If you’ve seen this picture before it’s probably because it has been circulating around the social media world of Facebook and several others like it and there’s a good reason why. For as long as I can remember the GLBT community has expressed their bitter resentment at Christian Institutions and what the church’s stance is on same sex relationships. While everyone is entitled to their opinion the church’s stance on these relationships has given some Christians the idea that based on Biblical principle it is reasonable to exile those who choose to live their lives as such. Such thought processes have instigated protests, rejections, and abusive behaviors by those who have called themselves Christians. While many Christians have not agreed with this sort of behavior…very few have taken a stand against it or have taken action to create harmony. That is, until recently.
The Marin Foundation in an attempt to promote healing, forgiveness, and unity wanted to show those within the GLBT community, during Chicago’s Gay Pride Parade, that many Christians are indeed regretful for all the hurt and pain our brothers, our sisters, and we have caused. Theirs message was simply, “I’m sorry” that was displayed brightly in white lettering on a black t-shirt. A message that was recieved with much tears.
Andrew Marin, founder and president, of the Marin Foundation discusses the mission of the organization quite simply on his blog as a:
“[n]on-profit organization that works to build bridges between the LGBT community and the Church through biblical and social education, scientific research and diverse community gatherings. Their unique approach strategically partners with both religious and LGBT organizations to make a sustainable difference in today’s religious and secular cultures. The Marin Foundation is also conducting the largest national scientific research study ever done in the LGBT community regarding spirituality and religion. Andrew has appeared on various national radio and TV programs, and his sermon Homophobia and Bridging from within the Evangelical Church—given on Capitol Hill the night before the Inauguration of President Barack Obama in January 2009—is archived in the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC. Andrew blogs daily at www.loveisanorientation.com and is the author of the award winning book, Love is an Orientation: Elevating the Conversation with the Gay Communtiy (InterVarsity Press, 2009), which has has won more awards than any other individual book in the long-standing history of InterVarsity Press. He and his wife, Brenda, live in the Boystown neighborhood of Chicago.” (www.loveisnaorientation.com)
Andrew’s Facebook Page The Marin Foundation Facebook Page
I offer a high Kudos to Andrew and his foundation for taking some significant steps to change and healing. For far too long we have concentrated on the variations of skin color, political stance, religious beliefs and the like with disregard for the fact that in this all we are all still human. Living and breathing human beings who crave love and acceptance. For those of us who are Christians and those of other beliefs…even those with no religious affiliations….the message of Jesus Christ is universal ”…Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:31)
http://seg.sharethis.com/getSegment.php?purl=http%3A%2F%2Fringsoflight.wordpress.com%2Fwp-admin%2Fpost.php%3Fpost%3D53%26action%3Dedit&jsref=&rnd=1327895888080Andrew Marin explains the mission of the Marin Foundation below:
