Things change; people change; churches change. And in the realm of religious reformation, no area is more modernly malleable than that of sex. Case in point: A Texas tabernacle recently honored Sisters who bear the DNA of brothers.
On September 17th, Oak Lawn's Cathedral of Hope held a service to bless a bunch of drag queens who dress as nuns. You may remember the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence from a much-discussed story earlier this year -- the group was invited to a June 16th LA Dodgers "Pride Night." At the time, Catholic League President Bill Donahue offered information on the controversial crew:
"[They] are known for simulating sodomy while dressed as nuns. They like to feature a 'Condom Savior Mass,' one that describes how the 'Latex Host is the flesh for the life of the world.' The 'Sisters' go by names such as 'Sister Homo Fellatio' and 'Sister Joyous Reserectum.' Just last month, they held an event mocking Our Blessed Mother and Jesus on Easter..."
The Dodgers soon canceled the invitation, then again flipped following a leftwing flex. That led to the RedState headline "WATCH: Empty Stadium as LA Dodgers Honor Anti-Catholic Group 'Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence' Amid Protests."
DODGER STADIUM-The “Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence” are recognized for Pride night to a mostly empty audience.
— Savanah Hernandez (@sav_says_) June 17, 2023
Two Dodgers fan nearby begin loudly booing after they’re announced: pic.twitter.com/OO6NT5RIc8
Athletics isn't the only arena for penis-possessing persons sporting effeminate ecclesiastical attire; a southern sanctuary fits the bill. Hence, United Church of Christ-affiliated Cathedral of Hope had the Sisters onsite over the weekend for a supportive ceremony. Per The Dallas Express, the welcome was spurred by scorn for SB12 -- a bill barring children from Texas drag shows. It was set for enforcement on September 1st, but the ACLU prompted a federal judge to issue a temporary block.
During the 'Drag Sunday' shindig, attendees recited a prayer:
"We commit ourselves to be people of faith who stand for justice, who proclaim love, and who defend the rights of all people. We recognize that all people are made in the loving image of God -- no matter who they are, how they dress and express themselves, or who they love."
Is there an epidemic of violence against men who entertain as women? The church says yes. Furthermore, Cathedral of Hope contends there's a plague of hate in the hearts of Americans; and that fury frequently fuels a rampage against cartoonish crossdressing royalty. Courtesy of a congregational leader:
"Drag queens are often targets of hate and violence, but we know that they are powerful and resilient people who show us what it means to be truly authentic and expressive."
As uttered by the entire audience, down with despotism...
"We embrace radical inclusivity and work to dismantle systems of oppression. We will fight against all forms of hate, prejudice and intolerance, and work to build a world that affirms and celebrates every person's unique identity and gifts."
Cathedral of Hope in Dallas held a service blessing drag queens yesterday.
— Citizen Free Press (@CitizenFreePres) September 18, 2023
This isn't LA, this isn't Portland, and it's not Eric Adams Sanctuary City. This is in the heart of Texas. pic.twitter.com/5wCnWL5IhL
These days, affirmation is all the rage -- so long as it promotes a particular point of view. And within Christianity, that view isn't excessively old-fashioned:
Christian Speaker Gets Canceled by Christian College for Teaching Christian Students Christian Ideas
Lutheran Diocese Announces That the Church Itself Is Trans
Church Pastor Claims Jesus 'Transgenders Himself' in the Bible
World's Largest Baptist University Hosts 'Queer Sex Ed' Night
Per its website, Cathedral of Hope is "the largest predominately LGBTQ+ church in the world." More broadly, the United Church of Christ takes a strong sexual stance. From UCC.org:
The message of love and compassion, justice and peace are at the very core of the life and ministry of Jesus. Open and Affirming...ministries and resources are rooted in that Gospel message. ...
The first national UCC body to affirm civil rights for LGBT people did so in 1969. The Council for Christian Social Action, a predecessor body to Justice and Witness Ministries adopted the “Resolution on Homosexuals and the Law.” In 1972, the UCC ordained the first openly gay person into ministry, the Rev. William R. Johnson. In 1985, the UCC’s General Synod declared itself to be “open and affirming” and called upon all settings of the church to become similarly poised to welcome LGBT persons as full members of the church.
It may be worth noting that the above is not true. In fact, the 1985 General Synod addressed only "lesbian, gay and bisexual people." But like many other organizations, the UCC has rewritten its LGB history with the retroactive addition of a "T." They're keeping up with the times, like churches all over America.
It's a new day, and Christianity's face has received a lift. Also lifted: nuns who might be named "Chuck" -- nunchucks, if you will -- appropriating piety amid their not-so-virtuous vow of "indulgence."
-ALEX
See more content from me:
Participation Trophy Triumph: Modern Students 'Earn' Good Grades by Simply Demanding Them
Inclusion, Harvard Style: DEI Dept. Hosts Back-to-School Bash for Everyone Who Isn't White
Find all my RedState work here.
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