hope likes collaborative relations, unconditional love, bridge building, and respecting the worth of every person so long as that person is not gay.